Chapter 83

She even brought the guy home. Nancy leaned in, whispering to Clara, "I used to worry about your brother, but it seems this guy's got potential. I think this might work out!" "Mom, I know David's a bit clueless sometimes, but he's not dumb. Don't worry," Clara replied. Then she and Nicholas stepped up to greet everyone. It was Charlotte Thompson's first visit, so she looked a bit tense. Clara handed her off to David to show her around the place. Nicholas, on the other hand, stayed all the way through dinner with the Howards before saying his goodbyes. As he was leaving, Nancy nudged Clara to go walk him out. So Clara stepped outside. Nicholas glanced back at her. It was already dark—just the two of them standing there. "Clara, while I'm gone, I really hope you'll think about me, ‘cause I'll definitely be thinking about you." As he said this, he leaned in and brushed a kiss on her forehead. The cool touch sent a shiver through her, and her heart suddenly sped up. Wait—why was her heart