Chapter 165

Clara lowered her gaze and stayed quiet. Ethan held her for maybe ten seconds before letting her go. "I'll pick you up later." "Okay." Clara agreed softly. Ethan reached out and gave her hair a gentle ruffle, then turned to leave. She stood still, eyes following as he walked to his car. "He's gone, what are you still staring at?" Lilah's voice came from behind, making Clara jump a little. "I... just thought the garden looked really nice today." Clara replied, clearly embarrassed. "Oh really? First time realizing my garden looks good?" Lilah gave her a look, spotting right through her. "Clara, sometimes you gotta stop running from how you actually feel. Be a little braver." Back then, Clara might've been afraid of Ethan, maybe even disliked him. But now, it was obvious she felt something. She just wasn't ready to admit it yet. "Face my feelings..." Clara murmured, as if mulling it over. "Yeah. What your heart wants—just go for it. Life's too short to second-guess everything. Just do wha