Chapter 135

No one spoke up. No one broke the silence—because they all knew the reason. Fiona would be there. Clara didn’t want drama with Fiona, not like this, not tonight. Maybe it was because she and Ethan were finally in a good place. Or maybe because most of the people here knew Fiona. And in their eyes, Fiona came first. Clara was the one who came later—the “other woman.” Nobody likes being labeled that. And just like that, Clara suddenly didn’t want to go in. “Clara.” Ethan’s low voice cut through her thoughts. He gave her hand a firm squeeze, like he was answering all the questions she never said out loud. “I promise. Nothing’s gonna happen.” His voice was calm, clear. “I’m not letting you stand alone—I'm with you, always.” He meant every word. There was nothing playful in Ethan’s eyes as he looked at her, just pure seriousness. Clara gave a soft “okay,” and out of nowhere, she smiled. Come on, with Ethan saying all that, what was she even hesitating for? Without a word, she quietly squeez