It was a bright, sunny afternoon during outdoor playtime when Clara Harper, a shy and soft-spoken ten-year-old girl, sat alone on the swing. It was her first day at a new elementary school, and she hadn’t made any friends yet. Her family had recently moved to the city, and the transition was harder than she had expected. Clara missed her old school and her friends dearly, feeling out of place in this unfamiliar environment. 

As the other children ran around laughing and playing tag or climbing on the gym structure, Clara stayed on the swing, gently swaying back and forth, lost in her thoughts. She clutched the chains of the swing tightly, her eyes scanning the bustling playground but never quite meeting anyone’s gaze. She felt invisible, like a shadow among the vibrant energy of her new classmates.

Suddenly, a strong force pushed her from behind, causing her to lose her balance and tumble forward onto the ground. Clara sat up, her eyes welling with tears as she noticed her right knee was scraped and bleeding. The other children paused to look at her, some giggling, others whispering, but no one stepped forward to help. 

Feeling embarrassed and alone, Clara tried to brush herself off and stand up, but the sting of the scrape made her wince. Just as she was about to give up, a pair of warm hands gently lifted her up. She looked up to see a boy with kind eyes gazing at her with concern. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his smile was soft but reassuring. “Come on, let’s go to the sick bay and clean your wound,” he said, his voice calm and steady, as if he had done this a hundred times before.

From that day on, Clara couldn’t help but notice this boy, though she was too shy to approach him. They were in different classes, so she would steal glances at him from afar during recess or in the hallways. The boy was none other than Liam Reynolds, the only son of the Reynolds family, who owned a prestigious chain of luxury hotels.

Despite his family’s wealthy status, Liam was unlike the other privileged children at school. He was kind, approachable, and always willing to lend a hand, which made him popular among his peers. Many of the girls at school were drawn to him, not just because he was good-looking, with his easy smile and confident demeanor, but because of his genuine warmth and humility. He didn’t flaunt his family’s wealth or act like he was better than anyone else. Instead, he seemed to genuinely care about the people around him. 

Clara, kept her feelings to herself, content to admire Liam from a distance. She didn’t think someone like him would ever notice someone like her. She was the quiet girl who preferred books to playground games, the one who sat by herself during lunch. 

One afternoon, during an art event in school, Clara was sitting at a table in the school auditorium, nervously sketching a picture of a tree. The room was filled with the chatter of students and the rustling of paper as everyone worked on their masterpieces. Clara’s tree was simple but detailed, with delicate branches and leaves that seemed to sway on the page. She was so focused on her drawing that she didn’t notice Liam approaching until he pulled out the chair beside her.

“Mind if I sit here?” he asked with a friendly smile, his voice breaking through her concentration.

Clara’s heart skipped a beat, but she managed to nod. “Sure,” she said softly, her cheeks turning pink as she glanced at him briefly before looking back at her drawing.

Liam sat down and began working on his own drawing. He drew a vibrant landscape with towering mountains, a winding river, and a bright sun shining overhead. Clara couldn’t help but glance at his work, impressed by how effortlessly he brought the scene to life. The colors were bold and striking, and the details were so vivid that it felt like you could step right into the picture. “That’s really good,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might break the spell of the moment.

Liam looked up, surprised but pleased. “Thanks! I like your tree. It looks so peaceful,” he said, pointing to her drawing. His eyes lingered on her work for a moment, and Clara felt a warmth spread through her chest at his compliment.

For a few moments, they worked in companionable silence, the sounds of other children chattering and laughing fading into the background. Clara found herself sneaking glances at Liam, admiring the way his brow furrowed in concentration as he added details to his landscape. She wondered if he could feel her gaze, but if he did, he didn’t say anything.

Clara nodded, her words caught in her throat as she watched him walk away, his drawing tucked under his arm. That brief interaction became a cherished memory for Clara, one she would revisit often in the years to come. She didn’t win the competition, but she didn’t mind. For those few minutes, she had felt seen, and that was enough.

Clara kept her feelings to herself, content to admire Liam from a distance. She didn’t think someone like him would ever notice someone like her. But fate had other plans. A few months after their first encounter, news spread that Liam would be moving to the United States due to the expansion of his family’s business. Clara was heartbroken, though she had never mustered the courage to speak to him. On his last day at school, she watched from afar as Liam said goodbye to his friends, her heart aching with the weight of unspoken words. She wanted to tell him how much his kindness had meant to her, how he had made her feel seen on that lonely first day, but the words stuck in her throat.

As Liam walked out of the school gates for the last time, Clara whispered a silent goodbye, never imagining that their paths would cross again.

10 years later.

Clara Harper’s life took a dramatic turn when she learned that her father had been diagnosed with liver cancer. As the only daughter of the Harper Company, which owned a series of luxury resorts across the country, Clara found herself at the center of a family meeting about her future. Her father, a stern but loving man, had always been her rock, and the news of his illness shook her to her core. 

During the meeting, her father decided to arrange a matchmaking session for her, hoping to find a suitable partner who could not only provide her with emotional support but also help manage the family business. Clara didn’t refuse. She wanted to be filial and not disappoint her father, especially during such a difficult time. She also knew she couldn’t shoulder the responsibility of running the company alone. The weight of her father’s legacy rested heavily on her shoulders, and she was determined to do whatever it took to preserve it.

When Clara shared the news with her best friend, Emily Carter, the reaction was immediate and dramatic. “What?! Your dad is setting you up on matchmaking?” Emily exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. “Yeah, it’s the least I can do for him,” Clara replied, her voice tinged with resignation. “I also need someone who can help manage the company. I don’t want my father’s legacy to fall apart because of me.”

Emily frowned, her protective instincts kicking in. “What if he’s some old, fat creep? The thought of sleeping with a man like that is disgusting,” she said bluntly. Clara blushed at the idea, her mind racing with images of a stranger who might become her husband. “I trust my dad to find someone suitable,” she said, though a small part of her wondered if her father’s idea of “suitable” would align with her own. 

Just then, Clara noticed a familiar figure who had been lingering in the background of her life for the past year. It was none other than Liam Reynolds, the boy who had once been her childhood crush. He had returned to the country to attend college, and though she had not seen him for many years, his presence still stirred something deep within her.

One day during her freshman year at the college, Clara ran into Liam in the cafeteria. She was thrilled to see him again, but just like in the past, she could only watch him from a distance. He was sitting with a group of friends, laughing and chatting effortlessly, his presence commanding the room. 

Clara’s heart raced as she remembered the boy who had once helped her up on the playground and sat beside her during the art competition. But now, Liam was different. He’s taller, more mature and even better looking, and with an air of quiet confidence that made him even more captivating. Emily noticed Clara’s lingering gaze and nudged her playfully. “You should talk to him,” she urged. “What’s the worst that could happen?” But Clara shook her head, her courage failing her once again.

Over the years, Liam had grown into a man who seemed almost untouchable. His demeanor was more serious and reserved, a far cry from the carefree boy Clara had once known. Yet, despite the changes, he still had that same kindness in his eyes, the one that had drawn her to him all those years ago. Every time Clara saw him on campus, she found herself blushing, her heart racing as if no time had passed at all. To her surprise, even after ten years, her feelings for him hadn’t faded. 

Liam is now a man who attracted the attention of everyone around him. Female students often gathered near him, their laughter and whispers filling the air as they tried to catch his attention. On several occasions, Clara witnessed other girls confessing their feelings to him, their faces flushed with hope and nervousness. Once, she overheard Liam telling one of them that he already had someone he liked. Clara felt the words slice through her, leaving behind a lingering ache of sadness she couldn’t shake. She knew all too well that her feelings for him were nothing more than a one-sided crush, a dream she had held onto for far too long.

Emily couldn’t resist teasing her best friend. “So, what if your matchmaking partner turns out to be Liam Reynolds?” she asked with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Clara nearly choked on her tea, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink. “Emily, don’t be ridiculous,” she said, shaking her head as if the idea were utterly absurd. “There’s no way my dad would arrange with someone like him. And even if he did, I would never agree to it.”

Emily raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Clara’s flustered reaction. “Why not? You’ve been secretly pining over him for, what, a decade now? This could be your chance!”

Clara sighed, setting her teacup down on the table. “It’s not that simple, Emily. Liam is… well, he’s Liam. He’s kind, successful, and practically perfect. And me? I’m just… me. I could never match up to someone like him.”

Emily rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with Clara’s self-deprecating response. “Oh, come on, Clara. You’re amazing, and you know it. You’re smart, kind, and beautiful. If anything, Liam would be lucky to have you.”

Clara smiled faintly, appreciating her friend’s support, but her doubts remained. “Even if that were true, Liam deserves someone who can stand by his side as an equal. Someone confident, accomplished, and… well, not someone who gets nervous just thinking about talking to him.”

Emily leaned back on the couch, crossing her arms. “Clara, you are not too bad yourself. But fine, let’s say your dad does set you up with Liam. What would you do?”

Clara hesitated, her gaze drifting to the window as she imagined the scenario. The thought of sitting across from Liam, knowing their families had arranged the meeting, made her stomach twist with a mix of excitement and dread. “I would… reject the arrangement,” she said finally, her voice soft but firm.

Emily’s eyes widened in surprise. “Seriously? You’d just say no?”

Clara nodded, her expression resolute. “Yes. Liam deserves someone better, someone who can match his brilliance and confidence. I wouldn’t want him to feel obligated to be with me just because our parents arranged it. He should be with someone he truly loves, not someone like me.”

Clara never imagined that she would ever have a chance with Liam. To her, he was like a star, bright, charismatic, and forever out of reach. But little did she know, fate had other plans, and their paths were about to cross in ways she could never have anticipated.

Clara Harper’s father arranged a matchmaking meeting for her, keeping the identity of the suitor a secret. He wanted Clara to judge him based on her first impression and true feelings. The two families agreed to meet at a high-end Chinese restaurant, Jade Dragon, a place known for its elegance and privacy. The other family arrived earlier and were already waiting at the reserved private room, ensuring the meeting would be intimate and undisturbed. 

When Clara walked in, her heart nearly stopped. Sitting at the table was none other than Liam Reynolds, the boy she had secretly admired since childhood. Her heart began to race, and her face flushed with a mix of shock and embarrassment. Liam glanced at her and gave a polite nod, which Clara shyly returned, her hands trembling slightly as she took her seat.

"Mr. Harper!" Liam's father, the distinguished Mr. Reynolds, rose from his seat with effortless grace and extended a hand in greeting. “Mr. Reynolds,” Clara’s father replied, taking the offered hand. His handshake was firm, but Clara noticed a slight tremble. Her brow furrowed with quiet worry.

“And you must be Clara,” Mr. Reynolds said with a warm smile. “What a beautiful and poised young lady.”

Clara’s cheeks burned. “Thank you, sir,” she mumbled, wishing her makeup could hide the sudden blush spreading all the way to her hairline.

The private dining room at Jade Dragon seemed to shrink around her, the scent of steaming dim sum and jasmine tea suddenly overwhelming. 

Across the table sat Liam, he was calm, straight-backed, and polished in a navy suit. He looked exactly how she remembered from campus, though she had only ever seen him from afar, sneaking glances whenever she passed him.

Now, seeing him this close for the first time, her heart wouldn’t stop racing.

Their eyes met. Liam caught her looking and gave her a friendly smile, nodding in quiet acknowledgment. Clara quickly looked down, cheeks warm.

"Mr. Reynolds turned to Clara with a warm smile. “So, Clara, where are you studying now?”

“I’m at Halewood University Business School, Year 2 student now,” she said softly, still avoiding Liam’s eyes.

Liam perked up. “Really? I’m there too.”

“What a remarkable coincidence!” Mr. Reynolds said, raising his teacup with a laugh. 

Liam casually asked, “What’s your major?”

“Business Analytics,” she answered, stealing a glance at him before quickly looking away.

“I’m majoring in Economics,” he responded, nodding slightly. “We’re probably in the same building most days.”

Clara gave a small, polite smile. “Yeah… “ Liam never knew she had been looking out for him every other day at the campus. 

The two fathers shifted smoothly into business talk, trading updates on recent deals, mutual contacts, and market trends. Their voices grew more animated, laughter occasionally punctuating terms Clara only half understood. 

A server refilled her tea, the steaming liquid swirling dangerously close to the rim as realization dawned: their fathers weren't just acquaintances, but longstanding business partners. This explained how her father is able to arrange a matchmaking session with the Reynolds. 

Questions swirled in Clara’s mind, stirring a growing unease in her chest. Had Liam’s parents pushed him into this? Did he even know it was a matchmaking dinner before he arrived? She imagined him going along with it out of obligation, his friendly smile just a mask for quiet discomfort. The thought made her stomach twist. Embarrassment, doubt, and a flicker of disappointment settled over her like a fog she couldn’t shake.

Later in the dinner, just as dessert arrived, Clara’s father gently set down his teacup with a soft clink. He took a deep breath, the lines on his face deepening as he turned to Mr. Reynolds.

“There’s something I need to share,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of something long held back. The room seemed to fall still.

“I don’t know if I can beat this illness… or how much time I have left.” His words hung heavy in the air. “That’s why I’ve been thinking more about the future, especially Clara’s. Of course, I want her to be happy. But more than that, I want to know she’ll be safe, looked after… not alone. She’s my only daughter. My pride. My light.”

He looked at Clara then, and she caught the shimmer in his eyes, something she rarely saw, even in their most tender moments.

“I want her to marry someone who can share her joys, support her, and maybe even help carry on what I’ve built with Harper Group. And seeing Liam here tonight, seeing the man he is” He turned to Liam with genuine warmth. “I’m truly content. I hope he can fulfill this one wish of mine.”

Then, to Clara’s surprise, her father bowed his head deeply. The simple act hit her hard, stealing her breath. Tears welled in her eyes, her throat tightening with emotion she hadn’t seen coming. Her father, the strong, steady man who always seemed unshakable, was suddenly vulnerable, and it broke something open inside her. She blinked quickly, trying not to cry, but the warmth in her eyes wouldn’t go away.

Across the table, Mr. Reynolds gave a small nod, his expression softening. “Mr. Harper, I understand,” he said gently. “And I want the same. But I also believe Liam should choose his own partner. I won’t force him even for a match as promising as this.”

Mr Reynolds turned to Liam with a faint smile, eyes filled with quiet trust. All attention shifted. For a moment, the table seemed to hold its breath.

Liam, who had been quietly observing, finally leaned forward. He didn’t look at his father or the future being discussed. His gaze went straight to Clara.

“I think,” he said calmly, “before we talk about marriage or expectations, Clara and I should get to know each other first. Just as ourselves.”

His voice was respectful and steady but something deeper lingered beneath it. A quiet stand, or maybe… an invitation.

Clara’s heart skipped. She had expected rejection like a kind, polite no from someone like Liam. But his words caught her off guard, leaving her both uncertain and moved. The tightness that had gripped her all evening started to ease, just a little.

After dinner, their parents, whether to give them space or simply follow a plan, suggested that Clara and Liam take a walk to talk. Outside the Jade Dragon, soft lanterns hung above the quiet street, casting a warm glow over the cobblestones and reflecting in the koi pond nearby. 

Clara pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders, the evening breeze brushing against her skin with a chill that felt deeper than the weather. She walked just behind Liam, unsure how to break the silence after everything said at dinner. Her father’s emotional words still echoed in her mind, and Liam’s calm response kept replaying like a riddle she couldn’t figure out. Liam walked ahead with his hands in his pockets, relaxed but distant until he suddenly turned around. Lost in her thoughts, Clara didn’t stop in time and bumped straight into his chest. 

“Oh—! I’m so sorry,” Clara gasped, stumbling back. But Liam was quick—his arms shot out, catching her around the waist before she could fully lose her balance. The sudden contact made her freeze, more from surprise than anything else. For a moment, her breath caught in her throat.

“You finally spoke,” Liam said with a slight grin, his tone light and teasing. “You have been very quiet. ”

Clara’s cheeks flushed. She quickly placed her hands on his chest and stepped back, putting a little space between them again, trying to calm her racing.

“I’ll just say it,” she said quietly, avoiding his eyes and staring at the space between them. “I know you only said those things at dinner because you didn’t want to reject my father. I get it, it was hard to speak up in front of him… and me.”

Her voice shook slightly, not from fear but from the effort it took to be honest. The words hung in the air, soft and uncertain. She waited for him to confirm it, to offer a polite excuse or kind reassurance, anything that would make the truth hurt a little less.

“Your father clearly loves you a lot,” Liam said softly. “He’s just trying to do what he thinks is best.” His voice was calm, but the way he looked at her made Clara’s chest tighten. The warm light from the lanterns above softened the edges of his face, casting shadows that made him seem even more unreadable.

Clara glanced away, blinking fast. “My mom passed away when I was little,” she said quietly. “It’s just been me and my dad since then. He’s always done his best for me even when it wasn’t easy.” She paused, then gave a small, strained smile. “But I shouldn’t be dumping this on you. It’s getting late.”

She took a step back. “Thank you for walking with me. And don’t worry, I’ll talk to my dad. I’ll tell him we’re not a good match. It was… nice meeting you, Liam. Goodnight.”

Before he could say a word, she turned and walked away, her footsteps fading under the streetlights, leaving Liam standing alone beneath the soft glow of lanterns Liam tucked his hands  into his pockets as he stared down the street. Her words had hit deeper than he expected. He hadn’t come to dinner hoping for anything, but the way she spoke with honesty and thoughtfulness stuck with him. Her walking away left a quiet emptiness he hadn’t prepared for.

When Liam first saw Clara walking into the private dining room, something about her felt strangely familiar. He couldn’t explain it. Maybe it was her calm posture, or the way her eyes briefly widened when they met his. Like she felt it too. She carried a quiet elegance and  effortlessness and, not trying to impress anyone, just completely herself. And that, more than any polished charm, was what captivated him.

During dinner, Liam found himself watching Clara more than he expected. He observed how she quietly counted the embroidered peonies on the tablecloth when she was nervous, how she held her teacup with both hands like she was drawing comfort from it, and how her expressions shifted in the smallest, most subtle ways. Most people wouldn’t have noticed, but he did. There was something sincere and calm about her, so different from the polished socialites he was used to. Clara wasn’t trying to impress anyone and that only made her more captivating.

He hadn’t planned to say much during dinner, but when he saw the way her shoulders tensed under the weight of everyone’s expectations, something in him stirred. He had come expecting a formal dinner of matchmaking, maybe some awkward conversation. He hadn’t expected her.

Standing alone under the lanterns, Liam felt a quiet ache as he realized maybe he didn’t want her to walk away after all.

By the time Clara got home, she barely spoke to anyone and climbed the stairs in silence, closed her bedroom door behind her, and dropped onto her bed. The whole ride back, she’d been replaying everything on how Liam caught her, the look in his eyes, how he didn’t stop her when she said goodbye.

She told herself this was for the best. Her father’s illness, his desperation. It couldn’t be the reason she said yes. And whatever feelings she still held for Liam, no matter how deep they ran, couldn’t lead her into a decision she might regret. Turning down the marriage now meant protecting them both from disappointment, from pressure, from chasing something that was never really hers to begin with.

But even as she repeated those reasons in her head, a quiet ache settled in her chest. Her first love, her silent crush from years ago was now another memory she had to let go of.

The next day, Clara took a deep breath before stepping into her father’s study, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her sweater. She had been dreading this conversation, knowing how much her father had hoped things would work out between her and Liam Reynolds. 

Sitting across from him in the softly lit room, surrounded by the scent of old leather and mahogany, Clara calmly explained everything that Liam was kind and respectful, but he had feelings for someone else, and she couldn’t pretend there was something between them when there wasn’t. Her father listened quietly, his face hard to read, but when she finished, she caught a faint flicker of disappointment in his eyes before he leaned back and let out a slow sigh.

"Liam is a good young man," he said finally, his voice measured. "Are you sure about this?"

Clara bit her lip, her fingers tightening around the armrest of her chair. She knew her father meant well and he had always wanted the best for her, and in his eyes, Liam, the heir to the Reynolds Group, was the perfect match. But she couldn’t ignore the truth. "Dad, I know he’s a good man," she replied softly, her gaze steady. "Let’s not force him, alright? Let Liam choose his own happiness. "

For a moment, her father simply studied her, his sharp eyes searching for any sign of doubt. Then, to her relief, his expression softened, and he reached across the desk to pat her hand gently. "Alright," he conceded with a small smile. "You are my dear precious daughter, and I will listen to you." He paused, then added, almost casually, "By the way, there’s a charity auction happening next week. Follow me, and maybe you can network with other young men too."

Clara hesitated. She had never been one for grand social events, preferring the quiet comfort of books and her close circle of friends over the glittering, high-society gatherings her father often attended. But she could hear the unspoken hope in his voice, he wanted her to move forward, to open herself up to new possibilities. And so, despite her reservations, she nodded. "Alright, Dad. I’ll go."

On the night of the charity auction, Clara stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting the straps of her off-the-shoulder ivory gown. The dress fit perfectly, hugging her waist before flowing out in soft layers. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, with a few loose strands framing her face. She barely recognized herself, gone was the girl who wore a simple dress in school. Now, she looked like the polished heiress everyone expected. Taking a deep breath, she ran her hands over the gown, trying to calm the nerves fluttering in her stomach.

The venue was stunning. It was a grand ballroom glowing with golden light, tall flower arrangements, and crystal chandeliers reflecting off the marble floor. The room buzzed with quiet chatter and the clink of glasses, filled with the scent of perfume and champagne. At first, Clara stayed close to her father, but once he was swept into conversations with business partners, she ended up alone at the back of the ballroom, quietly sipping her champagne.

She felt out of place, like a spectator in a world she didn’t quite belong to. Her fingers tightened around the glass as she scanned the room, half-hoping to spot a familiar face, though she wasn’t sure if she wanted it to be Liam’s or not.

Then, a smooth voice broke through her thoughts. "You’re the daughter of the Harper Group, right?"

Startled, Clara turned to see a tall, well-dressed man standing beside her, his dark eyes gleaming with polite interest. He had the confident air of someone accustomed to attention, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders.

"Yes, I am," she replied, forcing a polite smile. "And you are?"

"Alex Grant," he said, extending a hand. "My father is the chairman of the Grant Group."

Clara took his hand, giving it a light shake. "Nice to meet you. I’m Clara Harper."

Clara found herself making polite conversation with Alex. He was easy to talk to, charming, well-spoken, and surprisingly attentive. He asked about her studies and interests, even made her laugh with a dry comment about the over-the-top nature of events like this. For a moment, she almost forgot how heavy her dress felt or the tension that 

As they exchanged pleasantries, Clara couldn’t help but glance over Alex’s shoulder, her gaze drifting across the crowded ballroom until, like a magnet pulling her attention, she spotted Liam standing near the entrance, his presence commanding even from a distance. Her breath hitched.

Liam had just arrived, moving through the crowd with his usual calm confidence. His suit fit him perfectly, and his dark hair was slightly messy, like he’d run a hand through it in frustration. When their eyes met across the room, Clara’s breath caught. He only gave her a quick, formal nod—but it was enough to make her heart skip. 

And then, as if sensing her stare, he looked upand their eyes met.

Alex, sharp-eyed and perceptive, noticed the way Clara’s attention drifted and the way her fingers tightened ever so slightly around her champagne flute when Liam appeared. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips before he smoothly redirected her focus. "Clara," he began, his tone light but deliberate, "are you single right now?"

The bluntness of the question startled her, and she blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. "Yes," she admitted after a beat, her voice quieter than she intended. "I’m currently not seeing anyone."

Alex didn’t miss a beat. "Actually, my parents have been urging me to settle down," he said, his gaze steady on hers. "I’ve enjoyed talking to you tonight. I heard that your father is looking for someone to marry you. Would you consider an arranged marriage with me?"

Clara’s lips parted in surprise. The proposal was so sudden and matter-of-fact free that she was speechless at first. But then, the logic of it hit her. Her father wouldn’t have to keep searching for a match. She wouldn’t have to face more awkward meetings or see her father’s quiet disappointment when things didn’t work out. And Alex,he was attractive, smart, and came from a respected family. It wasn’t romantic, but it made sense. After a short pause, she nodded. “Alright,” she said quietly. “I’ll agree.”

Alex’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. He clearly hadn’t expected her to agree so quickly. A slow, satisfied smile spread across his face, and before Clara could react, he took her hand and pressed a kiss to it, a gesture that felt both charming and possessive. “You won’t regret this,” he said softly.

The moment didn’t go unnoticed. From across the room, Liam saw Clara, glowing in ivory, her hand in Alex’s as he kissed it. Liam’s grip tightened around his glass. It looked like something straight out of a society column: the Harper heiress being charmed by the Grant heir.

His jaw clenched. He tried to brush it off—their matchmaking was arranged by their families and Clara had made it clear that she would turn down, nothing more was going to happen between them—but seeing her like this, with Alex, stirred something in him he didn’t expect. A quiet, restless anger curled in his chest, and he couldn’t quite push it away.

****

The charity auction buzzed with excitement as guests raised their paddles one after another, bidding on rare gems and artwork. Clara stood near the back, quietly twisting the stem of her champagne glass, only half paying attention until Liam stepped forward and placed a bid on a stunning diamond necklace.

The piece sparkled under the lights, a teardrop sapphire surrounded by diamonds on a delicate platinum chain. The bidding was intense, but Liam stayed calm, raising his offer each time without hesitation. When the gavel finally dropped in his favor, the crowd murmured in approval.

Clara felt a sharp pang in her chest. Her fingers tightened around her glass. He must be buying it for the girl he really loves, she thought, the idea sinking deeper than she wanted to admit.

As the auction wrapped up, guests started gathering near the exits, chatting and laughing as they made their way out. Clara was just about to tell her father she was ready to leave when she spotted a flustered waiter weaving through the crowd with a tray full of red wine. Her eyes flicked to Liam, standing in the waiter’s path, deep in conversation with an older man and clearly unaware.

Something in her stomach turned into a sudden, urgent instinct. Before she could think twice, she moved.

Everything happened fast. Clara rushed forward just as the waiter tripped on the edge of a rug. The tray tipped, and glass shattered around her as red wine splashed across the front of her ivory dress, soaking the fabric in a dark, messy stain. The sharp scent of wine hit her nose, cold liquid running down her skin. She stumbled slightly but Liam remained untouched.

For a moment, everything went still. Then Liam turned and saw her soaked, stained, and standing in front of him like a shield, while the waiter mumbled apologies. Without a word, Liam slipped off his jacket and gently placed it over her shoulders, his hands pausing just a second longer than needed. His warmth seeped through the damp fabric, and Clara shivered.

“Your jacket will get dirty,” she said quietly, her voice a little shaky as she looked down at her ruined dress.

Liam’s brow furrowed, his expression a mix of disbelief and something she couldn’t quite name. "You’re worrying about my jacket at a time like this?" he demanded, his voice low but edged with concern. "Clara, did you get hurt? Why would you do something so reckless?"

The intensity in his gaze made her breath catch. She had expected annoyance, perhaps even indifference but not this. Not the way his fingers tightened slightly on her arms, as if to reassure himself she was unharmed.

"As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters," she said softly, forcing a small smile. "I’ll wash your jacket and return it to you."

Liam exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Don’t worry about it. If it’s dirty, just throw it away."

The words, dismissive and casual, struck her like a physical blow. To him, it was just a jacket which was replaceable, insignificant. But to Clara, it felt like a rejection, like a confirmation that he wanted no further ties between them. Her chest tightened, but she kept her expression carefully neutral, nodding as she adjusted the jacket around her shoulders. Of course he wouldn't want it back, he probably didn't want anything to do with her after the matchmaking. 

The jacket suddenly felt like a lead weight, its expensive fabric mocking her foolishness. "Alright, I won't bother you anymore," she murmured, stepping back before he could see how his words had affected her. "Goodnight."

What she didn’t see was the way Liam’s jaw clenched as she turned away, the way his hand half-reached out as if to stop her before he forced it back to his side. She didn’t hear the quiet curse he muttered under his breath, frustrated with himself for the way the words had come out all wrong.

And she certainly didn’t notice the way his gaze lingered on her retreating figure, dark and unreadable, long after she had disappeared into the crowd.

The moment Clara turned away, Liam's chest tightened with an unfamiliar ache. His fingers flexed at his sides, still warm from where they had brushed against her skin. The sight of her walking away with his jacket draped over her slender shoulders, her ivory gown ruined by the wine sent a sharp pang of regret through him.

"If it's dirty, just throw it away."

Why had he said that?

The words had left his mouth before he could stop them, cold and dismissive, when all he had really wanted was to pull her closer, to ask if she was hurt, to demand why she had put herself between him and disaster. The way she had rushed in without hesitation like she would have taken that entire tray of wine for him without a second thought left him unsettled. No one had ever done something like that for him before. Not without expecting something in return.

But Clara had. And then she walked away.

From the moment Liam stepped into the ballroom, his eyes kept drifting to Clara. While other women showed off their designer gowns and tried to catch attention, she stood out without even trying. She smiled kindly at an older waiter offering champagne and it was those small, natural moments that pulled Liam in more than any polished behavior ever could. While the room echoed with loud laughter, Clara’s soft chuckle, barely heard in her conversation with Alex, made Liam lean in just to catch it.

Then without a second thought she had stepped in front of him, shielding him from the accident. The moment replayed clearly in Liam’s mind: the wine soaking her ivory dress in an instant, her shoulders tightening from the shock, yet she didn’t complain. Even now, in the middle of the mess, he could still see the way her lashes lowered when he placed his jacket over her, and the slight tremble in her hands as she held it close.

She had protected him.

The cool night air brushed against Clara’s flushed cheeks as she stepped outside the venue, the weight of Liam's jacket still draped over her shoulders. The scent of his cologne lingered in the fabric, a painful reminder of the man she couldn't have.

A small, relieved sigh escaped her lips as she replayed the moment in her mind, the waiter stumbling, the glasses tipping, her own body moving before she could think. If she hadn't acted, that entire tray would have crashed into Liam instead. The thought of him standing there, his pristine suit drenched in red wine, was somehow unbearable. At least this way, she had taken the blow for him.

Alex’s proposal had been sudden, but perhaps it was exactly what she needed. A clean, practical arrangement with no messy emotions involved. He was handsome, from a good family, and most importantly, he wanted to marry her. No hesitation. No unrequited feelings.

Even if her heart still stubbornly clung to the memory of Liam’s concerned gaze, the way his hands had lingered on her shoulders for just a second too long. But that didn’t matter anymore. Because soon, she would be someone else’s.