Every second of waiting felt like anetemity, Wren sat quietly, his gaze fixed on Jude, waiting

for ananswer.

Jude, who was visibly burdened by the tension, spent what felt like hours sifting through student records, only to come up empty. There was no record of Clara in The academy's enrollment list

But Wretricas certain. He insisted the academy had accepted her

Left with no choice, luide summoned one of the admissions officers, Steven Clark, to clarity. Finally, after much back and forth, they reached a conclusion

"Mi Zachinen," Jude began, stone cautious. "As you've just heard from Mr. Clarke, the academy did extend an offer of admission to Clara. However, she failed to submit the required portfolio by the deadline and did not show up for orientation. As a result, ber admission was rescinded."

Jude paused, studying Wren's reaction "She is not currently enrolled bee"

The explanation hut when like a blow to the chest. His face went pale as Jude's words echoed in his mind.

Jude's gaze lingered on Wren, skeptical, Wren had introduced himself as Clara's brother and seemed genuinely concerned about her. Yet he didn't even know if she had officially enrolled. Jude couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this story than Wren was letting

on

Upon catching Jude's questioning look, Wren telt the weight of his failures settling deeper. Every word felt like a reminder of his own mistakes.

He'd allowed up to sabotage Clara's admission portfolio and had chosen to save Ivy in a moment of crisis, leaving Clara injured. Clara would have started here

months ago if none of that had happened. She would have been where she was meant to be, chasing her dreams.

And now. Wren realized the hadn't come here to study at all. She'd been planning to leave him, to sever their connection completely.

When he first heard about her plans to study abroad, he'd been nervous but teassured himself that she would return eventually. He even thought she might be sater away Drum everthing for a while.

now, he sawit for what it was-Clara had been trying to escape. And he hadn't done anything to stop her.

realization struck like a tidal wave. His decisions had pushed her further away. He had thought he was in control, but she had slipped through his fingers,

mping bark into the chat, Wren felt an unfamiliar sense of defeat. For the first time, he understood the enormity of his loss. Clara had truly left, and finding her

te you alright?? jude siked, his concem evident as he watched Wren's pale, dazed expression.

toestand. His poovements were still, and his eyes betrayed a deep, unshakable pain:noveldrama

deliver the donation, he muttried before leaving the office

left the Royal Academy of Arts, and the unfamiliar surroundings clouded his vision. Standing by the car, he felt an overwhelming

or him, hesitating before asking, "Mr. Zachman, are you okay??

The words. When he fully looked up, lúkeyes were shattered, devoid of the confidence that usually defined tum...

When will then the fee Wermasked, las vorite rough

Before Hjodie could respool, lasplane buzzed.

"Mr. Yate would lik

stepping aude to answer. After a tetrahange. chu speak with you.

Timed back to Wien, holding the phone out