Clara's initial nerves and tension melted away as she looked at the eager, youthful faces staring back at her. She walked to the front of the classroom, picked up a piece et chalk, and wrote her name on the blackboard in switt, confident strokes..

Hercrisp and bold handwriting carried a touch of elegance that didn't quite match her soft demeanor. It bore a striking resemblance to Wren's-he had taught her how to write that way. Though her injured hand made waiting a little challenging, her letters still came out clean

and legible..

a warm smile.noveldrama

After finishing, Clara tumed to face the students, pointing to her name on the board. She gave them a "Good moming, everyone. My name is Clara Salford, and I'll be your new Zhanese teacher starting today." For a brief moment, the classroom tell silent. Then, all at once, it empted into cheers and playful chutter. "Welcome, Ms. Saltard! The students were full of energy, and they studied their new teacher with curiosity theit wide-rood stares sparkled with joy.

ity and admiration. Their excitement was palpable, and

After a few minutes of chaos, the class president stepped up to restore order, and the kids quickly settled down. They opened their books to the assigned page. sitting up straight and turning their attention to the blackboard.

clara exhaled softly, the comer of her lips lifting into a small smile. Picking up her teaching materials, she began her first lesson.

After an overnight flight, Wren finally arrived at Larkston. The sleepless night had left him restless and uneasy, his thoughts running in circles.

He had spent hour replaying the past few years' events in his mind. Memories he thought he had buried resurfaced with startling clarity-especially those involving Clara Every detail of her lingered vividly, as though no time had passed.

He recalled the phone call she had made the day before her hospital discharge and how he had broken his promise to show up the next day. Had she boarded the plane feeling disappointed or even heartbroken?"

He knew for certain that if he returned to Josona alone after this trip, he'd be left with nothing but despair.

pinto his bones.

Shoving aside the tear and doubt gnawing at him, Wren stepped out of the airport into the biting cold. The chill in the air seemed to seep

He thought of Clara and how she hated the cold. Yet, to escape him completely, she had chosen to come to the farthest, coldest comer of the country.

A sharp ache pierced his chest. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he nearly collided with a middle-aged man walking toward him.

*Excuse me, are you Wen Zachman?" The man, looking both nervous and hesitant, stopped in front of him.

The Zadiman family's influence didn't extend to this small town, so Liam hired this man locally to help him navigate the area. Liam anticipated that Wren might struggle to find Clara's school and the village where she lived. When glanced at the man, his sharp gaze softening slightly. "Are yo

you the one Liam arranged to pick me up?"

The man nodded quickly "Yes Just call me John. The car's parked right over there. Shall we head out?"

Worn followed join to the car, which was a beat-up sedan that took them from the airport to Longfield and straight to Moonbay Elementary School,

By the time they arrived, it was nearly lunchtime, and the students were about to be dismissed for the day.

The school gates were closed, so Wren couldn't go inside. However, the 4th graders had gym class that morning, and the field wasn't far from the gate. It didn't take long for someone to notice li

Atracties approached, arying Wren's polished but slightly weary appearance with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Ture you dier to pick up a student? Fradraced, his four wary "School's not out yet-you're a little early."