Ryan's face darkened with palpable anger. He fixed a glare on Clara as he gritted his teeth and snarled, "Shut up!"

Nina smirked and didn't continue.

Clara turned around with the medicated ointment in hand, and her gaze met Ryan's. When she saw the two of them standing there, she frowned subtly.

To her surprise, Ryan only shot her a cold glance before turning around and walking away. Clara was a little confused, but she didn't let the incident bother her.

...

The day passed by in a flash, and Clara packed up to get ready to leave work.

She locked the door before she left. This time, she didn't see the familiar figure at the entrance. It seemed that Wren had truly left.

Clara couldn't decide if she felt relieved or not, but she went into her house and cooked dinner as usual. After dinner, she went upstairs to wash up.

Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, she heard her phone ringing.

It was a call from Katrina.

Clara walked over to the phone in a few steps and answered the call. "Aunt Katrina."

"Clara, not heading to bed yet?" Katrina asked.

"I just finished cleaning up and am getting ready to go to bed," Clara said, then paused for a moment. "Aunt Katrina, why are you calling this late? Did something happen?"

There was a brief silence on Katrina's end before she spoke, "Actually, it's nothing much. I just wanted to check if everything is okay between you and Wren. Nothing happened, right?" "Yeah, everything is okay. He left today, probably back to Phoypolis," Clara replied.

Katrina was slightly surprised when she heard that Wren had already left. After all, he had been far from calm when he stormed into her office, demanding to know Clara's whereabouts. Could he really have let go so easily?

Katrina had her doubts but didn't voice them.

The two chatted for a little while longer before Clara ended the call.

...

In the middle of the night, Clara woke up feeling thirsty. She headed downstairs to retrieve a glass of water. On her way back upstairs, a strange impulse led her to the door to the study. en

The door was ajar, and Clara pushed it open and walked in. The room was tidy, and there were no signs that Wren had ever stayed there.

However, she noticed with just a glance that a painting-covered with a white cloth-in the corner had clearly been moved.

It was obvious who had moved the painting.

Her gaze darkened slightly, and just as she was about to close the door and head back to her room, something on the bedside table caught her attention.

She walked into the room, and only when she got closer did she see that it was a jewelry box holding down an envelope.

Clara pulled out the letter from under the box and instantly recognized Wren's handwriting when she opened it.

"Clara, by the time you read this letter, I should have already left.

"I know you don't want to see me, and I respect your decision. But I'm not willing to give up, and I will wait for you to come back.

"Maybe you will think I am ridiculous.

I was the one who pushed you away,

yet now tam clinging to you and won't let go. I think this is God's punishment for my arrogance by making me lose you.

"Even if I have countless reasons beyond my control, I understand the harm I've caused you will always remain.

"The things I said to you in the

f

hospital were all against my true feelings. Your paintings are amazing, full of spirit and talent. Even your teacher had said you

would one day become a new risingnoveldrama

star in the art world.

"It was my selfishness that destroyed you. Every time I think about it, I am filled with regret and pain.

"I was wrong, and I am willing to spend my life atoning for it. All I ask is that you don't abandon me. Even if it would cost me my life to make up for it, I would gladly do so.

"I know you don't trust me, but everything I said that day was true. My heart is drawn to you, and I might have fallen in love with you earlier than you think.

"You don't even know how excited I was when you confessed to me at 18 years old. How I longed to completely possess you, but I have no other choice but to push you away myself.

"I know you have questions deep within, but please forgive me for not being able to tell you everything right now.

"I can only ask that you give me one more chance. Can you wait for me, please?

"I won't disappoint you again. This time, let me love you. Is that alright?"