The next day, in a quiet café where Victor and Emma had planned to meet and exchange ideas about work, Clara showed up again—this time more directly.
Clara: (with a friendly smile) "Hey Emma, Victor! Looks like you're in the middle of something important? Mind if I join you?"
Emma tensed slightly at the sound of Clara's voice, while Victor seemed more relaxed.
Victor: (smiling) "Of course, Clara. We're just bouncing some ideas around for the upcoming meeting."
Emma: (slightly tense, trying to stay composed) "Sure, seems like you two are about to discover something exciting."
Then Clara began to drop subtle, seemingly innocent comments that carried a hint of something more.
Clara: (with a playful grin) "I always tell Victor he works too hard. He deserves a break every now and then. You don't mind if he hangs out with friends sometimes, right?"
Emma could feel the sting of her words. Clara was clearly trying to stir something up. Emma didn't respond directly—Clara knew exactly how to get under her skin.
Emma: (with a tight smile) "Of course not. Everyone needs a break."
As the conversation continued, Clara started talking more about her own projects and ambitions, as if trying to show Victor how full of life she was—making Emma feel subtly overshadowed.
Clara: "Actually, I have a new project coming up soon. I was thinking Victor could help me with the technical side. I think he'd make a great partner."
(she added playfully) "Wouldn't you agree, Victor?"
Victor: (thinking) "It could be fun. We'll see."
The mood grew tense for Emma, though she tried her best to stay calm and focus on what was in front of her. But while Victor chatted with Clara, a growing unease gnawed at her heart. Why did Clara always try so hard to get close to him?
After a while, Emma quietly decided to leave.
Emma: "Sorry, I have another meeting later. I think I'll head out now. Hope you both enjoy your time."
She glanced at Victor with a flicker of hesitation before walking away. Victor, caught up in conversation, didn't catch her look. Clara, however, smiled with satisfaction.
—
A few days later, Victor invited both Emma and Clara to a company event celebrating the launch of a new project. The venue was elegant and stylish, filled with public figures and celebrities. Emma arrived looking stunning in a simple yet eye-catching dress, while Clara wore something bold, immediately drawing attention.
Throughout the event, Clara played the role of Victor's "close friend," laughing at his every comment and seizing every opportunity to keep him near. Emma tried to stay composed, engaging with other guests, but her eyes couldn't help following Clara.
Clara: (standing next to Victor, laughing loudly) "Remember that time in Paris, Victor? That was amazing, wasn't it?"
Emma, within earshot, paused. She hadn't known they'd been to Paris together. That sentence lit a spark of doubt in her heart.
Emma: (calmly, but directly) "I didn't know you two traveled to Paris together. You must've known each other for a while."
Clara, sensing the tension in Emma's tone, leaned into the moment.
Clara: (with a sly smile) "Oh, absolutely! Victor and I go way back. We were quite the team, weren't we, Victor?"
Victor, clearly uncomfortable, tried to smooth things over.
Victor: (awkwardly) "Clara's exaggerating. We just worked on a university project together, that's all."
But Clara wasn't done yet.
Clara: (lightly, addressing Emma) "Victor's always so modest. But back then, everyone admired him."
Emma felt Clara was deliberately trying to showcase a special history between her and Victor. She tried to dismiss the growing unease but couldn't stay silent anymore.
Emma: (sharply) "Seems like you two have a lot of memories together. Maybe I should leave you to reminisce."
Before either of them could respond, she turned and walked away. Victor noticed the frustration in her tone but wasn't sure whether to follow or stay with Clara.
After the event, Victor texted Emma to check on her, but she didn't reply. He could feel something had shifted. Meanwhile, Clara was confident she'd successfully stirred tension between them—and began plotting her next move.
—
The next morning, as Emma sat on her balcony trying to collect her thoughts, she received an unexpected message from Clara. It was an old photo of Victor and Clara together in Paris, with a short but meaningful caption:
Clara: "Just wanted to show you how great we were together. Victor really is someone special, isn't he?"
Emma stared at the photo for a long time. Victor's smile beside Clara brought a mix of emotions to the surface. She felt a pang in her chest, a wave of jealousy and doubt. Her heart refused to believe Victor had feelings for Clara—but her mind kept wondering if the past still lingered.
She decided not to act impulsively. She shut off her phone and set it aside, trying to push the thoughts away—but failing. She knew Clara had sent the message deliberately to provoke her.
—
The following day—
Emma was in the studio recording a new song, but she was deeply distracted. The producer noticed and suggested a break, yet she still couldn't focus.
While sitting in the lounge, Victor appeared unexpectedly, holding a cup of coffee.
Victor: (hesitantly) "I heard you were here. Thought you might need this."
Emma slowly looked up to meet his eyes. She wasn't sure how to face him after Clara's message.
Emma: (coldly) "Thanks, but I think you're more occupied with... other people."
He clearly noticed the distance in her voice and decided not to avoid the topic. Sitting across from her, he placed the coffee in front of her.
Victor: (gently) "Emma, if something's bothering you—I want to know."
Emma hesitated. Clara's words and the photo were still fresh in her mind. She decided to confront him.
Emma: (a little sharply) "Clara sent me a photo yesterday... you and her, in Paris. Seems like there's a lot between you two that you haven't told me about."
Victor was caught off guard for a second, but quickly realized Clara was behind it.
Victor: (sighing) "I know Clara can overstep sometimes. That picture was from a university trip. We were part of a team working on a project—nothing more."
Emma wasn't fully convinced and pressed further.
Emma: (suspiciously) "But the way she acts around you, the way she talks—it doesn't feel like you're just former colleagues."
Victor took a deep breath, trying to be completely honest.
Victor: (firmly) "Emma, I don't see Clara as more than an old colleague and friend. I know she can be... provocative, but she means nothing more to me than that. If her actions upset you, I'll make sure to set clear boundaries."
Emma felt a small sense of relief hearing that, but she still couldn't let her guard down entirely.
Emma: (quietly) "I hope you mean that, Victor. Because I don't want to be caught in a game between you two."
Victor looked at her, sincerely.
Victor: (softly) "Emma, the last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable because of me. I'm here, and I want to build this... whatever it is between us—on trust."
—
After their conversation, Emma tried to absorb Victor's words. Something inside her wanted to believe him—but doubt still lingered. She decided to give it time, rather than let emotions drive her next move.
-
To be continued...
-
Enjoyed the chapter?
Don't forget to:
💛 Add the story to your Library
💬 Leave a comment
💎 Drop a Power Stone!
Your support means the world! 🤍✨