-The Next Day-
Emma tried to focus on her packed schedule, but the discomfort from the party still lingered. Victor, on the other hand, felt something needed clarification, and he knew hesitation would only make things worse.
He decided to visit Emma at the studio where she usually practiced.
Victor: (entering confidently but in a calm tone) "Emma? Can we talk?"
Emma, who was working on a new song, looked up at him cautiously.
Emma: (trying to sound neutral) "Victor, I'm busy right now. Maybe later?"
Victor: (stepping closer) "It won't take long. I just need to clarify something about last night."
Emma, more annoyed than before, decided to listen. She put her pen aside and gestured for him to sit.
Victor: (sincerely) "I know Clara's trying to provoke you. But she doesn't mean to me what she's trying to imply. What we had ended a long time ago, and whatever happened between us is in the past. Her presence in my life now isn't what it seems."
Emma looked at him with hesitant eyes, torn between wanting to believe him and her lingering doubts.
Emma: (softly) "But she doesn't act like it's in the past, Victor. If there was no room for her, she wouldn't feel so comfortable doing what she did."
Victor: (firmly) "The only space I gave her was the chance to close things peacefully. But she chose to misuse it. Emma, what matters to me now is that you know I won't let anyone come between us—even Clara."
Emma felt his words were honest, but she couldn't shake off the unease completely.
Emma: (genuinely) "I believe you, but it's not easy for me. Not after what I saw yesterday."
Victor: (calmly) "I understand. But I promise I'll prove to you that what we have is different. And I'll deal with Clara the right way."
Emma decided to give him a chance but knew that what happened had made her more cautious about their relationship.
—
After Victor left, Clara found out about their conversation and wasn't calm at all. She was determined to win Victor back, even if it meant stirring chaos between him and Emma.
—
-A Few Days Later-
Emma was sitting in a small café near her home, trying to relax after a long workday. But to her surprise, Clara walked in. It wasn't a coincidence—it was planned.
Clara approached confidently and sat down without asking.
Clara: (with a wide smile) "What a lovely coincidence! Emma, right?"
Emma, caught off guard by the meeting, looked up cautiously but kept her composure.
Emma: (calmly) "I don't think this is the best place for pleasantries. But since you're here, is there something you want to talk about?"
Clara: (light laugh) "Nothing specific. I just wanted to see you up close... and I wonder, how did you manage to catch Victor's attention so quickly?"
Emma sensed the challenge in her tone but chose to remain composed.
Emma: "I think Victor is the best one to answer that, not me."
Clara: (leaning in, voice turning sharper) "Don't get me wrong, Emma. I don't feel threatened by you. Victor may seem charming at first, but... he always finds his way back. Back to where he belongs. To who he belongs."
Emma felt the tension rise but smiled coolly, refusing to fall into the trap.
Emma: (calmly) "It's great you're that confident, Clara. But I don't live by assumptions. If something's missing between you and Victor, maybe you should talk to him directly instead of bothering me."
Clara realized Emma wasn't as easy to provoke as she expected, but she didn't give up.
Clara: "We'll see how long that confidence lasts. But a little advice? Don't trust Victor too much. He always hides something."
Emma, feeling this was just another attempt to shake her confidence, decided to end the conversation quickly.
Emma: (cold smile) "Thanks for the advice, Clara. But I prefer to find things out myself. Have a nice day."
She stood up and left the café, but Clara's words kept echoing in her mind. Was there more about Victor she didn't know yet?
—
-A Few Days Later-
Emma received an invitation to a grand party hosted by Victor's company to celebrate a major partnership. She hesitated at first, but Jacob's insistence—and her own desire to support Victor as a friend—convinced her to go.
When Emma arrived at the party, she looked stunning in a simple yet elegant dress that caught attention the moment she walked in. She noticed Victor standing in a corner, chatting with guests. He paused when their eyes met and walked over to greet her.
Victor: "Emma! I didn't expect you here. But I'm really glad you came."
Emma: (smiling lightly) "Thanks for the invitation. The event looks amazing."
As they talked, Emma noticed Clara watching them from a distance with burning eyes. Minutes later, Clara walked over with a fake smile.
Clara: "Oh, hello Victor... and Emma. I didn't know you were invited too."
Emma: "The invitation was a surprise, but I'm happy to be here."
Clara: (turning to Victor) "Remember the parties we used to throw together? Those were such fun times."
Emma felt uncomfortable with the clear implications, but she pretended not to care. Victor tried changing the subject, but Clara kept dropping subtle digs, raising the tension in the air.
Later at the event, Clara took advantage of Victor being momentarily distracted to approach Emma with a new plan. She spoke sweetly, trying once again to plant doubt in Emma's mind.
Clara: (soft voice) "Emma, I just wanted to say—I know things between you and Victor seem fine now, but you should know... Victor isn't always what he seems."
Emma: (looking at her sharply) "What do you mean?"
Clara: "I won't get into details, but there are things in his past that might matter to you. I just don't want you to be shocked later when you find out."
Emma sensed Clara's manipulation but didn't show it. Instead, she decided to ask Victor directly about Clara and the past she hinted at.
—
At the End of the Party:
Emma approached Victor, who was sitting quietly in a corner after most guests had left. She sat across from him, eyes serious.
Emma: "Victor, there's something I need to ask you."
Victor: "Of course, ask anything."
Emma: "What's the story with Clara? What happened between you two? I want to hear it from you."
At that moment, Victor seemed weighed down by the question. Answering it meant revealing a lot of hidden truths—and he realized he couldn't avoid it any longer.
He sighed and looked at Emma with mixed emotions. He took a deep breath before replying:
Victor: "Clara... we were close friends in college. Things developed between us for a short while, but it didn't end the right way. Everything about it was wrong from the start. Neither of us was ready for something real. We eventually decided to part ways—or at least, that's what I thought."
Emma was surprised but stayed composed. Many questions ran through her mind, but she asked just one:
Emma: "Is it really over between you two now?"
Victor: (nodding) "Yes, it is. At least for me. But it seems she's still holding onto some memories—or maybe... illusions."
Emma sensed the sadness in his voice, but she couldn't ignore Clara's attempts to create doubt. She felt there was something deeper she still didn't know, but decided to give him space to open up when ready.
Emma: (soft smile) "I guess everyone has a past. Thank you for being honest with me."
Victor: (smiling) "You always deserve honesty, Emma."
—
To be continued...
-
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