Fair. Clara almost laughed at the thought. If Laura truly understood the meaning of fair, she would know her entire existence was the exact opposite.
People nearby had started staring. Whispers floated across the room, and the air suddenly felt heavier. Nathaniel pushed through the small crowd, concern etched across his face.
"Clara—what's going on?" he asked, placing a hand near her arm.
Clara straightened, forcing a casual tone despite the heat rising in her cheeks. "I was just… telling Laura she should go find her own apartment," she said lightly, waving a hand as if brushing it off.
Laura's face twisted with disbelief, but Clara ignored her.
Then a sudden wave of dizziness hit her. The world tilted, her vision blurred. Clara's hand shot out instinctively—but Nathaniel was already there, steadying her with a firm grip.
"Hey, hey, I've got you," he said, his voice calm and grounding, holding her upright as the room spun around her.
Clara was just about to shrug him off. "I'm fine—" she began, but the words died on her lips as darkness swallowed her.
Yet even in that fleeting moment before she blacked out, she could swear she saw Laura's lips curve into a thin, cruel smile, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. She should have known.
__________
Waking up with a pounding headache hadn't exactly been on Clara's bucket list—but then again, neither had fainting and embarrassing herself at a party held in her honour.
"Ugh," she groaned softly, pressing a hand to her temple. The dull, pulsing ache made her regret existing for a few seconds.
When she opened her eyes, the bright white ceiling above her wasn't what she expected. The faint beeping of machines and the sterile scent of disinfectant made it obvious—she wasn't at home.
A hospital.
Clara blinked, taking in the crisp sheets, the IV in her arm, and the soft hum of medical equipment nearby. Her throat felt dry, and her mind was foggy, but she managed to sit up slowly.
"Easy," came a familiar voice.
Nathaniel was sitting beside her, elbows resting on his knees, his expression a mix of relief and worry. His tie was loosened, and his hair looked like he'd been running his hands through it for hours.
"You're awake," he said quietly, voice thick with exhaustion.
"Guess I am," Clara murmured, giving a small, tired smile as she adjusted the blanket.
"You scared me," he said after a pause, his voice lower now. "You just—collapsed, Clara. No warning, nothing."
Clara swallowed, her throat burning slightly. "I… I'm fine," she whispered, though her voice sounded weaker than she intended.
"I really hope so," he said softly, leaning back in his chair but not taking his eyes off her. "The doctors said it was some kind of sedative in your system. They're still running tests."
Clara froze, her pulse quickening. Sedative. So it was true.
Before she could say anything, the door burst open.
"Clara!!" Lily's voice echoed through the small hospital room as she rushed in, nearly tripping over her own feet before reaching the bed.
"Lily—" Clara started, but her sister had already pulled her into a careful hug, mindful of the IV.
"I was so worried! The moment you fainted, Nathaniel called me—I came as fast as I could," Lily said breathlessly.
"And I heard Laura was at the event! Why didn't you tell me?" she added, crossing her arms as if scolding Clara for keeping secrets even while half-conscious.
"I didn't know either," Clara said lightly, forcing a small smile. "And it wasn't exactly a big deal—I didn't need my older sister for moral support."
"Not a big deal?!" Lily nearly shrieked, making Nathaniel wince. "I know for a fact she's the reason you fainted!"
Clara bit her lip, staying quiet. She didn't need to confirm it. The look in her eyes was enough.
She knew Laura must have drugged her—but she hadn't been careful enough to avoid it. She'd underestimated Laura's hatred. In her last life, Laura hadn't poisoned her, so Clara never anticipated it happening now.
The betrayal stung more because it was unexpected.
"She's right, Clara," Nathaniel said finally, his tone gentle but firm. "She was the last person you were next to before you fainted. And I know she's your friend, but… I'm pretty sure she doesn't like you."
That was so like Nathaniel—always careful with his words, never one to speak harshly even when it was deserved. He wasn't defending Laura, just trying not to upset Clara.
"I know," Clara said softly.
"You do?" he asked, clearly surprised.
Clara smiled faintly. "Yeah."
He blinked. "Oh. Well, good. Because she makes it really hard to pretend otherwise."
"She does," Lily said immediately, crossing her arms.
Nathaniel looked slightly relieved. "So, I don't have to pretend to like her anymore?"
"No, you don't," Clara said, laughing quietly. "Not that you were doing a good job hiding it."
He chuckled. "Yeah, how could I? She was always condescending toward you—and always trying to get too close to me whenever you left."
Clara's lips curved into a smile despite herself. For a moment, the tension eased. "You're ridiculous."
"And you're stubborn," he countered with a small grin.
Lily rolled her eyes. "Okay, lovebirds, let's not get too cozy in the hospital room, please."