Under the Same Roof Again
The next morning, Clara's phone buzzed before sunrise. It was Mandaline's voice on the other end, strained but steady.
"Clara, darling… it's nothing serious, but I'm not feeling well. The doctor said it's exhaustion, but I'd feel better if you were here."
Clara hesitated. "Are you sure you want me to come?"
Mandaline sighed softly. "You're family, Clara. No matter what's happening between you and Ethan."
Those words were enough. Within an hour, Clara was on her way back to the Blackwood mansion.
When she arrived, the place looked exactly the same—too much so. The familiar scent of polished wood and faint vanilla greeted her as she stepped through the grand doors.
Ethan was there. He looked tired, as if he hadn't slept. Their eyes met, and for a second, the world stopped.
"I heard about Mandaline," he said quietly.
"I'm here for her," Clara replied, her voice careful.
"I know," he murmured. "Still… I'm glad you came."
She didn't answer. Instead, she brushed past him, heading toward Mandaline's room.
---
Mandaline lay in bed, pale but smiling. "You came," she said softly, taking Clara's hand. "I told Ethan you would."
Clara forced a smile. "Of course I did."
Eleanor appeared by the door. "The doctor said she just needs rest. Though," she added pointedly, "stress doesn't help."
Clara met her gaze but said nothing. She'd learned not to rise to Eleanor's bait.
Mandaline squeezed her hand. "Stay for a few days, darling. Please. I'd sleep better knowing you're here."
Clara hesitated but nodded. "All right. For you."
Ethan, who had lingered by the doorway, exhaled softly—as if he'd been holding his breath.
---
That night, Clara stayed in one of the guest rooms. It was only down the hall from Ethan's, and though she told herself it didn't matter, her heart wouldn't stop beating faster whenever she heard footsteps outside.
At dinner, the air was tense. Isabella had chosen that moment to come downstairs, her timing impeccable.
"Oh, Clara," she said sweetly, "I didn't realize you were back. How lovely."
Clara gave her a polite nod. "Mandaline asked me to stay."
"Of course," Isabella replied, her smile sharp. "I suppose she needs comfort these days."
Ethan's fork clinked against his plate. "Enough, Isabella."
Isabella tilted her head innocently. "I was only being friendly."
Clara stood. "I've lost my appetite."
Ethan started to speak, but she was already walking away.