Chapter 16
Over the next few days, Clarisse spent most of her time practicing the competition piece with Zachary, A
subtle chemistry had begun to grow between them.
One evening, after they wrapped up a practice session, Zachary did not leave right away, Instead, he
stepped closer to her, narrowing the space between them until she caught the faint scent of cedarwood
on him.
He paused, his eyes fixing on the soft curve of her profile. His voice dropped low, hesitant, but sincere as he called out, “Clarisse.”
As if sensing what was coming, Clarisse’s heart skipped a beat. Her fingers curled instinctively as she looked up at him.
“From the first time I heard you play, I was drawn in,” he said. “I kept wondering–what kind of life had this girl lived to play with such sorrow and still, with such strength?”
He looked at her with a gaze that was open and intense, yet there was a concealed infatuation within.
“There’s something in your music,” Zachary went on. “A story, a fight, and a light that refuses to go out. These past few months, I’ve watched you come back to life. It was like seeing a pearl once dulled by dust find its shine again.”
Every word of his landed with weight. It held a powerful declaration.
“I want to stand beside you, not just as someone who admires you.” Zachary looked straight into her eyes,
every syllable steady and clear. “Clarisse Hart,.I like you.
“I want a chance to be by your side as someone to share your joys and your pain with. Let me be part of your world, be part of your heart, will you?”
Clarisse could feel her heart beating rapidly.
There was no denying Zachary’s charm. He was gentle, thoughtful, and composed. Being around him these past weeks had brought her a quiet peace she had not felt in a long time.
Whenever she played, he was able to catch every nuance in her tone and every tremble of emotion behind the notes. Then, he would give sharp insights and advice accordingly.
He was generous with his praises, too. Every time, he would be the first to applaud. He never crossed the
line, only stood near enough for her to know he was there.
To be seen like that and understood so deeply was dangerously moving for Clarisse at this moment.
She could not deny that, in Zachary’s presence, her heart had stirred. But just as clearly, she felt the weight of the scars from the betrayal and pain of her previous marriage.
She had just come out of a marriage that had nearly broken her. She was tired and was only just now
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Chapter 16
starting to reclaim a sliver of calm, a measure of control over her own life.
2/2
She could not just jump into something new, handing all her heart and emotions to someone else. Not
yet. She was scared of it happening all over again. Even more, she was scared of losing the freedom and
serenity she had just achieved.
Clarisse remained silent for a long time. Zachary did not press her at all. He just stood there, quietly
watching and waiting patiently for her answer.
Finally, she met his gaze. Her eyes were clear, and her voice was calm but resolute. “Zachary, thank you
for your admiration and… for liking me. You were the first friend I made here. You’ve helped me a lot, and I
appreciate it.”
She paused, choosing her words carefully. “But I just came out of a really painful… relationship. Right now,
I just want to focus on the piano. Focus on finding who I really am again.
“I’m not ready for a new relationship. And this wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Even though her answer was not unexpected, the light in Zachary’s eyes dimmed just slightly.
But there was no trace of disappointment or rage from getting rejected. He looked at her quietly, taking in. the resolute refusal in her eyes–the strength of someone who had been through hell and was finally
learning to stand again.
After a long pause, he smiled with understanding.
“I know what you mean,” he said gently. “I guessed you would say that. Still, I couldn’t help myself. I felt like some teenager, eager to express how I truly felt.”
He gave a low chuckle, easing the weight of the moment.
“I hope my confession didn’t burden you. I just wanted you to know–you deserve love. What happened before doesn’t define you. It shaped you, but it’s not your future. You, now, are as radiant as ever.”
He did not ask how long she needed, nor did he try to sway her with poetic promises. He simply stepped back, just a little, restoring that space between them.
The space she could breathe in and needed to feel safe.
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
