For weeks, Clara and Ethan settled into something that felt almost natural—almost easy.
They texted throughout the day, met for late-night walks, and spent weekends getting lost in conversation. Their relationship was unfolding slowly, deliberately, carefully—but it was still unfolding.
For the first time in years, Clara let herself believe that maybe—just maybe—this could work.
But the past has a way of creeping back in when you least expect it.
And Clara should have known that happiness never comes without a cost.
---
The First Sign of Trouble
It started with a message.
Clara was curled up on her couch, flipping through an old book, when her phone buzzed with an unknown number.
Unknown: I heard you and Ethan are back in each other's lives.
She frowned, her pulse quickening.
Another message followed.
Unknown: Guess history really does repeat itself, huh?
Her stomach twisted. Who was this? What did they mean?
Before she could overthink, a third message appeared.
Unknown: Maybe this time, you won't leave without saying goodbye.
Clara's breath caught in her throat.
Only a handful of people knew the truth about why she left town all those years ago.
And this message felt like a warning.
---
A Name from the Past
Clara's fingers trembled as she typed back.
Clara: Who is this?
The response was almost instant.
Unknown: You already know.
She swallowed hard, dread settling deep in her chest.
She did know.
It had been years, but some wounds never fully heal.
Luke Mitchell.
The name alone sent a sharp pang of regret through her.
Luke had once been Ethan's best friend.
Until Clara made a mistake that changed everything.
---
A Secret Resurfacing
Ethan noticed something was off that night.
They were walking along the waterfront when he glanced down at her, frowning. "You've been quiet."
Clara forced a small smile. "Just tired."
Ethan didn't look convinced. "Clara…"
She hesitated. Should she tell him? Would it change anything?
Before she could answer, her phone buzzed again. She tensed.
Ethan's gaze flickered to the screen just as she reached to silence it.
Luke Mitchell: We should talk. It's about Ethan.
The blood drained from her face.
Ethan's expression darkened. "Luke?" His voice was tight, careful. "Why is he texting you?"
Clara's heart pounded.
Because I never told you the whole truth.
---
A Rift Between Them
Ethan took a step back, arms crossing. "Clara."
She hated the way he said her name just then—like he already knew she was keeping something from him.
"I don't know why he's reaching out," she lied.
Ethan's jaw clenched. "Are you going to answer him?"
Clara hesitated for too long.
His eyes darkened. "So this is what we're doing now?" he muttered. "Avoiding things again?"
She swallowed hard. "Ethan, it's not what you think."
"Then tell me what it is," he shot back.
The words lodged in her throat. She wanted to tell him. She wanted to explain everything, but—
What if it ruined everything?
What if Luke told him first?
Clara took a shaky breath. "Just trust me."
Ethan exhaled sharply. "That's the thing, Clara," he said quietly. "I'm trying to. But trust needs honesty."
His words cut deeper than she expected.
She knew he was right. But some truths were hard to say out loud.
Especially the kind that could break them apart.
---
📚What Happens Next😊?
What did Clara do years ago that caused the rift between Ethan and Luke?
Does Luke have good intentions, or is he trying to stir up trouble?
Does Clara finally tell Ethan the truth, or does her hesitation drive a wedge between them?
Would you like to continue with Clara's secret being revealed and how it affects their relationship if yes always vote for more