Chapter 19 – Cracks in the Calm
That night, Clara couldn't sleep. She went to the kitchen for tea and found Ethan there — tie undone, sleeves rolled up, looking human for once.
He looked up. "You're awake."
"So are you," she said. "Let me guess — mergers, acquisitions, and insomnia?"
He huffed softly. "Something like that."
She poured two cups and handed him one. "Tea. Doctor's orders."
He raised a brow. "Are you a doctor now?"
"No, but I've watched a lot of medical dramas."
He accepted the cup. "Dangerous qualifications."
She leaned against the counter. "You've been… quieter lately. Is it because of Mia?"
He didn't answer at first. Then, quietly: "She was loyal. Until she wasn't."
Clara hesitated. "You think she betrayed you."
"I don't think. I know."
Something about the way he said it — so calm, yet so wounded — made her chest tighten.
"You trusted her," Clara said softly.
Ethan looked at her then, eyes dark and unguarded. "That was my mistake."
For a long moment, silence stretched between them — heavy, electric.
Clara wanted to reach out, but she didn't. She just said quietly, "Trust isn't weakness, Ethan. It's what makes people… people."
He looked away. "You sound like you believe that."
"I do."
He took a sip of tea, almost smiling. "You're naïve."
"Maybe. But you're lonely."
That made him pause — not angry, just thoughtful.
"Goodnight, Clara," he said finally, voice softer than usual.
She smiled faintly. "Goodnight, Ethan."