Chapter 6

Now that the admission portfolio was ruined, Clara had no choice but to rent a studio to redo her paintings before going to Uthurnia. Since she was in the studio for long hours, she barely saw Wren. Finally, it was Carlisle's birthday, and Clara had to attend the party. It was a grand celebration with many attendees. Shirley stood beside Carlisle while Ivy held Wren's arm affectionately. The four looked like a close-knit family as they stood on the stage, making Katrina and Clara look like strangers. Sensing Katrina's dejection, Clara held the former's hand tight to reassure her. Clara's heart tightened with guilt when she saw the gloomy expression on Katrina's face. Katrina had suffered a lot under the Zachmans because of Clara's parents' inheritance and for Clara's sake. Clara witnessed it all, and she hated herself for being powerless. That night especially, Carlisle had brazenly displayed his affection for Shirley without regard for Katrina. For the first time, Clara had the urge to tell Katrina to get a divorce. While Carlisle brought Shirley around to make toasts, Clara said softly to Katrina, "Aunt Katrina, I know living with the Zachmans has been tough. Why don't you come with me to Uth—" "Where are you two going?" Clara lifted her gaze, only to find Wren standing in front of her and staring at her with a weird expression. She tensed, but she pretended to be calm. "Nowhere. I wanted to bring Aunt Katrina on a trip during the holidays." Before Wren could say anything, Ivy approached with a glass of alcohol, interrupting, "What are you guys talking about, Wren?" Swallowing the words he wanted to say, Wren responded, "Nothing much. Why are you here?" "I'm here to pass a message. Carlisle is asking for Katrina." Katrina did not want to make a fuss in front of the younger generation. Thus, she said a few words to Clara before going to see Carlisle. As soon as Katrina left, Ivy said, "Clara, Carlisle says the date for our wedding is set. You'll give Wren and me your blessing, won't you?" Clara's eyelashes fluttered briefly. With a glass of alcohol in one hand, she stood and studied the couple as they held hands. "To a happy life for Wren and Ivy," she said, forcing a smile. With that, she downed her drink, oblivious to Wren's darkened gaze. Ivy's smile deepened. "Wren, shall we make Clara my bridesmaid during our wedding?" Clara's grip tightened around the glass. Alas, she heard Wren say, "Up to you. As long as you're happy." Clara curled her lips into a mocking smile. Just as she was about to put her glass down to leave, the chandelier above their heads suddenly fell. Everything happened so quickly that Clara could not escape in time. When the chandelier came crashing down on her, she saw Wren quickly pull Ivy into his arms and retreat. A sharp pain struck her right wrist and blood gushed out, staining her dress. To her disappointment, Wren never glanced at Clara. He only comforted Ivy who was crying from the incident. While everyone was shocked by the accident, Katrina rushed over, only to be shocked by the sight of Clara lying in a pool of blood. Katrina shoved aside the chandelier on top of Clara, got onto her knees, and pressed on Clara's bleeding wrist. "Hurry! Get the ambulance! Send Clara to the hospital!" Only then did Wren look over at Clara to find her stained in blood. He was about to go over to Clara when Ivy fell into his arms. "Wren, I sprained my ankle. It hurts." Wren immediately stopped in his tracks, and hesitation flashed in his eyes. He bent over to pick Ivy up and called out to the hotel staff, "Get a car to send her to the hospital." Then, he strode off with Ivy in his arms. Carlisle simply checked out the situation and brought Shirley away to continue entertaining the guests. Hence, Katrina had to rush Clara to the hospital alone under the guests' watchful gaze mixed with pity and mockery. Clara's injury was serious. On top of the fractures, the sharp metal pieces had cut her tendons. It took two hours alone to reconnect the tendons. After Clara was pushed into the ward, Katrina waited for the former to close her eyes before stepping out, thinking she was asleep. Right then, Clara opened her eyes, hearing every single word from the conversation outside. "Doctor, how is my niece? Will her injury affect her ability to paint when she recovers?" "I'm sorry, Ms. Caldwell. Her injury is too severe. Even if her recovery goes well, I'm afraid it'll be hard for her to do delicate work such as painting in the future. "But don't be discouraged. Perhaps there will be a miracle if her recovery goes well." Tears fell silently from the corners of Clara's eyes. She closed them as her mind replayed the doctor's words and the scene where Wren protected Ivy without hesitation. Clara knew her dream and her mother's dying wish had come to an end. She was not going to Uthurnia anymore. Clara tossed and turned in bed that night. When it was nearly sunrise, Clara vaguely heard someone push the door open and enter the ward. At first, she thought it was the nurse checking on her. However, the person walked over and sat by the bed. Then, a hand brushed her face to gently wipe the tear stains from the corners of her eyes. There was a faint fragrance—it belonged to Wren. Clara opened her eyes. Under the dim lighting, she caught a glimpse of emotion in Wren's eyes, which he failed to wipe away. Clara thought she was seeing things because she caught a hint of guilt and pity in those eyes. Immediately, Wren put on a cold expression and leaned back. "You're awake. Aunt Katrina says you're severely injured. "You should focus on your recovery for the time being instead of going to Uthurnia." Clara's heart sank, and she stared at Wren dead in the eyes. "When did you know about this?" "I passed by your university a few days ago and bumped into your teacher. She says you applied to study abroad and completed the application process. "This is a major decision. Why didn't you tell me about it?" Clara instantly had an epiphany. She finally understood why Wren was looking at her weirdly during the party. He knew she was lying. "So, you didn't save me on purpose to stop me from going to Uthurnia?" Clara glared at Wren, her fist clenched tightly. Wren frowned. "Why would you think that? It has nothing to do with you going to Uthurnia. Ivy's dream is to one day perform in the concert hall of Vlodale. She can't injure her hand." "What about my hand? And my dreams? It's my mom's dying wish, and you know it!" asked Clara, unable to control her emotions. Wren looked at her as if staring at a stubborn child, his eyes carrying mixed emotions of helplessness and exasperation. "Calm down, Clara. Ivy has already received a few international awards. Perhaps you're not talented in that form of art. "Besides, I don't support how you're pursuing painting just because it's your mother's wish. My family can take care of you. You don't need to work so hard."