Oh my God, I messed up again. The thought hit me like a punch, and my frown deepened. Panic bubbled up in my chest as I replayed the scene in my mind.
“Clara!” I called out, my voice urgent as I hurried toward her retreating figure.
I needed to know—did she see anything? Did she hear our conversation? My heart raced as I quickened my pace, determined to catch up.
“Clara!” I called again, breathless, but she didn’t stop. She just kept walking, her back rigid, her steps brisk.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached her. “I’ve been calling you,” I said, my voice trembling as I tried to steady my breathing.
“I need to get back to work,” she replied curtly, not even looking at me as she started to walk away.
Her indifference stung, but I couldn’t let it go. “Are you seriousl
