Chapter 3

There was a circular platform in the lab, and Claire had stood on it many times. Each time, it was to announce another major breakthrough or progress. She was always celebrated with flowers, applause, and admiring gazes from everyone.

But now, all she saw in their eyes was doubt, disgust, and hatred, no guilt, no remorse. Claire knew it was because Sophie had spun a story, telling everyone she'd hoarded all the lab's research data and stolen their achievements.

She couldn't defend herself. For Zoya's sake, she had to swallow it all and take the fall.

Claire forced herself to read the self-criticism out loud, word by word, choking on her humiliation with every syllable, until she finally finished the last line.

But as she was about to make her escape, someone suddenly barked, "Aren't you going to apologize?"

Sophie spoke up right away, her voice gentle. "Let it go."

"Ms. Carter, don't waste your sympathy on her. Hasn't she screwed us over enough? Is it too much to ask for an apology?"

"Yeah, not an apology. She should beg for forgiveness."

"That's right."

Claire stared up in disbelief at the crowd below, the very people who used to be her closest teammates, her most trusted partners. Now their faces were warped with hostility, a sharp contrast to Sophie's soft, fragile look.

Her gaze finally settled on Nathan. She expected him to step in, to stop this humiliating demand. But all he did was raise an eyebrow lazily and silently mouth, "Zoya."

Then Nathan reached out and pulled Sophie into his arms, his gaze full of tenderness. "Sophie, whatever you want, say it. I'll make it happen for you. She owes you an apology. Don't let my feelings stop you from getting what you deserve, okay?"

Claire let out a bitter laugh. So he was only doing this to keep Sophie happy.

The memory of Zoya's pale, lifeless body flashed through Claire's mind. Swallowing her pride, she begged for forgiveness.

With the first bow, she bade farewell to the girl who had once truly loved Nathan. With the second bow, she said goodbye to the Nathan who had once cherished her so deeply.

Finally, with the third bow, she sternly admonished herself, vowing never again to hold any lingering feelings for Nathan.

Then, Claire rose from the floor, her movements stiff and numb. She walked straight up to Nathan, her voice flat and drained of all feeling. "Nathan, can I go take my sister's body now?"

Claire's eyes were completely devoid of emotion, no anger, no sorrow, a hollow emptiness. Nathan frowned, remembering how she used to smile at him, her eyes always bright. For a moment, something unfamiliar stirred inside him.

He released Sophie's hand. "The body's already been sent back to the crematorium," he said, stepping forward, reaching out to grab Claire. But she slipped away, leaving him grasping at empty air.

Claire turned and walked away without a second thought.

Just as Nathan was about to go after her, Sophie tiptoed up and kissed him on the corner of his mouth. "Nathan, thank you. Now I know you really care about me.

"So, why don't you come over to my place later? I'll make you something special, okay?"

Sophie's words dripped with implication, making Nathan's eyes glint as he stopped in his tracks. "Oh yeah?" He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say you didn't want to be a homewrecker?"

Sophie lowered her head shyly. "In love, the one who isn't loved is the homewrecker."

Nathan didn't hesitate. He scooped Sophie up in his arms and headed straight for the Maybach. Whatever was going on with Claire was the last thing on his mind.

He thought to himself that he could always spend more time later on trying to appease Claire. After all, she was easy to cheer up.

*****

Claire handled Zoya's remains quickly and buried her in the cemetery on the south side of the city. By the time she made it back to the villa, it was already deep into the night.

Dragging herself inside, Claire saw that the sunflowers on the windowsill had wilted. They were a birthday present from Zoya last year.

Zoya never liked giving bouquets. She always said cut flowers die too fast, but the ones rooted in soil could keep blooming forever. She wanted Claire to keep blooming.

Claire was determined to live the way Zoya wanted. She'd start fresh, give it her all, and take life seriously. As she reached out to water the sunflowers, her hand slipped and knocked the pot over.

With a sharp crash, the sunflower pot fell from the second floor and smashed onto the ground below.

Right after, Sophie's scream rang out. "It hurts!"