"Didn't you tell me, that I could trust you?" I added, rubbing my face in pure frustration.

Seeing her reaction caused whatever sliver of faith I had in her to crumble instantly. I exhaled sharply, fighting with every fiber of my being to keep my rising emotions in check.

Claire approached me and began to awkwardly pat my back, having to stand on her tiptoes to reach. "Calm down, mr Harrie. Just because I said we’re dead, doesn't mean it’s actually going to happen. Maybe” 

"Calm? How can I be calm when you’ve dragged me right back into a mess of your own making?"

"Or is this your plan to get rid of me indirectly? Ohh Don't tell me you still harbor a grudge against me"

Claire flinched. She pulled her hand away from my back and took two steps back. She let out a sharp breath of her own. "I should have known you would act like this mr harrie"

"As an adult, aren't you supposed to be better at managing your emotions instead of speaking so recklessly?"

"You haven't even heard my side of the story yet" Claire rolled her eyes, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

She walked past me, stopping about five paces away with her back turned. "My efforts to get permission failed. so I decided to sneak out on my own"

"The servants are giving chase not because my mother ordered them to, but because they don't want me to get into even more trouble” 

“But I was so excited to go with you. I didn't want to break my promise. That's why I ran, and why I pulled you along with me"

I was stunned. I had honestly assumed the pursuit was fueled by the Countess’s disapproval of her trip to the city. It never occurred to me that it was born of her enthusiasm and a desire to keep her word to me. Considering I had been ready to abandon her if she were even a minute late, didn't I deserve to be part of this mess after all?

As I opened my mouth to apologize for my prejudice, Claire spoke again. "You needn't worry, mr. Harrie. I promise I won't involve you in whatever chaos I've caused"

"And for the record, I never intended to replace you with another tutor because I have no desire to do" Claire finished her sentence and walked away, her pace quickening, the sound of sand crunching beneath her flat shoes with every step.

A heavy weight settled in my chest, making it difficult to breathe. I walked slowly, allowing her small steps to carry her further ahead, creating a wide gap between us.

I realized that an apology might just be a hollow sentiment to her, something she would remember as a recurring mistake on my part. I purposefully gave her space to breathe, while giving myself room to reflect. Everything Claire had said about me was true.

I realized I was no longer the man I used to be—the composed, adult man who chose his words with care even in the face of pain. Where was he now? I truly couldn't find him within myself.

Something had changed me, turning me into a man who was easily angered, prone to suspicion, and often childish. I suppose that was the most accurate description of the personality Claire was seeing now.

We walked through the forest, surrounded by towering trees and a rocky path covered in fallen leaves. Maple leaves swirled on either side of us, caught in the powerful gusts of wind.

My gaze drifted to Claire’s hair. She always wore it loose, letting the wind play with the strands as they fluttered about. I also noticed she was wearing a long gown made of much thicker material than her usual attire. It was a long-sleeved, light brown dress that mirrored the color of the tree trunks around us, accented with ribbons that blended into the fabric.

Before I knew it, the hustle and bustle of the city center began to drown out the reflections I had carried from deep within the woods.

I intended to go to the central office to send a letter to Eric, as was my Sunday routine. I squeezed my brown coat, feeling a surge of anxiety about telling Claire I needed to go to the office first.

But before I could speak, Claire stopped. She shot me a cynical glance before turning her back once more. I wondered what that look meant, but it seemed she simply wanted me to lead the way to my destination. She stood there like a statue, waiting for me to pass her.

I exhaled and let out a small chuckle at her behavior. despite everything, she could be quite cute. I stepped past her and, true to form, she followed me, though she pointedly looked away every time I tried to catch her eye.

…

Tring

The bell chimed as I pulled the door handle from the inside. I caught sight of Claire through the glass, she was standing perfectly still near the leafy trees that had been silent witnesses to my past wounds.

Claire was looking left and right with a flat expression, her mood clearly still dark. As I stepped out to approach her, a middle-aged woman whose face seemed familiar approached Claire with a cheerful greeting, instantly turning Claire’s gloom into a wide smile.

"Claire! I never expected to see you,here" the woman said, giving Claire’s shoulder a firm pat.

Claire laughed. "Hahaha! I didn't expect to see you here either, Madam Aria"

Aria? The name sounded familiar. But where had I heard it? I tried to remember, but before I could, the woman began calling my name so loudly that passersby turned to stare at us.

"Mr Harrie!"

"What are you doing over there? Come here!" she shouted, waving her hand frantically.

I was reluctant to join them, but the longer I stood there, the louder she became. Relieved and a bit embarrassed, I wove through the crowd of people who were shooting me uncomfortable looks.

As I reached her, she blurted out, "Oh, look at that, the wound has healed perfectly! Thank goodness"

 It was then I remembered. "Madam Aria?"

At the mention of her name, Madam Aria beamed and slapped my shoulder rather hard. "What’s this? Are you really going to forget the woman who saved you from a wound that would have been much worse without proper care?" she asked with a mock-threatening tone.

I fell silent, I really had forgotten for a few minutes. But she seemed to take it as a joke to lighten the mood, as she suddenly let out a loud laugh that made us the center of attention once more.

"I’m joking, I’m joking! Of course, no one remembers a person from a first meeting unless they’ve fallen in love"

"Anyway, what’s going on with you two? Is this a lovers' quarrel I’ve walked into?" Madam Aria teased, looking back and forth at the gap between Claire and me.

She leaned in and whispered in my ear. "Don't worry, Claire can't stay quiet for long, especially in an awkward situation like this"

"A bit of advice, take her somewhere she likes. She forgets things easily when she’s looking at something she loves, especially after a little spat like this" the Madam whispered, leaving me with a small laugh before pulling away.

Madam Aria smiled at me, and I could only offer a strained grin in return, feeling completely bewildered. "I’m sorry, I should probably head inside before the office closes. I don't want this letter to be delayed"

After being silent for so long, Claire finally spoke up, though she wasn't speaking to me. "Who are you sending a letter to, Madam Aria?"

Madam Aria smiled. "Take a guess"

Claire thought hard, looking up at the sky. "Hmm, a best friend, perhaps?"

Madam Aria shook her head. "My husband"

"I miss hearing from him, so I’m sending a letter from a different region than where he works. He's in the north—it’s cold and dangerous there"

"Your husband works in the north?" I asked, and Madam Aria gave a slow nod.

"Well, I hope he’s alright and can make it home before the autumn festival" Claire said, earning a warm smile from the Madam.

 "Indeed. And I think it would be lovely if he could see you play the piano at the festival this year"

"The festival?" My question caused Claire to suddenly clamp her hand over Madam Aria’s mouth, whispering frantically into her ear.

"Hahaha, alright, I’ll be quiet then" the Madam said, while Claire shot me a worried look that I didn't understand at all.

Madam Aria finally said her goodbyes and headed into the central office, leaving the two of us in a silence that felt even more awkward than before.

Claire glanced at me occasionally before rolling her eyes and trying to avoid eye contact again. "Miss Claire" I began.