Your Love Is But a Dream

Chapter 3

"Sorry, Aunt Katrina. It's all my fault for getting you into this mess." Clara lowered her head, gloom filling her chest.

Katrina gingerly applied some burn cream onto Clara's arm. A sigh left her lips as she watched Clara drown in self-blame. She voiced, "I'm the one who's no good. It's my fault you suffered earlier."

Katrina and Carlisle once lived a peaceful life. She used to think Carlise genuinely loved her. That was until Clara's parents, Katrina's biological sister and brother-in-law, passed away. That left Clara with nobody else to depend on except for her and Carlisle. Yet, the business she and Carlisle had founded had also encountered issues at the time. That was when Carlisle began treating her colder by the day.

To maintain the business left behind by Clara's parents and raise Clara, Katrina had no choice but to endure the difficulties. She worked hard to keep the peace within the Zachman family.

That serenity continued on until four years ago when Carlisle brought Shirley and Ivy home. That was when Katrina saw the striking resemblance between her and Shirley. She finally understood Carlisle had only married her as a replacement for Shirley. Likewise, her days in the Zachman family became more unbearable when Shirley moved in.

Katrina suppressed the bitterness brewing within her as she bandaged Clara. "Are you sure you can continue making art now that your hand's injured?"

Clara nodded, forcing a smile on her face. "Don't worry, Aunt Katrina. I've prepared almost everything I need. To become a famous artist and hold a national art exhibition was my mother's dying wish. I'm going to make it happen." "Alright, then." Katrina was hesitant but soon asked, "Have you told Wren that you're going abroad?"

Clara stiffened before she lowered her head in silence.

Katrina put away the first aid kit, stood, and lightly patted Clara's shoulder. "Wren raised you on his own all these years. It's best if you find the chance to tell him one of these days." "Okay," Clara murmured.

Following that, Katrina left with the first aid kit.

Clara changed into a fresh set of clothes and had just opened her bedroom door. That was when she saw Wren, who was about to enter his room, and Ivy, who walked beside him. Wren's gaze swept past the gauze bandage on Clara's arm. Then, he froze. "Are you hurt?"

He instinctively rushed forward, wanting to grab her hand and inspect it closer.

Clara speedily hid her arm behind her back and avoided Wren's touch. Her actions caused her and Wren to pause in surprise. She dared not face Wren as she softly answered, "I'm fine."

eyes at Clara and pretended to be shocked. "Are you copying me to trick your

with disappointment at Clara just

down Clara so many times that she gradually stopped feeling sad. She

her aching heart as she looked up at Wren. "Wren, I'm thinking of moving

and pouted. "I want to be closer

floor. Wren had specially hired someone to design her

the other hand, Wren's room was opposite Clara's. He had picked that room back then for ease when caring for Clara. Now, it seemed like the right time for Clara to give up her bedroom to Ivy, the future head of this household. "The

to be more considerate and surrender my room to his future bride at once?" Clara wondered. She couldn't help but tug her lips into a terse smile. She

to say that. While Ivy's eyes lit up in delight,

Wren would refuse, so she beat him at speaking up. "Do you mean

living under the Zachman family's roof as their foster child. What

uneasy after seeing Clara so silent. He stepped ahead, wanting to say something, but Ivy

older now. Plus, you and I are about to be engaged. She must find it awkward living in such close proximity with you. You should've helped Clara switch

whites in a big smile at

glanced at Clara with a grim expression. "Do whatever you want," he said before entering his

under control and wanted to leave. Yet,

how to go about asking you for it. It's awkward having you next door when we want

was an empty shell, and nothing

...

Clara arrived at school today, she got the transfer process done smoothly. Since it was still early, Clara wanted to ask her friend out to catch up. Alas, her friend was busy today, so they made plans

home, Clara noticed the Zachman residence's housekeepers were moving things downstairs. She immediately

to her bedroom door and saw it was wide open.

arrogantly, like she called the shots. She instructed the housekeepers

Clara's belongings. Just then, she saw Clara standing outside the door. Her