Your Love Is But a Dream

Chapter 46

Chapter

46

The rain pounded against the noot, a relentless Hatton that mined the chans in Clara's mind. She reached nut and turned on the light, the warm glow filling the room as she pulled herself out of bed

Crossing the room, she shut the window to blockout the chill. Her eyes fell on the empty and quiet house as she tumed back. Sleep was the last thing on her mind.

Clara grabbed a jacket and slipped it on before stepping out of her bedroom. She walked into the small study across the hall, where a corner was set up with a easel, some paints, and some sketchpads-materials her aunt had sent her just days ago. When the package arrived, Clara immediately understood Katrina's intentions. But her hand.

She clenched her fist instinctively, looking down at it. Slowly, she approached the easel and palled off the cloth draped over it.

She sat down and picked up a paintbrush, dipping it into the colors with practiced ease. Yet, the moment the tip of the brush touched the paper, her hand began to tremble uncontrollably

Flashes of the pain seared into her memory-her wrist pierced by the blade. The phantom ache was so vivid it made her hand spasm. The brush strokes she laid down were jagged and shaky, the lines barely coherent.

she knocked over the tray of paint, the vibrant colors splattering across the floor. Clara buried Her face

her cries, giving her a fleeting sense of privacy, a space

the weigh much time had passed when a knock suddenly broke

it was her imagination.

emotions pour out unchecked. She had no

are you in there? Say something if you

froze. Was

from his hair and clothes. He looked thoroughly soaked and a little disheveled. "How did you get is?" she asked, her voice full of surprise

a small

guarded reaction. His sharp gaze caught the redness of her eyes and

crying?" His voice faltered, uncharacteristically

to wipe her face, trying

said softly, shaking her head, "Why are you

how had he gotten