Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren)

To appear magnanimous, Ivy put on a concerned expression. "She's still your sister, and she's young. Aren't you worried something might happen to her?"

Wren's expression remained cold. "I'm not obligated to take care of her forever. She's an adult now she needs to take responsibility for her own actions."

Ivy's lips curved subtly in satisfaction. "You're right, Wren. We can't keep indulging Clara. If we do, what happens the next time something doesn't go her way? She'll just run off again." "Mm." Wren frowned slightly, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation. He closed his eyes. "I'm going to rest. Wake me when we get to the airport."

Having achieved her goal, Ivy didn't mind his dismissive tone. Soon enough, Wren would be hers completely.

...

By the time Clara left the police station, it was already midday.

Alexander walked ahead in silence, while Clara quickened her pace to catch up.

"Alexander."

He stopped, glancing at her impatiently. "What is it now?"

Clara hesitated, wondering if Alexander disliked her.

The thought had lingered since the way he looked at her at the airport. Since he had just helped her, she set the feeling aside.

"It's already noon. Let me treat you to lunch as a thank you for helping me get my wallet back."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Are we that close? Or do you know this area well?"

Clara paused for a moment before replying honestly, "Neither."

"You're aware of that..." Alexander began but was interrupted by the sudden ringing of his phone.

He glanced at the screen, and his expression darkened. Without a word, he declined the call, then looked at Clara with a sharp warning. "I'm not staying for lunch. Don't follow me."

He shoved his phone back into his pocket, pulled on a hat and mask, and walked off with his suitcase in tow.

Clara watched him disappear into the distance but didn't press further.

As she debated finding a place to stay before heading to the school the next day, a car pulled up beside her.

The window rolled down, revealing a refined, gentle-looking man. He smiled politely. "Hello, are you Ms. Salford? The school sent me to pick you up."

Clara had informed the school of her arrival ahead of time. They had mentioned sending someone, but after the incident with her wallet, it had slipped her mind.

"I'm Clara." She smiled apologetically. "Sorry. I ran into some trouble and didn't wait at the station. I hope I didn't cause you too much trouble."

The man stepped out of the car, shaking his head lightly. "Not at all. I had a personal matter come up that delayed me. I apologize for the wait."

He handed her his ID. "I'm Ethan Stone. I also teach at the school."

Clara glanced at the ID. After confirming his identity, she smiled in surprise.

"I know you." A trace of admiration crossed her face as she carefully returned the ID. "You created 'The Light Within.' That documentary inspired me to volunteer here."

Ethan's eyes flickered with surprise before softening. "That project was inspired by my wife. She grew up here and left for school the same way you are now. Things have improved a lot since then. It's not as impoverished, but educational resources are still lacking.

"I made the documentary to raise awareness and give these children hope for a better future. Education can give them more choices in life."

He paused briefly, then extended his hand with a warm smile. "Ms. Salford, thank you. Welcome to Longfield."