Chapter 137: Worse Than Death

"No! I don't want this… please, no…"

"Claire? Claire?"

A voice filled with concern and urgency pulled her from the depths of a harrowing nightmare.

She blinked, her wide, unfocused eyes scanning the room until they settled on the chiseled, familiar face of Blaine Jackson. Relief washed over her like a wave, calming the panic clutching at her chest.

"Blaine…" she murmured, her voice trembling as she instinctively leaned into his embrace.

To Claire, Blaine was a steady force in her chaotic world—part mentor, part confidant, and, more than anything, like the older brother she never had. His presence exuded a quiet strength that could soothe her deepest fears.

"Claire, were you having a nightmare?" Blaine asked gently, his arms loosely wrapped around her. A tender light flickered in his piercing eyes.

She nodded, her throat tightening as she struggled to push back tears.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" His tone was calm but probing, as if he needed to understand her pain to help her.

Claire hesitated, chewing on her lower lip. "Blaine, can I… not talk about it right now?" she whispered. The weight in her chest was too much to bear. How could she articulate the torrent of emotions swirling within her? And what good would it do? The damage was already done. As Lucas Zeller had coldly told her, wasn't this exactly the outcome she'd sought?

"Claire," Blaine said, his voice soft but firm, "avoiding the problem won't solve it, you know." His gaze grew distant for a moment, as though reflecting on his own struggles. "Relationships—any kind of close bond—are bound to face challenges. Misunderstandings happen, even between people who love each other deeply. The key is facing those issues head-on, not letting them fester like a snowball gathering speed. Do you understand?"

Claire sniffled, hugging her knees to her chest. "But it hurts so much, Blaine. It feels like there's no way to fix this. We… we just can't be together anymore."

He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment. "You love him," he stated quietly.

Her head jerked up, and she stared at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. "What? I… I don't know what you mean."

"If you didn't love him, would you be in so much pain right now?" Blaine asked pointedly.

"I…" Claire faltered, unable to find an answer.

Blaine leaned forward, his tone taking on a sharper edge. "This misunderstanding between you and Lucas… it's about Blaire, isn't it?"

Claire gasped, shock evident on her face. "How… how do you know?"

Blaine chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "It's not hard to see. Blaire's feelings for Lucas are no secret—at least not to anyone paying attention. Her possessiveness is written all over her face whenever she looks at him."

Claire's hands tightened into fists. "She doesn't just like him, Blaine. She's in love with him—has been ever since she moved into the Zeller household. She told me so herself, made it very clear I could never measure up. I'm just some… country girl. Lucas could never truly love someone like me."

Her voice cracked as fresh tears welled up in her eyes. "But that's not even the worst part. What really broke me is… he lied to me. And I was so naive, believing everything his family told me. In the end, it was all a farce. How can I forgive him for that?"

Blaine's brows furrowed. "What exactly did he lie about?"

Claire bit her lip again, her hesitation palpable. "I… I don't want to say," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "It would hurt his pride too much if I told anyone. Even though I trust you, Blaine, I just can't."

He sighed but didn't press further. "Fair enough. I won't force you to share. But if it ever gets to be too much, you can always talk to me, okay?" His hand ruffled her hair affectionately.

Claire managed a small smile through her tears. "You're so good to me, Blaine."

"Don't get too comfortable," he teased, his lips curving into a mischievous grin. "Living here means pulling your weight. You'll handle my meals, clean the place, and even do my laundry. Got it?"

"Wait, what?" Claire blinked, looking around the small room in confusion. "Blaine, isn't this just the studio's break room?"

Blaine laughed. "You've worked as my assistant for months and never noticed I live here? Come on, I'll show you upstairs. That's where the living quarters are. Pick whichever room you want for your bedroom."

"Hold on!" Claire protested, grabbing his arm. "Won't the others gossip if they find out we're living under the same roof?"

"Are you worried they'll accuse you of seducing me?" Blaine asked, half-joking but with a serious undertone.

"No!" Claire's cheeks flushed. "I just don't want any rumors that could harm your reputation. You're… well, you're Blaine Jackson—smart, successful, and, let's face it, ridiculously good-looking. I don't want to be the reason people look down on you."

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Claire, don't be silly. My staff knows better than to start rumors—unless they're ready to find themselves out of a job. And as for the compliments, I'll take them as flattery."

"It's not flattery," Claire insisted, her expression earnest. "I mean it, Blaine. You're amazing."

He smiled, his gaze softening. "And you can be amazing too. Now, get upstairs and settle in. Tomorrow's a big day—we've got the competition theme finalized."

"Really? What is it?" Claire's curiosity sparked.

"Not telling," Blaine replied with a smirk, heading for the staircase.

---

Meanwhile, at a local hospital, Lucas Zeller paced anxiously outside the surgical ward. When Lauren Wells finally emerged, he rushed toward her.

"How is Blaire? Is she going to be okay?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.

Lauren shot him a sharp look. "Relax, Lucas. She's not dying. It's just a minor injury."

Roy Lin stepped forward, placing a hand on Lauren's shoulder. "Honey, could you try being a little less harsh?"

Lauren huffed, her tone softening as she gave Lucas an update. "She's fine—no broken bones, just some bruising and minor swelling. She'll need to stay off her feet for at least ten days."

Lucas nodded, relief washing over him. "Thank you."

As he turned to leave, Lauren called out, "Wait—did you find Claire?"

He stiffened but didn't answer, his steps quickening as he headed toward the administrative desk.

"Lucas!" Lauren ran after him, blocking his path. "You're avoiding the question, aren't you?"

"Move, Lauren," Lucas said coldly, his eyes glinting with frustration.

Lauren faltered, exchanging a worried glance with Roy before stepping aside. Lucas's last words echoed in her mind: *"I said I'm done. Wish them happiness."* 

For a man who rarely revealed his emotions, Lucas's anguish was impossible to ignore.