Chapter 150: She’s Really Lost So Much Weight

*I'm going to end my life! I'll make sure you live in a shadow of guilt, unable to find peace with Claire!*

Like a ghostly curse, those venomous words suddenly echoed in Lucas Zeller's mind. They struck him like a block of ice from a thousand-year winter, instantly extinguishing every ounce of passion and longing he had felt.

"Lucas, what's wrong?" Claire Grace asked cautiously, her eyes carefully studying his expression. She noticed his sudden pause, the way his face had darkened, and couldn't help but ask, concern evident in her voice.

"I saw Blaire," Lucas murmured, his voice hollow as he shifted off her and lay beside her. "Do you remember what she said? She said she was going to end her life, to make sure I'd live in a shadow of guilt and never be at peace with you."

And she had done exactly that.

Those words clung to him like a curse, lurking in his mind at all times, relentlessly reminding him that Blaire's death was somehow tied to him.

"Lucas... you're just exhausted. You've been pushing yourself too hard lately. You need to relax and take some time to rest. That's all," Claire said gently, trying to reassure him.

"Do you really think this is just me overthinking?" Lucas let out a heavy breath, his voice trembling. "Even when I'm with you, it feels like Blaire is right there between us. It's like she's watching me—watching every move I make."

He pulled himself into a fetal position, his body trembling as he struggled to contain his emotions.

"Lucas…" Claire's heart ached as if it were being crushed. A surge of anxiety rushed through her veins, making her entire body feel like it was spinning out of control. "Please don't do this. Seeing you like this makes me feel so helpless and heartbroken. Come back to the room with me, okay?" She reached out, trying to wrap her arms around him. But as soon as her hand touched his body, he suddenly swatted it away.

"Go back to the room on your own. I need to be alone for a while."

Claire bit her lip, holding back the words bubbling in her throat. With a silent sigh, she stood up and quietly left the room.

Was there really an unbridgeable gap between them—a gap in the shape of Blaire?

---

The next morning, Claire woke up early to head to *Blissful Style Studio*, where she worked as a stylist. The All-American Styling Competition was just thirteen days away, and she needed to prepare.

"Claire, are you okay?" Sarah, one of her coworkers, walked over as soon as Claire stepped into the studio. Her face was full of concern.

"Huh?" Claire froze for a moment before quickly catching on. She forced a polite smile. "I'm fine, but thanks for asking."

"Claire, you've lost so much weight!" Amy chimed in, her tone filled with worry.

"Yeah, you need to take care of yourself. Don't let sadness consume you," Sarah added.

"Exactly! Remember, no matter how hard things are, they'll pass eventually. Like that song says, 'After the storm, the sun will shine again.' You've got this, Claire!" Roy, another coworker, said earnestly.

"Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate your kindness," Claire replied with a faint smile.

Unfortunately, the news about Blaire's suicide had spread quickly, and there was no way to keep it under wraps. Everyone at the studio knew about it. Claire had hoped that coming to work might give her a moment to breathe, but instead, her coworkers' well-meaning concern only brought back memories of the painful events.

It was suffocating.

"What are you all doing standing around gossiping first thing in the morning?!" Blaine Jackson's sharp voice suddenly rang out, commanding the room's attention. "If you know Claire is upset, why are you bringing up things that will only hurt her more? You're all idiots! If you really want to cheer her up, then why doesn't one of you roll around on the floor and make her laugh?"

"Huh?!"

The room collectively froze in shock.

Roll on the floor? Only Blaine could come up with such a ridiculous suggestion. While the reception area was empty of clients at the moment, they were all adults—professionals, no less. Asking them to do such a thing was absurd.

"You heard me! Except for Amy, since she's a girl, the rest of you—ten rolls each!" Blaine's expression was dead serious as he issued his "final order."

"Uh, no need for that!" Claire couldn't help but laugh, the corners of her mouth lifting for the first time in days. "Thank you, Blaine, but really, I know they mean well. Please don't make them do something so ridiculous."

"Well, then! What are you all standing around for? Get to work! Unless, of course, you've changed your minds and want to roll around after all?" Blaine raised an eyebrow.

"No, no, no! We're off to work!" Roy blurted out, practically sprinting to his workstation, with the rest of the group quickly scattering.

"Blaine, I'm so sorry for letting my personal issues interfere with work. I'll make it up to you—I promise," Claire said, bowing deeply to express her regret.

"Don't be silly," Blaine said, ruffling her hair with a faint smirk. "Let me guess—you haven't had breakfast yet, have you?"

"Huh? How did you know?" Claire asked, startled.

"You didn't write it on your face, but you've been holding your stomach. Don't tell me it's a stomachache?" Blaine teased. Seeing her sheepishly stick out her tongue, he shook his head with a resigned smile. Taking her hand, he led her past the reception area and upstairs to the break room.

"Blaine, are we doing styling upstairs today?" she asked, puzzled.

"First, we're going to fill your stomach. Otherwise, if you pass out from hunger in the middle of work, I'll have to take responsibility," he said, his tone light. But deep down, he was genuinely worried about her.

She had really lost so much weight.

"Blaine, I'm fine with just a glass of milk. Making a full breakfast will take too much time," Claire protested, guilt flashing across her face.

"Have you been doing this lately?" Blaine ignored her protest, his voice softening.

"Doing what?"

"Skipping meals or only drinking milk. That's why you're so thin, isn't it? You know, I'm starting to think I should change the competition's theme to 'Mummies.' It would suit your current look perfectly."

"Mummies?" Claire blinked, unsure whether he was joking or genuinely scolding her. Did she really look that bad?

"Sit there and rest. I'll make you breakfast. Don't even think about saying no! Just stay put, okay?" With that, Blaine disappeared into the small kitchenette.