Chapter 182: Is It Love That I Feel for Her?

**Blue Haven Styling Studio.**

"Mr. Jackson, this is a congratulatory flower arrangement from Miss Lee, one of our old clients, celebrating the studio's reopening. Where should we put it?" Joel and Adam struggled under the weight of an enormous floral display as they addressed Blaine Jackson, who was leaning against the lounge doorway.

"Anywhere," Blaine replied, barely parting his lips and sparing the arrangement a fleeting glance.

"Anywhere?" Joel looked confused, exchanging a look with Adam before clarifying, "Sir, by 'anywhere,' do you mean—?"

"Just put it wherever!" Blaine cut him off sharply. "What, you don't understand simple English? Joel, you've only been in Japan for a year. Did you forget how to speak your native language?" 

"...Well, it's just that you've been saying 'anywhere' all morning, sir, and there are so many flowers from clients that the studio is practically overflowing," Joel replied, frowning as he gestured toward the sea of vibrant blooms crowding the workspace.

Blaine swept his gaze around the room, his eyes narrowing at the overwhelming display of floral arrangements. The sight was suffocating. 

"Throw them all in the backyard," he declared. 

"What?" 

"I don't like repeating myself. Or did you forget?" Blaine shot them a sharp look before striding toward the guest lounge.

Joel watched him leave, utterly baffled. Turning to Adam, he asked, "What's with the boss today? Since this morning, he's been acting weird, like something's bothering him." 

"I don't know. He was fine when we picked him up from the airport—chatting and joking with us. But as soon as we got back, he changed," Adam replied, shaking his head.

"Do you think it has something to do with Claire?" Joel suggested cautiously.

"What's Claire got to do with it?" Adam's expression was blank.

"Well, at the airport, he was all smiles and in a good mood, and Claire was there too. Now, Claire's not here, and he's been grumpy ever since. Doesn't that seem... suspicious to you?"

"You two better stop gossiping before things get *really* suspicious," a sharp voice interrupted them. Startled, they turned to see Tara glaring at them.

"You know he's in a bad mood, yet here you are whispering nonsense. If he finds out, you'll regret it," Tara warned. 

"We're just worried about him—" Joel began.

"Then show it by getting rid of these flowers. Now."

---

Blaine stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring out at the cityscape, though his thoughts were far from the view. 

He couldn't make sense of himself anymore. 

A year ago, he'd realized that his feelings for Claire Grace weren't just friendly. They might even be love. But why hadn't he acted on them? If what he felt was truly romantic love, shouldn't he have pursued her relentlessly during their year in France? 

The saying goes, "Even the strongest-willed women can't resist a persistent man." And wasn't he an exceptional one at that? Then again, maybe he'd misread his feelings. What if what he felt was just a deep camaraderie—a bond stronger than friendship but not quite love? 

Yet, why did the idea of Claire returning to Lucas Zeller make his heart ache? 

Maybe he'd given up because Claire saw him only as a friend, a mentor, a brother—anything but a romantic partner. Was that why he'd been avoiding his feelings, unwilling to face the truth?

*Blaine Jackson, what do you really want?* he asked himself. *Can you honestly say you shut down your thriving styling studio for a year to stay in France and help Claire rebuild her confidence purely out of friendship? Why are you so afraid to confront your emotions?*

The accusatory voice in his mind wouldn't let up. 

*I'm not sure it's really love. Yes, I care about her deeply, but I can't see myself treating her like a typical romantic partner,* Blaine replied silently.

*Then what's the point of your unspoken feelings?* the voice retorted, dripping with disdain. *Can you honestly say your heart doesn't race when you see her? That you're unaffected by her absence? Can you claim you wouldn't feel devastated if she and Lucas rekindled their relationship?* 

The relentless barrage of questions left Blaine feeling cornered and powerless. 

*You're still hung up on Sophie Leroux, aren't you?* the voice taunted.

That thought struck a nerve, igniting a fiery anger within Blaine. His body trembled with emotion, and he struggled to regain his composure.

*How could it be about Sophie?* he countered fiercely. *What I felt for her was nothing more than a senior's affection for a junior. It has no bearing on my feelings for Claire.* 

*Oh, really? Did you forget your promise at Sophie's gravesite—to look after her only sister? Maybe that's why you're holding back.* 

*Sophie's sister is doing just fine in Japan, living her life with plenty of friends and a boyfriend. She doesn't need me to take care of her.*

*Then what are you waiting for? Claire is single. Isn't this the perfect opportunity to confess your feelings? You already wasted a year in France. Wait any longer, and she might end up back in Lucas's arms.*

*Mind your own business!* Blaine snapped inwardly, slamming his fist against the glass window with a loud thud.

"Mr. Jackson, you seem to be in a bit of a mood," a playful, coquettish voice broke through his thoughts. 

Blaine exhaled slowly, forcing himself to regain his composure before turning around. His handsome face lit up with a dazzling smile.

"Miss Lee, are you here for a styling session? If so, as always, please head over to the desk to book an appointment. I'll be with you shortly," he said politely.

"Mr. Jackson, it's been over a year since I last saw you. I was hoping we could chat for a bit. Do you have time?" 

"Chat?" Blaine raised an eyebrow but eventually nodded.