The obsession

internal struggle. Every time Micheal's laughter echoed t

w heavier. She felt like a fraud, a thie

tell him eventually, but for now, she could only watch, a silent observer of his happiness, her own heart heavy with the knowledge of the truth.The day finally ended, and Clara found herself lingering by her desk, unable to bring herself to leave. She watched Micheal gather his things, his face still lit

eart pounding in her chest, a

egan, her voice

to tell you s

t pressing down on her. She could see the flicker of concern in

ay was the day. She would tell him about Phil, about her past, and hopefully clear the air between t

led, his voice brigh

eed me for

ath, Clara nodded

o talk to you about

ish, he cut her off, obl

I've been thinking we should move it around a bit. If you're feeling ov

issing her

, the air suddenly thicke

ael continued, his excitement r

ing! I wanted to let you know that we have a business trip in a couple of

g. Part of her was thrilled at the opportunity, but

rip?" she ech

ng fa

wante

us to get out of the office! I promise we'll make it fun," he said,

eeper connection, but the idea of confessing while they prepared for an adventure together felt like an impossible

orcing a smile despite

, completely missing th

er, okay? We can work on our p

d and forget about the office stress, But the thought of spending t

the excitement of the date, t

She had let her guard down, allowing herself to be swep

constant reminder of her deceit. She knew she couldn't keep the truth from him forever, but the though

ation and joy, now felt like a cage, trapping her in a web of her own making. She was about to embark on a journey, not

he presentation off her shoulders, fill

she said, her voice

reciat

ied, a genuine smile

n this trip. I'm lo

atched him. Her heart aching with a mixture of guilt and longing

hattering the fragile illusion they had built, filled her with dread. But the tr

gements," she said, her voice firm

ure we have

, his eyes sparkli

re you'll make it am

s work, leaving Clara alone w

r a journey that was about to ta