The Reluctant Vow

hand furniture gave it a temporary, mismatched feel. It wasn't a place of comfort but a stark reminder of how far sh

to the small kitchen. On the table, a messy pile of envelopes awaited her. Clara stared at them, her stomach twisti

-"FINAL NOTICE"-followed by an amount so large it made her chest tighten. She tossed it aside, knowing the

the screen, her heart sinking when she saw the number. It wa

her end began, "we've been trying to r

e of the table. "I'm doing my best to gather

entative replied coldly. "If you don't make a payment by the end

e," Clara pleaded, her voice trembling

ted, "we've given you ample tim

slammed it down on the table, tears stinging her eyes. It felt like no

ough her thoughts. Clara wiped her eyes quickly and got up to answer it

e stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, her arms laden w

smile but failed. "You

on the counter. "You've been through hell, and I'm

Clara's appetite was nonexistent. She sat back down at t

g at the mess. "Still no

cumstances, Lily. All they care about is their money

g hand over Clara's. "You're not just a number to

aid, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm drowning, Lily.

nk, Clara. I've seen you handle things most people would crumble u

"I just... I don't know how. Every job I apply for turns me down. The

irmly. "Anyone who doesn't see your potentia

ays know how to make me feel better,

. She grabbed a pair of chopsticks and handed Clara a box of food. "

pease Lily than anything else. The warmth of the food was a small

lous encounter she'd had at work earlier that day. For a moment, Clara fo

, "you don't have to do this alone.

n eyebrow. "Wh

oria Blackwood. She's... well, let's just say she's kn

frowned. "What

mitted. "But she's powerful, and she ha

nt to get involved with someone l

y. "But it could also be an opport

ger, especially someone as influential as this Victoria Blackwood, made her uneasy. Still, the seed had

ound her. She looked at the stack of bills one last time before pushing t

mind swirled with thoughts of her father, her debts, and the sl

was right-maybe help would c