7 a.m., the sky was still dim, with a thin mist hanging over the city.

Clarissa stood in front of the full-length mirror in her walk-in closet. She was dressed in a pearl-white dress she'd picked with care-simple cut, delicate lace at the neckline that highlighted her long neck and softened features.

This was the dress she'd pictured over and over for what she believed would be the most important day of her life.

Her phone screen stayed lit, still on the chat with Sebastian.

[9 a.m. this morning. Marriage Registration Center.]

Half an hour later, he'd finally replied with a cold, lifeless message:

[Okay]

Just that. Not even a period.

But that one word-it was like someone had struck a tiny match inside the barren wreckage of her heart, lighting up the faintest trace of hope.

Did he really agree?

Maybe the proposal at the airport last night that went viral online was all fake news, or maybe... there was more to it?

A jumble of chaotic thoughts swirled through her head. Her hand holding the phone trembled slightly.

She took a deep breath, looked in the mirror, forcing a smile. But her reflection stared back with empty eyes, and the smile on her lips looked more like she was about to cry.

"Clarissa, this is the path you chose. Whatever happens, no regrets," she whispered to herself.

Grabbing her purse, she double-checked her ID and other important materials over and over. Then, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, she turned and walked out of the apartment.

*****

Marriage Registration Center.

It was just past 8:50 a.m., and the waiting hall was already filled with couples.

Compared to the bright smiles and barely-contained excitement on everyone else's faces, Clarissa sat alone in a corner, looking completely out of place.

She glanced quickly at the digital clock on the wall.

9 a.m. sharp.

No sign of him.

She tried to calm herself-maybe traffic. He's always punctual, he wouldn't be late.

9:10 a.m.

People kept coming in and out, but still, not that familiar, stiff figure.

A young couple nearby just finished their registration, happily walking away.

9:20 a.m.

Seats around her filled up, emptied again as numbers were called. And Clarissa? Still there, like some forgotten statue in the corner.

She kept checking her phone. Screen off, then instantly tapped back on. Again and again. No missed calls. No messages. The chat still stuck on that lonely little [Okay].

"Hey, look at that girl. She's been sitting there by herself forever..."

"Is she waiting for her boyfriend? Kinda late already, huh?"

"She looks all dressed up too. Was she... ghosted? Jeez, poor thing..."

"Shh, keep it down. What if she hears us..."Those scattered whispers and barely concealed pitying looks were eating away at her nerves, one after another.

It was already 9:30.

A full thirty minutes late.

Clarissa just couldn't hold it together anymore. She abruptly stood up and walked toward a quieter spot at the end of the hallway. Her fingers were shaking uncontrollably as she dialed Sebastian's number.

"Beeep... beeep..."

The phone kept ringing without anyone picking up. Just as she was about to hang up, a new message popped up.

From him.

No apology, no explanation-just several cold words: [Can't come today.]

That was it. Her last thread of hope snapped with a quiet, brutal finality.

He didn't forget.

He knew they were supposed to get the marriage certificate today.

He just... couldn't be bothered to come.

Her phone suddenly buzzed again. It was Natalie calling.

She answered out of reflex. Before she could say a word, Natalie's voice came through, angry and near tears:

"Clarissa! Where are you?! Have you checked Ins?! Sebastian just proposed to Aria!"

The call ended before she could respond. A second later, her chat with Natalie popped up - not a message, but a photo and a link.

Her fingers were stiff, numb, but they moved anyway. She tapped on the image first-

Clear blue skies, a golden beach, and crashing white waves in the background. Centered in the frame: Sebastian, holding Aria tightly. They were kissing like the whole world had disappeared. Sunlight washed over them like something out of a movie.

Aria looked completely lost in happiness, while Sebastian-he had this soft, focused look on his face Clarissa had never seen before.

But that wasn't even the worst part. The link? It took her straight to his feed.

That same photo was right there, front and center.

The caption? Just four words. Four words that burned hotter than fire:

[Dreams do come true.]

So that was it.

His dream... never included Clarissa.

Her six years of waiting, of giving everything she had-what a joke.

She stood here today, dressed to impress, waiting for over an hour like some clueless fool... only to get hit with a casual "Can't come."

Scenes from the past started flashing rapidly through her mind.

He once said he liked women who could play the violin. So, she practiced like crazy.

Her palms grew hard with calluses, her shoulders ached so badly she couldn't lift her arms sometimes-but she never stopped.

All just to perform a full piece for his birthday. All for a chance at one compliment from him.

She thought if she just worked hard enough, became good enough, he'd finally notice her... finally love her.

Now she finally got it-it didn't matter how well she played the violin, how far ahead she was of Aria in the music world. In Sebastian's eyes, Aria had always been that delicate, untouchable dream girl he felt he needed to protect and wait for.

So what was she, Clarissa, then?

What were these six years worth?

Despair crashed over her like a freezing wave. But strangely enough, this time, no tears came. No breakdown either.

Just... shocking clarity. And a weird sense of relief.

She lowered her head, opened the pinned chat that had held its place at the top for six whole years, and slowly typed, [Sebastian, six years... I'm tired.]

[Starting today, I won't chase you anymore.]

[Hope you and Aria live happily ever after.]

No blame. No 'why's. Not even anger. Just closure.

She hit send.

And without hesitation, wiped him from her phone-deleted, blocked, gone.

Once that was done, she tossed her phone back into her bag, took a long breath, and stepped out of the Marriage Registration Center.

Outside, the sun was blinding. Cars and people moved all around. Noise everywhere.

She stood at the top of the steps, eyes squinting against the light, feeling lost-like she had no idea where to go next.

For six years, her whole world had revolved around Sebastian.

Now with that world gone, all that was left was a blank slate.

Her thoughts were still scrambled when, out of nowhere, her foot slipped on the edge of the step, and she pitched forward.

"Hey-watch out!"

A pair of strong arms caught her just in time, pulling her into a solid chest.

"Well well, Clarissa-still throwing yourself at me after all these years?"

Wide-eyed, she looked up and met a pair of amused, deep-set eyes.

The guy wore a sleek, tailored blazer that almost made him seem overdressed for daylight-tall, lean, and confident, with a casual swagger that stood out in the crowd.

There was a half-smile on his lips-like he enjoyed catching her off guard.

It was Elian Langley.

Back in school, he used to argue with her over math problems like they were solving world peace, but when she was shut out by everyone else, he'd silently drop answers on her desk, mumbling something like "don't want you flunking out."

Now, the awkwardness of youth was gone. In its place was something sharper, sexier.

If it had been old times, Clarissa would've snapped back by now.

But hearing that familiar voice, remembering the way she just cut ties minutes ago-her brain sparked with a wild, reckless thought.

Didn't Sebastian think she couldn't live without him? That she'd always be hanging around, tail wagging?

Great. Time to prove him dead wrong.

She took a small step forward and looked Elian straight in the eye.

"If you're not seeing anyone right now-"

She paused, watching his surprised brows lift, then said clearly, without backing down, "-would you marry me?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Clarissa instantly regretted it.

Had she lost her mind? How could she say something like that to Elian?

She opened her mouth, trying to backpedal, maybe throw in a "just kidding."

But then Elian's dark eyes fixed on her, a subtle smirk forming at the corner of his lips, and he said without missing a beat, "Sure."

Clarissa froze.

Then came Elian stepping closer, his tall figure casting a shadow over her. "But just to be clear, Clarissa-I'm not into fake marriages or those pretend arrangements. If we're doing this, then it's real. Real couple, all in, nothing less. You sure you've thought it through?"

Normally, she'd think that kind of talk was over-the-top. But right now, he was literally her only way out.

She met his gaze head-on and responded firmly, "Yeah. I've thought it through."

"I'll give you a week to get ready. After that... we'll become husband and wife in every sense of the word. Do you agree?"

"I do."

When they walked out of the Marriage Registration Center, the sunlight was a bit too bright.

Clarissa stared down at the thin red booklet in her hand, still in a haze.

In the photo, Elian looked calm and confident. Her own smile barely held up, and her eyes screamed confusion.

So this was it? Married? And to Elian, of all people?

"Give it," Elian said, casually holding his hand out.

Out of reflex, Clarissa handed over hers too.

Elian didn't stop; he took them both. She blinked in confusion as he waved the little red booklets a bit, that usual faint smirk on his lips. "I'll keep them. You're too forgetful, might end up losing yours."

Before she could say a word, he already had his phone out and snapped a pic of the two certificates side by side. His fingers tapped away quickly on the screen.

"What're you doing?" Clarissa suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Posting it on my feed." Elian didn't even look up. "We're married now. Gotta make it official, kill off any lingering hopes from others."

There was a clear undertone in his voice. He finished uploading the photo and turned his phone so she could see.

It was their red marriage booklets, front and center. Caption was simple: [Couldn't be luckier to call you mine, Mrs. Langley. @Clarissa Beckett]

That "Mrs. Langley" hit her like a shockwave, rushing through her limbs with a buzz. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed uncontrollably.

Then Elian's arm casually wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her gently into his side.

Clarissa stiffened immediately, instinctively trying to pull away. The closeness was too much, too sudden-his scent, the pressure-it all messed with her heartbeat and scrambled her sense of direction.

Elian felt the resistance and tightened his arm slightly. "What are you dodging for? We've signed the papers, it's on the internet now-everyone knows you're my wife. What, getting cold feet already?"

He paused, his fingers lightly brushing her shoulder in a slow, deliberate motion that sent a shiver down her spine. "Even if you are, it's too late now."

"I'm not regretting it." Clarissa looked into his deep eyes-eyes so intense it felt like they were pulling her in. She took a breath, forcing herself to sound calm. "I'm just... not used to this yet."

"I'm not really someone who's good with that whole physical closeness thing. And besides, we were never exactly..."

"Guess it's because things between us haven't exactly been... smooth. So yeah, kinda hard to just jump into the whole married-couple thing right away." She paused for a second, like she was pushing herself to get real, then looked up at him with clear, steady eyes.

"I'll admit it-when I asked you to marry me, part of it was out of spite. I had this dumb urge to slap certain people in the face with it. That was immature, and I'm sorry. But I'm serious now. I'll try to get used to this... whatever normal married life is supposed to look like."

She meant every word.

From the moment they walked out of the Marriage Registration Center, whatever leftover feelings she had for Sebastian were completely gone.

She'd made a decision, and she wasn't about to look back.

Elian listened in silence. The stiff edge in his expression softened, replaced by the faintest trace of a smile.

"Good," he said, letting go of her arm-and just when Clarissa thought he was backing off, he reached down and casually laced his fingers with hers. His palm was warm, firm, and very, very real.

"Since my dear Mrs. Langley is all in now, how about we head home and pack up?"

With her hand still in his, Clarissa blinked. "Pack up? Why?"

"To move in together, of course! You're my wife now-how could we still be living apart?"

His matter-of-fact tone, his unshakeable confidence, it suddenly made Clarissa's heart clench in a weird, unfamiliar way-like something long missing had quietly filled a gap she didn't even realize was there.

During six years with Sebastian, she'd never once felt anything even close.

She'd wasted the best part of her youth on someone who never really saw her. Foolish didn't even begin to cover it.

She slid into the front passenger seat of Elian's black Bentley and gave him the address to her place.

Elian started the engine, merging smoothly into traffic. After a moment of silence, he spoke-eyes still on the road-and casually recited her full address. Right down to her unit number. And the door code.

Clarissa snapped her head toward him, completely stunned. "Wait-how do you know that?!"

Even her family didn't have that level of detail. No one did.

Elian's lips tugged up, that amused smirk of his dancing at the corners. When the red light ahead forced him to stop, he took his foot off the brake, unlatched his seatbelt, and leaned in toward her-close.

His scent hit her all at once, crisp and clean with a faint undertone of cedar, wrapping her up entirely.

His face was right there-so close she could count his lashes, trace the perfect line of his nose. She could feel his breath on her cheek, light but hot enough to burn.

Clarissa froze, pressing back against the leather seat, barely daring to breathe. Her pulse was thundering, her skin flushing fast-ears, neck, everything.

Elian clearly enjoyed the reaction. The look in his eyes turned downright mischievous, and he reached out to lightly tap her nose with his fingertip-like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Because I've had my eye on you for a while now, Mrs. Langley."

"Why else do you think I'd say yes to such a sudden proposal?"

The words hit her like a cannonball, shattering the calm surface of her heart with waves of chaos.

She stared at him, wide-eyed and trying to process.

He... He already liked her?

Since when?

How was that even possible?

Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, the sea was pitch black and restless. Inside, the room was warm and cozy, the fire in the fireplace flickering, casting a soft glow over the embracing couple.

Aria was dressed in a silky robe, nestled bonelessly in Sebastian's arms, her fingers lazily tracing circles on his chest. "Sebastian, wasn't today the day you were supposed to get the marriage license with Clarissa? Aren't you worried she'll be mad, since you're here with me instead?"

Sebastian let out a snort of laughter, his arm draped carelessly across the back of the sofa, posture screaming indifference. "Mad? What's she mad about?"

"She chased after me for six years, and the second I threw her a bone, she thought she was in. Seriously?"

"If it wasn't for the Beckett family's background and her knowing how to keep in line, I wouldn't even bother playing nice. She can never compare to you."

Aria's eyes flickered with amusement, but on the surface, she looked pitiful, delicate.

"Don't say that, Sebastian-it's my fault. If I hadn't gotten hurt back then, maybe you and her-"

"It had nothing to do with you, Aria!" He instantly tightened his hold on her, voice tense with frustration and guilt. "If it weren't for her, you wouldn't have missed out on such a huge opportunity. She's the one who owes you."

"Everything Clarissa has came at your expense. So tell me, what right does she have to feel wronged?"

The more he thought about it, the more it agitated him.

He leaned down, kissed the top of Aria's head, speaking gently, "Let's not talk about her anymore. She ruins the mood. Tonight's about you and me."

*****

At the same time, Clarissa stood in front of the apartment she had lived in for years, feeling an oddly familiar sense of unease.

She slid the key into the lock, but it wouldn't turn. A warm, firm hand suddenly covered hers from behind, applying a gentle twist.

Click-the door opened.

Elian stood just behind her, close enough that his breath brushed against her ear.

He chuckled quietly, teasing, "What, nervous to come home? Need me to carry you in, Mrs. Langley?"

Clarissa's ears warmed instantly. She stepped away quickly and walked into the apartment ahead of him.

The place wasn't big, but it was neat and cozy. A cat was napping lazily on the armrest of the couch and perked up at the noise.

Clarissa's face softened without her noticing. She crouched down, reaching out her hand. "Come here, Plumie."

The cat blinked, recognized her, and hopped down gracefully, brushing up against her legs affectionately.

Elian closed the door, leaning against the entryway cabinet, watching the woman and the cat. There was something unreadable in his eyes.

He raised an eyebrow, his voice lightly nostalgic with a hint of tenderness. "So it's still here. You've kept it all these years."

Clarissa gently ran her fingers over Plumie's soft fur, glancing up at him, an unexpected flicker of surprise in her gaze. "You remember?"

"Of course I remember." Elian walked over and crouched across from her, reaching out tentatively to touch Plumie's nose. The cat shifted back slightly but didn't run.

He chuckled, but his eyes stayed on Clarissa as he said meaningfully, "Back when I gave her to you, she was skin and bones, like a little rat. Now she's all fat and happy."

His words were like a key, suddenly unlocking a wave of memories.

One sweltering summer years ago, he had stood outside her place in a plain white T-shirt, sweat-damp hair stuck to his forehead, gently holding a scruffy little cat in his arms.

Back then, his family had fallen into crisis and he was about to be forced overseas-no idea what the future held.

The fire in his youth had long been dulled by reality, leaving behind only sharp edges and a quiet unwillingness to let go.

He shoved the kitten into Clarissa's arms, tone deliberately casual and nonchalant. "Here. Found it by the street, no one seemed to want it. Figured you're into these little furballs. If you don't mind, just keep it."

The moment she held that warm, tiny life, her heart softened.

She could tell-he cared about the cat. Maybe... he cared about her too.

But she knew he was leaving the country. So she swallowed that bitter sting in her chest, forced a bright smile, and said, "Thank you, Elian. I'll take good care of it. You take care too over there. Wishing you all the best."

He looked at her for a long beat before muttering a low "yeah," then turned around and walked off without glancing back once.

Pulled back from the memory, the air seemed laced with a quiet sense of loss.

Elian scratched under Plumie's chin, and the kitten purred contentedly, like it finally remembered him.

He looked up, that mischievous glint returning to his eyes, lips curling into a teasing grin. "You know, Clarissa, you took in this cat, and now married me so decisively. Don't tell me... you've actually been into me all along?"

His voice rose playfully, body leaning forward just slightly, closing the gap between them.

Clarissa froze at his sudden suggestion, cheeks blazing red. Flustered and annoyed, she blurted, "Elian! Don't talk nonsense!"

"Nonsense?" Elian chuckled low, his gaze locked onto hers, intense enough to pull her in. "Then explain-why me, exactly?"

Every word hit straight, with an intensity that made the air itself thicken with tension.

"Stop flattering yourself!" Her heart pounded like crazy. She tried to sound firm, but his nearness robbed her voice of its usual steadiness.

"I'm flattering myself?" Elian leaned in closer, so near their noses almost touched. His voice dropped to a murmur, intimate and dangerous. "Clarissa... say that again, looking me in the eye."

Reluctantly, she met his gaze-dark, deep, and swirling with emotion she couldn't quite name. It was overwhelming and magnetic.

She opened her mouth but couldn't get a word out.

They just stared, like two stubborn cubs in a silent standoff, neither backing down, yet inching closer and closer without even noticing-close enough to feel each other's breath.

"Clarissa, can I... kiss you?"

Elian's voice was barely audible, laced with hesitation and vulnerability. As he leaned in, his warm breath brushed her lips-

Clarissa jolted like she'd been snapped out of a trance.

"No!" she shot up like a spring, fumbling for words. "I-I need to pack my stuff!"

Then she bolted into the bedroom and slammed the door behind her like she was escaping something terrifying.

Silence took over the living room, broken only by a confused "meow" from Plumie.

Elian stayed frozen in his half-crouch, staring at the shut door. The heat in his eyes dimmed, slowly replaced by something deeper-longing, thick with regret.

He straightened up and walked over to the window, staring out at the city lights. He lit a cigarette but didn't take a drag.

Regret filled his chest.

Why did he leave all those years ago?

Why didn't he just stay no matter what?

If he'd been just a little braver, a little more certain, maybe they wouldn't have lost six years.

Without that six-year gap... how could he have let that bastard Sebastian hurt her so badly?