Chapter 16 Over the next few days , Clarisse spent most of her time practicing the competition piece with Zachary , A subtle chemistry had begun to grow between them . One evening , after they wrapped up a practice session , Zachary did not leave right away , Instead , he stepped closer to her , narrowing the space between them until she caught the faint scent of cedarwood on him . He paused , his eyes fixing on the soft curve of her profile . His voice dropped low , hesitant , but sincere as he called out , " Clarisse . " As if sensing what was coming , Clarisse's heart skipped a beat . Her fingers curled instinctively as she looked up at him . " From the first time I heard you play , I was drawn in , " he said . " I kept wondering - what kind of life had this girl lived to play with such sorrow and still , with such strength ? " He looked at her with a gaze that was open and intense , yet there was a concealed infatuation within . " There's something in your music , " Zachary went on . " A story , a fight , and a light that refuses to go out . These past few months , I've watched you come back to life . It was like seeing a pearl once dulled by dust find its shine again . " Every word of his landed with weight . It held a powerful declaration . " I want to stand beside you , not just as someone who admires you . " Zachary looked straight into her eyes , every syllable steady and clear . " Clarisse Hart , .I like you . " I want a chance to be by your side as someone to share your joys and your pain with . Let me be part of your world , be part of your heart , will you ? " Clarisse could feel her heart beating rapidly . There was no denying Zachary's charm . He was gentle , thoughtful , and composed . Being around him these past weeks had brought her a quiet peace she had not felt in a long time . Whenever she played , he was able to catch every nuance in her tone and every tremble of emotion behind the notes . Then , he would give sharp insights and advice accordingly . He was generous with his praises , too . Every time , he would be the first to applaud . He never crossed the line , only stood near enough for her to know he was there . To be seen like that and understood so deeply was dangerously moving for Clarisse at this moment . She could not deny that , in Zachary's presence , her heart had stirred . But just as clearly , she felt the weight of the scars from the betrayal and pain of her previous marriage . She had just come out of a marriage that had nearly broken her . She was tired and was only just now 。 Chapter 16 starting to reclaim a sliver of calm , a measure of control over her own life . 2/2 She could not just jump into something new , handing all her heart and emotions to someone else . Not yet . She was scared of it happening all over again . Even more , she was scared of losing the freedom and serenity she had just achieved . Clarisse remained silent for a long time . Zachary did not press her at all . He just stood there , quietly watching and waiting patiently for her answer . Finally , she met his gaze . Her eyes were clear , and her voice was calm but resolute . " Zachary , thank you for your admiration and … for liking me . You were the first friend I made here . You've helped me a lot , and I appreciate it . " She paused , choosing her words carefully . " But I just came out of a really painful … relationship . Right now , I just want to focus on the piano . Focus on finding who I really am again . " I'm not ready for a new relationship . And this wouldn't be fair to you . " Even though her answer was not unexpected , the light in Zachary's eyes dimmed just slightly . But there was no trace of disappointment or rage from getting rejected . He looked at her quietly , taking in . the resolute refusal in her eyes - the strength of someone who had been through hell and was finally learning to stand again . After a long pause , he smiled with understanding . " I know what you mean , " he said gently . " I guessed you would say that . Still , I couldn't help myself . I felt like some teenager , eager to express how I truly felt . " He gave a low chuckle , easing the weight of the moment . " I hope my confession didn't burden you . I just wanted you to know - you deserve love . What happened before doesn't define you . It shaped you , but it's not your future . You , now , are as radiant as ever . " He did not ask how long she needed , nor did he try to sway her with poetic promises . He simply stepped back , just a little , restoring that space between them . The space she could breathe in and needed to feel safe . Chapter 17 Chapter 17