Clara Bennett
“Clara!” Ryder’s voice cut through the quiet night like a lifeline I didn’t deserve.
I looked up from the park bench, my vision blurry with tears. He was jogging toward me, his black t-shirt clinging to his chest, hair messy from the wind. Even in the middle of my breakdown, he looked strong and worried, like he would move mountains just to reach me. My heart shattered even more at the sight of him.
I tried to stand but my legs gave out, and I sank back onto the cold bench, sobbing harder. The sparkling peach dress was ruined now, dirty at the hem and wrinkled from running. My makeup was streaked down my face, and my loose hair stuck to my wet cheeks.
Ryder dropped to his knees right in front of me on the pavement, not caring about his clothes or who might see. His big ha
