Chapter 54

CLARA'S POV.

I entered the study room, feeling healed and whole after my recent injuries. Sebastian was sitting at his desk, engrossed in his work. I walked over to him and leaned in to kiss him, but he seemed distant and uncomfortable with my closeness. His lips barely grazed mine before he pulled away.

"What's wrong, Sebastian?" I asked, trying to read his emotionless expression.

"Nothing," he replied curtly, his attention returning to the papers on his desk.

I could feel the frustration boiling inside me. This was not the first time he had pulled away from me, and I couldn't understand why. I sat on his lap, hoping to get his attention, but he remained distant.

"Is it Hailee?" I asked, feeling a surge of anger rising in me. "Is she trying to take you away from me?"

Sebastian looked up at me, his expression unreadable. "Hailee has nothing to do with this," he said firmly.

But I didn't believe him. I knew Hailee had been getting too close to him lately, and it was only a matter of ti