Bright Fire

"HEY."

Clara's heart melted at the sound of Fuego's gentle voice on the other line.

She just got home, feeling exhausted from the trip. After Aunt Carlota brought up about Josef del Mar over dinner, she lost her appetite, and her mood worsened. She wanted to cancel their shopping tomorrow if she could. Clara already felt sick.

But Fuego called just when she was about to retire for the night. Her spirits lifted up in an instant.

"Hey," she replied, biting her lip.

"Did I disturb you?"

"Not at all. I was actually glad you called. I went out for dinner with my aunt, and I am so tired." Clara took a deep breath. "How was your day?"

"Bloody." Then, Fuego chuckled.

"What do you mean? What happened?" Clara was worried all of a sudden.

"One of the cows gave birth, and I had to be Jeremy's assistant."

She sighed.

"Oh, were you all right?" She was relieved it was nothing serious. "Yup. I'm used to it."

"I could only imagine how you looked the whole time." Clara giggled.

"I'm glad you did not see me." Fuego laughed.

Her heart fluttered. Now it was just her and Fuego in their own world.

"By the way, I'm going this weekend to attend Casa del Mar's opening."

Clara blinked in surprise.

"R-really? I'm going there, too. My aunt got an invitation."

"Great!" he said ecstatically. "Oh, I forgot to mention to you that Julian del Mar is my half-brother."

She laughed weakly.

"The world is smaller than we thought, Fuego. I would find out about it eventually." And she wished she did not have to find out Fuego's relationship with Josef. Things were already complicated from the beginning, and it only worsened. "I can't wait to see you there," he said.

Clara took a deep breath as pain crossed her heart.

"Me, too. B-but can you do me a favor, Fuego?"

"What is it?" he asked eagerly.

"C-can you pretend that we did not know each other, and we only met for the first time?" She swallowed the imaginary lump in her throat.

"What?" Fuego uttered in disbelief. "Clara, you're kidding, right?"

"My aunt can't know about this. She did not know what I was up to when she was away."

"Your aunt is more controlling than I thought, Clara."

"I-I'm sorry, Fuego." She stared down at her lap. "I don't want to make her mad."

"Do you expect me to be okay with this?" he asked in a stern tone.

Clara shut her eyes tight.

"I'm sorry."

She heard him sigh.

"I can't do anything about it, can I?" he said afterward. "Remind me again when we see each other. I guess we should call it a night. Good-bye, Clara." "B-bye, Fuego."

He hung up.

What an unpleasant

to end the day. Clara could not believe their conversation ended just like that. Fuego was clearly ups

She would be more than proud to introduce Fuego to the world. He was a great guy, but Aunt Carlota did not seem to have an open mind about it. There was more than Josef del Mar's name and fortune her aunt was after. She was more than embarrassed about herself than ever. She was a grown-up woman who could not decide for herself because gratitude toward her aunt was holding her back. She was weak and easy to control. Fuego did not deserve a woman like her.

"I'M SORRY, Auntie. I am not feeling well today. I don't think I can go shopping with you," Clara said during breakfast.

Aunt Carlota was reading news on her tablet. She took a sip of her coffee before smiling at her.

"Is that so, my dear? Don't worry. We can just have my personal stylist come here." She clicked and swiped on her tablet. Then she showed an elegant black dress sold in the app. "What do you think of this dress? I'm sure this will look good on you. I noticed that you gained some weight just like I told you to do."

No, it was not because Aunt Carlota told her so. She gained weight because she was enjoying every meal she shared with Fuego and the people of Tierra Felicia.

"That looks elegant and really expensive." Clara smiled half-heartedly.

"I'll choose some more, and the stylist can all bring them here later. I suggest you get lots of beauty rest. First impression is the most important."

Clara only stared at Aunt Carlota as she focused her attention on her gadget. She had no appetite, honestly. The upcoming event this weekend was like a sentence to her.

Clara went back to her room and slumped to bed. There was no call or any messages from Fuego. Was he still upset?

She wanted to call first, but for what? To apologize again? She doubted if that would change anything.

Clara turned when someone knocked on the door. She got up enthusiastically and opened it. Aunt Carlota must have forgotten something to tell her.

But it was Rosa standing outside, holding a fresh orange juice and egg pie from Tierra Felicia.

"This might help you feel better," Rosa said with a smile.

Well, even the tiniest thing could remind her about Fuego. But she let Rosa in with a smile. "Thank you, Rosa," she said and sat on the bed.

"Is something wrong?" the housekeeper asked as she put the food on the bedside table.

"I don't want to go to that party, Rosa."

"I wish I had a magic wand to make your wish come true, Clara."

Clara laughed weakly.

"I wish you'd find the reason and the courage to break away from Carlota's control. You deserved to be happy." Rosa tapped her cheek. "The sooner, the better." Clara smiled. Rosa's sincerity touched her.

Never once did Aunt Carlota ask her the things that could make her happy. It was always the things that would please her aunt. And still, Clara did not feel she was good enough for her.

THE SMOOTH sound of the orchestra mixed along with the chattering of people scattered in the spacious floor of Casa del Mar. The chandeliers ostentatiously hanging on the high ceiling gave the venue a golden glow.

Clara and Aunt Carlota were late. Not that it bothered her aunt. She preferred a grand entrance when given a chance. Clara saw she succeeded. Pairs of eyes, from young and old, reverted to them as they made their way through the crowd. Clara struggled to keep up with Aunt Carlota in her red stilettos. She wore a black lace dress which her aunt picked herself.

Aunt Carlota smiled tirelessly at familiar faces. Clara could only sigh in secret.

She distracted herself by surveying the interior of the two-floor restaurant. She was impressed. It spoke of history and elegance.

She wondered if Fuego was already there. She still did not know what to say to him.

A waiter approached and offered them wine. Aunt Carlota gladly grabbed a glass, while Clara politely declined. She was not in the mood, and the crowd was overwhelming.

"Carlota," a middle-aged man called.

"Sancho," Aunt Carlota replied.

"Excuse me, Auntie. I'll just get some drinks," Clara said and retreated.

She heaved a sigh as she desperately look for a spot she can be alone. She saw a grand piano at the bottom of the stairs. She slouched in front of the instrument.

What should I do now?

"Why so sad, beautiful lady?"

Clara jumped at the voice. She looked up, and she was met by a handsome face. Her heart skipped a bit but only to be disappointed right away. She thought it was Fuego. But instead, he looked just like him. "A-are you talking to me?" she said.

"Who else if not to the woman who was sitting on my piano?" he said with a charismatic smile.

Her eyes widened.

"Oh, no. I-I'm sorry! I did not mean to-" Clara was about to stand up, but the man put a hand on her shoulder and pushed her gently.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking you to leave. But do you mind if I sit with you?"

"I-I..." Clara moved aside a bit to give him space. She did not want to be rude, though she was a little uncomfortable.

"This party had just begun, but I'm bored already," he said. "I'm Josef del Mar. You are?"

"C-Clara del Cielo."

"What a beautiful name."

He knew his way around women, Clara thought. Is Aunt Carlota sure that this is the man he wanted for me?

Come on, Clara. He's just like Fuego, another part of her mind screamed. It's not a surprise it runs in the family.

"T-thank you," she replied.

"Are you alone?"

"I'm with my aunt."

He chuckled.

"No, I mean, do you have a date?"

She shook her head.

Josef placed his hands on the keys.

"Do you mind?" he asked.

"G-go ahead," she said.

Josef smiled at her before he played soulful music on the piano. His beautiful, slender fingers danced along with the white and black keys. Clara was genuinely impressed. She had never seen someone played the piano as close as this! Soon she began to notice that the people started to gather around them. They all looked amazed and impressed toward the young man who was serenading the night.

Josef ignored the world around him and indulged himself in a passionate performance. The more she gazed at him, the more she longed for Fuego.

When he finished playing, the room was filled with loud applause and compliments. Josef smiled at them while Clara wished she could disappear from everyone's sight. She met Aunt Carlota's gaze, and she was smiling from ear to ear.

"Thank you, everyone. I hope it improved your mood. Please enjoy the rest of the evening, but drink moderately!" Josef said.

They raised their glasses before going back to business.

"It's nice to meet you, Clara," he said.

Clara blinked in surprise. She really thought she had disappeared in the background.

"It's nice to meet you, too, Josef."

"I hope I am not bothering you."

Well, yes, he was. But she was in his territory, and he was just trying to entertain her.

"N-no, it's okay. I'm the one who's supposed to say that."

"Should I give you a tour upstairs? If you like art, I could show you some great pieces."

That sounds fun, though.

"I would appreciate that. Thank you," she said quietly.

"The pleasure is mine." Josef stood up first and offered his hand.

Clara accepted it as she left her seat. Josef put her hand in his arm as he guided her to the stairs.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

"H-hmm?" She blinked as she stared into his face.

Josef laughed.

"You look cute with that expression."

"A-ah." Clara scratched the back of her ear. "I... I am seeing someone."

"Then, I hope he was not a jealous one. Because I really like to be friends with you, Clara."

She only smiled half-heartedly.

Josef gestured at the paintings on the hallway.

"Most of these paintings were centuries old. They were actually more expensive than this house. This is one of the biggest risks I took in my life. To me, this isn't just a restaurant. I want to preserve the remaining history, so people would not forget how far we've come."

"It's not hard to tell that you were always a bright student, and you're an old soul," Clara remarked with a smile.

"I'm just lucky that Dad and Grandpa were supportive of my inclination toward history and business."

"Don't tell me you are planning to convert haunted heritage houses and buildings into hotels, too."

Josef, taken by complete surprise, laughed heartily.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Clara. I am."

Clara laughed.

"My aunt owns hotels and restaurants, too," she said.

"You must know a lot, then."

"No, unfortunately. She said I am not yet ready to handle such responsibility. But I ran my own coffee shop. It was a tiny place in town. It's doing fine. That's all that matters for now."

"I should drop by one of these days, then."

"H-huh?" Clara uttered, looking perplexed. "I, um... aren't you a busy person? My coffee shop is nothing compared to the ones you have been to."

"I'm after the coffee, Clara. You can't drink a brand name, can you?"

Clara laughed shyly.

"Well, you have a point."