It was the weekend ,the beginning of Cole's mischievous challenge and Clara’s unexpected changes. The air was still and quiet. The streets were empty except for the faint sound of birds perched on trees above.

Cole stood in front of the library doors, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. The building was closed, yet he had been there for nearly half an hour already, as if waiting for something—or someone.

When Clara arrived, carrying her keys and a small stack of books, she froze at the sight of him.

“Cole?” Clara asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Why are you here? The library isn’t even open yet.”

Cole gave a boyish smile, too casual to be convincing.“Good morning. I just… came early. Thought I’d get some reading done. You know me…books don’t wait.”

“You’re too early. The library doesn’t open for another thirty minutes.”

“I don’t mind waiting. Quiet mornings are… useful.”

Clara eyed him skeptically, slipping the key into the lock “Are you meeting one of your supposed fans here? A date? Or maybe a signing event?”

“What do you take me for?” He gasped, placing his palm on his chest “I am here to study”.

“Right. The guy who barely touched a book in school suddenly wakes up at dawn just to read. That’s believable.”

The door clicked open. She pushed it wide, ignoring him, and went inside.

Cole followed smiling.“So…why did you take up the librarian job, is that how much you love the library?”

“Cole, you’re not supposed to be in here yet. If you’re not here to read, please leave. Don't disturb me.”

She moved to the nearest shelf, stacking the books she had carried in, her movements sharp, focused, and dismissive.

Cole leaned casually against a table, watching her “Of course I’m here to read. But… Come on, Clara, is it really disturbing you if I try to talk? I mean, your brother and I are close. I’ve known him for years, yet when it comes to you, I know absolutely nothing. Don’t you think that’s strange?”

Clara didn’t glance at him. She dusted off a row of books as though they mattered more than his words“Not really, It just means I prefer it that way.”

Her tone was flat, her eyes focused anywhere but on him.

Cole chuckled softly, shaking his head.

“Cold as ice. You don’t even want to give me a chance.”

“Because I don’t owe you one.”

She tied up her hair, placing it in a bun, as she moved round the library, checking and dusting the books. Cole watched her eagerly, her short white dress hiked just above her knees, her brown eyes glistened in the early sunlight. She had a slender body , rosy cheeks and light pink lips

“How did I not know that someone as beautiful and smart as you existed, it's like you are a ghost”

“It won't work, don't waste your time” Clara responded.

For a moment, Cole said nothing, only watched her as if searching for cracks in her iron walls. Finally, he pushed off the table and walked toward the shelves.

“Fine. I’ll read.”

He pulled a random book, flipping through the pages without looking at them. Then, quieter, he added “But I don’t think there’s anything wrong in wanting to know the librarian a little better.”

Clara froze, her hand lingering on the spine of a book. She didn’t turn, didn’t answer, but for the first time, she felt the weight of his eyes—not just curious, but intent.

She didn’t even look at him. “And I’d like to keep it that way.”

Cole sighed, straightened, and began idly pacing behind the counter.

That was when he spotted it—tucked neatly where no one else would see.

A book, not on the shelves, not in the return cart but hidden in the librarian desk drawer.

He picked it up casually“What’s this doing here? Shouldn’t it be on display with the others?”

Clara’s head whipped up “Don’t—”

“Why is there anything you don't want me to see? Something naughty?” He grinned.

Clara stretched her hands to collect it but Cole was two steps ahead.

He lifted the book above his head, teasing Clara. “Nah. Now I have to see what you’re so protective of.”

“Cole, I’m not kidding!” she snapped, trying to snatch it.

Clara stretched and stretched and jumped but just couldn't get it. Cole was a solid 6’feet and Clara was a 5’1.

He ran to the far end of the library and Clara followed.

He laughed, dodging around the table as she chased him. “Come on, Bennett, just let me have a peek. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Cole!” Her voice cracked—not in anger, but something else.

He opened the book. Pages fluttered until one stopped, and his brows lifted. “Huh. Someone’s handwriting.”

The reaction was instant. Clara froze, the blood draining from her face. Her hands trembled before she lunged forward, slamming the book shut so fast it startled him. She clutched it tight against her chest like it was something alive.

Cole's eyes furrowed “Why are you shaking? It’s just a book. People scribble in margins all the time.”

She didn’t answer him . Her gaze flickered away, jaw tight, arms locked around the book as if daring him to try again.

And for the first time since he’d walked in, the cocky grin on Cole’s face faltered into something sharper. Something curious.

“…Unless this isn’t just a book.”

“I —don't —know what you are talking about,” Clara stuttered .

“Really…?”

“Just get out!” Clara yelled “Out!”

“The way you are acting makes me feel like there is something you are hiding”he claimed.

Cole cornered Clara to the wall, his hands placed on it as he hovered over her. Clara raised her head, still clutching the book. Their eyes met and Cole leaned in closer, trapping the space between them.

“Tell me Clara Bennett…what's your little secret?”