Clara Bennett strolled down the sidewalk, her mind a whirl of emotions after learning that James, the man she secretly admired, was in love with someone else. She hugged her coat tighter against the chill, lost in thought about how things had gone awry.

Clara sat across from her best friend, Lila, who listened intently. "He told me he's in love with Sarah because he thinks she saved his mom's life," Clara confessed, her voice tinged with both disbelief and sadness.

Lila sighed, reaching out to squeeze Clara's hand. "You should tell him the truth, Clara. He deserves to know it was you who called for help that day," she urged, her eyes sincere and encouraging.

Clara found James seated on a bench, gazing at the stars. Taking a deep breath, she approached him, her heart pounding with each step. "James, there's something you need to know," she began, her voice steady despite her nerves.

Clara revealed her part in saving James's mother, her words tumbling out in a rush of sincerity and emotion. James listened, his expression shifting from surprise to contemplation as he processed the truth.

James turned to Clara, gratitude and something deeper reflected in his eyes. "I never knew... Thank you, Clara. This changes everything," he said softly, a new understanding blossoming between them as they sat together in the quiet of the night.