Clara’s two-year relationship with Steven felt like true happiness until subtle shifts began to raise her suspicions. Every Saturday, Steven would disappear, claiming he was visiting his parents. While initial suggestions to join him were met with flimsy excuses, a new, stylish shirt he bought “on sale a while back” (despite his dislike for shopping) and a jewelry store receipt found in the trash fueled Clara’s unease. His evasiveness about being “busy” only intensified her doubts, leading her to decide that the next Saturday, she would uncover the truth behind his mysterious absences.
Clara’s Covert Operation
The following Saturday, Clara feigned a dance class to put Steven at ease. Once he left, she transformed into a “covert detective,” grabbing sunglasses, a scarf, and a “inconspicuous” jacket. Her heart pounded as she followed Steven’s car to a business district, where he pulled into a café. There, he met a tall, elegant blonde woman. They entered the café, laughing and chatting comfortably, leaving Clara bewildered and determined to follow them further.
The Dance Studio Revelation
Clara continued to follow Steven and the blonde through unfamiliar streets until they turned into a sleek parking lot in front of a dance studio. Clara was shocked, as Steven had always claimed to hate dancing. Peeking inside, she saw Steven dancing with the blonde, his hand clasped in hers, his movements clumsy but committed. The betrayal hit Clara hard; Steven had lied about his dislike for dancing, and the blonde woman was none other than Daisy, one of Clara’s former students who had left her studio due to “personal reasons.” Daisy was not just dancing with her boyfriend but also seemingly using her choreography.
Enraged, Clara called her fellow instructor, Jason, urging him to bring her best concert outfit to the studio. Fifteen minutes later, Jason arrived, and Clara changed into a shimmering, attention-grabbing ensemble. With Jason by her side, she marched into the studio. Steven froze, his face paling, while Daisy’s smile vanished. Ignoring Steven’s stammered “Clara?”, Clara and Jason launched into a passionate, show-stopping dance performance. When the music ended, Clara, her voice icy, confronted Daisy: “You’re not welcome in my studio anymore. You’ve stolen enough! My choreography, and my boyfriend.” She then turned to Steven, coldly telling him, “Dance until your feet fall off for all I care. Just don’t do it with me.” Without another word, Clara stormed out, ignoring Steven’s panicked cries of “I did it for us!” That same day, she changed the house locks, packed Steven’s belongings, and left them by the door.
An Unexpected Proposal
The next morning, Clara walked into her studio, ready to immerse herself in work and forget Steven. But she froze when she saw him standing in the middle of the room, holding an enormous bouquet of roses, dressed in that new shirt and trousers. Her bag slipped as she demanded, “What are you doing here?” Steven, without a word, held out his hand as music began to play. Hesitantly, Clara took his hand, and he began to dance a routine she had taught countless times, his movements smooth and precise. As the music faded, Steven dropped to one knee, pulled out a velvet box, and said, “I did this for you. I wanted this moment to be perfect. I love you, Clara. Will you marry me?” Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, “Yes.” Suddenly, applause erupted as her friends, parents, and even Steven’s parents burst in, cheering and shouting “Surprise!” Steven revealed that “Everyone was in on it.” That evening, they celebrated at a restaurant, marking what Clara knew was the happiest day of her life.