He had expected disgust — but instead, he saw compassion.
Care.
“Water,” he whispered.
Throughout the ceremony, Clara stayed by his side.
When it was time for photos, she didn’t step away.
She held his hand—large, rough, and trembling.
THE TEST
After the wedding, they were taken to Don Baste’s mansion.
“You’ll sleep on the sofa,” Baste ordered inside the bedroom.
“I’m too big—you won’t be comfortable in the bed. And one more thing…
Clean my feet before I sleep. And feed me.”
Don Baste was testing her.
He pretended to be lazy.
Messy.
Rude.
Cruel.
“This food is awful!” he shouted, throwing his plate.
“You’re too slow! Wipe my back!”
For three months, Clara became his caretaker.
And yet, she never complained.
“I’m sorry, Don Baste. I’ll try harder tomorrow,” was always her gentle reply.
Every night, while Baste slept—or pretended to—Clara softly spoke as she massaged his swollen feet.
“I know you’re kind,” she whispered.
