Severed Ties

But the glint in Desmond's eyes quickly turned ice-cold, a sharp, painful sting.

Sensing his gaze, Clara turned to meet his flat, emotionless stare. The old anxiety, the fear of not being good enough, had all evaporated the moment she stepped into the court.

He was nothing to her now but a stranger she was cutting ties with.

With that thought, Clara simply said, "Back off."

Desmond was confused.