Somewhere Between Almost And Always

Claudia Fritzroy was born with everything-wealth, comfort, and a name that turned heads. But it was only when she met Natasha Quinn Tala, a fierce and brilliant girl from the province, that she began to understand the world beyond her estate walls. Rivals at first, they clashed in school halls and debates, but somewhere between competition and conversation, rivalry softened into friendship, and friendship quietly bloomed into love.

But fate, as cruel as it is unpredictable, tore them apart.

Now Claudia walks through life with a smile forged in mirrors and guilt etched deep in her bones. Natasha suffered in silence, the weight of the world heavy on her shoulders-and Claudia carries what's left: memories, regret, and love that came too late. This is a story of friendship born in friction, love found in unlikely places, and the ache of knowing you couldn't save the one person who showed you how to feel.

"Give me a sign, Natasha. Just one... and I swear I'll move forward. But right now, every step feels like betrayal. I'm scared to chase what we planned-without your hand in mine, without your voice beside me. So please... show me that it's okay to breathe without breaking."-Claudia

"Seeing you live the life we dreamed of-seeing you achieve it for both of us-brings me peace, Claudia. I was always ready to fall... but you were always meant to fly. Don't let my absence chain you. Carry me, but don't bury yourself with me. My freedom is watching you become everything we whispered about under the stars."-Natasha