Allies and Adversaries [13]

Clark and Chloe walked back to the stand where his parents were, their hands discreetly intertwined. They exchanged knowing smiles as they approached the booth where Martha and Jonathan were organizing fresh produce.

Martha, who was adjusting some fruit baskets, looked up as the two approached and noticed how close they seemed. A gentle smile appeared on her face.

"You two seem pretty close," Martha commented teasingly as she continued to arrange the produce.

Without hesitation, Chloe flashed a wide smile and replied, "Well... Clark and I are officially together now. You know, as a couple."

Martha raised her eyebrows, surprised but clearly happy. "Really? That's wonderful news! I'm so happy for both of you."

Clark, maintaining his usual composed demeanor, simply smiled and nodded slightly, while glancing at Chloe, who seemed more at ease talking about their new relationship.

"I always knew you two would make a great couple," Martha added, winking at Chloe before returning to her work.

Jonathan, who had been checking some crates by the truck, walked over after overhearing the conversation. "Chloe's a good match for you, Clark," he said with an approving smile. "You two are lucky to have found each other."

"Thanks, Dad," Clark responded, grabbing a box of apples. He knew his parents had always thought highly of Chloe, and hearing this only strengthened his confidence in their relationship.

Chloe blushed slightly at the compliments and squeezed Clark's hand affectionately. "I feel lucky to be with him," she said, smiling sincerely at Clark.

Clark smiled back, not saying much, but feeling the support from his parents.

"Now, let's get back to work before the customers start flooding in," Jonathan said, chuckling as Clark carried the box of apples toward the truck.

...

Across the market, Lana stood in front of a booth, admiring some hanging glass butterflies. The sunlight reflected off the delicate sculptures, and she seemed mesmerized by their intricate details.

"Hi, Lana." A familiar male voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Lana turned around to see Greg Arkin standing a few feet away. However, something felt off. He looked different—not just physically, but also in his posture and energy. There was something more intense in his gaze.

"Greg? Is that you?" Lana asked, surprised. "I... almost didn't recognize you."

Greg smiled, but there was something unsettling about it. "I've changed a lot, Lana. But it's good to see you. Actually, I was wondering... could you help me with a school project?"

Lana, always kind and willing to help, nodded. "Of course, Greg. What's the project about?"

"It's something for biology," Greg replied, stepping a little closer. "I really need help, and I think you'd be perfect for it. We could go to my house—it's easier to show than explain."

Lana hesitated for a moment, but Greg's friendly demeanor made her lower her guard. "Okay. I can stop by after I finish here."

Greg smiled again, but this time there was a deeper intensity in his eyes. "Thanks, Lana. I'll be waiting."

As Greg walked away, Lana returned her gaze to the glass butterflies, but something about her encounter with Greg left her feeling uneasy. She took a deep breath, trying to ignore the strange feeling.

Clark was carrying a box of apples toward the truck, his hands steady as he balanced the weight easily. As he passed through the market, he noticed a scene that caught his attention. Greg was walking away from Lana with a smile on his face.

"Looks like it's time to squash a bug," Clark thought, immediately recognizing who Greg was. "Seems like the plot of the second episode has finally started."

Clark knew Greg was turning into something dangerous, and he needed to stay alert. Continuing toward the truck, he placed the box of apples in the back and, as he turned, came face-to-face with Lex.

"Clark," Lex said, smiling as he saw his friend. "I was just thinking about you. I finished reading the book you gave me."

Clark, surprised by Lex's sudden appearance, smiled lightly. "Really? What did you think?"

Lex, with his characteristic enthusiasm, gave a small smile, clearly impressed. "The book is incredible, Clark. *Harry Potter*... I was completely engrossed in the story. You've got real talent."

Clark raised an eyebrow, surprised by Lex's excitement.

Lex laughed, shaking his head. "I'll let you in on a little secret. I bought a publishing company. I thought it would be the easiest way to make sure your work gets published properly."

Clark, clearly taken aback, looked at Lex with a mix of shock and disbelief. "You bought a publishing company... just to publish my book?"

Lex shrugged, as if it were a simple matter. "I wanted to make sure your book got the attention it deserves. And honestly, it was an investment I've been wanting to make for a while."

Clark chuckled, shaking his head. "I asked you to help me get the book published... and you bought an entire publishing company."

Lex gave a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling. "When I do something, I do it right. Now, all you need to worry about is writing. Leave the rest to me."

Clark crossed his arms, still trying to process how far Lex was willing to go to help him. "A businessman like you really wants to get this involved?"

"Of course," Lex replied without hesitation. "When I see potential in something, I like to make sure it reaches its full potential."

Clark looked directly into Lex's eyes, trying to catch any hint of dishonesty or ulterior motives. However, as he read Lex's thoughts, he realized Lex was being completely sincere. Lex genuinely wanted to help and seemed to see something special in Clark beyond their budding friendship.

"Thanks, Lex. I really appreciate this," Clark said, his tone more calm and sincere.

"You're going places, Clark. I know it," Lex said, giving one last smile before walking away. "Now, I have some business to attend to, but keep me updated on the next chapters."

Clark nodded at Lex, watching him disappear into the crowd of market stalls. He was still processing everything, but he knew that despite Lex's ambitious nature, he genuinely seemed interested in their friendship and in supporting his projects.

.....

The day at the Farmer's Market passed quickly, with many customers coming and going. The sun was beginning to set, and the stalls were starting to be dismantled. Clark and Chloe had spent most of the day helping at the Kents' booth, and now, as the last customers left, they finally had a chance to relax.

"It's time to go, don't you think?" Chloe said as she adjusted a few empty boxes.

"Yeah, I think we've done enough for today," Clark replied, tossing the last box into the back of the truck.

Martha, who was cleaning the booth's counter, smiled at them. "Thank you both for your help. You can go home—we'll finish up here."

Clark nodded, smiling at his mom. "Okay, Mom. We'll head out."

"You two take care, alright? And Chloe, it was great having you around today," Jonathan added, carrying one last box to the truck.

"Thank you, Mr. Kent. It was a lot of fun," Chloe said, waving to Martha and Jonathan as she followed Clark to the truck.

Clark got into the driver's seat and waited for Chloe to settle in the passenger seat before starting the engine.

*Vruuum!*

The soft hum of the engine filled the quiet road as they drove away from the market, heading toward the Kent farm.

...

When they arrived at the farm, night had already fallen, and the sky was dotted with stars. The tranquility of the countryside was almost palpable, and the distant sound of crickets completed the scene.

"Do you want to head to the barn? I'm just going to the bathroom quickly and I'll meet you there," Clark said as he parked the truck and turned off the engine.

"Sure, I'll wait for you there," Chloe replied with a smile.

Chloe got out of the truck and walked toward the barn, her footsteps soft in the quiet night. Clark watched her for a moment before heading into the house and toward the bathroom.

Inside the barn, Chloe looked around, her hands lightly brushing the railing of the stairs leading to the second floor.

"I'll take a look upstairs," she murmured to herself, climbing the stairs quietly.

The second floor of the barn was spacious and simple, but there was something magical about it. Clark's telescope was positioned near one of the large windows, and Chloe immediately felt drawn to it. She approached it, her fingers lightly touching the cold metal of the telescope before glancing around to make sure Clark hadn't arrived yet.

"Why not take a peek while he's not here?" Chloe said with a playful smile, leaning in to adjust the telescope.

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