Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 3

She didn't know who else to turn to for the $2,000 she desperately needed, so by nine that evening, she found herself dialing Dylan's number once more, albeit

reluctantly.

A deep, cold voice, reminiscent of snow crunching underfoot in winter, answered. "Clara?"-

Clara felt an invisible hand squeeze her throat, a wave of helplessness crashing over her. "Hey, Dylan, could you lend me $20,000? I'm at the hospital and can't cover the medical bills."

From the other end, she could hear his steady breathing and the faint rustle of fabric. Just when Clara braced herself for a refusal, he surprised her by asking, "What's your account number?"

"I... let me find it."

She frantically grabbed her bag and rummaged through it, terrified he might hang up. The nurse had assured her it was hers, but it seemed to contain only makeup essentials. Finally, she found a bank card hidden in the innermost pocket and quickly relayed the number to him.

alert on her phone confirmed that the funds

who hadn't shunned her. For three long minutes, she lingered in silence, unsure of what to say next. Miraculously, Dylan didn't hang up either. The only connection between them now was the faint sound of their breaths over

"Dylan, I..."

"Are you badly hurt?"

but Clara detected a hint of concern-the kind she had longed for since waking up. Touched but at a loss for words, she managed to say, "I'm okay now. Thanks.

plan on deceiving

her thoughts swirling. What did he mean by that? Had she lied to Dylan before? The more she

her discharge paperwork. As she stood at the hospital entrance, she felt lost, unsure of where to go next. She had no money and no clue where her home

taxi dropped her off at a stunning house with an impeccably maintained garden. The driver tapped the steering wheel. "A hundred bucks, cash or

The window rolled down, revealing Simon's face, with

looking genuinely concerned. "Clara, are you out

with tiny gems and her handbag was a limited edition, worth at least a couple

Dylan is your boyfriend." Quinn's eyes