Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 110

Ryan shuffled back to the living room, rummaging through drawers until he finally stumbled upon a set of keys. Standing outside Clara's makeshift prison, a pang of unease washed over him-he felt a bit too easily swayed.

Clara had already caught his approaching footsteps, and called out impatiently, "Come on, open the door! What's the holdup?"

"Promise me, Clara, you won't slap me again," Ryan pleaded, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

Clara rolled her eyes but relented with a half-hearted, "Alright, I promise I won't slap you."

With that assurance, Ryan unlocked the door and involuntarily stepped back when Clara stormed past him, making a beeline for the exit. The air in the house had become stifling for her, and she couldn't bear another moment of it.

Ryan trailed her closely, his voice tinged with urgency. "Are you really leaving now? Can't you at least fix me a meal first? Is this just a hit-and-run?"

Clara paused at the doorway, her face a mask of indifference. Ryan felt a sting in his chest, a heavy weight settling in as he averted his gaze. "Fine, go ahead. It's not like I'm desperate for your cooking. I always knew you didn't care much about me."

and drove away. Once, he could sense her care, but now it felt

brother held him back. So he stood there, rooted, as she

dinner out. Quinn was in a buoyant mood and ready to confront Clara, but the

time, pinning Ryan with a sharp look. "Did

now aware of how he'd been played, felt deflated. Quinn's accusing tone only deepened his discomfort. "What else could I do? That room's meant for the maid.

heart skipped a beat. Her brother, once her staunch ally, had let Clara go on his own.

expression turned icy as she clenched her hands at her sides. She

welled with tears.

see me as the bad

"Quinn, I didn't mean it like that.

a word, Quinn

leaving Ryan

gently nudged