Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 495

Ryan stood by the hospital bed, his hand hovering mid-air, wanting to gently ruffle her hair but hesitating to follow through. Sarah didn't notice his gesture, lost in her own sorrow, clutching her hair as if it were brittle straw. He opened his mouth, but words failed him. He felt like a total jerk.

Unable to stand the tension, Ryan left the room, heading to the hospital's smoking area. He lit up two cigarettes, watching people hustle past, feeling as if the world around him wasn't quite real. Then his phone rang-it was Clara.

"Hey Ryan, I just dropped off a gift at your place. The housekeeper said you weren't home. Happy birthday!" Clara's voice was cheerful. She and Megan had picked out the gift, hoping it would be perfect for him. They'd spent the afternoon shopping, not wanting to spend New Year's Eve alone.

Ryan crushed the cigarette underfoot, not really a smoker, just trying to mask the bitterness in his mouth. He took a deep breath and headed downstairs, planning to go home.

But as he turned to leave, Sarah appeared from the hospital room, looking ghostly pale, her eyes vacant. She walked forward, muttering under her breath. "I won't forgive Clara... I won't forgive Clara."

chest. He felt like he was failing everyone-Sarah, who was carrying his child; his father's teachings; and especially his mother, because of

lost, like she was being suffocated by invisible vines. In her despair, she lashed out, slapping Ryan across the face. He turned his head

Sarah seem to realize what she'd done. Her eyes widened as she stared at her hand, taking a step back. "Ryan, did you know? was really looking forward to this baby I've had nothing my whole life. My family always wanted boys, and I've always longed for a family of my own. I'll admit, that night with you, I had my reasons, but my feelings were real. I used to like Dylan. He was like a god to me, but I woke up. Being with you felt real. You weren't perfect, you didn't love me, but because of the baby, you were kind. I thought

if trying to block out everything. Ryan held her close, his voice softening. "There'll be other children. From now on,

those words seemed to extinguish the last light in her eyes. She tried to smile, but no

No one believed she truly

which

face was pale as she turned towards the room, her