Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

His words carried no emotion-light, almost casual.

But Clara just knew: if she didn't answer the way he wanted, things would go horribly wrong for her.

This wasn't just a question. It was the kind of moment that could change her entire life.

She didn't know who her real father was, and honestly, there was nothing keeping her in the Capital. Maybe if she left the country, Dylan's problems would finally go away.

Walter only wanted to see Dylan's attitude, after all.

Clara clutched the collar of her sweater, thinking for what felt like ages, searching his back for any hint of what he wanted. Nothing.

Finally, after a long silence, she whispered, "Okay. I promise. I won't ever come back."

The mood in the room shifted instantly-dark and suffocating.

Clara's face went white. She had no idea how her answer had set him off again.

Hadn't he asked her to say exactly that?

He looked at her and said quietly, "Clara, when you answered just now, did your boyfriend even cross your mind for a second?"

She went silent.

Yes, she liked Z. But right now, her own situation mattered more.

Love couldn't solve everything. And who could say for sure if the person you're

with is really the one you'll spend your life with?

of promises, but one day

on, and remarry all

hurt-but

you want me to

on guessing how

finally turned to face

the first time, Clara saw something raw

made it hard to breathe. She

wardrobe, pulled out fresh clothes, and went into the

stood there,

given her had

man she thought she knew

the bathroom door finally opened,

taken a cold shower. In the middle of

out in a bathrobe, water

as he walked to the window with his eyes lowered, drops

hadn't felt much before, but now it was like the whole

what

made her even

shut with a single

overhead,

closing made

race

all the wrong reasons.

another step back, watching him

her and said, "Marry me. Break up with