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?

made Z all sorts of promises,

on, and remarry all the

hurt-but this was still her best

you want

guessing how he felt.

finally turned to face

the first time, Clara saw something raw

it made it hard

up from his wheelchair, crossed to the wardrobe, pulled out fresh clothes,

stood there,

he'd given her had rattled

cold, unreachable man she thought she

the bathroom door finally opened,

shower.

a bathrobe, water

he walked to the

but now it was like the whole room was charged with something

shifted, suddenly remembering what Aiden

made her even more

snapped shut with a single

lights glared overhead, but the sound

closing made her

race

all the wrong reasons.

took another step back, watching

and said, "Marry