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?

all sorts of promises,

on, and

about Z-leaving would hurt-but this

what do you want me to

up on guessing how he felt. Asking directly was

finally turned to face

the first time, Clara saw something raw flicker in his

longing so thick it made it

up from his wheelchair, crossed to the wardrobe,

there, completely

given her had

like the cold, unreachable man she thought she knew had

finally opened, sending a

a cold shower. In

in a bathrobe, water beading down

walked to the window with his

was like the

shifted, suddenly remembering what Aiden had

made her

snapped shut

lights glared overhead, but the

made her

race

all the wrong reasons.

took another step back,

said, "Marry me. Break up