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

mourn, move on, and

would hurt-but this

do you want me to say, Mr.

guessing how he felt.

turned

something

so thick it made it hard to breathe.

stood up from his wheelchair, crossed to the wardrobe, pulled out

there,

given her had

like the cold, unreachable man she thought

frozen until the bathroom door finally opened, sending a blast of cold air into the

a cold shower. In the

in a bathrobe, water beading

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

but now it was like the

what

her even

curtains snapped shut

glared overhead, but

made her thosen

race

all the wrong reasons.

took another step

looked at her and said, "Marry me. Break up