There wasn't a single person outside the marriage office that morning.

It wasn't until the car pulled up in front of a quiet, out-of-the-way building at the back that Clara realized Dylan had set up the whole thing just for the two of them. No crowds. No witnesses. Just them.

Inside, a clerk was waiting. The man standing near the door looked like he might pass out from nerves, dabbing sweat off his forehead with a tissue.

Clara watched the clerk flip through her documents, and the words slipped out before she could stop herself.

"I'm not here by choice," she said flatly.

The clerk's hand froze above the stamp. For a heartbeat, it seemed like he'd heard her but then he just pretended nothing happened and kept going.

When it was time for their photo, she and Dylan were led into another room. The bodyguards in black suits stayed behind. The clerk wouldn't even meet her eyes.

As the camera turned their way, Clara tried again.

"Seriously, can't you see? I don't want to be here."

The clerk just smiled awkwardly, wiping his forehead even harder. "Please, look at the camera-both of you. Smile a little, the photo goes on your marriage certificate."

Clara couldn't have smiled if she tried. She just stared ahead, stone-faced.

close to it as she'd

a sharp pain shot through her head. She pressed her fingers to her temple, trying to ease it, but old memories

I marry you when I'm

you'll wait

"I'll like you forever."

so sharp she couldn't help but frown. Somewhere in the background, she heard the clerk urging, "Ms. Clara, please just a

camera, like she

to develop the photos, leaving them

she realized

just

and Dylan left in the tiny

glanced over at him, confused by the way he seemed so... happy. It was

a good person. I really don't want us to

smile on Dylan's face faded, lips pressing into a

she was getting through to him, Clara crouched so she could look

never want me to marry you.

Then, before she could react, he reached out and pulled

were lost when he

of something dark-like he was putting an end to the conversation, no

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255