Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 543

Clara thought she'd be up all night, but she fell asleep almost instantly. In her dream, Z was there.

She'd never seen Z's face-not in real life, not even in dreams-so everything was just darkness and shadows. Through a thick, smoky haze, Z's voice cut through, sharp and accusing.

"Why did you leave me?"

The anger in his voice softened, turning raw and vulnerable.

"Don't leave me... please."

A dull ache spread through Clara's chest. She wanted to say something, anything to comfort him, but the truth was heavy: she'd somehow gotten married, almost by accident. Whether she wanted it or not, it was done, and nothing could change that.

The dream shifted. Suddenly, she was back in that little villa, standing by the coffee table. A dim lamp glowed nearby, lighting up the two red marriage certificates on the table.

Her heart twisted painfully. She glanced at Z, desperate to see his reaction. All she heard was, "Aren't you going to explain?"

Even though she knew it was just a dream, panic rushed through her. Her heart hammered, and she couldn't get a single word out.

"Clara, you said as long as the red bean bracelet was on your wrist, we'd always be together, right?"

"You told me you loved me. That you weren't just messing with me."

"You made so many promises. I remember every single word. Guess you were lying."

else and make me

tried to speak, to explain, but her mouth wouldn't move, like it had been sewn

little red booklets, wanting to rip them apart- maybe that would make things right, or

slow and deliberate, and started to walk

after him. "Z, where are

tried to catch up,

don't care about me. I just want

want you

jolted awake, gasping for breath,

fragile, all-consuming when it

in sweat. She glanced outside; the sky was still pitch

in the yard. Suddenly, an idea flashed in her mind-could she sneak out

pulled on some clothes and slipped downstairs. Halfway through

nearly bumped straight

He was awake too?

were ringed with dark circles. When he

said nothing, and pretended she was

she was sure

She broke into a run,

near the

guards