Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 630

The innkeeper welcomed Clara into the lobby and set down a steaming bowl of soup in front of her.

"Eat something first," she said softly. "I added a little medicine for your stomach. You look like you've got a bad case of gastritis."

Clara lowered her head and ate quietly. The world still felt foggy, but as the warm soup settled in her stomach, some of the pain faded.

The innkeeper sat across from her, her voice gentle but firm, like someone who'd seen a lot. "You're still so young. There's nothing you can't get through. Drink up, then go take a walk outside. Sometimes a bit of fresh air is all you need. The things that seem impossible might suddenly make sense."

Clara finished the soup; her lips were cracked and split, the pain obvious just looking at her.

The innkeeper kept trying to comfort her, but Clara's eyes were distant, her mind somewhere else. The woman sighed.

"You know, you have people who care about you. Don't wear yourself out. Oh, and by the way, a man called earlier-just like your brother, he asked me to look after you. You probably didn't know. He gave me a nice sum and said he'd pick you up in a few days. For that kind of money, I made sure your room was spotless, disinfected it twice. I couldn't let anything happen to my little golden guest."

The innkeeper made no secret of her love for a good business deal, saying it all with a frank smile.

flashed for a second, but then that

Was it Z?

but still, he'd gone out of his way to ask the innkeeper to

fingers trembled for a moment before she managed to steady

hasn't it? Why hasn't he come? Maybe wait a little longer. Take care of yourself first. That young man honestly seemed worried about you. He sounded mad, sure, but I could hear the concern underneath. Trust me, I've been around. You can't hide that kind of worry. Even if you don't want to think of yourself, think of him. A good life together is

smile, but the more she listened, the heavier her

clear things up with him, hadn't

the world? By now, she should

the soup, her

"He's not coming."

I have a good ear for these things. A guy who cares that much wouldn't just disappear. Wait

him angry. I'm done waiting. I'll check

her. Clara seemed calm, but there was something empty in her eyes, and it made

put the best