Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 639

Clara stayed in bed until seven, barely noticing when someone knocked softly on her door. One of the housekeepers called out, "Would you like something to eat, Ms. Clara?"

She just felt irritated, rolling over and pulling the blanket tighter around herself.

This time, the housekeeper sounded more anxious. “Ma'am, please, you should have a little something. Sir asked us to take care of you before he left. We made some soup-you don't look well, and a bowl of soup might help."

With a sigh, Clara finally dragged herself out of bed and into the bathroom. She stared at her reflection; she looked awful-her skin was pale, dark circles shadowed her eyes. No wonder Dylan had told her to rest.

She splashed her face with cold water, but it did nothing to ease the restless frustration buzzing inside her.

Steeling herself, she opened her bedroom door.

The housekeeper's eyes immediately brightened with relief.

Clara realized she couldn't keep running herself into the ground. She needed to

take care of herself first-everything else could wait.

She went downstairs and managed a few bites. Heading back upstairs, she

paused outside the guest room, but a man in a black suit stepped out and silently blocked her way, gesturing that she was expected to sleep in the master

bedroom.

Clara's face darkened. Without a word, she turned and went into the master bedroom, closing the door behind her with a loud slam.

down, but sleep wouldn't come. All she could hear was Z's

tell you—if you ever leave me, I'll

herself, hoping the feeling would

she got up for a glass of cold water

up on the idea of escape a long time ago, not after her last failed attempt. Now, all she could do

*

the temple, Mrs. Ferguson was up at dawn. Guided by the monks, she washed and prepared for

down to the minute-each step performed

Dylan. She leaned over

replied quietly, "Sir left the temple early

all this way for these very prayers. He'd gone to bed early last night, and she'd hoped he might spend more time talking with

Leaving like that-so rude.

let her irritation spoil the sacred moment.

passed a grove of peach trees, Mrs. Ferguson noticed the top branches of several trees

bit disappointed.

of the monks explained, "People pick the blossoms for

a section ahead where picking isn't allowed-the flowers there are still

it for good fortune? Like,

grinned

path. "Mrs. Ferguson, you go ahead. I'll catch up in ten minutes,

exactly who Tara wanted those flowers for. She sighed but smiled despite

already lost among

Mrs. Ferguson finished her prayers, Tara came running in, arms full