Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 225

By now, it was late afternoon. The sunset painted the sky in sweeping brushstrokes, adding a solitary splash of color to the bleak, unforgiving winter day.

Julian stepped out of the car and strode through the main gates.

Honestly, he had no idea what had possessed him to turn around and help Clara. He knew perfectly well that this move would turn the Colters into bitter enemies, yet he did it anyway without a second thought.

Perhaps he just thought she was too beautifully tragic to abandon.

Julian furrowed his brow and kept walking.

Just then.

Accompanied by the rapid patter of footsteps, a girl's clear voice rang out ahead of him. "Julian!"

Julian froze in his tracks and looked up. For a split second, his gaze completely blurred...

Bathed in the golden hour light, Clara ran toward him with tear-stained eyes and a radiant smile. It was a sight that made his chest ache and soar all at once.

Julian watched her, swallowing hard involuntarily, and opened his arms...

Clara threw herself blindly into his embrace, wrapping her arms fiercely around his waist. She pressed her face against him and absolutely refused to let go, acting incredibly clingy.

Julian's eyes darkened with possessiveness. He pulled her flush against his chest, hugging her tightly before remembering the severity of the situation. "How did you get out?" he asked.

He remembered perfectly well that the Colters hadn't agreed to anything.

Clara buried her face against his chest, greedily breathing in his comforting scent. Assuming he meant why she hadn't waited inside for him to pick her up, she smiled and tilted her head back.

"The police told me the Colters agreed to settle. They said I could leave, so I couldn't wait to come out and find you... Thank you, Julian!"

She had genuinely never expected him to keep his word. He actually cared about her enough to confront a powerhouse like the Colters on her behalf.

She had completely misjudged him earlier.

Julian paused. Looking down at her face, absolutely flushed with pure joy, he suddenly had zero desire to tell her the truth...

But who had actually helped Clara?

A specific name suddenly surfaced in his mind.

Noticing his silence, Clara blinked in confusion. "Is everything okay?"

Julian's dark eyes shifted as he smoothly snapped back to reality.

Clara glanced at their intertwined fingers, biting her lip gently. She didn't pull away, but suddenly, a misstep sent a sharp jolt of pain shooting through her injured ankle, forcing her to halt...

"What's wrong?" Julian noticed her wince instantly, his gaze dropping to her ankle as his frown deepened.

Clara lowered her head, nervously tugging at her pants. Not wanting to be a burden, she shook her head. "It's nothing, let's keep going..."

Julian completely ignored her protest, crouching down to inspect the injury. Seeing the pale skin heavily bruised and swollen, he scowled. "Your ankle is a complete mess. Why didn't you tell me?"

Clara gasped softly, feeling a rush of warmth and acute embarrassment. She grabbed his broad shoulder and whispered, "I'm fine..."

"You are not fine."

Julian blurted the words out almost instinctively.

Clara's heart skipped a beat, hammering against her ribs like a stampede!

The very next second, Julian effortlessly swept her into his arms, carrying her bridal style.

Her heartbeat accelerated even faster. This was the absolute first time he had ever carried her like this. Utterly embarrassed, Clara lowered her gaze and gently looped her arms around his neck.