Two Times the Charm (Clara and Emmett) novel Chapter 262

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"I've never been your possession; how can you say you're giving me away?" Clara suddenly resented Elio at this point: "I appreciate you, and I know you've helped me a lot, but... I hope you can respect me."

"You think I don't want to respect you? I just now——"

His words hung in the air as he abruptly stopped speaking.

Clara was somewhat puzzled. "Could it be that someone's threatening you?"

But she didn't understand; she hadn't crossed anyone. Apart from Emmett perhaps taking her for granted, why would anyone else target her?

"I can't say anything right now."

"So there really is someone threatening you?" Clara pushed, forcing Elio to meet her gaze. "Speak up! Elio, is there something you can't tell me?"

Elio clamped his mouth shut. "No one's threatening me."

"But your behaviour isn’t normal.” Clara could clearly see this.

Elio turned around and said, "In a nutshell, I want to compete with Emmett for you; I want to be with you!"

"Have you ever thought about how hard it is for me in the middle?" Clara calmed herself down, trying to avoid escalating the conflict with Elio. "I'm already married to Emmett, and he treats me well. You expect me to divorce at your say-so; what is marriage to me then? Child's play?”

"…"

"Besides, Emmett hasn't done anything wrong in this situation. From the start, I hid Alex's existence. My deal with the Melendez family was a straightforward cash-for-goods exchange; I volunteered. I have no reason to resent Emmett, so I can't do anything to hurt him!" Clara frowned. "If I hadn’t married Emmett and started living as husband and wife, I might have considered you. But it wouldn’t be because I have feelings for you, but because I appreciate all you’ve done for me and your care for Alex! I hope you can understand my situation! You keep calling me over; I sneak around to see you; I already feel guilty towards Emmett!"