Two Times the Charm (Clara and Emmett) novel Chapter 460

“I know.”

Elio tugged at the corner of his mouth with a bitter smirk. He would be a fool if he could not see through such a simple ruse.

But as much as he knew, he still could not bear the thought of breaking Clara’s heart—even if doing so would end up breaking his own.

“Jeez, Elio, when did you become such a soft touch? Look, if Leah doesn’t cough up the antidote, then Emmett’s a goner. And wouldn't that mean Ms. Calloway would be out of your hair for good? It’s harsh, I know, but for your sake, I’m not pulling any punches!”

Elio looked at him and managed a weak smile. “I get it, Nestor. You’re always looking out for me. But I don’t want to stoop to that level! I haven’t told Clara the whole truth about the pregnancy, and it’s been eating me up. Now she’s calling me for help, and if I turn my back on her, I’d never forgive myself.”

“So, boss, what’s the end game? You want to be with her or not?”

“Of course I do! But not like this, not by being underhanded. I've made enough mistakes; she’s the one who's been paying for them. I owe her more than that.”

“But, Elio, haven't you ever thought about it? There's only so much we want in life; if you don’t reach out and grab it, you'll live with regret forever. I know you’ve got the heart of a healer, but Emmett’s a special case. If he survives, your dreams go up in smoke. You’ve got conflicting interests, just like that old question they ask doctors: if your enemy is dying, do you save him or not?”

Elio furrowed his brow. That question had haunted him for years without an answer.

“Look, if you want to keep your conscience clean and prevent Ms. Calloway from ending up with that Emmett, just play dumb. Say it’s out of your hands, that there’s nothing you can do. No one will blame you, including Ms. Calloway!”

“I know she wouldn’t blame me, but I’d blame myself. I can’t get over that hump.”

It rang a few times before Newell picked up.

“Elio? What’s up, you got time to call me? Is Leah giving you trouble again?”

“No.” Elio forced a casual laugh. “Just felt like catching up, you know? I was sitting here, reminiscing about the old days, how I used to bug you to take me out for candy. It was fun back then.”

Newell chuckled. “Yeah, you had quite the sweet tooth. My allowance was pretty slim, but you always had your eye on something. It’s been years, hasn’t it?”

Elio was reflective. “We’ve gone our separate ways. Are you still in the country? How about we meet up? Have a drink, talk about old times.”