Two Times the Charm (Clara and Emmett) novel Chapter 99

"Whether he likes me or not isn't the point; the point is that I don't wanna marry him!"

"Is it because... you've got someone else on your mind?" Elio asked.

Clara didn't respond, which was as good as admitting it.

Elio was a bit peeved, but more than anything, he was curious.

"Who's the guy? Can you tell me? I really wanna know."

"Why do you wanna know?"

"Because I've always thought you were a carefree gal, kind of slow on the uptake when it comes to love, so I never quite got your meaning! But, to my surprise, you've already got a crush on someone! So, of course, I'd be interested in who he is! What's he like?"

Clara took a moment, "He's a bit hot-headed but very patient with me. Back in school, I was often bullied. Just because I was an illegitimate child, people looked down on me and attacked me, and only... he stood up for me."

Elio chuckled, "A high school romance?"

"Sounds shallow, huh?" Clara also smiled, "But as someone who really suffered from school bullying, that time was hell for me! I didn't want to go to school or face anyone. Even if classmates just whispered nearby, I'd get paranoid and think they were talking about me!"

"… I can understand how you felt."

"You're always like this, always considering others."

"Elio, I can't be that selfish! I can't deceive my own conscience." Clara forced a bitter smile, "I'm a burden now, and it'd be even worse if I brought along Alex. You might think I'm a good person now, even considering me as a potential wife. But over time, we might argue and fight for various reasons, and in the end, we might not even be friends anymore! I don't want that."

Elio held her hand tightly, "I'm not afraid, really! I won't let that happen! I'll protect you and Alex for the rest of my life. I will keep my word!"

Before Clara could respond, another voice cut them off.

"Let go of her hand!"