Dylan lay on the bed, flipping through a book, while Clara was too restless to sleep. Her discomfort was keeping her awake. Noticing him lost in his reading, she moved over to the edge of the bed.
“Mr. Dylan, I noticed you're struggling a bit more with walking lately. Would you like me to give your legs a massage?”
“Sure.”
Clara was eager to be helpful, and seeing him agree, she quickly moved closer.
Just as her hands touched his leg, a voice called out from outside.
“Dylan, are you awake?”
It was Eden’s voice.
Clara froze, quickly pulling her hand back, and anxiously stood up, looking for somewhere to hide.
Eden was fiercely protective of Dylan. If she found Clara alone with him, she might just explode!
Clara had learned from the housekeeper at Palm Bay that Eden had a close relationship with Dylan and was one of the few women who could come and go as she pleased.
Before Clara could fully stand, Dylan gently held her wrist.
She tried to pull away but ended up hurting herself.
Dylan reassured her softly, “It’s okay.”
She breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down, realizing she had overreacted.
Outside, Eden continued to call out nervously, “Dylan?”
Dylan flipped another page in his book and replied, “What’s up?”
Eden quickly apologized, “I got carried away earlier. I shouldn't have acted up. Please don’t be mad at me. I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Her voice grew more pitiful with each word.
“Everyone knows that Clara is trouble. I can’t believe you brought her to Palm Bay. I know you're doing it because of my brother, but she doesn’t belong here. Aren’t you worried she’ll ruin the place? Dylan, please don’t be angry. I brought you a gift.”
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