In that moment, tears started streaming down his face, his eyes pleading with her.
Clara shook her head firmly. “Let go, Ryan. This isn’t going to work on me this time. I’m done cleaning up your messes.”
Ryan held on tight, stubbornly refusing to let go, staying on his knees with no sign of standing up.
Sarah, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t hold back her anger. “Clara, what’s wrong with you? Ryan’s your brother! Remember what your dad said before he passed? And now you’re just going to abandon him? If Johnny could see this, he wouldn’t forgive you!”
Ryan shot her a sharp look. “Shut up.”
Sarah huffed, turning away. “I’m just worried about you. I don’t want my child’s father begging on his knees all the time.”
Clara felt too drained to even get mad. She glanced at Ryan, still kneeling there. “Let go. I’ve got work waiting for me at the office.”
Ryan was a mess of tears and snot. “Clara, please don’t leave me. I messed up, I really did. I don’t even know how it happened. I just woke up next to her one morning...”
Clara cut him off. “Then have her get rid of the baby.”
Ryan’s crying stopped abruptly, silence hanging in the air.
Sarah burst out, furious. “Clara, how can you, as a woman, suggest an abortion? Do you have no heart? Ryan is your brother, and you’re part of this child’s family too. How can you be so heartless? I’m telling you now, I’m not having an abortion. I’m having this baby!”
Sarah blushed but quickly stood her ground. “Mr. Dylan and I live in different worlds. I fell for Ryan while we were together. I’m having this baby.”
Clara took a deep breath, thinking of Johnny, and slowly crouched to meet Ryan’s eyes.
“Ryan, really think this through. I kept you here to protect you. Sarah and I have history. She got pregnant on purpose to stir things up and use you against me. This child will only bring trouble. Are you sure you want to be with someone this manipulative? Your whole relationship was a setup.”
Ryan opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.
Afraid he’d change his mind, Sarah crawled forward, clutching his hand. “Ryan, you’re scared Clara will leave you. I’m scared you’ll leave me. You get that, right? Plus, I’m carrying your baby. I’m really looking forward to this new life.”
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