Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 495

Ryan stood by the hospital bed, his hand hovering mid-air, wanting to gently ruffle her hair but hesitating to follow through. Sarah didn't notice his gesture, lost in her own sorrow, clutching her hair as if it were brittle straw. He opened his mouth, but words failed him. He felt like a total jerk.

Unable to stand the tension, Ryan left the room, heading to the hospital's smoking area. He lit up two cigarettes, watching people hustle past, feeling as if the world around him wasn't quite real. Then his phone rang—it was Clara.

"Hey Ryan, I just dropped off a gift at your place. The housekeeper said you weren't home. Happy birthday!" Clara's voice was cheerful. She and Megan had picked out the gift, hoping it would be perfect for him. They’d spent the afternoon shopping, not wanting to spend New Year's Eve alone.

Ryan crushed the cigarette underfoot, not really a smoker, just trying to mask the bitterness in his mouth. He took a deep breath and headed downstairs, planning to go home.

But as he turned to leave, Sarah appeared from the hospital room, looking ghostly pale, her eyes vacant. She walked forward, muttering under her breath. "I won't forgive Clara... I won't forgive Clara."

Ryan quickly pulled her into a hug, feeling a sharp ache in his chest. He felt like he was failing everyone—Sarah, who was carrying his child; his father's teachings; and especially his mother, because of all the secrets he kept. In the end, he wasn't even sure if he was being fair to Clara.

Sarah seemed lost, like she was being suffocated by invisible vines. In her despair, she lashed out, slapping Ryan across the face. He turned his head slightly, remaining silent.