Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 529

His words carried no emotion—light, almost casual.

But Clara just knew: if she didn’t answer the way he wanted, things would go horribly wrong for her.

This wasn’t just a question. It was the kind of moment that could change her entire life.

She didn’t know who her real father was, and honestly, there was nothing keeping her in the Capital. Maybe if she left the country, Dylan’s problems would finally go away.

Walter only wanted to see Dylan’s attitude, after all.

Clara clutched the collar of her sweater, thinking for what felt like ages, searching his back for any hint of what he wanted. Nothing.

Finally, after a long silence, she whispered, “Okay. I promise. I won’t ever come back.”

The mood in the room shifted instantly—dark and suffocating.

Clara’s face went white. She had no idea how her answer had set him off again.

Hadn’t he asked her to say exactly that?

He looked at her and said quietly, “Clara, when you answered just now, did your boyfriend even cross your mind for a second?”

She went silent.

Yes, she liked Z. But right now, her own situation mattered more.

Love couldn’t solve everything. And who could say for sure if the person you’re with is really the one you’ll spend your life with?

She’d made Z all sorts of promises, but one day he might forget them.

People mourn, move on, and remarry all the time.

She cared about Z—leaving would hurt—but this was still her best option.

“So what do you want me to say, Mr. Dylan?”

She gave up on guessing how he felt. Asking directly was easier.

Dylan finally turned to face her.

For the first time, Clara saw something raw flicker in his eyes—a complicated mix of resentment and longing so thick it made it hard to breathe. She instinctively stepped back.

Dylan stood up from his wheelchair, crossed to the wardrobe, pulled out fresh clothes, and went into the bathroom.

Clara stood there, completely thrown.

That look he’d given her had rattled her to the core.