Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara had driven up to the charming little house, setting the meals she brought on the coffee table. Seeing Z napping soundly, she felt a wave of relief.

She gently nudged him awake. "Hey, get up and eat something. Then you can go back to sleep. I'm going to be here every day for the next three days, and if you don't get at least ten hours of sleep, I'll be upset."

His fever had finally broken, and he slowly sat up.

Clara turned her back politely. "Alright, I'm not looking. But turn on that small lamp next to you; you can't eat in the dark."

He reached out, grabbed her hand, and leaned over to switch on the small lamp. The light was dim but just enough to illuminate the meal.

With one hand holding hers, he slowly fed himself with the other. The red bead bracelets on their wrists dangled and touched, creating a cozy, indescribable warmth.

For the next three days, Clara really did visit twice a day, trying her best not to leave at night.

On the fourth day, just as she was about to head over again, she got a call from Sarah.

Clara had deleted Sarah's number ages ago, so she didn't realize it was her when she answered.

But Sarah wasted no time dropping a bombshell.noveldrama

"I'm pregnant with your brother's child."

Clara thought she must have misheard. After taking a moment to collect herself, she chuckled, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

Sarah, however, was brimming with confidence, standing right outside Ryan's

room.

"Clara, I'm serious. I'm right outside Ryan's room. I've told him, but the guards won't let me in. You've been here, so you know I was the one taking care of him before."

Thinking back to Ryan's guilty and hesitant demeanor when she visited, Clara felt a pang in her chest and drove straight over.

Sarah was dressed to the nines, looking nothing like a college student, a stark contrast to her previous timid self.

When she saw Clara, she lifted her chin with a smug look.

"I've already told Ryan, Clara. This is his first child."

Clara walked straight in, seeing Ryan on the bed, hands clasped, and took a deep breath.

"Ryan, you tell me."

Ryan tensed up and then confessed, "Clara, I'm sorry, I... I don't know how this happened."

Sarah followed her in, her eyes turning red as she knelt in front of him. "Ryan, are you really going to let Clara drag me away to terminate the pregnancy? Are you going to be this irresponsible?"

Ryan, though often lazy at home, had learned from Johnny the importance of taking responsibility for women.

He opened his mouth, sneaking a glance at Clara's face, feeling utterly panicked. He truly didn't know what to do.

Clara's expression darkened even more, and she didn't even feel like slapping Ryan now.

Ryan thought she was letting it go, thought she had forgiven him, and quickly said, "Clara, I didn't mean to. I've caused you trouble again."

Clara pulled out a card from her bag. "There's two million in here for now. When you leave, live well with her. I don't want to deal with any more of your mess. Money will be deposited regularly so you won't go hungry. Your living expenses will be just like when Dad was around."

She dropped the card and turned to leave.

Ryan, terrified, went pale and hurried forward, grabbing her hand and dropping to his knees.

"Clara, don't be mad. Hit me if you want, just don't be mad, please."

Clara felt only annoyance, trying to shake his hand off, but Ryan held on tightly, pressing her hand to his cheek.