Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The doctor had a point. With his mental health struggles, being alone wasn't the best idea for him. He went quiet, as if he was wrestling with his thoughts. Clara realized she couldn't push him too hard.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "Okay, if you're not up for it, I won't force you. I'll drop by more often when I can. But you have to promise me you'll take your meds when you're not feeling well. No being a tough guy about it."

He stayed silent for a moment, and just when Clara thought he'd hang up, he surprised her. "I like it when you worry about me," he said.

There was something about seeing her flustered over him that he enjoyed. The mere thought made his heart race.noveldrama

Clara couldn't wrap her head around his strange quirk, and she let out a half- amused, half-exasperated laugh. "Seeing me stress gives you a thrill, huh?"

In a low, almost teasing voice, he replied, "A big thrill, Clara. I love it when you care."

She bit her lip, at a loss for how to react to this side of him. But then she chuckled, rubbing her temple as if to ward off a headache. "Fine, if you get sick, call me. I'll make sure you take your meds, alright? I've already compromised a lot, so don't push your luck."

His tone brightened instantly, a smile even audible through the phone. "Okay."

After ending the call, Clara lay back on her bed. But she didn't even get an hour's rest before her phone buzzed again. It was the caretaker.

"Ms. Clara, we've taken Sarah to the hospital. Mr. Ryan is still in his room, hasn't moved an inch."

Ryan wanted to check on Sarah, but he was more afraid of upsetting Clara, so he just sat by the bed.

Clara felt a headache coming on. "How is he?"

"He's out of it, no spark in his eyes."

Clara knew Ryan cared about her. Back when the whole Bradford family seemed against her, Ryan might have claimed he disliked her, but his actions always told a different story. She really didn't know what to do about it all.

After pondering for a few minutes, she finally said, "Let him be for now. I just need some peace."

Once she hung up, sleep was impossible. She got up and wandered into the living room, frustration bubbling inside her.

Meanwhile, Sarah woke up in the hospital and immediately called Megan. She had genuinely fainted earlier, and waking up with the baby still safe brought a wave of relief and urgency. She needed Megan's advice on what to do next.

Megan answered quickly, a cold glint in her eyes. "If you want to keep this baby, go see Naomi. She's joined a convent. I'll send you her address. She's been down since Johnny passed, but hearing about a new Bradford baby will lift her spirits, especially since she adores Ryan."

Sarah hesitated, her eyes widening. "Can Naomi really stand up to Clara?"

Megan chuckled coldly, taking a sip of water. "Naomi's always been wary of Clara. Win her over, and the Bradford family business will eventually fall into Ryan's hands. As his partner, you'll benefit the most. You might even edge Clara out of the family."

Sarah couldn't sit still any longer. She left the hospital to find Naomi, still in awe of Megan's cunning and the intricacies of her plan.