Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

From Clara's viewpoint, she could only catch a glimpse of him deep in thought by the cabinet door. As she stepped out of the bathroom in her cozy slippers, she glanced down at her toes, unsure how to break the silence.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. It was Kaitlyn.

"Clara, what's going on with you and Dylan? People are talking nonstop."

Kaitlyn had sent her the invitation for tonight, and even though she didn't show up, she seemed to know every detail.

With the noise in the background on Kaitlyn's end and Dylan right next to her, Clara wasn't about to dive into explanations. Instead, she switched topics.

"Where are you?"

"The Blue Moon Lounge."

The Blue Moon Lounge...

If Kaitlyn knew from there, then Z, who worked at the lounge, probably knew too...

Crap.

Quickly, she ended the call with Kaitlyn and rushed out of the bedroom, heading into the hallway. She tried calling Z, but there was no response. Anxiety bubbled up, making her cheeks flush. Whatever was in that drink earlier still lingered in her system. She slapped her cheeks lightly to snap out of it and dialed again.

Still nothing from Z.

Her heart pounded with worry. Z had his struggles with mental health and was overly sensitive about anything related to Dylan. He once even threatened something extreme. If Z found out about her and Dylan from someone else... would he be angry enough to do something reckless?

When Z got into a state, anything was possible.

Clara paced the hallway, redialing over and over. Then, Dylan appeared from the master bedroom, nearly bumping into her.

She hadn't even explained tonight's fiasco to Dylan yet. Her mind was a whirlwind, but she decided to handle things with Dylan first before dealing with Z.

"Mr. Dylan, how do you want me to make it up to you?" she asked.

Dylan moved his wheelchair toward the study, his voice calm. "No need."

Clara stood there, guilt gnawing at her. "If it's something I can do, I will."

The wheelchair came to a halt. He turned, studying her expression as if weighing her words.

Clara swallowed hard. "I mean it."

"Break up with your boyfriend."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. Did she hear that right?

"What?"

"Didn't you say you'd do anything?"

Clara felt frozen, her voice stuck in her throat. Why would Dylan, who didn't even know Z, make such a demand? Besides, he'd always encouraged her relationship before.noveldrama

She was rooted to the spot, watching as Dylan tilted his head slightly, propping his chin with one hand, eyes half-lidded.

"I've never met him, but I can't stand him."

In the business world, if Dylan took a dislike to someone, it usually spelled trouble.

Clara lowered her lashes, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. A minute later, she steadied herself. "Mr. Dylan, I'm heading out. I'll make up for tonight's mess somehow, but I won't break up with him. He needs me too much."

Her last words were barely above a whisper, but she knew it was true. Z was too dependent on her, and with his fragile health, leaving him might drive him over the edge.

She started for the stairs, pausing to compose herself, her voice calm.

"I'm really sorry about tonight."

With that, she hurried downstairs.

Dylan watched her leave, wiping away the lipstick smudge on his lips with a slow, deliberate motion. He called for Aiden and casually instructed, "Make sure she gets home safe."