Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

As Clara got closer, she didn't hesitate-she slapped him hard across the face.

Ryan's clothes were still drying nearby, and his body was covered in bruises and welts from the car accident. Thankfully, it wasn't life-threatening. His face had been fine until now, but Clara's slap left it instantly swollen, showing she hadn't held back.

Fuming, Clara grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. "I came all the way here to find you, and you're giving me attitude? What's going on?"

Ryan turned his head away, staring at the cave wall. Tears streamed down his face, silent but telling.

Clara knew her brother well. Ryan was never quiet when he felt wronged-he'd usually shout about it, demanding her attention. If things went badly with Z, he'd insist she break up with him. Whenever he studied hard, he'd call just to hear her praise. He might be a bit foolish, but he was genuine, which is why Clara often let him be.

She took a deep breath, thinking about how he had come here to get herbs for her, leaving in the middle of the night and spending it alone in a cave. He must've been terrified. She regretted hitting him.

"Okay, Ryan, I shouldn't have slapped you. What's bothering you? Didn't get the herbs? I ran into an old herbalist on my way here. He gave me a jar of herbs and seemed nice enough not to cause you trouble. Plus, you're heading the wrong way. If you got the herbs, shouldn't you be on your way back?"

Why was he here, alone?

Ryan hugged his arms, burying his face, still sobbing without saying a word.

Clara couldn't stand seeing him like this; she thought he had grown up. How could he still be so helpless?

Z was better-at least he was straightforward.

She was about to nudge Ryan's shoulder when he suddenly stood up and ran out of the cave, like he couldn't stand to be near her.

Clara was shocked, even wondering if something supernatural was going on.

She stood by the fire for a moment, then hurried after him. "You're barely dressed; do you want to freeze to death? Ryan, what's wrong with you?! Don't make me angry!"

But he was too quick, disappearing into the forest.

Clara's frustration grew, wishing she could just grab him and shake some sense into him. But she figured her slap had hurt his pride, and now he was sulking.

She quickly followed, tracing his footprints in the snow.

Ryan was hurt. Though his injuries weren't severe, each movement made him wince in pain. He sobbed as he limped along, not knowing where he was going, just wanting to be away from Clara.

Clara followed quietly, noticing he was almost out of energy. He was running on pure stubbornness.

She didn't say a word, just followed.

After what felt like forever, Ryan's leg injury forced him to stop. Exhausted, he realized how cold it was and turned to see Clara still behind him.

Embarrassed, he tried to keep going but tripped, landing at Clara's feet, face down in the snow.

Clara almost teased him but held back, unsure of what had upset him so much. She quickly helped him up.

Ryan leaned on her to stand and they started back the way they came.

Clara helped him in silence.noveldrama

It took them forty minutes to get back to the cave with the fire.

Clara added more wood and tossed his dry coat to him.

The warmth felt good, and he quickly put it on, drawing closer to the fire.

After all the chaos, night was falling, and the snow was still coming down hard, probably blocking the roads.

With Ryan injured, Clara couldn't risk traveling in the dark to reach her car.

She yawned, "I'll call for rescue in the morning. We've got enough firewood. Let's just wait for help tomorrow."

Ryan stayed silent, adding wood to the fire.

Clara rested her chin in her hand, watching him closely.

Under her gaze, he grew more anxious, unsure of himself.

Clara sighed, relieved he was just upset and not traumatized. She had always been easygoing and

asleep by the fire.

fell

Once she was asleep, Ryan dared look at her. She slept peacefully, a her

strand of hair across her chee face glowing in the firelight

He got lost in memories of their past.

As a kid, Clara was often sick. He mostly saw her through hospital glass,

spending his time praying for her recovery.

Eventually, she got better, living like any normal person.

Ryan knocked his head, trying to figure out where things went wrong.

He took a deep breath and moved closer to Clara.

Maybe he should confront her, or try

for destro

her, like Sarah suggested,

her to hand over the Bradford family's assets.

Was she acting, or did she really care?

He didn't know. Everything felt like a mess, and he just wanted to escape.