Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Eden went pale, staring at him in shock, as if the ground had just crumbled

beneath her feet. Panic and fear flooded her all at once. She tried to scramble out of bed, her voice shaking so badly she could barely get the words out.

"Dylan, what are you saying? What do you want from me?"

No one ever dared to push Dylan like this.

She slipped and crashed onto the cold floor, huge tears rolling down her face.

"You used to love me most. What does that even mean-are you saying you don't want me anymore?"

Dylan didn't answer. He just turned and walked out.

Eden sat there on the freezing floor, her whole body numb, but her heart hurt even more. It felt like the whole world had abandoned her.

Still, she clung desperately to memories of how Dylan used to treat her. He couldn't really leave her, could he? He was just mad. He'd come back. He had to.

All she had to do was get better.

She grabbed onto the bed, trying to pull herself up, but just then, the door opened and Simon walked in.

As soon as she saw her "brother," fresh tears spilled over, her voice choked with sobs.noveldrama

"Simon, look at me. Who could ever want me now?"

Simon closed the door quietly behind him. He poured her a glass of water, his voice gentle but full of regret.

"How did you end up like this? I heard Clara did it? Honestly, that woman's unbelievable. I thought she was done for this time."

He was trying to comfort her, to remind her they were allies now, both blaming Clara for everything.

Nothing brings people together like a shared enemy.

Eden wiped her tears, but her voice was still trembling. "Dylan must be out of his mind to fall for someone like her."

Simon set the glass down in front of her, coaxing. "But just now, you mentioned a child. What child?"

He'd heard whispers before, but Dylan never let anyone get close-never showed a weakness.

Eden froze, her hand shaking like she'd just touched something too hot.

Simon reached over and patted her head. "I'll get you the best doctors. Your hand and your leg will heal, I promise. And I'll make Clara pay for this. You know how much I can't stand her right now. She's running around with some male model, making me look like a fool in front of everyone. I've lost face because of her again and again. I'm done."

He looked right at Eden, his tone softening "So, what's going on with this child? Maybe it's exactly what we need-something to finally break Clara and Dylan apart for good. Isn't that what you want?"

But for once, Eden was careful-almost stubborn.

"Simon, please, just drop it. I want to rest."

Simon's expression darkened. She was clearly hiding something, just refusing to say what.

Looks like he'd have to find another way.

"Alright, I won't push. I'm always here for you, okay? If you need to talk, just call me."

Those were the words she needed to hear.

Eden's eyes reddened even more. She nodded and lay back in bed.

She wasn't going to say anything, yet. This was her last card. As long as Dylan hadn't truly given up on her, she still had a chance-maybe the child was the only thing that could save her.