Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The moment he landed in Country Z, Charles didn't waste a second-he grabbed his older brother and headed straight for his estate. There was something there he couldn't wait to check on.

A fleet of cars rolled up to the front gate, which had just been repaired. The two eldest brothers tumbled out and immediately started messing around in the yard, but Charles made a beeline for the top floor. He had to see if the gems had finally been set in place.

As soon as he stepped onto the top floor, the glimmer nearly blinded him. The jewels sparkled everywhere, almost over the top. He couldn't help himself— snapped a photo, and sent it to Clara.

[Hey sis, what do you think? Like it?]

Ever since she'd reconnected with Charles, Clara found herself chatting with him

at every chance. The heaviness she'd been feeling these past few days had finally started to fade.

She called him right away.

"Charles, you're in Country Z?"

He sounded smug. "Yep! The gems on the helicopter are all set, and they're crazy sparkly. You'll love it, I swear. When do you want to try it out? I'll come pick you up. Oh, and I got you a present this time-something super pretty. Can't wait to give it to you."

Clara smiled, suddenly remembering the birthday dinner tomorrow. Last time, Walter had insisted she couldn't bring her husband. If Dylan wouldn't be home tomorrow, maybe she could sneak out with her brother instead.

"How about tomorrow night? My husband's not around, so I can hang out with you."

Charles' eyes practically lit up. "Which night market do you want to hit this time?" "Anywhere's fine."

Charles was so excited he could barely sleep. He wished tomorrow would come already.

Downstairs, his big brother was sprawled on the living room sofa, phone pressed to his ear, his voice low and firm.

"Don't be late this time."

Charles guessed it right away he had to be talking to Mitch. His oldest brother basically ran the Chester family, while Mitch had serious status too, though he always acted like he didn't care and loved fooling around with women. But Charles knew better. Mitch wasn't the carefree playboy everyone thought. When Mitch called him to deal with something, he was fast and ruthless. Honestly, both his brother and Mitch could be cold-blooded when it came down to it.

Charles flopped onto the sofa and waited for the call to end before saying, "I'm going out with Clara tomorrow."

"Fine. Just don't get into trouble."

Charles nodded, still grinning with excitement. It was late, and after a flight that lasted half the day, he was exhausted.

"I'm heading to bed. If you leave, don't bother waking me up-I'm staying in Country Z for a while."

"Alright."

His brother didn't look thrilled after that call, typing away on his laptop, frowning at the screen.

*

Clara had been sure Dylan would

come home tonight-after all, Walter's birthday dinner was tomorrow. She waited and waited. The rain started up again outside, but Dylan still didn't come back. All she got was a simple text.

[Go to bed early.]

Her heart squeezed tight. It hurt so much she couldn't fall asleep at all.noveldrama

Restless, she started wandering around her bedroom. She opened the drawer by her bed, and there they were two little red booklets.

Marriage certificates.

Her eyes lit up, and she quickly

flipped one open. Inside was a photo of her and Dylan. He, the man who always looked like an ice sculpture, actually had the tiniest hint of a smile. She, on the other hand, looked strangely serious.

She frowned. On such an important day, how did she not manage even a little smile?

She lay back on the bed, staring at

the certificate, and finally, a smile crept onto her face. She couldn't help it she held the booklet over her mouth to hide her grin, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

it-s

After a moment, she snapped a photo and sent it to Dylan.

[Guess what I found?]