Chapter 101

Chapter 101 +25 BONUS It took Thalassa a couple of seconds to recover from the shock of Clark’s unexpected kiss. When she finally did, she braced her palms against his chest and pushed him back as gently but firmly as she could.

“Clark, what are you doing?”

“I’m sorry, I just had to. I’ve been dying to do that since we net again.” Clark said, but his expression was far from apologetic.

“Isn’t it obvious that I still have feelings for you? I’m sure it’s written all over my face every time I’m with you because that’s just how much you affect me.”

“Clark...” Thalassa tried to say, but he cut her off.

“I wish I hadn’t stepped away when you told me you wanted to be with Kris. I genuinely thought you were going to be happy with him. If I’d known he would only make you suffer, I would have never let him have you.”

Thalassa pursed her lips into a grim line. “That wouldn’t have been up to you to decide.”

“Yes,” Clark nodded in agreement. “But I wouldn’t have stopped fighting for your love. That’s what I mean.”

He stepped closer to her, taking her face between his hands. “But now that I’m back, please give me a chance to give you the happiness Kris never could. Because I know that I can.”

Seeing the hope mixed with fear in his eyes, Thalassa felt conflicted, thinking of the best way to make things clear without hurting him, especially after how he had risked his life for her when she was attacked.

“Clark...”

“Please don’t reject me, I know you must feel something for me. Even if it’s just a little, I can work with it.”

Thalassa didn’t let herself be swayed and spoke up. “You’re a great man, Clark. Any woman would love to have a chance with you.”

“Any woman but you, right?” Clark said, his voice turning bitter as his hands fell away from her face.

Thalassa bit her lip and stared at him firmly. “Yes. There are plenty of women who would love to be with someone like you. That’s why I don’t want you to waste your time on me because it won’t lead anywhere.”

“Why?” He blinked in confusion. “You won’t even give me a chance?”

“Clark, right now, the last thing on my mind is getting into a relationship or having a man in my life. I—”

The hope brightened a little in his eyes. “Yes I know you’re focused on getting justice for the child you lost and for yourself, and I’ve said I’ll help you. Surely, after that we can-”

“Even after that, there can’t be anything between us, Clark Thalassa said flatly.

Hurt flashed through his eyes, even as he tried to laugh it off. “Wow, so brutal. Am I that ugly?”

Thalassa sighed. “You and I both know that’s not true. You’re a very attractive man, but that’s not it, Clark. Believe me, you’re not the problem. It’s just me. I’m never going to open my heart to another man, whoever they are.”

His brows furrowed in anger, something rare for him. “Damn Kris Miller. He didn’t just destroy your life; he ruined you for every other man.”

Bemusement crossed her face. “I don’t make my decisions for that man’s sake, Clark. My decisions are mine alone. I don’t see the point in pursuing another relationship. I’m fine and happy the way I am.”

“Are you still in love with him?” Clark suddenly asked.

1/2 Chapter 101 +25 BONUS Thalassa stiffened. “Excuse me?”

Clark hesitated. “I just want to know if you’re still in love with him because it seems like that’s the only reason you don’t want to move on.”

Taking a step back from him, her expression hardened. “No, I’m not in love with him. But even if I were, that would be none of your business. I owe you no explanation, clark.”

Clark’s eyes widened with regret and panic. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I have no right to ask you something like that. It’s just that-”

“Can you put on your shirt so we can go already, please?” Thalassa cut him off.

Clark felt bitter. He’d been shirtless the whole time in the room, yet she hadn’t even glanced at his body once. He might as well have been wearing his pajamas.

Nodding slowly, he picked up his shirt and slipped it on, groaning as he felt a slight sting on his side, which had been covered with an adhesive bandage after being stitched Once he was done, Thalassa was the first to leave the room. Clark took a deep breath to calm himself before following.

After settling everything at the front desk, they made their way outside to where his car was parked. Clark hurried to the passenger side to open the door for her, but before she could get in, he held her by the arm. The position left them standing extremely close, looking into each other’s eyes.

“Lassa...” He began. “I know you say I’m wasting my time, but I don’t see it that way. You’ve been deeply hurt, which has made you close up your heart, but I’ll do everything I can to help you feel safe enough to open it up to me. I’m not going to give up.”

His face kept moving closer with every word, but before his lips could touch hers, Thalassa sank into her seat, leaving his head hanging in the air.

She didn’t bother to dissuade him further because she could see he wouldn’t listen.

“Please take me home, Clark.”

Clark sighed.