Chapter 158

Clara's POV

I stood there shocked, unresponsive, and unable to say anything.

I don't know what got to me, the fact that he said he loved me or that his lips were just an inch away from mine.

Was he in love with me? I didn't know whether to jump with joy or start weeping. This was the happiest moment in my life and the saddest because I knew this wouldn't last.

What was I going to do? Jump into his arms and confess my love for him, too? Maybe pushing him away would be safer for everyone.

The tense look he gave me made me feel worse. I couldn't lie and tell him I didn't love him with him looking at me with those eyes. I also couldn't tell him that I loved him when I knew I was hurting him more than anyone else. He sensed my hesitation.

"You don't need to say anything," Derek added as I felt him pull away. "I'll always be patient with you. I know you feel it with this thing between us and that it's not just in my head." He continued.

“Clara," Layla called out behind us. She grabbed bot