AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Clary cracked a smile and dropped her gaze, because his bubbly tone and overall cheeriness touched—and broke—her.
Oliver, who had been nothing but nice to her. Oliver, who was willing to give up his research so Seth wouldn’t have to choose between him and Clary.
“And before you, I can’t remember the last time we had so much fun together.” Oliver closed the cookie jar and turned around. His eyes bugged. “Why are you crying? What did I say?”
Clary brushed her fingers over her face, swiping at her tears as she shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
“Then why are you crying?”
“I’m just glad you’re happy.” She cracked another smile and strode toward him. “Thank you, Oliver.” She cupped a hand against his face as a decision firmed up. “Besides Seth, you’re my favorite Anderson.” She gave him a hug. “Always stay like this, okay? Never change.”
Oliver laughed softly and wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t cry, Clary. You made us all laugh so much, I can’t bear for you to cry.”
Blowing out a quiet breath through her mouth, she took a moment to contain her emotions before stepping back. “Okay.” She brushed away the remaining tears with the back of her hand. “I won’t cry anymore.”
Because she had to be strong for Oliver.
Because she couldn’t be the one to hurt him.
It might be wrong. Jesus, forgive me. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t reveal what Holly had said. Oliver might or might not have hurt Winnie.
Clary didn’t care.
She just wanted him to remain this sweet and happy. Whatever the consequences, whatever burden it would be to her conscience, she would carry it.
“Do you want a cookie?” Oliver asked, shifting the jar closer to her.
“No, I’ve already brushed my teeth.” She took a moment to just stare at Oliver, to take in how happy he looked. “I’ll head to bed. Goodnight.”
Her eyes were burning, so she quickly turned and walked away, knowing this might be the last conversation she would have with Oliver.
CHAPTER 18
Seth was lying in bed, going through some photos and videos Clary had taken over the last few days, when someone knocked on his door. Before he could get up to open the door, it cracked open.
Clary popped her head in. “Hi,” she said when their eyes locked.
“Hi.” He pushed the covers aside, and she stepped into the room.
“No. Just stay in bed.”
He did as he was told. “Is everything okay?”
She nodded. “Can I sleep here tonight?”
His brows twitched.
“I just …” She rubbed a hand against her arm.
Seth shifted, making space on the bed for her. Something was clearly wrong, but she didn’t seem ready to talk about it.
After switching off the light, Clary climbed into bed and lay down next to him. She flipped on her side and rested her head against his shoulder.
“Did Elton say something to you?”
She shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong. Don’t guess. I just miss you.”
He laughed softly. “We spent the whole day together.”
