Over a year's worth of pent-up emotions erupted in that moment.

The forceful kiss left Clara breathless.

She pushed against him with all her strength.

"Matthew, get up," she gasped.

Matthew's body was hunched slightly, and the tip of his trembling nose brushed against Clara's cheek, causing her to flinch away in panic.

"Clara, don't go," his voice, low and raspy, sounded as if it had been soaked in the sea.

No matter how much Clara struggled, Matthew's ...