No Strings Attached

Chapter 84

It was her own mother, a woman she barely recognized now. This woman had wreaked havoc on her father’s life, almost driving him to bankruptcy. His heart barely survived the ordeal. She herself had been pushed to the brink, grappling with severe depression, even losing her voice.

Why, after all these years, couldn’t her mother just leave them in peace?

Tears had been Clara’s silent companion for what felt like an eternity until the persistent buzz of her cellphone in her bag broke through her sorrow. Quickly, she composed herself and answered the call.

“Clara, weren’t we supposed to go try on gala dresses? Where are you?”

Clara’s voice feigned calm. “I’m on my way, already halfway there.”

“Alright, see you at the front.”

After hanging up, Clara touched up her makeup, determined to keep lan from seeing her anguish.

However, she was overestimating her strength. Her entire body was shaking, and her hands and feet were icy to the touch, incapable of even starting the car. She felt herself sinking back into that dark abyss, and her world threatened to collapse into endless night.

She collapsed in the driver’s seat. Her limbs were limp. Time lost its meaning until a familiar voice reached her. “Clara, it’s me. Open the door.”

There was no one she yearned to see more at that moment than lan. Without hesitation, she flung open the car door and launched into his arms. Her tears were flowing freely before she could utter a word. Suddenly, her consciousness slipped away.

“Clara, Clara!”

lan lifted her from the driver’s seat. His concern grew as he noted her clammy skin and pallor. Her hands were like two chunks of ice, and her body shivered uncontrollably.

He wrapped her in his embrace. His large hands gently stroked her head. His warm lips. kissed her forehead in a comforting rhythm. “It’s okay. We’re going home.”

Carried in lan’s arms, enveloped in his familiar scent and the warmth of his body, Clara’s awareness slowly returned. Yet her grip on him remained unyielding. Her sobs were punctuating the air. “I didn’t seduce them. I’m not… I’m not what they say.” Her voice trembled as much as her body.

lan, finally understanding the depth of her turmoil, instructed Dawson, “Find out who she saw earlier.”

Back at home, lan tended to Clara with a gentleness that belied his usual demeanor. He bathed her, dried her hair, but throughout it all, she remained silent, and her gaze was

empty.

When he saw Clara in this state, a pang of unexpected pain struck lan’s heart. “Do you want to get some sleep?” he asked softly, caressing her cheek.

Clara nodded mutely, still clinging to his hand. It was rare for Clara to be so clingy, and as lan kissed her lips softly, he murmured, “Want me to stay with you?”

Clara nodded emphatically, her eyes wide and glistening. She pulled him to bed, patting the pillow next to her, inviting him to lie down.

lan knew this was not Clara’s normal self, but he couldn’t deny the satisfaction he felt. He lay beside her, holding her close. His voice was low and soothing. “Clara, can you always

be this sweet?”

He hoped she would always need him, his presence, his comfort. Just like this.

Nestled in his arms, Clara silently agreed.

lan chuckled with contentment. “Sleep now. By morning, this will all be behind us.”

He held her, gently patting her back until she finally drifted off in the small hours. His phone buzzed, and as he tried to slip away, Clara’s arms tightened around him. Her voice, almost pleading, whispered in his ear, “Mr. Nine, please don’t leave me, okay?”