No Strings Attached

Chapter 17

“What did you just say? Was it you who orchestrated my meet–up with lan?”

Eve scoffed. “What else did you think? Do you think lan played the knight in shining armor by chance? Use your head, Clara. A guy of lan’s standing wouldn’t just wander into some out–of–the–way alley for no reason. If your brother and I hadn’t set the trap to lure him there, you wouldn’t have been living the high life these past three years. But no, you’re not satisfied. You’ve got your sights set on becoming Mrs. Hayes. Have you even considered it? With a mother like yours, who in all of Northbridge would dare to take you in? You have to get back to lan’s side, or I’ll spill every dirty secret your mother has.”

Rose’s words were sharp and biting, as if Clara were nothing more than a stranger to her.

Blood trickled down Clara’s forehead, mingling with her tears, the metallic taste filling her mouth. A wave of nausea hit her. She felt disgust at having such a family.

Grandma Eve and her cousin had used her like a pawn, pushing her towards lan. The saddest part was that she was completely oblivious, believing she had found true love.

with him, she had abandoned her dream of

a word of complaint, she had been lan’s secret lover for three years. To everyone else, it seemed nothing more than a sordid exchange, all thanks to her dearest kin.

voice was tinged with newfound defiance. “I won’t be manipulated by you or anyone else. I won’t return to lan’s side. From now on, the

words, she

she saw her father standing in the doorway, disbelief etched across his face, tears

weak. “Mom, have I been that undutiful? Have I not sacrificed enough for the Bell family?

of his daughter being manipulated by his own mother

forehead.

to support him. “Dad, please, don’t get upset. I’m okay. You