No Strings Attached

Chapter 57

lan ruffled Clara’s hair with a casual affection, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he looked down at her. It was as if the home he spoke of was their very own love nest.

A sharp pang struck Clara’s heart. The memory of leaving that place, the home she had poured her heart into and left with such sorrow, surfaced once again. Her fingers trembled ever so slightly, but her face remained calm as she turned to face Casey.

“Dad, I’m not comfortable leaving just yet. I want to stay with you a bit longer.”

“What’s there to worry about, sweetheart? We have a housekeeper, and you two just patched things up. You need to cement your relationship. You’ve done enough for your old man. I can’t keep holding you back from your own life.”

After much persuasion from Casey, Clara finally got into lan’s car. For the first time since their separation, they sat together in silence, without an argument.

After a while, Clara finally broke the silence. “Let’s hit the mall nearby. You’re out of dress shirts, aren’t you? I’ll pick up a few for you as a thank–you for playing along these past few days.”

lan turned to her, his expression unreadable. “Clara, did we know each other before?”

phone tightened, her heartbeat quickening. Yet her expression betrayed no sign of panic. She gave a slight smile. “No, we didn’t.”

the first place?” He finally voiced the question that had been gnawing at him, but his palms were sweaty as they gripped the steering wheel, waiting for her

in Northbridge. Having someone like your on my arm? Why would I

chance.”

his secret lover, or even a mistress, was something many women would claw their way to the top for.

bitter taste lingered. This wasn’t the answer he wanted. Nor was it truly what

she wouldn’t have left without taking anything. She wouldn’t have gone three years without once using the

think she was playing hard to get, staging a show for him, all to win his heart and secure the title of Mrs. Hayes. But now, knowing she had been oblivious to the incident three years ago, he couldn’t help but think things might not be as he

11:

hiding

of the mall. Clara got out of the car, not waiting for lan,

hadn’t gone far when a strong arm wrapped around her shoulder. His voice, deep and seductive, whispered in