No Strings Attached

Chapter 58

lan felt a sudden tightness in his chest. He fiddled with his tie as he stepped into the elevator alone.

Moments later, he and Clara entered a high–end boutique, their attire and demeanor a clear signal of affluence. The sales associate, spotting potential big spenders, approached with a beaming smile. “Good afternoon, sir, miss. How may I assist you today?”

lan, his face a mask of indifference, settled onto a plush sofa and busied himself with his phone. Clara nodded politely and drifted toward the shirt display, where a sea–blue shirt caught her eye. It was a color that would highlight one’s complexion, making them appear both distinguished and youthful. It would look stunning on lan, though it wasn’t his typical palette, considering his wardrobe was devoid of such hues.

Clutching the shirt, Clara glanced at lan and ventured, “Mr. Hayes, what do you think of this one?”

lan barely acknowledged her, his voice detached, “Your money, your call.”

The sales associate chimed in, “Miss, you have exquisite taste. This is one of our store’s gems, a creation by the renowned designer Oli. Globally, there are only two pieces; one in this shade and the other in iceberg green. Perhaps the gentleman would like to try both to see which suits him best?”

shifted to the other shirt. “I’ll have

lan, maintaining a respectful distance, “Mr. Hayes, the fitting

he

before she could speak, lan had pulled

Clara felt her chin gently lifted by lan’s hand. His chiseled features loomed closer in her vision. Her voice came out in a rush, “lan, what

a spark with every inch it traversed. He stared at Clara’s flushed

charm, he was irresistible. Over the past three years, it was this very allure that had ensnared Clara, allowing him to

fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. After three were

11:44 M)