No Strings Attached

Chapter 126

Clara furrowed her brow in frustration, her voice low and filled with regret. Tm really sorry, but there’s nothing I can do to help. It’s not that I’m heartless, but there are plenty of people who could save him. My involvement isn’t essential. You really shouldn’t force me Into doing something I’m uncomfortable with.”

Leonora’s temper flared upon hearing those words. “After all the good lan’s done for you, you ungrateful wretch, it’s like you’ve got no soul! You’d actually stand by and watch him suffer. Let’s not beg her. Heidi can save lan; we can’t wait any longer. Her words painted Clara as a callous traitor, someone who would abandon another in their time of need.

Anders swiftly pulled Clara close, his voice a tender shield. “No one can force you to do anything you don’t want to. Go outside and wait for me. I’ll handle this.”

He ushered Clara out the door and shut it firmly behind her. The gentle expression on his face instantly turned to one of icy detachment.

He approached lan’s bedside, watching him thrash in agony. Not a shred of sympathy crossed his face. Instead, a mocking smile curled at the edge of his lips. “lan, you’re not the only one in pain. Clara’s suffering more than you. When she was under the influence, she was calling out your name.”

“She would rather die than compromise the honor you bestowed upon her, yet look how you’ve treated her! You believed the slanderous words of others and trampled the very honor she fought so desperately to preserve.

you have any idea how desperate she felt?

didn’t want her. Please, don’t use guilt to bind her. She owes you nothing, and

ways to cling to life. She

see lan’s reaction, pulling Clara along without

sheets tightly, his jaw set so firmly his teeth might crack. The image of Clara screaming his name haunted

protect what was his, lan suddenly sat up, a mouthful of blood spraying out

morning, Dawson was at his bedside, attending to

up. “Mr. Hayes, you’re awake. How do

He sat up abruptly, tearing out the IV. His hand

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