No Strings Attached

With a conspiratorial grin, she shoved a box of cupcakes into Clara's hands and whispered in her ear, "Don't let him catch you too easily. Guys always want what they can't have, and once they get it, they take it for granted, you know?"

Before Clara could gather her wits, Greta was already out the door. She stepped outside and immediately called Grandma Rose.

"Grandma, sleep tight tonight. They're cuddling up together - how long till they share a bed?"

At this, Rose was over the moon. "Wonderful! That little sacrifice was worth it. Tomorrow, the whole family is off on a vacation abroad, and all the housekeepers will be on leave. I know my future granddaughter-in-law wouln't have the heart to let my grandson suffer."

Greta had nothing but admiration for Rose's tactics. It was like that old saying. "You can't catch the wolf without risking your sheep."

Clutching the cupcake box, Clara stood frozen for a good fifteen seconds, Greta's words echoing in her head. She knew that lan's selfless act had indeed touched her heart.

back then was long gone. Now, she was cautious with every

out softly,

back to reality, Clara replied, "Oh, nothing. She

raised an eyebrow. "You sure I can eat right

corrected herself. He shouldn't eat for

table and poured lan a glass of water, feeding him one gulp at a

his yearning would drive him to the brink

he called out, his

full of concern. "What's wrong, does it

spilled water down my

wondered. She was sure she had been feeding