No Strings Attached

Chase watched him with a mix of glee and scorn. "Why don't you keep up the act? I swear, man, there's no Long Island Iced Tea strong enough to match the bitterness of your charade. Haven't you figured it out yet? Clara's a lawyer, for Pete's sake. Trying to outsmart her in a wordplay is like bringing a knife to a gunfight!"

lan, clutching his side where the pain throbbed, glared at Chase. "Shut it, will you? Is it gonna kill you to be quiet for once?"

"Nope, but watching you get your comeuppance sure is killing me... with laughter, ha!"

Just then, Heidi breezed through the door with a sunny smile, offering invitations to lan and Chase. "Ian, Chase, my recital is next Saturday. You guys have to come and show some support!"

lan didn't even flinch, nor did he reach for the invitation. His voice was icy as he said, "I'm busy!" Then, he closed his eyes to rest.

welled up with tears, a picture of pitiable

own gig now. That's big news! I will definitely be there. Don't mind this grump. He's too busy chasing his missus to care

up with Clara? Her hands, hanging by her sides, clenched

A week later.

recital was held in Northbridge's most opulent concert hall. She had spared no expense, inviting numerous renowned musicians from home and

day, her skill remained unmatched. However, fate was cruel, and at 28, she perished in a car accident-a profound loss to the music community. Had she lived, she would undoubtedly stand at the pinnacle of the global stage. The

the big names, but she also let slip her love story with lan. Soon, the scandal of the Campbell family's heiress losing her motherhood rights for love was the talk of the town. Public sentiment turned

a triumphant smirk, Heidi scrolled through the viral posts. "Clara, you think you can compete with me for a man? Dream on!" sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early

was a smashing success, and Heidi's talent was lauded by all. She was even dubbed a 'prodigy' by the Piano Association. Dressed in a radiant white gown, she stood at the center of the stage like an angel descended as