No Strings Attached

As Clara walked away from the doorway, the sight of May's torn poster caused an unexpected pang in her heart. She stood before the ruined poster, gazing at the poised and graceful May, and a wave of guilt washed over her.

She hadn't intended to tarnish May's reputation in her quest to deal with Heidi.

May, an artist renowned in her day, was the epitome of gentleness and humility, sophisticated and modest. How could she have birthed a daughter as sly and cruel as Heidi?

With care, Clara pieced the shredded poster back together, looking into May's smiling eyes as she whispered a soft, "I'm sorry." Then she turned and walked away.

She hadn't gotten far when her cell phone began to ring. It was a call from lan. As soon as she answered, a voice tinged with a touch of vulnerability came through. "Attorney Clara, did you forget there's a man waiting for you to come home for dinner?"

His voice was raspy and faintly whiny, sending a shiver down Clara's spine. She had never noticed this delicate side of lan before.

Hesitating, she replied, "I've got plans tonight, so I won't make it. You'll have to eat alone."

down the stairs

was no hint of guile to be

voice immediately tightened with concern. "Didn't I tell

worried when you didn't come home, so I thought I'd come down to meet

me. I'll be right

a smug smile crossed lan's face. Roger's advice was spot on. Playing

his feigned frailty kept Clara by his side every night, speaking softly to

no one to look after him, convincing Clara to move back in. Sure, she took the

his belly and clenched his teeth. He made his way to the

thigh sporting several bruises. S~ᴇaʀᴄh

her teeth in anger. "lan, what are you