No Strings Attached

lan's eyes, which had just been smiling, instantly chilled as he reached for Clara's phone, intending to hang up. But then he heard her soft reply. "Sure, I'm free tomorrow. What kind of food does your mom fancy? I could help her pick a restaurant."

Brodie's smile was gentle. "Aren't you worried my mom will actually take a shine to you?"

"That's what you want, isn't it? For her to like me so you can dodge the arranged marriage back home? Don't worry, I'll make a good impression," Clara said, stirring the spaghetti in the pot.

Brodie pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling helpless. Clara didn't remember him at all. She was no longer the little girl who used to run after him, calling out 'brother.' She had become a self-assured and independent woman.

He gave a half-smile. "Fine, you choose the restaurant, and I'll pick you up from your place."

"No need, Mr. Brodie. I can drive myself there."

Brodie chuckled lowly. "Clara, that formality kind of gives away that you're a rental."

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Clara asked, "So, should I just call you Brodie?"

"Sure. Everyone at home does. It sounds more familiar," he suggested.

out with this mission." They agreed on the time and place before

standing at the doorway, his eyes full of silent sorrow. "Clara, you can't call

and he are different. He's a pretend

and found nothing. Not even his family background, schools, workplaces - everything's a blank. Don't you find that dangerous? His

private detectives and still couldn't uncover Brodie's details, only that he was a criminal psychology expert brought in by the

was not to be trifled with. Ian moved closer to Clara and embraced her. His chin rested on her shoulder, his voice muffled. "Clara, I'm injured and afraid I can't protect you if something happens. Please, don't

Clara was merciless. "No."

you. I promise I won't interfere with

ex to meet their boyfriend's parents?" S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the

a bowl and added, "Oh, and you're not even an ex.

a thousand arrows. All the harsh words he had once said to Clara were now being returned with interest. Each time she retorted, it was a fresh wound in his heart.

"Trying to play the victim like Heidi? It

the spaghetti on the table and handed lan a pair of cutlery. "Eat

wrist firmly, his expression stern. "What do you mean

saying you intentionally got hurt saving me, trying

lan sat down thoughtfully and took out his phone to call Dawson. "Check the backgrounds of the people who went after me three

of possibility. And