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.

said, "Alright. Don't worry. I'll help you out with this mission." They agreed on the time and place before hanging

lan standing at the doorway, his eyes full of silent sorrow.

He's a pretend boyfriend, and you're not even that,

schools, workplaces - everything's a blank. Don't you find that dangerous? His intention to introduce you to his mother is a sham. He's planning to whisk you away, and I won't

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

her shoulder, his voice muffled. "Clara, I'm injured and afraid I can't protect you if something happens. Please, don't go. Stay

Clara was merciless. "No."

promise I won't

him. "Who brings their ex to meet their boyfriend's parents?" S~ᴇaʀᴄh the

cracked the eggs into a bowl and added, "Oh, and you're not even an ex. At best, a former boss, or maybe a

said to Clara were now being returned with interest. Each time

play the victim like Heidi?

lan a pair of cutlery. "Eat up. You must

he grabbed her wrist firmly, his expression stern. "What do you mean by

hurt saving me, trying to

"Check the backgrounds of the people who went after me three years ago. See if there's any link to the Campbell family." Dawson understood immediately. "Mr. Hayes, do you

of possibility. And get Heidi's