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.

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

and was surprised to find lan standing at the doorway, his eyes full of silent sorrow.

and he are different. He's a pretend boyfriend, and you're not

background, schools, workplaces - everything's a blank. Don't you find that

uncover Brodie's details, only that he was a

about their background 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,

Clara was merciless. "No."

you. I promise I won't interfere with your

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

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

was pierced by 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

to play the victim like Heidi?

placed the spaghetti on the table and handed lan a pair of cutlery. "Eat up. You must

firmly, his

hurt saving me, trying to use that

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 suspect this was a trap set by

realm of possibility. And get Heidi's medical reports