No Strings Attached

lan felt his heart plummet.

This woman... He was sure he had seen her somewhere before, especially those beautiful eyes and the tender, watery smile that lurked within them. The memory was so distant, so faded, he couldn't quite place when their paths had crossed.

lan realized he was losing his cool and quickly adjusted his expression. "If it bothers you, I can move to the table over there," he offered.

"No, it's fine. Have a seat," Liana quickly composed herself after her initial shock.

Clara was mortified and kicked lan under the table in a fit of silent rage, but before she could retract her leg, it was ensnared by lan's strong limbs. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't break free. Watching her face turn beet red with annoyance, lan couldn't help but curve his lips into a smug grin. He poured her a glass of iced water and offered it with a chuckle, "Is it just me, or is it sweltering in here? Attorney Clara, you look like you could use something to cool down."

a hundred times over. But externally, she managed a thin smile. "Thanks, Mr. Hayes, but I can't handle cold drinks-warm

Liana and then for herself, hoping to move past the incident. But lan's voice, slightly deeper than before, broke the silence. "Why is it so early this month? I thought yours was on

but his attempts at discretion only served

the hue of a ripe tomato. Even a fool could decipher the significance of that date. It alluded to

felt her facial muscles stiffen and managed to force a tight-lipped

too. "Enjoy your meal. I've

Liana turned to Brodie with a gentle look. "He's got

"Did you recognize lan from somewhere? You seemed surprised." As a psychologist, he was trained to notice the slightest details. Liana shook her head with a laugh, "Not sure, maybe it's just that his eyes resemble yours. My memory's been gone for over twenty

food, his voice soft and reassuring. "If you can't remember, then let it be. Taking care of yourself is