No Strings Attached

Clara knew the woman before her was Heidi's grandmother, and she had every reason to harbor a less-than-favorable impression of her.

Yet why, when she saw the tears streaming down the elderly woman's face, did it tug at her heartstrings?

She approached and took hold of Marian's arm, her voice gentle. "Marian, it's Clara."

At these words, Marian wiped away her tears with a touch of disappointment. Choking with emotion, she clutched Clara's hand. "Why isn't it my May? When May played that tune, she sounded just like you. You and her "

But before she could finish, Heidi interrupted, wrapping her arms around Marian's shoulders, her face etched with sorrow. "Grandma, are you missing mom? I miss her so much, too. How about I take you to see her tomorrow? Would that be okay?"

The sight of Heidi's tears stopped Marian from completing her thought. She couldn't understand why she saw her daughter's shadow in Clara. Every smile, every gesture was so reminiscent of her own child. How could they really be unrelated? Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

scene, his gaze landing

just him who felt this connection to Clara. Why did his grandma mistake her for May, too? Was it longing, or did Clara truly bear a striking

he found himself instinctively clenching his fists. His eyes fixed on Clara once again, landing

wearing a modern dress. It featured a sheer

lingered on Clara, searching her back for the birthmark of a petal that would confirm his suspicions. To his dismay, Clara's

fists slowly relaxed, the flicker of hope in his heart extinguishing as quickly

stayed close to Rose and Marian. Both grandmas argued

her teeth in frustration. Why did Clara get to sit at the main table? Why was she so favored by Rose upon

to be more interested in Clara than her. Was blood truly thicker than water? Could her twenty-plus years with

her emotions, painting a light smile on

of the hour. May you