No Strings Attached

When he heared the words, Edwin's dark eyes sparked with intensity. "Where is she?"

"We haven't pinned down her location yet, but we found a picture of a little girl taken by a reporter during a dance recital," came the response. "Send me the picture, now," Edwin urged. His voice was laced with impatience.

A notification from WhatsApp buzzed on his phone, and he tapped it open. His eyes were instantly blazing with a mix of shock and recognition.

The birthmark on the girl in the photo was eerily similar to the one his mother bore. It was perfectly situated on the girl's beautiful shoulder blades.

The photo captured only her silhouette. Her face was obscured, but the girl's graceful posture was undeniable - a slender waist, long legs, and the elegant curve of a neck glistening with beads of sweat.

A satisfied smile played at the corners of Edwin's lips.blf this was indeed his sister, she seemed to be living a life of grace and poise.

continue the search for the girl. A beacon of hope was now

burst into the room. Her entrance was as abrupt as a summer storm. She snatched the phone from Edwin's hand, her face a mask of sorrow and reproach. "Edwin, they're all picking on me, and

on Edwin's phone. Her heart

flash of coldness flickered in her eyes, swiftly veiled by her tears. Pretending to have seen nothing, she

have children, but he rejects me and humiliates me in front of everyone?

disdain. "Isn't this all your own doing? You know exactly what kind of man lan is. If it weren't for my and his friendship, do you think you could have deceived him for three years and still

hung her head in forlorn silence,

Edwin said, unceremoniously dismissing

was still underway when lan, seizing an excuse, took Clara and left

pretense. Ian didn't call her out on it. His warm palm securely held her small hand, feeling the chill of