No Strings Attached

"No can do. My wife has been expecting you, and she's whipped up a feast. If you don't stay for dinner, she might not have a happy year."

They chatted as they made their way inside. As Clara stepped into the foyer, a familiar figure caught her eye.

Greta stood at the entrance, beaming in a festive cranberry wool dress, "Clara, happy holidays!"

Clara stopped in her tracks, staring at Greta in disbelief. Could it be that the relatives Marco mentioned were the Hayes family? Could it be that Grandma Rose and her kin were here on a family trip? With a surprised smile, Clara said, "Greta, your whole family aren't here, are they?"

Greta nodded with a smile, "Yes, indeed. This is Grandma Rose's childhood home. She hasn't been back in years, but this year, I was free, so I accompanied her."

Clara chuckled softly, "What a coincidence."

led her inside, chatting away. "You have no idea. Grandma Rose has been busy in the kitchen all day after hearing you were coming. They've prepared what they think are the tastiest

family had actually cooked for her. Clara couldn't deny feeling touched. She walked over with a smile and hugged Rose

her face beam with joy as she nodded repeatedly, "Happy holidays, my dear Clara. May your year be

with a smile and embraced Marco's wife as well, "Ma'am, happy holidays." Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt

"Why do you look so pale?

I'm just overwhelmed with

Clara, such a charmer. You lot

been hard these past months with Ryker. That boy hasn't been

at all. Ryker has been very well-behaved. He's been managing the club

to your and lan's guidance. This brat doesn't