No Strings Attached

Wrapping his arms around his neck, Orin planted a big, wet kiss on Edwin's cheek.

Leaning close to his ear, Orin whispered in a childish lilt, "I haven't wished my uncle a Happy New Year yet. May your fortunes soar!"

The innocent tone in Orin's voice entertained Edwin, eliciting a robust laugh from him.

Reaching into his pocket, Edwin pulled out a giftbox and pressed it into Orin's palm, saying, "And I wish you health and heaps of happiness, Orin."

With a smile, Orin replied, "Thank you."

Then, his gaze landed on the petal birthmark that lay on the table. His eyes went wide with surprise. "Why do you have a picture of Aunt Clara? Do you know her, too?"

Edwin's heart skipped a beat at the question. Staring at Orin, he stammered, "What did you say?" sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

I saw it in my dad's photo album. He said it's from when she was in college, wearing her dance costume. She looked so pretty." Edwin felt as if the breath had been

noticed it at Rose's birthday

up Orin and the picture

fixing breakfast. His brow furrowed at the sight of Edwin carrying

Anders the picture. "Have you ever seen

a moment, then nodded nonchalantly. "Saw it once when she was dancing. What

birthmark or

She was part of a dance club in college. Every time

Edwin's breath hitched. Struggling to keep his composure, he asked, "Has

looked puzzled. "Don't you know about the time Heidi threw acid on her? After that incident, the birthmark seemed to

this, Edwin was almost certain that Clara was the sister he had been searching for all this time. Heidi

typically stoic Edwin suddenly found tears streaming down his face. He swiped at his eyes, only to find the

saw Clara, it was as if he was looking at his own mother. Not just him, but his grandmother's family felt