No Strings Attached

Brodie could sense the inevitable coming. There was a hint of concern in his voice. "Aren't you afraid of facing even greater dangers back home?" Clara shook her head with resolve, her voice steady. "I won't let Sasha bear the consequences for me alone. I owe it to her to seek justice."

Brodie had known Clara's temperament since they were kids. She was usually gentle and compliant, but once her dander was up, nobody could hold her back. He let out a resigned sigh, "Alright then. Let's get you to the hospital."

Two hours later, Clara pushed open the door to Sasha's hospital room. Instead of finding Sasha, her gaze fell upon lan's tall, lean figure.

His face was pale, and his eyes were sunken. There was a look of unprecedented concern etched between his noble brows.

He walked over to Clara and wrapped his arms around her, his voice a whisper of velvet tenderness. "Don't worry. Sasha's out of danger. It's just a broken leg."

Clara, taken aback, questioned, "Wasn't it said she was in a coma?"

emotion. "I'm sorry, Clara. I couldn't let you leave

had been played by lan. He had

Clara's vision as she looked at him. Her voice was shaking uncontrollably. "Ian, do you realize that it should have been me lying here? They were after my life and

time, no matter who it is, I won't let

thought of what could have happened to Clara was

were next to nothing. If anything had happened to their child, he knew there

"Clara, I'll protect you and our child. If you want to leave, I'll give up everything here and take you away.

with his earnest plea, Clara's heart softened. She sniffled and managed to say, "Let's talk

stay," lan said, with a faint smile finally gracing his lips as he took Clara's hand and led her to

a cast, and her head was wrapped in gauze. Despite her injuries, the fire in her dark eyes hadn't dimmed. She glared at