No Strings Attached

Clara was taken aback. Then she remembered the story Edwin had once told her, and her heart went out to Marian.

Marian's daughter was murdered, and her beloved granddaughter of over two decades turned out to be the child of a mistress. Seeing the hopeful look in Marian's eyes and feeling the deep longing in her heart, Clara affectionately called out, "Grandma."

At the sound of "Grandma," Marian could no longer contain her emotions. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She nodded repeatedly, her voice trembling. "My dear, I am so happy to see you. You take good care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, thank you, Grandma Marian."

moment unfold, Casey, who had been standing at a distance, felt his eyes well up. He knew that Marian was aware of Clara's true identity. He also knew that this familial bond would

The thought of

and you will always be the only father-in-law I recognize.

with relief. "Of course, I'll be there for

holding a gift in his hands. "Casey, this is some blueberry

box, admiring the blueberry wine inside. "I remember back in the day, our neighbor made the most incredible blueberry wine. It was sweet and rich, and you couldn't get drunk off it easily. One time, Clara sneaked a whole jug of it and ended up sleeping for a whole day and night. Scared Reed

so adorable." His eyes shifted to lan as he spoke, his

adorable. But Casey just had

on a deeper meaning. "Mr. Hayes, don't forget the promise you made to me to treat Clara well for a lifetime, or else, I might just take her