No Strings Attached

Clara was baffled.

How on earth did Victoria know Marian? Besides, Victoria couldn't stand sweets, and she was even allergic to sugary stuff. So why would she be fond of Marian's pecan sandies?

The conversation between the two women left everyone around them gobsmacked. Edwin immediately stepped forward, taking Marian by the hand. "Grandma, you're mistaken again. This is Clara, not your granddaughter."

It was then that Marian realized she had spoken out of turn. Tears brimming in her eyes, she looked at Clara. "Ever since Heidi's incident, I've been so unwell. When I got better, I started mixing people up, sometimes I even mistake Elle for May. Clara, don't hold it against me for being muddled, will you?"

Upon hearing this, a shard of sorrow pierced Clara's heart. Marian's predicament resonated with her deeply. To be hit with the painful realization that the granddaughter she had cherished and adored for over twenty years was so ungrateful, and that Heidi's own mother might be the one accountable for her daughter's downfall was an unbearable burden.

into a gentle smile, and she shook her head slightly.

gaze, Clara couldn't bring herself to refuse. If this could ease Marian's illness, she shouldn't turn her away. She smiled and nodded, "I've never had a grandmother, and Grandma Eve was never fond of me. I've never known what it's like to

separation from her kin. The girl who should have been cherished like a princess was instead neglected by Victoria and treated as an outsider

her head. With a choked voice, she said, "From now on, you've got me to love you and nothing to fear. Once you've had the baby, I'll take you back to the York family and treat you like

to step closer, lan grabbed him by the collar. Ian's eyes

want to speak

My wife needs

on his teeth. "Ian, I'm just going to talk. What

I won't let you marry Clara but the words were swallowed back down. He would hold his tongue for his sister's sake and for the child she