No Strings Attached

Teo gazed at Brodie, who had always epitomized calm and poise, now standing with veins throbbing on his forehead. His eyes were ablaze with undissolvable hatred.

A sharp pang went through Teo's heart. What could have possibly happened to drive him to such a state?

Teo's eyes began to sting, and his throat tightened. He couldn't even muster the courage to recognize Brodie as his own.

After what felt like an eternity, he spoke with a heavy voice, "I don't know what went down back in the day, but since it seems my actions wounded you, I'm not expecting you to make amends with me. All I'm asking is for a chance to make things right, to take good care of your mother, to help her regain her memories."

Brodie stared into Teo's eyes for a long moment before finally releasing his grip and his eyes reddened slightly. "If it turns out you're the reason my mom's hurting, I'll never forgive you!" After saying that, he turned and walked into the hospital room.

Teo watched his retreating figure and sighed softly. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number. "Look into every woman I've come into contact with 24 years ago."

face was lit up with joy and excitement. "Can you hear that? That's our baby's heartbeat. The doctor says it has a big head, almost half the size of its body, and you can make out all the organs. Who do you think

her hands gently caressed her belly. She was eagerly anticipating the birth in a few short months, imagining what their

down and kissed her lips softly. His voice was husky. "No matter who the baby takes after, they'll be ten times cuter than Roger's daughter. Sure, she's got

she retorted, "If Roger heard you talking about his daughter like that,

with

up together. Even if they don't end up married, they could be as close as siblings like Brodie and me. Wouldn't that be nice?" Sᴇaʀch

"Clara, don't you dare talk about your feelings for another man in front of

could respond, lan captured her plump lips in a fierce, retaliatory kiss. His skills were expert, and it didn't take long for Clara to surrender. Her moan was a low hum in her throat, and her eyes

appetites. His hands began