No Strings Attached

As the shout rang out, the balloons soared into the azure sky. At their apex, they burst, showering crimson rose petals from the heavens.

Clara gazed upward, watching the petals dance in the sky, and couldn't help but let her pretty lips curl into a smile.

When she returned to this place, there was a shadow in her heart, but wrapped up in this atmosphere, her shadow dissipated in an instant.

Sasha bounded over, wrapping an arm around her neck with a laugh. "Hey, Mr. Hayes promised us a feast! He said he's gonna treat us to Australian lobster, Alaskan king crab, and South African abalone, and not to skimp on any of them."

Clara chuckled and playfully flicked Sasha's forehead. "Check if that's enough. If not, you can steam me as a side dish."

"I'll pass on that," Sasha retorted with a grin. "Before I could even get you in the pot, Mr. Hayes would've chopped me up for shark bait. And hey, how many times have I told you not to knock on my noggin? If you scramble my brains, who's gonna marry me? You?"

Before Clara could respond, Chase's roguish voice came from behind. "Being a bit daft might be a blessing. It saves me from your constant nagging."

eyes at him. "Chase, would it kill you to keep quiet? Don't talk to me today, or you'll

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few too many drinks. It's not like I laid a finger on you." "And you better not even think about it!

fine. I yield, okay?" Chase, fearless in the face of anything, knew when to

watching the drama unfold from a safe distance. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet

those two have a thing

They've already

and not seal the

fun at Chase, who seemed unbothered. His

own arranged match. Ranting about calling off

bulged. "Sasha is his

why Sasha has such a bone

at lan. "So you knew all along and didn't