No Strings Attached

He couldn't help but ball his fists. Stepping forward, he wrapped his arms around Clara and chuckled, "Clara's got a bun in the oven. It's not wise for her to hug everyone here. Who knows what germs you folks might be carrying?"

The uncles of the York family raised their fists in mock threat, aiming playfully at lan.

"Listen to this cheeky lad! If it weren't for the fact that you and Clara just tied the knot, we'd knock you flat today."

"Getting hitched is one thing, but you haven't thrown a proper wedding bash yet. We could still put the kibosh on this union if we wanted to."

"Yeah, and let's be honest here, with Clara's standing, she could snag a diplomat's son or some high-flying billionaire without batting an eye."

everyone bantered back and forth, lan seemed utterly unfazed, his

promised to each other when we were just

words left the room speechless, all eyes turning to

this young buck? You lot teamed up wouldn't stand a chance. Enough yappin' now. Marian is pacing holes in the carpet, waiting at home. Clara, let's head back

The brothers grumbled in the background,

into the lead car, undoubtedly the most luxurious of the fleet. The sight of a line of top-tier black Rolls-Royces pulling

isn't that car at the front for James York's ride?

out of the loop? The York family just announced they've found their

Surrounded by all those loving

She'd heard tales of the York family's estate rivaling the grandeur of classical gardens, and indeed, it lived up to its reputation. The delicate pavilions and towers, the serene rockeries and ponds-each corner was steeped in poetic charm. Clara knew the York family had deep