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."

lan seemed utterly unfazed, his smile only

soft voice, "No can do, folks. Clara and I were promised to each other when we were just tots. That's Aunt May's dying wish, and you wouldn't

speechless, all eyes

"Trying to outsmart 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

lan, and led her straight to the car. The brothers grumbled in the background, "Oh, so we can't

sight of a line of top-tier black Rolls-Royces pulling up at the airport turned heads and drew envious glances. "Wow, what a turnout! Who's the

for James York's ride?

announced they've found their long-lost granddaughter.

stars, what a lucky girl! Surrounded by all those loving uncles

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 cultural roots, but the reality