No Strings Attached

Anders was careful not to hurt the child, restraining his emotions throughout. He held Elle's face, kissing her lips over and over again.

As they rekindled their intimacy, flashes of memories from three years ago instantly filled his mind. Back then, Elle always wore a smile, excited like a little swallow flying towards him whenever he came to pick her up from school.

She would then jump into his arms, looking up at him with a laugh. "Anders, how did you know I was missing you during class?"

He chuckled, gently pinching her perky nose, and said softly, "You came abroad to study, not to daydream about boys."

Elle's smooth cheek rubbed against his chest as she cooed, "Studying and missing my man can go hand in hand. I topped my class again in the exams, so you should reward me."

Anders smiled proudly. "That's amazing. What reward would you like? Just name it."

With a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, she tiptoed and whispered in his ear, "I want you."

gently stroked Elle's hair, his voice laced with laughter. "You're still a little kid.

kids at 22. Don't you like me? Or are you

in Elle's eyes as she stared at

been repeatedly rejected, her heart feeling more hurt than unwilling. From the moment she saw Anders, she fell for him. Though

confident, radiant, and happy. She believed that seizing the

cheek gently, unsure how to face Elle's feelings. Deep down, he knew he allowed her closeness merely because she

start a relationship and then forget the past, but he wasn't ready

forehead softly, "Let's go have some delicious food first, then

understood what

her face. Yet, she forced a smile and wiped away her tears. "I want to

meal cost Anders a lot.

he found her crying alone in the bathroom.

wanted to comfort