No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

She had guessed lan's decision already. He wouldn't be absent, not standing vigil by her side, if he didn't make his choice

Clara closed her eyes in agony. Tears slid down her cheeks, dampening the pillow.

She didn't want to let go and couldn't bear to let go. If she left lan, what would become of him alone?

She shook her head in denial. "I can't believe he'd want to part ways with me, nor can I believe he'd give up on our relationship. Sasha, I want to see him."

Sasha pulled out a tissue to wipe her tears and said, "He's gone abroad. He'd be back in a few days and asked me to keep you company."

"What else has happened the last few days? Tell me everything."

"Not much, mostly just corporate battles. The Hayes empire fell under Brodie's control, lan's influence waned, while the York and Campbell businesses continued their downward spiral. Ryker really came through at a crucial moment. He sold his club, moved the Miller stronghold to Northbridge, and took over as head of the Miller family. The guy's grown up a lot in how he handles things, Clara, and that's all thanks to you. He even said that once you're recovered, he'd take you racing."

Clara listened to Sasha's recount and gradually calmed herself. Everyone was trying their best, looking for a breakthrough from this dire situation. Clara felt she and lan could make it, too.

A week later, lan returned from abroad.

He looked noticeably thinner, his chiseled features even more pronounced. He took off his coat and approached Clara. His intense gaze fixed intently on her.

The two hadn't seen each other for over ten days, and upon reunion, neither dared to speak first because they both knew what the other wanted to say.

After some time, lan's hoarse voice broke the silence. "Clara, how are you feeling?"

Clara nodded slightly. "Much better. How are things on your end?"

"Not very optimistic, but my sister has been released from the police station and is staying at our house abroad. However, she's restricted from returning until this case is resolved."

"And the evidence? Is it hard to find?"

"It involves classified information, not something I can discuss, but I'm doing my best to negotiate and hoping to bring my sister back soon." "Good. I hope you can bring Katherine and Grandpa back soon, too."

Their conversation was calm, both aware that this calmness was the precursor to an impending storm.

lan was silent for a long while before finally looking up at Clara with his bloodshot eyes. His voice was unimaginably hoarse. "Clara, let's break up."

Hearing those words, Clara didn't cry or make a scene but stared at him calmly, her lips trembling non-stop.

Her throat felt as if pierced by a thorn, an unbearable pain. As she watched lan, her voice choked. "Are you gonna leave me as well?"

That single sentence made all the mental strength lan had prepared over the past few days crumble. Tears streamed down his cheeks at that moment.

"Clara, I'm sorry. I can't selfishly keep

you by my side. Before the incident, my dad and uncle both approached me, suggesting we break up, perhaps to best protect you and the child. But I didn't agree because couldn't bear to. Yet, it was precisely my reluctance that brought harm to you and the child."

"So, I can't bring any more harm to you. This battle with Connor isn't something that can be resolved in a day or two, maybe not even in a year or two, possibly even ten years. I can't let you be implicated anymore.

"If something else were to happen to you, I could never forgive myself for the rest of my life. Clara, please agree to this. It's the best course of action for both of us."