No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 57

lan ruffled Clara's hair with a casual affection, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he looked down at her. It was as if the home he spoke of was their very own love nest.

A sharp pang struck Clara's heart. The memory of leaving that place, the home she had poured her heart into and left with such sorrow, surfaced once again. Her fingers trembled ever so slightly, but her face remained calm as she turned to face Casey.

"Dad, I'm not comfortable leaving just yet. I want to stay with you a bit longer."

"What's there to worry about, sweetheart? We have a housekeeper, and you two just patched things up. You need to cement your relationship. You've done enough for your old man. I can't keep holding you back from your own life."

After much persuasion from Casey, Clara finally got into lan's car. For the first time since their separation, they sat together in silence, without an argument.

After a while, Clara finally broke the silence. "Let's hit the mall nearby. You're out of dress shirts, aren't you? I'll pick up a few for you as a thank-you for playing along these past few days."

lan turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Clara, did we know each other before?"

Clara's grip on her phone tightened, her heartbeat quickening. Yet her expression betrayed no sign of panic. She gave a slight smile. "No, we didn't."

"Then why did you agree to my request in the first place?" He finally voiced the question that had been gnawing at him, but his palms were sweaty as they gripped the steering wheel, waiting for her response. "Because you're lan, the dream of every woman in Northbridge. Having someone like your on my arm? Why would I refuse? I mean, anyone in my shoes would have jumped at the

chance."

She was telling the truth. lan was handsome and wealthy, the heir of Northbridge's prestigious Hayes family. Being his secret lover, or even a mistress, was something many women would claw their way to the top for.

A wry smile played on lan's lips, but inside, a bitter taste lingered. This wasn't the answer he wanted. Nor was it truly what Clara felt.

If Clara were like any other woman, she wouldn't have left without taking anything. She wouldn't have gone three years without once using the black card he gave her.

He used to think she was playing hard to get, staging a show for him, all to win his heart and secure the title of Mrs. Hayes. But now, knowing she had been oblivious to the incident three years ago, he couldn't help but think things might not be as he had assumed.

11:

Clare must be hiding something from him

They drove into the underground parking of the mall. Clara got out of the car, not waiting for lan, and headed toward the elevator

But she hadn't gone far when a strong arm wrapped around her shoulder. His voice, deep and seductive, whispered in her ear, "Why didn't you wait for me?"

Clare tried to break free, but lar's grip was unyielding. She looked up at him reluctantly. "lan, this is Northbridge's busiest mall, where the elite congregate. Do you really want us to be tomorrow's front page

news

lan, gazing at her soft lips, couldn't resist a quick kiss. His voice was husky. "It wouldn't be the first time

"But I don't want that. We started as CEO and secretary, and I'd like it to end that way, too.

It's better for both of us, don't you think?"

She spoke with her usual calm No matter how dark lan's expression turned, she steadily pulled herself from his embrace