No Strings Attached

Chapter 120

Trevor chimed in immediately, “Ninely, help Mr. Hayes get his meds from the car.”

Anders was about to get up when lan stopped him. “There are several bottles of medicine In the car, and I can’t tell them apart. Ms. Clara always used to handle them, so it’s best if she comes with me,”

Clara could see right through lan’s ruse. But with the Dolans present, she couldn’t very well call him out. She steeled herself and said, “Excuse me, Trevor, Alicia, I need to help Mr. Hayes with his medication.”

“Sure, be quick about it.”

As she got up, lan gripped her wrist tightly. He stood up, nodded respectfully at the Dolans, and said, “I’m feeling under the weather, so I won’t impose on your family dinner any longer. I’ll take my leave now.”

He clutched his stomach with one hand and held Clara with the other, feigning agony as they made their way to the door.

Once the room door clicked shut, Alicia, who seemed to have seen right through the act, cast a meaningful glance at Anders. “I’m not old–fashioned, nor does she care about someone’s romantic history, but Clara’s situation seems more complicated than you. think, lan seems to have a special place for her in his heart.”

lan had disrupted the pleasant dinner, and Anders couldn’t hide his frustration. “They had a thing in the past, but it’s over now,” he said tersely.

Alicia patted her son’s shoulder with a smile. “I know you’ve had feelings for her for years, but love needs to be reciprocated. It’s not about you giving it your all. It’s also about what Clara feels. I don’t think she sees you in that way. You’re getting obsessed, sweetheart. Maybe try seeing other people, and you might move on from this.”

Anders took a sip of his wine, his face a mask of anguish. “I’ve tried. I thought the same during my first year abroad, so I had a girlfriend. We dated for six months, but it ended because I couldn’t forget Clara. No matter what, I don’t want to give up on her like I did three years ago.”

Sensing the determination in her son’s eyes, Alicia smiled gently. “Whatever you decide, we’re here for you. Just don’t make it hard for Clara or yourself. Know when to hold on and when to let go.”

Anders nodded, comforted by his parents‘ understanding.

Clara was pulled by lan out of the room, and soon broke free from his grasp. She faced him with an impassive expression. “Don’t you think it’s time to end this little performance, Mr. Hayes?”

11:04

lan’s forehead was beaded with sweat, and his eyes he a deep sadness as he looked at Clara, Clare, I’m not lying. My stomach really hurts. Please don’t ignore this.*

Clara showed no sympathy. Instead, she pulled out her phone and dialed Dawson. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Dawson, meet me by the elevator on the third floor. Mr. Hayes is having a bout of stomach trouble and needs to get to the hospital right away.”

lan watched Clara with a touch of disappointment. She used to fret over even his slightest discomfort. Once, he had drunk too much and caused a gastric bleed. Clara had cried for a long

time. She had lain in his arms, her tears soaking his shirt, and scolded him affectionately, “lan, if you ever drink like that again, I’ll never speak to you.”

Back then, Clara’s eyes were filled with love and concern, but now, all he could see in them was coldness and indifference.

lan wasn’t sure if it was his stomach or his heart that hurt more, but his eyes felt moist, as if something was welling up. His voice was weak as he asked, “Clara, what can I do for you to forgive me?”