No Strings Attached

Chapter 203

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Chapter 200 “Yes, whatever you ask for, I'll agree to it, he said, his voice carrying on edge of desperation. Clara wiggled out of his embrace and took a step back, her voice calm and detached, “Then please, keep your distance. Whatever we had, it’s over. I’ve no interest in pointing fingers or tallying up rights and wrongs. You don’t oweanything: after all, matters of the heart are mutual, aren't they? All | want is for us to be able to intemct like regular old colleagues when we bump into each other next As for anything else, | don’t want a thing” With those final words, she slipped out of his jacket, pressed it into lan’s hands, and turned to her car lan called after her, but Clara didn’t look back. She disappeared into the cold moonlit night, leaving him standing alone. A week slipped by, and Anders hadn’t shown up for work. Rumor had it he was out looking for Orin’s mother, Elle, Clara didn’t pay much. attention to the gossip. She was too busy throwing herself into her demanding job. CFriday evening, Clara found Alicia and Orin waiting for her at her doorstep. Alicin, always the picture of intellect and grace, had tears brimming in her eyes the moment she saw Clara return. She grabbed Clara's arm, looking her over with concern, “Clara, how have you been holding up lately?” Clara offered a light smile. “I'm good, Alicia. Con in.” Bending down, she scooped up little Orin, who had been gazing up at her, and playfully pinched his cheek. Orin looked at her warily before finally mustering up the courage to speak in his childish tone, “Are you trying to take my daddy away from my mommy?” Clara chuckled, “Who told you that?” “Daddy said he only likes you, not mommy. Can you please let daddy be withand mommy? | want to have a hwith both a mommy and a daddy, just like the other kids.” Clara felt tears in her eyes and gently tweaked Orin’s nose with a smile, “I never had any intention of taking your daddy away, sweetie. He belongs to you and your mom, always.” Hearing this, Orin’s eyes lit up. “Really? Pinky promise?” Clara obliged, linking her pinky with his and sealing it with a stamp of assurance. Orin’s smile radiated pure relief and joy. Alicia, witnessing this exchange, couldn't help the tears that finally escaped her eyes. She clutched Clara's hand, “Clara, Anders did you wrong, but given the circumstances, I'm at a loss. The kid's so young, and we don’t want to hurt him.” In that moment, Clara understood Alicia’s visit’s true purpose. She smiled warmly, “Don’t worry, Alicia. Anders and | have made it clear that we are just friends to each other. There will be no other feelings between us.” Alicia’s eyes were red as she spoke, “We all really like you, Clara. That's why we want to make you my goddaughter. From now on, you'll have our support, and no one will dare mistreat you. What do you think?” Clara knew what they were implying.

They all understood Anders’ deep feelings for her and his unwillingness to let go. By offering this familial relationship, they intended to sever any possibility of resuming their past connection. Her face lit up with feigned delight, “But you are such important people.” “All that status and position, it’s all material. We simply feel a connection with you. Let's settle this matter. We'll have dinner together sometsoon, and bring your father along. From then on, you'll be part of our family.” After Alicia left, Clara sat alone on a bench outside her building, scrolling through her phone. Nearby, in an inconspicuous nanny car, a strikingly handsman watched her with an easy grace. A faint smile played on his lips. “It’s been a while.”

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