No Strings Attached

Chapter 147

After the kidnapping ordeal, Clara was haunted by shadows that clung to the edges of her mind. She would sleep with the lights on, and half–conscious images of lan fighting off attackers swirled in her mind’s eye.

She dreamt of lan being beaten, his body lying bloody and still upon the ground. Clara woke suddenly from these nightmares, lan’s name a desperate whisper on her lips.

Only upon opening her eyes would she realize it was just a dream.

Just as she was about to sigh in relief, the door creaked open and a tall silhouette stumbled into view. lan rushed to the bedside. His touch on her forehead was gentle, and his voice was gravelly with concern. “It’s okay. It was just a dream.”

Clara, shaking off her stupor, stared at him bewildered. “How are you here?”

“I was worried you’d be scared, so I came to keep you company. I saw you were asleep, and I didn’t want to disturb you. I was just on the couch outside.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

He said it so calmly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, as if they were any normal couple.

A flicker of emotion passed through Clara’s eyes, but her voice was cold as ice. “You should go. I’m fine.”

“Why were you calling for me if you’re fine?” lan ruffled her hair soothingly. “It’s just four in the morning. Get some more sleep. Don’t you have court tomorrow?” He tucked her in. His movements were devoid of any ulterior motive. His gaze lingered on Clara for a few seconds before he smiled and said, “I’ll step out. Get

some more rest.”

Once the door closed behind him, Clara’s heart finally began to slow its frantic pace. Whether it was sheer exhaustion or the sense of security lan’s presence provided, she fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.

That was until she was roused by the sound of men’s voices outside. She stepped out of the bedroom. Clara’s eyes fell on two enormous suitcases in the living room. Dawson stood opposite lan, delivering a report.

A sense of foreboding washed over Clara, and her expression became one of rejection. “What are you planning?”

lan approached her. His were filled with worry. “Victoria has been taken from the asylum. I’m concerned she might try to hurt you, so I came to protect you?”

At the mention of that name, Clara felt a tremor in her fingertips. The mere thought of that woman left a deep scar in her soul. In a rough voice, she said, “Ryker is here. There’s no need for Mr. Hayes to trouble yourself. Please, go.”

She made a beeline for the suitcases, determined to toss them out the door, but lan caught her wrist. “Clara, if they’ve taken Victoria, they’ll use her against you. I can’t let you get hurt by her again. I need to protect you.”

Clara pulled away from lan’s grasp, her gaze icy. “As long as you stay away from me, I’ll be safe. If you hadn’t harassed me on social media, I wouldn’t have been kidnapped. If you hadn’t insisted I be

your date for your anniversary celebration, Victoria wouldn’t have threatened me. Haven’t you realized it yet? You’re the disaster that’s come into my life.”

“Whether you treated me as a fling or like a sugar baby these past three years, I don’t care anymore. I want a clean break from you, no more ties. I just want to live the life I choose, quietly and peacefully. Can’t you grant me that one wish?”

Clara’s tone was steady and resolute, devoid of any lingering affection. Her eyes were filled with a chilling detachment. It was the last thing lan wanted to see. He moved closer. His gaze lowered to hers. “Clara, do you really despise me that much? Are you really that repelled by the thought of us together?”

A mocking smile briefly crossed Clara’s face. “lan, from the day you told me it was all just a game of lust and not love, my feelings for you died. I don’t want us to end this way. We both live in Northbridge, bound to run into each other. Wouldn’t it be better to leave some room for civility?”