No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 52

lan understood Casey's meaning, and with a respectful dip of his head, he said, "Mr. Casey, every word we spoke was the truth. Take care of yourself. There's a whole lot more for you to do out there." Casey gazed into his eyes and gave a faint nod of acknowledgment.

A week later, Casey was discharged from the hospital.

To celebrate her father's recovery and to dispel the shadow of his recent imprisonment, Clara threw a welcome home party at their place, inviting only their closest friends.

Sasha was the life of the party, going so far as to bring a fire pit for Casey to step over-a quirky symbol of luck.

Chase, who was standing right behind her, nearly burst out laughing.

With a huff, Sasha delivered a playful kick to Chase's shin before dashing back to Casey, taking his arm tenderly, "Mr. Casey, welcome home. Are you pleased with our little shindig?"

Casey looked around at the carefully decorated home, and patted Sasha's hand with a smile, "Thanks, you guys. I've got a little gift for each of you."

"Wow! Really, Mr. Casey? I've been the hardest worker these past few days. You've got to give me the biggest gift."

"Of course, you've earned it. Clara, hang out with them for a bit, will you? I'm going upstairs to freshen up and change. I'll be right back."

Clara answered with a smile, "Sure thing, I'll have the butler assist you."

As they watched Casey head upstairs, Sasha leaned in and whispered to Clara, "I've noticed lan's been practically living at the hospital, like a model boyfriend. How are things with you two? You're not actually falling for him, are you?"

Clara's smile was light, "Not a chance. Once the three months are up and my Dad's in the clear, I'll find the right moment to set things straight."

Sasha looked at Clara's gaunt, face, hesitating before voicing her concern, "Have you considered why lan's being so accommodating this time? He couldn't possibly be thinking of getting back together with you, could he?"

"No way," Clara replied with resolute certainty, "The agreement states that as long as I'm by his side, he'll ensure my dad's safety. Now that there's been trouble, it's his responsibility to step up."

"I wouldn't want you back with him either. Remember when you had that miscarriage? You

That's were bleeding so much, and when you called him, he didn't even show up.

11:43

Inhuman.

The memory of that incident still made Sasha clench her teeth in anger.

Clara was left alone, dealing with the pain of losing a child and suffering physically without her man's support. No woman would forgive that easily.

As they spoke in hushed tones, Chase's voice suddenly interrupted from behind. "What happened with the miscarriage? Was there some kind of accident?" Sasha spun around, glaring at him fiercely as a warning, "Whatever you've overheard, keep it to yourself. Not a word to that bastard."

Chase, looking exasperated, spread his hands innocently, "I didn't catch a thing."

He gestured towards the kitchen, a smile playing on his lips, "I'm gonna check if Anders has dinner ready yet."

As Chase walked towards the kitchen, his fingers surreptitiously tapped on his phone. screen. [There's more to Clara's miscarriage. You should dig deeper.]