No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chase heard this soul-searching question and wanted to respond with his usual carefree attitude. "Why would I like her? She's got such a fiery temper."

But as the words reached his lips, something felt off. He had been with Sasha for so long, yet he never pondered this question.

It was always about being in sync - together when things were good and apart when they weren't. He had never truly asked himself what he felt deep down. For the first time, the usually unbridled Dr. Chase faced a question in life he found hard to answer.

lan chuckled from the other end. "Do you realize you're exactly where I was three years ago? I thought I was just comfortable with Clara and never thought about the long haul. That mindset led to a huge misunderstanding between us, to the point where winning her back was like an uphill battle. Do you really want to follow in my footsteps?"

The thought of lan's past torments made Chase hastily reply, "I won't be as foolish as you. Clara loved you so much, but you doubted her intentions. Sasha and I are different, so don't jump to conclusions." lan was tempted to curse out loud but swallowed his words. Why should he be the only one to have gone through hell to win back his love? He deserved some company in that ordeal.

He responded nonchalantly, "Then let's pretend I said nothing. But how can you be so sure there are no misunderstandings between you and Sasha? Maybe it's something that can't be resolved in a lifetime." "Buzz off! Don't jinx me, alright? I just haven't figured out our relationship yet. If I were to really marry her, I wonder if I could handle her explosive temper."

"Then don't marry her. Wait till she marries someone else. I heard her mother set her up on some dates, and those guys seem decent. They're definitely more reliable than you and clearly the type to settle down with."

Chase was fuming as lan praised other men right out loud. "Ian, who the heck grew up with you? Why are you turning your back on me?"

lan chuckled, "Sasha is my son's godmother, and I'd rather find her a dependable godfather, not someone like you, who doesn't even know what he wants."

Chase was so infuriated he cursed lan out and abruptly hung up the phone. He stood in the garden and looked toward the villa.

Sasha was sitting next to Clara, gently stroking her belly with a face full of excitement and joy. Did Sasha actually love kids? He didn't see her this happy during the earlier mix-up. She even claimed she didn't want kids for the sake of her career.

Chase considered himself the strategist in matters of the heart among his friends. Whether it was Roger pursuing Christy or lan chasing Clara, he always played a significant role. Just when it came to his own affairs, he was at a loss.

Chase extinguished his cigarette and drove away.

Sasha watched the car leave, a peculiar glint passing through her smiling eyes. Clara looked at her and smiled. "Do you like Chase?"

"Like that idiot? Not in a million years!" She denied it vehemently. Even if he were the last man on Earth, she wouldn't consider him.

Clara handed her a cupcake and asked softly, "So, you agreed to go on those dates your mom arranged?"

"Yeah, I wrap up shooting next week, and I've scheduled the dates. Might as well get rid of Chase in the process."

"How so? By asking him to move

out? Sasha, Ive been through a lot in

love and don't want you to go

through the same. I want you to be

happy. If you truly have feelings don't let them slip away. Some chances don't come back, and I don't want you to live with regret."