No Strings Attached novel (Sharp and Clara’s)

Chapter 160

His voice was raspy as he asked, "Did you listen to Daddy, Snow? Did you take good care of Mommy, huh?”

Snow barked twice in response.

He slipped the bag he was holding over Snow's neck, a chuckle in his voice as

he said, “This is a little something for you and Mommy. Can you deliver it for me, buddy?”

Snow whined understandingly and trotted off toward Clara.

Clara had run a good three miles and was drenched in sweat. Seeing Snow bounding towards her, she plopped down on the grass with a sigh. Gently rubbing Snow's head, she chided, “Didn“t Mommy tell you not to accept things. from strangers? Why don't you listen?”

She laughed as she untied the bag from around Snow's neck and was about to peek inside when that deep, familiar voice reached her ears. “It's from me, not a stranger.”

The smile froze on Clara's face. She slowly lifted her eyes and saw a tall, striking figure standing before her.

The man was dressed in a crisp black shirt and slate—gray slacks. His sharp features were accentuated by the warm glow of the streetlights, and his dark eyes held a careful watch over her. After what felt like an eternity, lan took measured steps toward Clara and slowly crouched beside her. His gaze was unguarded as he looked at her, his voice soft but hoarse. 7“Clara, are you all right?”

He tentatively reached out, tucking a damp lock of hair behind her ear. The warmth of her skin raced up his fingers and throughout his body.

He wanted to pull her close, to rest his head on her shoulder and confess how much he had missed her these past days

But he reined in his desires, waiting quietly for her response.

Clara immediately dodged his touch, her lips curling into a faint smile. “Thanks to Mr. Hayes, I'm doing just fine.”

Chapter 160

Fine enough to have gone a week without a lawsuit. Fine enough to be in therapy every day. And fine enough to wake up from nightmares every night.

lan felt a tug at his heart as he noticed the chill in her eyes, his own voice dropping lower.

“Clara, I'm sorry. I know the hurt they've caused you is immense. I'll make it right. Heidi's been sent back to the family estate. I've stripped my mother of all her corporate roles, and Grandma Rose has my mom reciting scriptures in penance. As for Victoria, I will take Casey's advice and put her behind bars. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, just tell me. I'll make it right. Just don't shut me out.”

Clara listened impassively. “lan, if you ever loved me in the past three years, I could have tolerated their treatment, knowing I had your true love. But the truth is, what we had was nothing but a physical fling. Why should I bear so much? Don't you think that's unfair to me?”

“Clara, I-" He wanted to say “I love you,” but the words felt empty and hollow. If he loved her, he wouldn't have uttered such hurtful words. If he loved her, he wouldn't have chosen to trust Heidi over her, time and again.

lan couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead, he looked at her with profound intensity.

Clara pushed Snow into his arms, her tone indifferent, “Take Snow with you. And don't come back.” Thent, she didn't turn back no matter how Snow barked, and went straight into the elevator.

lan was about to follow when his phone rang, breaking the moment. He answered with a hint of impatience in his voice.

“Sir, there's been an issue with the herbal tea Ms. Clara has been drinking.”