No Strings Attached novel (Sharp and Clara’s)

Chapter 89

Clara froze, tilting her head up to look at lan. “What did you just say?”

lan, pinching her glowing cheek, teased, “Where else would your stuff be delivered if not to your office?”

His words immediately brought tears to Heidi's eyes. “lan, can't I at least try it on?" she implored. lan arched an eyebrow at her, his tone nonchalant. “That piece isn't for you. Look for something else, on my tab.”

Without waiting for Heidi to react, he wrapped an arm around Clara and headed downstairs.

As they left, arm in arm, Heidi's eyes welled up with tears. “Leonora, do you think lan wants Ms. Clara to be his plus-one? What about me?”

Leonora wiped her tears, comforting her, “Don’t worry, honey. The title of lan’s wife is yours and yours alone. Shine at the banquet and lan will see your worth.”

Heidi leaned against Leonora, seemingly vulnerable, but her eyes shimmered with resolve. Clara was still reeling as lan ushered her into the car. She had expected lan to favor Heidi unconditionally as always, but his sudden change of heart caught her off guard. She had to admit, her heart fluttered in that moment.

To hide the turmoil in her eyes, she stared out the car window until lan grabbed her chin. “Is the view outside more captivating than me?” he teased, before biting her lip.

Clara whimpered in pain, “lan, you're such a brute.”

"Only because you weren't looking at me.”

He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss with a possessive fervor. All he could think about was Clara in that dress — beguiling, sultry, with an innocent allure.

It was the first time he'd seen her in something so formal. He admitted he was dazzled. He couldn't bear the thought of another man enjoying her beauty.

lan's kiss was assertive, full of desire. His breath warmed her face, igniting a blaze.

Eventually, he eased back. His voice was husky as he said, “Be my partner for the first dance at the anniversary celebration.”

Clara was still reeling from their intense kiss when his words stunned her. “Do you want me to be the talk of the town?” she asked incredulously.

lan nipped her lip with a smile. “Silly girl, no one will dare. You'll see.”

Clara could not guess at lan’s Intentions. Once deeply in love, she was now exceedingly cautious. Still, her heart skipped a boat despite her reservations.

Soon, the anniversary celebration arrived.

The entire Hayes family gathered, Including the rarely seen Rose, who sat in a place of honor, wearing a vibrant red dress, casting glances toward the entrance.

Beside her, lan’'s sister Greta leaned in and whispered, “Grandma Rose, why are you so anxious? You're not keeping secrets from us, are you?”

Rose chuckled, “It all depends on lan’s performance tonight.”

Greta's eyes widened in shock. “Is lan bringing a girlfriend? Is it Heidi?"

“Of course not. I wouldn't have come if it were her."

As they chatted, the hall doors swung open. Rose excitedly tapped Greta's hand. “Here he comes with his sweetheart. He hasn't let me down.”

Greta was instantly struck by Clara's stunning beauty. “Wow,” she gasped, “lan’s taste is impeccable. Heidi doesn't stand a chance.”