No Strings Attached

Chapter 189 Clara was jolted awake by a persistent ringing. Groggily, she fumbled for her phone and hit the answer button.

Anders’ smooth, pleasant voice cthrough, “Clara, cout to the balcony.” Clara, puzzled, ran barefoot to the balcony. As soon as she flung open the window, there was Anders, standing tall and proud on the street below The man was dressed in a crisp white shirt and slate-gray slacks, a tender smile softening his handsfeatures. He leaned casually against his car, gazing up at Clara. A shaft of sunlight caught him, highlighting his already striking appearance. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Anders in this moment reminded Clara of their first encounter on freshman orientation day-his smile, his good looks, just as captivating.

He was like a warm ray of sunlight piercing her dark world. If it hadn't been for lan, perhaps her heart might have swayed towards Anders.

Waving down at him, she spoke into the phone, “Anders, no overttoday?” His smile broadened, his voice growing even more enticing. “Clara, I've got a surprise for you.” Before she could process his words, Anders popped the trunk of his car. In an instant, countless colorful balloons soared into the sky. They drifted slowly towards Clara’s eighth-floor balcony.

While she was still lost in this romantic vision, a sudden pop startled her. The balloons, caught in a burst of pressure, exploded.

Vivid red rose petals scattered in the air, fluttering like x of crimson butterflies. A gentle breeze wafted through, carrying the petals into Clara's room.

A subtle fragrance filled her senses. Clara had to admit, she was utterly moved by Anders’ romantic gesture. She felt valued and touched by his sincere gestures. Her voice quivered with excitement, “Anders.” His gaze was as soft as a pool of water, his voice wrapping around her, “Clara, do you like it?” “I'do,"” she confessed without reservation.

Anders chuckled lowly. “Every day from now on, I'll surprise you in new ways, help you move past your last relationship, and fall for me. Clara, I like you.” Faced with such earnestness, Clara was choked up. He said he didn’t care about her past, nor whether she could have children. All that mattered to him was whether she liked him back.

He had been waiting for her to turn around, recognize his worth, and open her heart to him. How could Clara not be moved by such fervent pursuit, a feeling all too familiar? She had felt the sway once. It didn’t matter to her whether lan would marry her or make their relationship public. All that mattered was being by his side, loving him.

Clara's eyes brimmed with tears, yet her lips curved in a sweet smile, “Thank you, Anders.” Anders then reached back into the trunk and took out a bouquet, giving it a playful shake, “This is for you-a gift for our first date today. Hurry and get ready. I'm taking you out.” “Okay, just wait for me,” Clara replied with a laugh, dashing into the bathroom.

This heartfelt declaration of love had an unexpected audience-lan, who had just arrived, and witnessed it all. He couldn't help but snort derisively, “What's the use of all these fancy gestures? Giving something practical would be much better.”