No Strings Attached

Chapter 463

Clara chuckled, her nose twitching as she tried to sniff out the truth. "Really? My hubby's kisses are sweet as pie, not a hint of funk. Besides, the smooch we shared when we parted ways yesterday should've worn off by now."

Sasha stomped her foot in mock frustration. "Ugh, Ian, you bastard! Give me back my innocent, sweet Clara. You've totally corrupted her!"

The two friends were causing a ruckus in the room when Clara's phone began to ring. She saw Ian's number and quickly answered. Her voice was teasing as she spoke, "Honey, someone's talking smack about you behind your back."

Ian's lips curled into a smile at the sight of Clara's beaming face. "So chipper? Hanging out with Sasha?"

Clara's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Who else but she would dare bad-mouth me behind my back?"

Sasha leaned in, her voice laced with irritation as she addressed Ian on the video call. "Ian, give me back my little Clara. She's totally led astray now because of you."

Ian raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "It's a case of 'like husband, like wife.' Haven't you heard of that? Oh, I forgot, you've never even been in love, so obviously, you wouldn't understand the happiness involved."

At his words, Sasha clenched her teeth in anger. "Ian, do you realize I'm Clara's maid of honor? Better watch out tomorrow when you come to fetch the bride; I might just block your way!"

Not daring to push her further, Ian pulled out a small, elegant box from beside him. Inside was a set of the season's latest jewelry, something Sasha had long coveted but never splurged on. "This set's

for you. It'll match Clara's jewels perfectly, and I've also prepared several bridesmaid dresses for you. You'll have plenty to wear."

Sasha's lips twitched into a smile. "That's more like it. But you better prepare a hefty gift for me, or else you won't be crossing the threshold. You'll have to plead with me to marry your bride."

Clara pouted at her friend. "Don't you dare make it tough for him. Otherwise, our future son won't be calling you 'godmother.'"

Sasha poked Clara's forehead with a chuckle. "You're already turning on your own. Ungrateful little thing. You two chat. I'm off to brainstorm some challenges with Elle downstairs." Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Ian watched Clara, his eyes dancing with mirth. "Mrs. Hayes, do you have so little faith in your husband?"

Clara pursed her lips and sighed. "Good luck to you. My brother and cousins have been plotting how to give you a hard time all day. All fourteen of them. You'll see what's waiting for you."

Ian chuckled with a knowing look. "Don't worry, darling. Your hubby's got the stamina to spare. No matter how they try to wear me down, I'll still make sure you end the night with a smile."

Clara's cheeks flamed at his brazen words. "I'll hang up on you."

"Don't! I've missed you. Let me have a good look at you."

The next morning, Clara was roused from sleep by her father, Casey. "My precious girl, it's time to get up and get beautified. We don't want to miss the auspicious hour."

Casey was beaming with joy, yet a hint of worry lingered in his heart. He couldn't shake off the unease Heiman's words had planted in his mind.