No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 140

Chapter 140

Three simple words were devoid of any romantic innuendo, yet they carried an immense amount of information.

lan was publicly apologizing to someone.

Considering the video that had been circulating, it didn't take long for people to connect the dots. lan was actively pursuing Clara.

The internet went into meltdown. Soon enough, someone dug up video compilations of lan and Clara attending various social events together.

The entire online community was shipping this attractive couple. Animations, short films, and fan fiction about them spread like wildfire across the net.

[Mr. Hayes, stop the chase. Ms. Clara has already quit.]

[Mr. Hayes, why the tears? Ms. Clara's not here.]

[The haughty CEO and his untamed secretary.]

[She Can't Escape His Reach.]

Clara had been swamped all day, not leaving the office until late. When she finally checked her phone, she was overwhelmed by the deluge of over a hundred notifications. She skimmed through them, clenching her teeth in frustration.

Just then, lan's call came through. Clara didn't hesitate to answer. "Ian, what on earth do you think you're doing?"

"I'm apologizing to you," he said with a bold assertiveness.

Clara bit her lip. "Fine, I accept your apology. Now leave me alone, will you? Please?"

It was the first time Clara had ever pleaded with him since their breakup, but she was pleading for him to stop bothering her.

lan's voice deepened, a touch of huskiness betraying his emotion. "Clara, can't we start over? I promise I won't let you down again. I'll take good care of you, okay?"

There was an unprecedented vulnerability in his tone. He was terrified of hurting Clara again.

Clara ga

gave a bitter laugh. "Start over with what, lan? Your heartless games?"

"No, not games. It'll be a life filled with both passion and love. I'm serious this time. If you're willing, we can get married right away."

He had never been clearer about anything - he needed Clara, and he couldn't live without

her. Even though the thought of marriage still scared him, he was ready to give Clara whatever she desired just to keep her.

Clara's voice was thick with unshed tears. "But I don't want to, lan. A broken mirror can never be made whole again. The cracks between us can't be mended with a few apologies. You have no idea how much you hurt me by ignoring me when I was at my most vulnerable. Right now, I just want to focus on my career, not on a relationship. If your look back on our three years together and you're satisfied, then please, let go. I don't want to waste any more time or energy on arguments.”

After saying that, she hung up and blocked every means of contact with lan. She looked. up at the star-filled sky. The bitterness in her heart was beyond words.

Why should his apology warrant her forgiveness?

Why should she agree to be with him just because he wanted it?

What about the pain she had endured?

Collecting her thoughts, Clara returned to the office.

Anders happened to be leaving with some documents and immediately expressed concern upon seeing her troubled expression. "Is he harassing you again?" Clara smiled faintly. "It's nothing. Let's go. Ryker's waiting downstairs, and he must be starving by now."

The three of them headed to a popular local diner known for its Southern comfort food. Despite the late hour, the place was bustling with patrons.

Clara ordered some dishes and shared a lighthearted banter with Ryker before excusing herself to the restroom. But as she entered, a shadow loomed before her. Someone clamped a hand over her mouth, and a pungent scent invaded her senses, causing her to lose consciousness instantly.

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