No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 179

Chapter 179

Dawson knew what was up. lan was heartbroken, plain and simple. He immediately offered some words of comfort, "Don't fret, sir. Healing takes time, just like a deep cut. Plus, Altomey Clara's wound is pretty deep. It won't heal overnight. You gotta have a little more patience."

lan sighed, a touch of melancholy in his voice, "If she doesn't get better soon, I think I might lose my mind."

Watching her being looked after by someone else was driving lan up the wall. Ian wanted to rush over, pull Clara into his arms, and keep her from any other guy's orbit.

But what was he to her, really?

lan finally faced the music: not having a label on their relationship was a real hassle. He didn't even have a legit reason to protect her.

He was the ex-boyfriend who had never shown her the light of day and had hurt her countless times, while Anders had been the one pining for her and looking out for her for seven years. No matter how you sliced it, Anders had the upper hand.

lan finally understood the anguish Clara had been going through when she was with him. In their three-year relationship, he'd never gone public with it. Even their closest friends were in the dark. Back then, she must have felt as insecure as he did now-doubtful and uncertain about their future.

Thinking about it made his heart ache more than the physical wound he was nursing.

After patching himself up, he returned to his seat. Clara was pale, leaning back in her chair. lan reached out and gently massaged her head, his voice laced with concern, "How about some water to take the edge off?"

Clara shook her head, "I just had some. Just a bit dizzy. It'll pass."

lan didn't dare to push his luck and quietly sat next to her. One minute he was offering her snacks, the next a glass of water. Clara couldn't say no even if she wanted to. After what felt like an eternity, the plane finally touched down.

Clara had caught some Z's and was feeling a lot better. When she opened her eyes and went to stretch, she realized her hand had made a jailbreak. Not only had it crossed the border, it was clutching lan's shin for dear life.

She knew it was her doing. Ever since a near-drowning incident seven years ago, she always clung to something in her sleep. She had grabbed lan's clothes before, yanked his hair, and once even clung to his.... well, you know, all night long.

Knowing she was in the wrong, Clara slowly let go, hoping to sneak away before lan woke up, but as soon as she moved, lan, eyes still closed, grabbed her hand, his voice husky with sleep. "Clara, sleep a little longer."

It was his favorite thing to say upon waking up, which momentarily transported Clara back to the past. Her heart squeezed tight. She quickly withdrew her hand and sat up straight.

lan was jolted awake by her abrupt movement, "What happened, Clara?" he blurted out nervously.

His sudden move and loud voice drew curious glances from all around.

Anders watched their synchronized motions, his heart bitter with the realization. He knew Clara hadn't accepted his advances because lan still held a piece of her heart. She couldn't forget lan, much like Anders couldn't forget her.

Anders forced a bittersweet smile, a silent chuckle escaping his lips.

Once they disembarked, lan grabbed Clara's arm, "Clara, ride with me. That scare on the plane was no joke. Let me take you to see a therapist."

The concern in protect her.

his eyes

was genuine. For a moment, Clara was touched. After the tumultuous flight, she saw that lan was truly trying to

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