No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 306

Despite the thunderous crackle of fireworks, lan's words pierced through the cacophony, clear and distinct, reaching Clara's ears. His hot, moist lips caught her off guard, prying her pearly teeth apart. The tender, intoxicating kiss, tinged with a hint of liquor, swept over Clara. For a fleeting moment, her mind went blank, and her heart skipped a beat. She had to admit she coveted this kiss and yearned for its taste.

A surge of desire bubbled up within her, urging her to reciprocate, but soon enough, her senses snapped back to reality. With a firm push, she distanced herself from lan.

Her eyes, glistening from the fireworks' reflection, sparkled like the stars ignited in the night sky.

Sensing her irritation, lan quickly fished out an exquisite piece from his pocket, an emerald pendant. He then draped it around Clara's neck. His voice was husky, "Clara, I had this necklace blessed by Master Heiman to keep you safe. It's your New Year's gift. You must wear it at all times. Never take it off, or it'll lose its magic, understand?"

Clara's cool fingertips traced the contours of the pendant, and the words of reproach lodged in her throat.

She knew of Master Heiman, the revered abbot from the White Abbey. His blessings were said to be potent, but to secure such a blessing, one had to endure many tribulations.

She had once swept the floors for a whole week just to seek a simple blessing for lan, bowing in devout prayer day after day. Considering the effort she had put in for that small boon, the trials lan must have faced for this pendant were undoubtedly far greater.

Clara lowered her gaze to the pendant, whispering, "lan, this is the last time. Don't do this again."

lan's lips curled into a smile. "Alright, I'll listen to you from now on."

He reached out and playfully tugged her beanie down, asking with a grin, "Didn't you also get me a New Year's gift? Why the hesitation in giving it?"

At the mention of the gift, Clara suddenly remembered the cufflinks she had won at the auction, intended for lan on New Year's Eve. She said. "I'll give it to you later."

"Shall we head back inside? It's too cold out here," lan said, noticing her reddened nose.

Clara nodded slightly and turned to leave.

Meanwhile, Sasha was utterly immersed in the splendor of the fireworks, screaming with the crowd and jumping excitedly at times. Chase kept a protective arm around her, his gaze complex as he watched her. "Sasha, I've never seen such an irresponsible mother-to-be. You're pregnant and still acting wild."

His words instantly deflated her excitement. Annoyed, she kicked him in the shin. "Mind your own business! It's not your kid."

Chase clenched his teeth in frustration, "What are you planning to do, huh? Is that deadbeat not stepping up?"

Sasha glared at him coldly. "Chase, just keep quiet. It's the holiday season. Don't make me angry!" Then, she spun around and walked away.

As she stepped through the villa's gate, she booted Chase out. "Get lost. We're going to sleep!"

Chase, infuriated, snapped, "Don't blame me for not warning you. Rough movements like that could lead to a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester."

"To hell with miscarriage!" With a loud 'bang,' the villa's door slammed shut.

Chase kicked the door hard, seething and muttering, "Ungrateful as always, my good intentions are always taken for granted."

Just as he was about to walk away, the door swung open. He thought perhaps Sasha had a change of heart and returned. Instead, there stood lan, hand nonchalantly in his pocket, a cocky grin on his face and a clear note of mockery in his voice. "Seriously, man, you're looking to play Daddy Warbucks on the cheap?"

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