No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 340

This wasn't the first time Clara had heard such words. Just last time, at Rose's birthday bash, Marian had said something similar.

Clara paid it no mind, merely offering a small smile. "By that logic, I guess Heidi and I look alike too. Are we fated then? Seems more like a recipe for resentment."

Edwin offered a bitter chuckle upon seeing Clara's resistance. "Clara, please don't lump me together with Heidi. We have a blood feud. Her mother killed my mom and lost my sister. I'll never stand with her."

To gain Clara's trust, Edwin laid bare the tragic tale of his mother's demise and his sister's mysterious disappearance. In his eyes, Clara saw the raw agony of losing a mother and the yearning for a lost sibling. She was touched, and she felt an unexpected kinship. The walls around her heart began to crumble ever so slightly.

She lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes full of scrutiny. "What if I told you my dad's illness is connected to your father, Paolo? What would you think?"

Edwin's tense features softened at her moderated tone. "I'll have it looked into immediately. If Paolo is involved, I'll ensure justice for you."

Clara's eyelashes fluttered. "Then, could you check who's been in touch with the Bell family lately? My dad and my grandma had a falling out over something, and I bet someone's stirring the pot." Edwin nodded firmly. "I'll have someone on it right away. You've had a long day. Could you eat something? If you wear yourself out, lan's gonna have my head."

Clara knew she had battles ahead. Her father's health, lan's safety, and the well-being of the child within all needed her to stay strong. She accepted a food box from Edwin, forcing herself to eat.

Despite the meal being a feast for the senses, it was tasteless for her. Watching her struggle, Edwin asked with concern, "Does the food not agree with you? What do you fancy? I can get something made fresh from the diner."

Clara shook her head gently. "Nothing will taste right to me now."

She managed a few bites of vegetables and rice, sipped some chicken soup, then had the remnants cleared away.

Alone, she sat quietly beside her father's bed, holding his hand much like he had held hers throughout her childhood. She wanted to tell him in this way that she was waiting for him to wake up. At eight in the evening, Chase wheeled Sasha in.

Upon seeing Casey on the bed and Clara's pale face, the usually boisterous Sasha's eyes instantly welled up. She whispered, "Clara."

As Clara turned, tears traced the paths down her cheeks. Sasha wrapped her in a hug, comforting her persistently, "Don't worry. Casey will be fine. Ian will bring back the doctor for him." Chase chimed in reassuringly, "Casey isn't in any immediate danger. I'm monitoring his vitals. Clara, you need rest for the baby's sake. Go sleep with Sasha for a bit. I've got this." But Clara shook her head. "I'm afraid if I leave, something might happen to my dad."

Sasha gently patted her head, "Chase is here, and we're just across the hall. Casey wouldn't want to see you like this. Plus, my godson needs his rest. Come on, be a good girl, okay?"

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