No Strings Attached

Chapter 186 “You seriously can’t get enough of bugging me, huh? Sasha’s got more friends than just Clara, and you're ready to swallow whatever sh feeds you?” Chase couldn't help but grin as he heard the frustration in the voice. He feigned concern with a touch of smugness, “I do feel for you, man, I hope it’s all a big misunderstanding. But con, have you seen that photo? If I'm not mistaken, that mole on Anders’ wrist is pretty distinctive. They're practically in-laws already, and you are still playing the denial game? Or has Heidi scared you witless?” lan was reeling. refusing to accept the truth staring him in the face. He tried to call Clara, but she had blocked him on all fronts Just then, a social media update from Ryker caught his eye. [The girl I've been crushing on forever got snagged by someone else. What do I do?] That single sentence was like a grenade going off in lan’s world. He knew Ryker had always been smitten with Clara, obedient to her every word. The implication of his post couldn't be clearer Clara was really considering a future with Anders. She didn’t want lan anymore. lan’s world was crumbling, his heart feeling as if it were being sliced open, throbbing with waves of pain.

Grabbing his car keys, lan sped off to Clara’s place. As lan pulled up, he witnessed Anders dropping her off. Clara stepped out of the car, hugging a teddy bear. Anders, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her, shielding her head as she got out.

Anders’ eyes were brimming with affection and joy, unabashedly gazing at Clara “Clara, I'm so happy. I can’t remember the last tI felt this good. Thank you for givinga chance,” he said.

Clara looked up at him with a smile, “Anders, I should head up. Big day in court tomorrow” 0oooooooo “Rest up. I'll swing by with breakfast and give you a ride.” “No need, it's out of your way.” Anders chuckled as he tousled her hair, “You've got to givea chance to woo you, you know?” With reluctance, he watched her climb the stairs until her apartment light flicked on and she waved down at him.

Only then did Anders, with a smile still on his face, get back into his car and drive away.

lan watched the scene of such happiness and romance unfold. He felt every minute and every second was agonizing. Clara used to look at him the sway. Now, he was the discarded one.

She was going to give her tenderness and love to another man.

The thought of Clara possibly embracing, kissing, or even sleeping with Anders made lan feel like a wild beast breaking out of its cage within him. A voice in his head incessantly whispered that Clara was his, and he couldn't let someone else take her away As Anders’ car vanished from sight, lan finally stepped out of his vehicle. Impatient with the elevator, he bolted up the stairs, yearning to unlock the door with the familiar password as he had done countless times before. But it was only now that he realized Clara had changed it.

The code they had used for years, a combination of their birthdays, had been changed. It was the sfor their home, and their bank accounts-everything.

is gone.

He remembered her words: “If I ever change the passwords, it means you've hurt me, and my love for you i Back then, he thought she was joking. Now, the harsh truth hit him-she had changed the passwords, and her love was truly gone.

lan’s throat burned, and his chest felt as though it was being pricked by needles, an overwhelming pain engulfing him. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

He raised his hand and rang the doorbell. After an eternity, he heard Clara’s voice, “Anders, why are you back?” But when she opened the door, she was met with lan, his eyes blazing crimson.