No Strings Attached

Chapter 280

Clara's mind halted abruptly. Surprise shimmered in her dewy eyes as she gazed at the stunning man before her. "What are you talking about?"

"Of course, the marriage certificate. You promised me last night, and you can't back out now." Ian nipped her lip in a playful act of revenge, a mischievous smile curling at the edge of his mouth.

Clara's awareness gradually returned to her. Indeed, there had been such a moment last night, in the midst of her crazed state, when Ian had suddenly paused, then whispered seductively in her ear. "Sweetheart, let's go get a marriage certificate tomorrow, okay?"

She wanted to refuse, to cling to the last shred of her sanity, but his caresses were so tantalizing that she couldn't help but murmur a breathless 'yes.'

Recalling this, Clara glowered at Ian. "You're a con artist in both love and marriage—I should sue you."

Ian chuckled lowly, "How do you plan to sue me, Attorney Clara? I didn't force you, and I didn't drug you. You were the one begging me, remember? I have evidence."

He pulled out his phone and played a video. The video content was indeed from that compromising scene last night.

Clara's face flushed crimson. She reached out to snatch the phone to delete the video, but Ian evaded her. He pulled her into his arms and captured her lips with his own. The kiss was sultry, leaving Clara with reddened eyes.

Ian slowly released her, his fingertips gently tracing her reddened lips as he murmured, "Honey, I've already posted it on my social circle. Everyone's waiting to see our marriage certificate. You wouldn't want to let your husband-to-be down, would you?"

Clara paused, taken aback. How eager was this man to show off? The certificate wasn't even issued, and he was already celebrating on social media.

Deep down, she felt an indescribable sweetness. She was about to respond when her phone suddenly rang.

Seeing it was her father calling, she quickly answered. "Dad, what's going on?"

Casey's voice came through with urgency, "Clara, your Grandpa Reed took a fall this morning and broke his thigh. All the highways are closed, I can't get him to the hospital, and the ambulance can't reach him either. Do you remember that classmate of yours who lives near Reed's village? She's a doctor, and I was hoping you could get her to check on him."

Grandpa Reed lived in the countryside, was over eighty years old, and lived alone. Clara had spent most of her childhood summers and holidays there.

Hearing of his accident, Clara's expression turned anxious. "Dad, don't worry, I'll reach out to her right now."

After hanging up, her eyes brimming with tears, she turned to Ian. "I don't think we can do this today. Grandpa Reed has broken his leg. I need to find him a doctor."

As she started to search for her classmate's number in her contacts, Ian took the phone from her. He kissed her forehead tenderly, chiding, "You have your man right here, and you don't think to turn to me in a crisis?"

Ian soothed her by stroking her hair. "Don't worry, I'll send the hospital's helicopter right away with doctors on board."

"But Reed's place is in the countryside, and they probably don't have a helipad."

"There's plenty of open space in the countryside to land a chopper." Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Half an hour later, Ian, Clara, and Casey boarded the helicopter. Upon seeing Casey, Ian spoke up before Clara could. "Don't worry, we'll have the doctor check on him. If it's serious, we'll bring him back to the hospital for treatment."

Casey nodded appreciatively. There was a slight delay before he saw something on Clara’s finger. "What's that on your finger, Clara?"