Female Novel
Chapter 253
Clara was enveloped in a tight embrace. Ian's arms constricted around her with such fervor it lefther struggling for breath. She had never seen Ian so unglued, so completely stripped of his usualpoise. He was the master strategist, the king among men in her eyes, always in control no matterwhat the world threw at him. Yet now, he clung to her like a child gripped by fear, begging forpromises.novelbin
Clara was at a loss. Whatever was gnawing at Ian's nerves was beyond her knowledge. Shereached out, her delicate fingers brushing his hair, her voice a soothing whisper. "Okay, I'm notgoing anywhere."
The moment he had risked his life to save her father, she had made up her mind. Clara knew thatshe and Ian were inseparable, now and forever.
Her resolve shone in her eyes. The soft cadence of her reassurances seemed to break down hisdefenses, and in a moment of raw emotion, Ian pulled her close. He lowered his head and claimedher lips in a kiss that was as fierce as it was impatient—as if he was trying to consume her, to makeher a part of him.
The kiss was possessive and urgent, leaving Clara gasping for air. She felt Ian's passion, wild andrelentless, as he pressed his lips to hers over and over, each caress a silent promise and apoignant goodbye.
They were lost in the moment until a knock on the door echoed through the room. Clara, her cheeksflushed, extricated herself from Ian's embrace to answer it.
Edwin stood at the threshold, holding a bag filled with what looked like takeout. His gaze brieflyfaltered upon seeing Clara, but he quickly recovered with a smile. "Just checking in on Ian, heard hewoke up."
"Come in, Edwin," Clara said with a nod. Her feelings towards Edwin were cool, tinted by her dislikeof Heidi's antics. She led him into the room and excused herself, leaving the two men alone.
Edwin couldn't help but watch her leave. He was lost in thought until Ian's gruff voice snapped himback to reality. "Keep staring, and I'll gouge your eyes out!"
A low chuckle escaped Edwin's lips. "So, you guys made up then?"
Ian, now lounging on the couch with a smug grin, replied, "Yeah, get your wedding toast ready."
Surprised, Edwin raised an eyebrow. "That was quick. You sure it's not a shotgun situation?"
Ian's voice carried a note of defiance. "I've earned this. If it weren't for Heidi's meddling, I'd be afather by now."
Mentioning the past cast a shadow over Edwin's face. "Ian, my family's actions—I was clueless. Ican't ask for forgiveness, but I need you to know, they are them, and I am me. Let's not let theirdeeds taint our brotherhood."
Ian took the breakfast sandwich from Edwin's offering, a peace offering of sorts. "Fine. You mademe breakfast, so I'll let it slide. How's the investigation into Aunt May's case going?"
Edwin shook his head. "The truck driver was just a drunk. He did time, and now he's out. Nostrange contacts or sudden wealth."
As Ian heard this, his gaze sharpened. The accident was eerily similar to the one that had savedGrandma Rose and even the death of their nanny. All drunk drivers, all dead ends. It was too muchof a coincidence. There had to be a missing link somewhere.
Ian had a nagging suspicion that his mother, Leonora, was at the heart of it all.
Lost in thought, Ian barely noticed as Edwin produced a diamond necklace—the one his mother hadclutched in her dying moments, surely a clue to a mystery unsolved.
Ian took the necklace, and childhood memories flooded his mind, his fingers curling instinctivelyaround the cold metal.