No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 264

When he heared the words, Edwin's dark eyes sparked with intensity. "Where is she?"

"We haven't pinned down her location yet, but we found a picture of a little girl taken by a reporter during a dance recital," came the response. "Send me the picture, now," Edwin urged. His voice was laced with impatience.

A notification from WhatsApp buzzed on his phone, and he tapped it open. His eyes were instantly blazing with a mix of shock and recognition.

The birthmark on the girl in the photo was eerily similar to the one his mother bore. It was perfectly situated on the girl's beautiful shoulder blades.

The photo captured only her silhouette. Her face was obscured, but the girl's graceful posture was undeniable - a slender waist, long legs, and the elegant curve of a neck glistening with beads of sweat.

A satisfied smile played at the corners of Edwin's lips.blf this was indeed his sister, she seemed to be living a life of grace and poise.

He quickly instructed his companion to continue the search for the girl. A beacon of hope was now illuminating their once directionless quest.

Suddenly, Heidi burst into the room. Her entrance was as abrupt as a summer storm. She snatched the phone from Edwin's hand, her face a mask of sorrow and reproach. "Edwin, they're all picking on me, and you won't even defend me. Not even grandma takes my side. Doesn't anyone love me anymore?"

As she wept, her eyes accidentally caught a glimpse of the photo on Edwin's phone. Her heart skipped a beat. Had her brother already found a clue?

A flash of coldness flickered in her eyes, swiftly veiled by her tears. Pretending to have seen nothing, she clung to Edwin's arm, playing the victim.

"Why is it that lan can accept Clara despite her inability to have children, but he rejects me and humiliates me in front of everyone? I'm so embarrassed."

Edwin was unmoved by her wailing. His expression was one of disdain. "Isn't this all your own doing? You know exactly what kind of man lan is. If it weren't for my and his friendship, do you think you could have deceived him for three years and still be okay?"

Her argument deflated like a punctured balloon. Heidi hung her head in forlorn silence, with tears streaming down her face.

"Enough. I'll have someone drive you home. Don't embarrass me any further," Edwin said, unceremoniously dismissing her with a wave of his hand as a driver escorted Heidi away.

The birthday banquet was still underway when lan, seizing an excuse, took Clara and left early.

Throughout the journey, Clara pretended to sleep. Her eyes were firmly shut, but the fluttering of her lashes betrayed her pretense. Ian didn't call her out on it. His warm palm securely held her small hand, feeling the chill of her fingertips and the tremble of her heart.

With a tenderness that ached, he pressed a kiss to her cheek and whispered huskily by her ear, "I'm sorry, Clara."

His neglect had inadvertently caused her to endure such pain, and he couldn't bear to think of the burden she carried alone. He had thought his absence during her near-fatal hemorrhage was the worst blow, but now he realized the depth of her wounds went far deeper.

When he remembered his past harsh words, and the weight she bore in silence, lan's eyes moistened, and his throat was tight with emotion.

His breath, warm and shaky, caressed Clara's ear as he kissed it gently. "Clara, why didn't you tell me? Why bear this all alone? Do you have any idea how much it breaks my heart to hear this news?"

A hot tear landed on Clara's cheek, prompting her eyes to fly open. She met lan's gaze. His face was etched with grief. She felt as if a thorn had pricked her heart. Her own tears followed, and her voice was choked with emotion.

"lan, I didn't mean to deceive you. I thought the herbal treatments would help, but the doctor said there's been no improvement. She mentioned this isn't something that can be resolved overnight."

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