No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 262

Clara knew the woman before her was Heidi's grandmother, and she had every reason to harbor a less-than-favorable impression of her.

Yet why, when she saw the tears streaming down the elderly woman's face, did it tug at her heartstrings?

She approached and took hold of Marian's arm, her voice gentle. "Marian, it's Clara."

At these words, Marian wiped away her tears with a touch of disappointment. Choking with emotion, she clutched Clara's hand. "Why isn't it my May? When May played that tune, she sounded just like you. You and her—"

But before she could finish, Heidi interrupted, wrapping her arms around Marian's shoulders, her face etched with sorrow. "Grandma, are you missing mom? I miss her so much, too. How about I take you to see her tomorrow? Would that be okay?"

The sight of Heidi's tears stopped Marian from completing her thought. She couldn't understand why she saw her daughter's shadow in Clara. Every smile, every gesture was so reminiscent of her own child.

How could they really be unrelated?

Edwin had just walked in and caught this tender scene, his gaze landing on Clara. He observed her closely.

It wasn't just him who felt this connection to Clara. Why did his grandma mistake her for May, too? Was it longing, or did Clara truly bear a striking resemblance?

The thought struck Edwin's heart with such force that he found himself instinctively clenching his fists. His eyes fixed on Clara once again, landing on her back.

Clara was wearing a modern dress. It featured a sheer back, through which one could glimpse Clara's graceful shoulder blades.

Edwin's gaze lingered on Clara, searching her back for the birthmark of a petal that would confirm his suspicions. To his dismay, Clara's back was flawless, devoid of any mark.