No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 321

Wrapping his arms around his neck, Orin planted a big, wet kiss on Edwin’s cheek.

Leaning close to his ear, Orin whispered in a childish lilt, “I haven’t wished my uncle a Happy New Year yet. May your fortunes soar!”

The innocent tone in Orin's voice entertained Edwin, eliciting a robust laugh from him.

Reaching into his pocket, Edwin pulled out a giftbox and pressed it into Orin’s palm, saying, “And I wish you health and heaps of happiness, Orin.”

With a smile, Orin replied, “Thank you.”

Then, his gaze landed on the petal birthmark that lay on the table. His eyes went wide with surprise. “Why do you have a picture of Aunt Clara? Do you know her, too?”

Edwin’s heart skipped a beat at the question. Staring at Orin, he stammered, “What did you say?”

“That’s my Aunt Clara’s back! She has a petal just like that one. I saw it in my dad’s photo album. He said it’s from when she was in college, wearing her dance costume. She looked so pretty.”

Edwin felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him. His grip tightened around Orin.

There was a petal on Clara’s back. Why hadn’t he noticed it at Rose’s birthday bash? Was Orin mistaken, or was there more to the story?

Without another word, Edwin scooped up Orin and the picture of the petal and hurried downstairs.

Anders was in the kitchen, fixing breakfast. His brow furrowed at the sight of Edwin carrying Orin down. “Why is Edwin carrying you? You could walk down yourself.”

Edwin, unable to contain himself, set Orin down and handed Anders the picture. “Have you ever seen this petal on Clara’s back?”

Anders peered at it for a moment, then nodded nonchalantly. “Saw it once when she was dancing. What about it?”