No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 345

Dawson quickly offered his reassurance, "Attorney Clara, Mr. Hayes will be alright. Maybe he's already made his escape. He’s just out of range, and can't contact us."

Everyone's comforting words bolstered Clara's spirits. She lifted her teary eyes, her voice husky, "I know he won't leave us behind. He'll come back."

After wiping away a tear, she grabbed a cup of water and took a few hearty gulps. Then, turning to Dawson, she said, "Dawson, I could use a bite to eat. Could you grab me something?"

Dawson paused briefly, then promptly replied, "Sure thing, I'll go right now."

Fifteen minutes later, Dawson returned with a beef stew and a trio of deluxe sliders.

Clara sat on the hospital corridor bench, polishing off everything. Those around her watched her force down the food. Their eyes reddened with emotion. They all understood that Clara was trying to pull herself together. She was waiting for her father's surgery to succeed and for Ian to come back. It took an immense amount of inner strength to adjust her emotions in such a short time.

Finally, after a few hours, the operating room doors swung open. Clara, who had been pacing anxiously, now stood rooted to the spot. Her legs felt as if they'd been filled with lead, immovable.

Suddenly, she was gripped by a wave of nervousness, of fear. Fear that the doctor would come out and say, "I'm sorry, we did everything we could."