No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 208

His face, a masterpiece of chiseled grace, coupled with a rogueish charm that clung to him like fine cologne, set hearts racing among the crowd of young women. Their excitement spilled over in high-pitched squeals.

Brodie, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for Clara with a flourish, inviting her to take a seat. He then fetched a slice of strawberry shortcake from a silver platter and placed it before himself.

Just as Clara thought he'd dig in alone, with fork poised, she caught him meticulously fishing out the bright red berries from within the cake's layers. He flashed her a grin and offered her the strawberry-free treat. "Here you go, no berries."

Clara gazed at him in disbelief. She'd adored strawberry shortcake since childhood, yet paradoxically, she never ate the berries. It was a quirk known only to those closest to her.

How could this stranger seem so intimately aware? Was it mere coincidence, or had their paths crossed in some forgotten encounter?

Brodie chuckled softly at her astonished expression. "The berries in these cakes tend to be tart. I figured you wouldn't care for them, so I took the liberty. I hope that's alright."

A wave of relief washed over Clara, and she shook her head with a smile. "Not at all. I'm not fond of them either. Thank you."

She then returned to her cake, nibbling away with an air of concentration that Brodie found endearing.

He watched her, with a barely perceptible smile curling his lips. His girl was still as oblivious as ever when indulging in food. Yet, how was it she had no recollection of him? Lifting his glass, he caressed the rim thoughtfully. His attention never strayed from Clara.

It was then that Sasha came bounding over, grabbing Clara's arm with infectious enthusiasm. "Clara, come on, stop eating! The bride's about to toss the bouquet. Let's try to catch it!" Clara tried to protest, but Sasha's excitement was irresistible. She found herself being pulled into the crowd.

Amidst cheers, the bride, with her back to the assembly, launched the bouquet into the air. All eyes tracked its arc, and just as it seemed destined for Brodie's outstretched hands at the back, a large hand from behind swatted it away without mercy.

lan, whose face was a mask of possessive irritation, sported a wild smirk unheard of before. The bouquet, once diverted, took flight again, and Brodie, unfazed, simply grinned and leapt gracefully towards it. What ensued was a comical tussle between two grown men, neither willing to let the other claim the prize.

The scene teetered on the edge of chaos, with screams of delight piercing the air from the onlooking women.

All the while, Heidi stood behind. Her gaze was dark and brooding upon Clara. She was well aware of the reason behind lan's fervor for the flowers.

Gritting her teeth, she cast a venomous glance at Clara, who stood beneath the towering champagne fountain, and a malicious intent took root in her heart.

Heidi slipped into the crowd and covertly tripped a nearby girl. The girl, caught off balance, stumbled into the person behind her, triggering a domino effect that rumbled through the crowd. Clara was the last to fall.

lan, mid-leap, caught sight of the unfolding disaster and his instincts screamed a warning. "Clara!" he yelled, but his cry was lost in the commotion as Clara was sent tumbling, hurtling towards the two-meter-tal champagne fountain.