No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 213

Clara had been on a winning streak. Her legal acumen turned the courtroom into a stage where she performed with grace and precision.

One of her recent cases, a high-profile celebrity divorce, had catapulted her once more into the legal limelight.

The celeb in question had been with his girlfriend for a decade, but it was a relationship that remained shrouded in secrecy, far from the prying eyes of the public.

The girl, only eighteen when they met, had devoted herself to him, catering to his every need. Even during his darkest days, when his star had faded, she stood by him, unwavering.

As fortune's wheel turned and he found fame once again, he was ready to discard her like last season's wardrobe, eyeing an alliance with an heiress from a wealthy dynasty.

Legally, the girl was unprotected; her ten years of youth were trampled underfoot by his callous disregard.

Many lawyers had passed on the case, daunted by the slim chances of victory. Only Clara took it on.

And she didn't just take it - she won, spectacularly. Not only did she secure the compensation the girl deserved for her years of dedication, but she also tarnished the reputation of the heartless artist, causing a mass exodus of his fan base.

Clara watched as the girl, overwhelmed with gratitude, embraced her, with tears streaming down her face. The victory stirred something deep within Clara's own heart. Her relationship with lan had mirrored that girl's story. Three years of her life, ended by his admission that it was merely a fling, nothing serious.

The one advantage Clara had was that lan had offered her a settlement without the need to drag their personal drama through the courts.

Exiting the law firm, Clara gazed up at the stars twinkling in the night sky. Her eyes misted over with unshed tears. Right then, her phone rang with an unfamiliar number. Hesitating for just a moment, she answered.

"Hello, is this Snow's mom? This is the veterinary clinic."

The mention of the veterinary clinic sent a jolt through Clara's heart. "What's happened to Snow?" she asked urgently.

"Snow's been hit by a car. We're treating him, but he's resisting our attempts to bandage him up. Snow's dad mentioned he's very attached to you. Please, come quickly. If he loses too much blood, I'm afraid the outcome will be dire."

Without waiting for further details, Clara dashed to her car and sped to the veterinary clinic.

Upon arrival, she found Snow whimpering in pain on an examination table. At the sight of her, Snow let out a few plaintive whines, each one laced with hurt and sadness.

Clara's eyes were immediately filled with tears, and she rushed to his side. "Oh, Snow, where does it hurt? Are you in a lot of pain?" she comforted him. Her voice was thick with emotion.

Snow, previously so restless, settled down in Clara's embrace, crying out softly. Ian approached and wrapped his arms around them both. His voice was ragged with exhaustion. "Snow's missed you so much. He saw a woman on the street who looked like you and bolted after her. It happened right as the light turned green, and... a car hit him.”

Snow had been their joint purchase from a pet store three years ago, no more than a puppy then. Clara had been the one to raise him, so he had grown most attached to her. When she left, she had considered taking Snow with her, but the thought of him being lonely at home without someone to care for him made her relinquish the idea.

When Clara heared lan's words, her tears flowed freely. She felt no better than Victoria, abandoning her baby to live a carefree life without a second thought.

On her quieter days, Clara's thoughts often strayed to Snow, but seeing him would mean interacting with lan again. She wanted no more entanglements with him, so she'd buried those feelings deep inside.

The vet approached, trying to offer some solace. "Animals, much like humans, they feel deeply, especially dogs. Their loyalty to their owners can surpass that of humans. Whatever issues you two might have, please settle them privately. Don't let it hurt this poor creature. Look at him. He's suffering."