No Strings Attached

Chapter 465

"Man, are you just begging for a whooping today?"

The two were horsing around when Roger's voice came from outside the door. "Y'all had enough fun? Today's Ian's big day. Nobody better step out of line."

They all chuckled and bantered until the clock struck the auspicious hour, then they hopped into the car and took off.

No sooner had Chase settled into his seat than he shot Sasha a message. [The world's most dashing groom and his squad of groomsmen are en route. Brace yourselves for our arrival.]

Quick as a flash, Sasha hit back with a voice message. "Roger that, just you wait and see!"

Ryker snorted upon hearing this, "I heard she's dug up a ton of pranks online. Today, it's every man for himself."

Chase scoffed, "What's there to fear? We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Just watch me."

As they rolled up to the Bell family estate, they were greeted by four sharp-dressed men lined up with mischievous grins plastered across their faces.

The wedding convoy came to a halt, and Ian was the first to step out of the car. He extended a hand respectfully to the oldest of the men. "Sir, go easy on us, will ya?"

The man chuckled, "Clara was lost for over twenty years. We found her, and you're swooping her off her feet. You think we're gonna go easy?"

Ryker, full of youthful vigor, shot back, "Then bring it on!"

"Alright, see this acupressure mat? Shoes off. You lot are doing a jump rope relay. Hundred jumps to pass."

Roger winced, "That thing's a killer. It nearly brought me to tears at my own wedding. I'm not jumping."

Ian booted him in the rear, "You think we brought you along just to look pretty? Since you've been through it, lead by example."

Roger went through the wringer, managing 15 jumps. Chase followed, teeth gritted, enduring another 5.

Ian eyed them with disdain, "Back home, neither of you is getting dinner."

"Ian, it's not that I don't want to give it my all for you, but it's damn excruciating, like a drill to the heart. I seriously can't take it. Let Ryker do some extra; he's got Special Forces training."

Ryker stepped up when it counted, knocking out 50 jumps, leaving 30 for Ian.

The man smirked with a knowing look. "Ian, give it your all. Your bride is waiting."

Ian bit down hard and picked up the rope. As he started jumping on the acupressure mat, each jolt of pain reminded him of the hardships Clara had endured for him. And like that, he finished the task.

The onlookers were in disbelief. "For the love of his wife, he'd forsake his own life. Not even a peep from you."

Ian just clapped the man on the shoulder. "This is nothing."

The group surged forward, storming toward the mansion. The doors to the grand hall were already shut tight.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Orin stood at the window, waving to Ian. "Uncle Ian, if the gift isn't hefty enough, I'm not opening it up."

Ian fished out a stack of gifts and slid them through the crack in the door. He called out, "Dad, grandparents, I'm here for Clara!"

The sight of the red envelopes had Orin scooping them up, bottom in the air, "Uncle Ian's so generous!"

He handed a bunch to his dad and then waddled over to the door. Looking up at Ian, he said, "Uncle Ian, I'm handing Auntie over to you. You better not pick on her."

Ian pinched the boy's cheek, smiling, "I promise, bud. I won't."

Orin took Ian's hand, "Uncle Ian, I've got a secret to tell you..."