No Strings Attached

Teo realized the depths of lan's anguish and wiped away a tear. "It's our fault. The Hayes family has hurt Clara from the very beginning. She's been hurt so much because of Leonora, and now, her own family is dragged into this mess because of us again. I feel so guilty toward her. If anything were to happen to her or the child, I don't think you could ever forgive yourself. Ian, think it over carefully. You need to make a clean break, for Clara and the child's sake."

It was already past one in the morning when lan stepped out of the mansion. The streets at this time had far fewer cars.

Sometime unknown, a light rain had started to fall. The continuous drops hitting the car window felt like they were falling directly on lan's heart, bringing wave after wave of chill.

He stood below, looking up at the bedroom window, hesitating to go up. He was afraid of seeing Clara's sympathetic gaze and hearing her comforting words.

These days, besides taking care of herself and the baby, Clara also had to worry about his business affairs. She had lost a significant amount of weight.

Other girls got whatever they craved during pregnancy and went wherever they wished, but his wife could only live in this mansion.

She didn't have the pampered life of others but spent her days in constant fear and anxiety.

Thinking of this, lan wiped the rain off his face. As he stared at the light on the balcony upstairs, he clenched his fists involuntarily.

Clara had once told him that as long as that light was on, it meant she was home. This habit had persisted since three years ago. Whenever he returned home exhausted in body and spirit, seeing that light would relieve much of his fatigue.

lan looked up at the gloomy sky and

sighed deeply. He had never

believed in the divine, but now he found himself wishing for divine assistance to help protect his wife and child.

The rain continued to fall, soaking his expensive shirt and trousers thoroughly, clinging tightly to his body. His attractive physique was displayed in all its glory.

lan walked with long strides towards the hall. After showering in the guest room and changing into pajamas, he quietly pushed open the door to the master bedroom.

His body felt somewhat cold after he

stood in the rain for so long. Clara might have been feeling a bit warm and immediately wrapped her arms tightly around lan's waist upon

feeling the chill.

Her moist lips brushed a few times against his chest. She felt his presence and slowly opened her sleepy eyes. Her voice was soft and sweet. "Honey, you're back."

lan leaned down to kiss her forehead, murmuring a soft acknowledgment. He gently stroked her back and said with a husky voice, "Baby, go back to sleep. I've got you."

Clara's beautiful lips curved slightly. "Mmm, it's been a long time since you held me to sleep."

lan felt tears welling up in his eyes.

Ever since the turmoil at Hayes Corporation began, he had been preoccupied with handling company affairs. He either didn't come home or returned very late. He would sleep in the guest room because he was worried about disturbing her.

lan thought of how difficult these days must have been for Clara alone and hugged her tightly. He watched her fall asleep and lowered his head to kiss her lips.

His voice was low and husky, filled with a mixture of pain and longing. "Clara, how can I bear to part with you?"