No Strings Attached

Chapter 494

Clara gently stroked his back, her voice laced with confusion. "Ian, did Dad say something to you?"

Ian quickly shook his head. "No, it's just... I suddenly got scared you might leave me."

"Why would I? Our baby is about to arrive, and I'm counting on you to bring home the bacon for the little one. Come on, stop worrying your head. You've been under a lot of stress lately. Why don't you go out and have a beer with the guys tonight?"

With a tender touch, Clara massaged Ian's cheeks, and then, rising on her tiptoes, she planted a kiss on his face. "Feeling better now?" she asked with a smile.

Ian wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, his deep, dark eyes swirling with undisguised emotion. His warm lips gently brushed against Clara's cheek as he murmured in a hoarse voice, "As long as I have you, I have nothing to fear."

Without another word, he leaned down and captured her soft lips in a deep, passionate kiss. They stood on the lawn, bathed in the radiant midday sun, lost in each other. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Ian let go of all his worries, fully indulging in the joy of holding Clara in his arms. The kiss grew more fervent, and he found himself not wanting to let go. Eventually, it was Clara who had to put a stop to it.

"Ian, that's enough... I can't take it," she protested gently.

Ian, with a teasing smile playing on his lips, caressed her now-flushed lips. "Overwhelmed by just a kiss? Mrs. Hayes, your desires are quite strong. Have I not been working hard enough lately?"

Leaning in close, he whispered in her ear, nibbling gently, "How about after the guests leave, I fulfill all your wishes?"

Clara's cheeks turned scarlet as she playfully punched his chest. "Stop talking nonsense; our guests are waiting for us."

Laughing, Ian rubbed her heated cheek and said, "Let's go inside."

Arm in arm, they headed back towards the hall.

Teo, who had been standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, watched the entire exchange. Sipping his tea, he said in a low voice, "They look so perfect together. If they ever split up, Ian would be devastated."

Katherine, standing beside him, looked up and said softly, "Clara won't do that. She won't blame Ian for Leonora's sins. They're meant to be together forever."

As she spoke, her eyes couldn't help but gleam with unshed tears, her mind flashing back to her own moments with Teo.

Why did they part ways when things had been so good between them? What exactly was their relationship, and why couldn't Teo remember anything?

Hearing her, Teo's gaze turned affectionate. "Katherine, I'm sorry. I still can't recall what happened between us in the past or why Leonora's actions never faced retribution. It makes me feel guilty."

"Don't say that. It's not that simple. It's much more complicated than we think. I've been seeing a therapist, who suggested I try exposure therapy. I'm considering it."

Teo immediately objected, "No way, that kind of therapy is risky. If it triggers your condition, it could be fatal. I don't agree with you doing this."

But Katherine's expression was resolute. "But I can't just watch Ian and Clara fall apart. They've been through so much. They can't handle any more strife."

"Don't worry, there must be another way. Don't put yourself at risk so easily. I don't agree, do you understand?"