No Strings Attached

Chapter 498

When Clara’s cool fingertips brushed against something scorching hot, she recoiled in shock. Annoyed, she glanced at him. “What are you doing? Dad’s still outside.”

Ian wrapped her in his embrace and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Did I scare you? It’s not like you haven’t felt it before. It’s been particularly lively these days. Must be missing you, honey. Tonight, can we...”

Before he could finish, Clara pressed her lips to his, silencing him. “No way, the doctor said the last trimester is still risky. We can’t make love.”

Ian kissed her palm tenderly. “Just teasing you. I’ve got plenty of self-control. Once our son is born and you’ve recovered, we’ll drop him off with his grandpa. Then I’ll take you on a honeymoon. You wanted to see the Northern Lights, to visit the Grand Canyon, right? We’ll see them together.”

At his words, a blissful scene unfolded in Clara’s mind. They were cuddled together, awestruck by the Northern Lights. Standing at the edge of the world, they marveled at the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Text © by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

Clara, whose eyes sparkled with joy, wrapped her arms around Ian’s neck. “The happiest thing in the world is to do what you love with the one you love. I’m so happy.”

She tiptoed and planted a kiss on Ian’s jawline. As he gazed down at her radiant smile, a pang of guilt washed over him.

Since being with him, Clara hadn’t had a single day of peace. Finally, they were married now, but she was still cooped up at home, unable to go anywhere. She never complained and still found happiness.

How deeply she must love him to be so forgiving.

Ian felt warmth in his chest. He held Clara close. His chin rested atop her head. His voice was muffled. “Clara, once we get through this phase, I’ll make it up to you double. I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world.”

Clara looked up at him with a pure, gentle smile. “I’m already the happiest. I have you, our son, and so many loved ones who care about me. We’ll always be this happy, right?”

Ian felt a sudden tightness in his chest. After a moment of silence, he said in a hoarse voice, “Yes, we’ll be even happier.”

They embraced for a while before rejoining the world.

Casey had already set the dinner table and was ladling soup with a grin. “Clara, try this soup. I picked up the recipe online. You need to nourish yourself well. The baby’s growing fast.”

Clara chuckled. “Dad, I’ve gained another pound. At this rate, I’ll be a whale by the time I deliver.”

“Nonsense, you look slim to me. Some women gain up to two hundred pounds during pregnancy, but you’re barely over a hundred and twenty at seven months. You need to eat more.”

Ian watched his father-in-law’s affectionate gaze and smiled, placing a piece of tenderloin into Clara’s mouth. “Listen to him. A little extra weight will give you strength for the delivery.”

“Ian’s right. A bit of weight is good for childbirth. Now, drink up this bowl of soup and don’t leave a drop.”

The family of three sat together, chatting and laughing over their meal, a picture of warmth and happiness that dissolved Ian’s fatigue of the day.

After dinner, Ian accompanied Clara on a short walk, helped her bathe, and told her a few fairy tales before they settled down for the night.