No Strings Attached

Chapter 301

Christy glanced toward Clara's stomach and lowered her voice with a conspiratorial wink. "You're dressed down today, more than usual. Is there, by any chance, a little bun in the oven?"

Clara's eyes brimmed with unshed tears, a tender smile tugging at her lips as she gave a subtle nod.

Christy's jaw dropped in excitement. "For real? Does Mr. Hayes know yet?"

"I haven't told him."

"Is it that you haven't told him, or you don't want to tell him? Are you taking the split seriously? You don't know this, but Roger didn't come home the night you and Ian broke up. He said Ian got totally plastered. He's never seen Ian take it so hard."

Clara felt a sting in her heart at those words. How could she not know how much Ian was hurting?

Every night after work, he’d be lingering outside her place. Sometimes, he'd get in the house, chat with her dad, and check on her. Other times, when he was too late for visits, he’d just stand at her door, smoking alone.

She'd wanted so many times to dash outside and throw herself into his arms, to tell him, "Ian, let's make up, please." But then she'd think of the baby and hold back.

Clara's voice was hoarse with emotion as she looked down. "I can't risk it anymore. I need to protect my child and my family."

Christy patted her shoulder sympathetically. "Don't you worry, your secret's safe with me. And hey, I've got a stash of prenatal stuff from back in the day—you can have it."

While Christy played with Della, she filled Clara in on all the pregnancy dos and don'ts.

Roger got home just in time to catch the moment. He snapped a photo on the sly and sent it to Ian. [Your ex-fiancée's at my place. Want me to stage a 'casual' run-in?]

Ian, fresh out of a meeting, texted back instantly. [What's your poison? I'll bring it over.]

Roger's grin was all smugness. [Heard you nabbed a fine bottle of wine at the auction. I want a taste.]

Ian gritted his teeth. [Taking advantage now, huh?]

[Nah, just thinking of giving you a leg up in front of Clara.]

[Be there soon.]

Half an hour later, Clara carried Della and descended the stairs to play. As she stepped into the living room, she was greeted by a tall, commanding figure.

Ian, holding a doll and with a softer smile than usual, approached them. "Got this for you, Della. Mind if I get a hug?"

Della seemed less interested in the doll and more fascinated by Ian's face, gazing up at him with big, curious eyes.

Roger teased with a chuckle, "Della's wondering why her godfather's so stingy. Her godmother showers her with jewels and clothes, and you think a rag doll will do the trick? Dream on!" Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Ian laughed it off and turned to Roger. "A dad as money-hungry as you are is the real tragedy for Della."

He then pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it to Della. "Here, this is my New Year's gift to you."

Della grabbed the card and lunged into Ian's arms, wrapping her little hands around his neck and going straight for his Adam's apple with a nibble.

Ian dodged quickly. "No biting there—that's reserved for your godmother."

Clara's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as intimate images of her and Ian together flooded her mind.

Just then, Christy came downstairs, lugging a big bag of stuff, and said, "Clara, these pregnancy books are a lot. I worry you can't carry them all. I'll have someone drop them off at your place later."

At those words, Ian's dark eyes lifted sharply, locking onto Clara with a look that said volumes.