No Strings Attached

Chapter 20

Leonora didn’t have a shred of sympathy as she vented her frustration over the phone, “Is this all my fault? Would I have argued with your father if he hadn’t been such a ladies‘ man? lan, let me tell you, I’ve made up my mind about Clara. I will not let that woman stay by your side, not even as a mistress!”

With that, she coldly ended the call.

lan, fuming with anger, shook a cigarette out of the pack and lit it, inhaling deeply as he leaned back in his

chair.

A few days later.

After Clara had helped her father with lunch, she received an unexpected call from the hospital’s OB/GYN department. Following her recent miscarriage, she had undergone a comprehensive gynecological exam, and it seemed the results were in.

She stepped out of the hospital room and answered the phone.

“Ms. Clara, there’s an issue with your test results. It would be best if you came in right away”

news. She hung up, gave her father

the report. He then fixed his gaze on Clara. “Do you frequently use emergency contraceptives?”

Clara nodded.

they wouldn’t have protection, leaving her no choice but to take the morning–after pill. Her last pregnancy was a result of

to be difficult for you. It was already a miracle you conceived, but you didn’t take care, and the miscarriage and subsequent bleeding did significant harm to your body. According to

a knife to the heart, making it hard to breathe. Her cold, trembling hands clutched

fabric of

percent chance of pregnancy and, after five years of marriage,

of pregnancy.

emotion as she asked, “Doctor, isn’t there anything that can be done?”

For a woman to lose the ability to become a mother is something you might regret for a lifetime. If a man truly loves you, there are many ways to practice contraception. He wouldn’t just

a bleak smile.

could he let her bear all this?

the door, the next patient came in. She

a familiar voice. “Doctor, I’d like to have a pre–pregnancy check-up. I’m planning to have children right after getting