No Strings Attached

Chapter 21

Clara tilted her head back, locking eyes with him. Her gaze was icy, her eyes rimmed with the faintest hint of

red.

“What if I am? Are you going to strap me onto an operating table and get rid of it, Mr. Bayes?

lan’s expression darkened as he stared at Clara’s gaunt cheeks for an eternity before he finally spoke Why wouldn’t you tell me something this important?”

A bitter laugh escaped Clara. “Would you want me to tell you early just so you take out child away as soon as you can? Is that it?”

“Clara, can’t you just listen to me for once? lan’s grip tightened on her chin

Her eyes, misty with unshed tears, met his “Mr. Hayes, you’re about to marry someone else and start a family Even if I were with child, would you even care?”

retort as he stared at her defiant face. No matter how much Clara struggled, he hold firm to

voice stopped her. “Don’t

ached more at his words lan was taking Heidi, the woman he loved, for prenatal

hadn’t miscarried, wouldn’t it be an even greater agony just for her unborn child to be discarded by its own father? With these thoughts swirling in

trouble

a few steps back, glanced once more into lan’s inscrutable dark eyes, and turned to leave But before she could get far, she was swept off her feet. lan’s deep voice rumbled next

to free herself. “lan, you don’t deserve to be a father! Put

thinner Clara’s face had become. “I thought you were capable of taking care of yourself. How

his voice growing huskier. “I told you, come back to

a cold laugh. “That day will

rise, lan’s firm hand pressed her back down. Their argument was interrupted by the sound of Clara’s phone ringing. She answered it immediately,