No Strings Attached

The vet's words cut Clara to the core. She cradled Snow's head, showering it with kisses. Tears traced the elegant line of her jaw and fell onto Snow's pristine white fur.

Clara's voice was choked with emotion. "Snow, you're not an orphan. You're Mommy and Daddy's treasure. Mommy loves you so much, and Daddy loves you too. We'll never abandon you."

At her words, hot tears welled up in Snow's bright eyes as well.

Even the doctor was moved. She stroked Snow's head and said, "Snow, you're the most loved treasure of your parents. Now, I'm going to perform a little surgery on you. It might hurt a bit, but you need to be brave, okay?"

Snow seemed to understand, remaining silent throughout the procedure.

Clara's heart ached even more. It felt like it had been ages since she had cried like this.

her tears continued to fall relentlessly.

hand gently massaged her head. In a deep

her tears, she said, "Let him stay with me for a while. When he misses you, I'll bring him

think Snow deserves a loving home? Anders stayed with Elle for their child's sake. Can't you come back to me for

words were cautious yet filled

was flooded with happy memories. She and Snow would play in the backyard, waiting for lan to come home from work and then rushing to greet him. She had thought those were

now, they

lashes were still wet with tears. Her voice was nasal from crying. "Anders did it to cure his child's illness; our situation is different. A loveless home can't protect a child. It only causes harm. Isn't that what our own families were

let out a bitter chuckle. "Having a lawyer for a

with lawyers. You won't get the upper hand."