No Strings Attached

Following Clara closely, lan's face was a mask of concern. He rubbed her back gently as they made their way to the bathroom. He asked, "What's wrong, love? Have you been overworking yourself lately? Skipping meals? Maybe we should head to the hospital, just to be safe?"

Hunched over the toilet, Clara heaved a few times, but nothing came up. Her eyes were bloodshot from the effort. She gave her head a slight shake. "I'm okay. I just need some Pepto-Bismol, and I'll be fine." lan wasn't convinced. His large hand came to rest on her forehead, feeling for a fever. "I'm calling the doctor over. I can't relax seeing you like this."

"It's just an old stomach issue, nothing new. A bowl of hot chicken noodle soup should set me right," Clara insisted.

From the doorway, Casey appeared, drawn by the commotion. "Clara, what's all this about? You're not—"

There was little chance she'd conceive even after three months with lan, let alone a year. He didn't want

bathroom with a pale face, forcing

soup. Come have some. Ian, could you grab the bowls and

me just help

heading to the kitchen. He was busy fetching plates, ladling soup, and serving with a diligence that made Clara feel almost guilty for his

along with the Hayes family's compensation to the Bells and the punishment for Leonora. He looked at Casey with a face full of guilt, his voice tinged with an unspoken sorrow. "I'm so sorry for the hurt this has caused you and Clara. It's all on me. I promise to do everything in my power to protect you both from now on, but I can't bear the thought of leaving Clara. After everything

It twisted his heart. He liked lan and believed he was the right match for his daughter. Yet,

could have lived longer. Your mother's words caused him pain in his

bear to see the young couple part. He also knew that if Clara left lan, it would