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—"

his daughter's health all too well. There was little chance she'd conceive even after three months with lan, let alone

face, forcing a

have some. Ian, could you grab the bowls

just help

busy fetching plates, ladling soup, and serving with a diligence that made Clara feel almost guilty

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 we've been through, we've

normally composed and proud man sitting before him, humbly apologizing and pleading. It twisted his heart. He liked lan and

time was short. But him dying this way... it's different. Clara must be blaming herself, thinking Reed could have lived longer. Your mother's words caused him pain in his

to see the young couple part. He also knew that if Clara left lan, it would break her heart. Yet,