No Strings Attached

Clara had just been through the wringer. Her stomach was churning, her mind a muddled mess from the nausea that had overtaken her. Caught off guard by Rose's question, she found herself at a loss for words.

When she saw the streaks of tears on Rose's face, a pang of sympathy pricked her own heart. The lies she wanted to tell got stuck in her throat. She couldn't bring herself to voice them.

Her hesitation only solidified Rose's suspicions. Rose took Clara's hand and said, "Clara, dear, I always knew you were such a sweet girl. How could the heavens deny you the joy of a child? You're planning to keep this from lan, aren't you?"

Rose was quick to unearth the secrets buried in Clara's heart, leaving her feeling exposed. "Grandma Rose, I'm sorry. I just don't want any harm to come to the baby. If Leonora and Heidi find out, they'll surely concoct some scheme against me."

With Clara's affirmation, Rose seemed to calm down. She wiped away her tears, and said, "Then tell me. What's your plan? I'll stand by you and promise to keep your secret."

then tell lan. If he knows I'm pregnant, he'd never agree to be apart from me, and that would

agree with you. Which country do you have in mind? I can help you out. I have

okay. I've already made the arrangements. The university I graduated from had invited me for further studies after graduation, but I turned it down to be with lan. I think it's time to take them

she won't trouble you," she said, gently touching Clara's belly. "Little one, I'm sorry you and your mom have to go through this. I will take

and headed to Sasha's place. As soon as she walked in, she overheard Sasha ranting, "That idiot Heidi actually went and asked my cousin for info, and she even slipped her a card. That woman

frowned, "What did your

dumb, took the card, and showed

it. I'm afraid she might do something to hurt you. You're just starting your career; an unwed pregnancy scandal could

my grandpa off my back about getting married. If it gets out, I'll just stage a fake wedding. If my cousin doesn't spill the beans, Heidi will know it's you. We can't gamble with

Clara wrapped Sasha in a hug. "Sasha, you're sacrificing your reputation for me. Once the baby is born, I'll