No Strings Attached

Tears streamed down Clara's cheeks, unbidden.

This mutual love, a love that raced headlong toward each other, was something she couldn't resist.

Her resolve to leave lan crumbled in that instant. She looked up at him, her voice soft and slightly nasal. "Ian, promise me, no matter what happens, you'll always keep our child safe."

lan bent down to kiss away the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I promise you, once all of this is over, we'll leave for a place where no one can find us. Just the three of us. I'll take care of you. We'll attend prenatal yoga classes together, and we'll wait for our little one's arrival."

Clara was touched and filled with longing. It was a scene she had dreamed of for so long. She wanted to raise their child together with lan.

finally eased, and a long-lost smile spread across

looked down tenderly.

pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "I think I'm falling in love with you more and

Mrs. Hayes, shouldn't you be absolutely, positively

her neck, sending her senses into

Clara's voice was hoarse with

and kissed her forehead. "I'll follow Mrs. Hayes'

of the car, they entered the grand hall only to be

brooding expression. Upon seeing them, he approached with a hint of desperation in his voice. "Clara, what Heidi did was wrong, and I'll compensate you for any harm she caused you and your friend. Whatever you want, just don't let her go to jail. You know, she's been coddled all her

him coolly, her voice devoid of warmth. "Are you suggesting, Mr. Paolo, that your daughter's life matters, but mine and my friend's do not? If my friend hadn't handled it well, others could have been hurt, innocent bystanders even.