No Strings Attached

A spreading stain of crimson suddenly marred the pristine white of the bridal gown. In a heartbeat, lan sent the waiter sprawling with a sharp kick and scooped Clara into his arms. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Clara, it'll be alright. I'm taking you to the hospital."

Clara, clutching her abdomen, fought through the agony, trying to slip her ring onto lan's finger. But her strength had long since left her, and she fainted in lan's embrace.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Clara," Ian promised, running with her in his arms.

The joy of moments before had turned into sheer panic. Marian's tears came fast and furious. "Why is life so cruel? Clara has already been through so much. Why can't she catch a break?" James, trying to comfort his mother, said firmly, "Mom, Clara's going to be okay. Eddie and I will go check on her."

"Go now, and let me know the minute you hear anything."

They drove off, chasing after lan's car.

At the hospital, Clara was rushed into the emergency room. The doctor, under lan's insistent demand, allowed him to stay. He held Clara's hand tightly, calling her name over and over.

"Mrs. Hayes is pregnant. To save the baby, there are some medications we can't give her, and the anesthesia must be minimal. This

"Isn't there anything

if we proceed this

felt a cold sweat break out over his body. He knew how important this child was to Clara. She would do anything to protect it, but to keep the baby safe, Clara would have to

the impossible choice, Clara's weak voice broke through,

welled up in lan's eyes. He kissed her forehead gently, looking deeply into her eyes. "Clara, I'm so sorry. I failed to protect

If it had hit my womb, there'd be no saving

each word was clear. Ian held her hand tighter, his voice huskily whispering, "Okay, I'll be right

hour. She was conscious

when the doctor announced the surgery was a success and both mother and child were safe did Clara finally allow herself to

called out in alarm, "Clara.

Hayes is strong to have stayed awake this long. The wound is not large, but it's deep, and sewing it up would have