No Strings Attached

The SUV had barely rolled into the driveway of the villa when Snow scampered to the rear car door, her tail wagging in anticipation.

He let out soft, eager whines as he waited.

lan stepped out of the car and bent down to give Snow's neck a gentle squeeze. "Stay back from your mom for now, okay? You've got germs, and we can't risk anything with the baby on the way." Snow let out a couple of defiant barks but obediently took a few steps back.

As lan helped Clara out of the car, Snow could no longer contain his excitement.

He pranced around Clara, clearly yearning for affection.

Yet, he stayed put, not daring to come too close.

Clara gestured to him. "Come here, Snow. Don't listen to your dad. Let mommy give you a little love."

Snow heard her invitation and dashed over to Clara, circling her before settling at her feet, his whines growing louder.

Clara stroked his fur and chuckled. "Mommy's missed you too, Snow. But I can't pick you up just yet. How about a big hug after the baby's born, okay?"

Snow seemed to nod, his glossy black eyes shimmering with understanding.

good for the baby. And be careful-it's chilly out here. You don't want to catch a

the way, his excitement palpable as he

Snow was about to perform his usual trick of leaping up to nudge the door open, but lan stopped him. "Snow, go play downstairs. Mom and

protest as if to say he hadn't had

from lan, and he sulked

speak when suddenly, darkness

tie and

forehead softly and whispered, "Mrs. Hayes, you've yet to see

in confusion. "What

and see. Come

Clara's shoulders and slowly opened the

delicate scent of roses wafted

deeply. "That smells amazing. Are

race at the unexpected surprise. It was like she was

murmured, "Thank

he slowly untied

gaze fell upon a room adorned in

dressed in crimson linens, and

happiness, and even their slippers matched and were embroidered with the same