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.

baby. And be careful-it's chilly out here. You don't want to

the way, his excitement palpable as he

of leaping up to nudge the door open, but lan stopped him. "Snow, go play downstairs. Mom and Dad have some important things

in protest as if to say he

one stern look from lan, and he

about to speak when

slipped off his black tie and tied it gently around

Hayes, you've yet to see your wedding night surprise. I'm about to make it up to

smiled in confusion.

wait and see.

his arm around Clara's shoulders and slowly

wafted toward

"That smells amazing. Are

Clara's heart couldn't help but race at the unexpected surprise. It was like she was reliving the early days of their romance, with

murmured, "Thank you

he slowly untied

a room adorned

dressed in crimson linens, and rose

bore the design of joy and happiness, and even their slippers matched and were embroidered with the