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 catch a cold." He guided

his excitement palpable as he glanced back at Clara

reaching the second-floor bedroom, 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 Dad have some important

as if to say he hadn't had

look from lan, and

about to speak when suddenly,

off his black tie and

"Mrs. Hayes, you've yet to see your wedding night surprise. I'm

smiled in

wait and see. Come

shoulders and slowly opened

scent of roses wafted toward them, filling Clara's

"That smells amazing.

a child on the way, Clara's heart couldn't help but race at the unexpected surprise. It was like she was

blushing lips softly and murmured, "Thank you

slowly untied

fell upon a room

was dressed in crimson linens, and

and even their slippers matched and were embroidered