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.

her feet. "Don't squat for too long. It's not good for the baby. And be careful-it's chilly out here. You don't want to catch a cold." He guided

excitement palpable as he glanced back at

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

protest as if to say he hadn't had enough

one stern look from lan, and

about to speak when suddenly,

off his black tie and tied it

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

in

see.

Clara's shoulders and slowly opened the

wafted toward them,

deeply. "That smells amazing.

she and lan were already married, with a child on the way, Clara's heart couldn't help but race at the unexpected surprise. It

softly and murmured, "Thank you for marrying me,

he slowly

gaze fell upon a

dressed in crimson linens,

of joy and happiness, and even their