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 Clara toward the house, his

palpable as he glanced

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

say he hadn't had enough time with

and he

speak when

off his black tie and tied it gently around

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

in

wait and see.

wrapped his arm around Clara's shoulders and slowly

delicate scent of roses wafted toward them, filling Clara's

"That smells amazing. Are

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

and murmured, "Thank you for

slowly untied the

a room adorned in jubilant

crimson linens, and

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