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.

careful-it's chilly out here. You don't want to catch a cold."

way, his excitement palpable as he glanced back

to nudge the door open, but lan stopped him. "Snow, go play downstairs. Mom and Dad

say he hadn't

and he sulked away, head hung

about to speak when suddenly, darkness

his black tie and

you've yet to see your wedding night surprise.

smiled in confusion. "What

see. Come

arm around Clara's shoulders

of roses wafted toward

"That smells

and 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

her blushing lips softly and murmured, "Thank you for

slowly untied

a

was dressed in crimson linens, and rose petals carpeted

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