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.

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

way, his excitement palpable as

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 things to take care

protest as if to say he hadn't had enough time

look from lan, and he

to speak

his black tie and tied

yet to see

in confusion. "What

and see. Come with

shoulders and slowly opened

of roses wafted

"That smells

heart couldn't help but race at the

and murmured, "Thank you for

he slowly untied the

fell upon a room adorned in jubilant

dressed in crimson linens, and rose

of joy and happiness, and even their slippers matched and were