No Strings Attached

When Clara opened her eyes, she found lan sitting by the bed, gazing at her intently, his deep eyes filled with affection. The dark circles under his eyes and the visible red veins spoke volumes of his sleepless nights.

Clara reached out and gently caressed lan's cheek, her voice hoarse from just waking up. "Have you been up all night?"

lan smiled and kissed the back of her hand. "I haven't seen you in days, and I missed you too much to sleep."

Clara, who had a background as a lawyer, was quick to catch onto even the slightest hint. She knew their life together was long, and a few days apart wouldn't cause such sleeplessness. She got up from the bed and grabbed lan by the collar, her eyes brimming with tears. "Ian, how many times do I have to tell you? No matter what happens, we shouldn't part. Are you having second thoughts?"

"Clara." lan pulled her into his embrace and kissed her forehead gently. "I never thought that. I just really wanted to see you. Don't overthink it."

him thoughtfully. "You're not lying to

baby to be born, and I

them in his mind, only to realize that he had brought nothing but pain and disaster to Clara.

had become a caged canary, confined at home and unable to go anywhere. She was even deprived of the right to shop online for fear

and all her hobbies. Clara

would have to keep Clara confined. He admitted his love for her, vowing never to leave her, but this love made her lose so much. However, after a night of struggle, he still couldn't convince himself to let go of

to see her sad and would rather have her stay in this yard for a

heart writhe in agony. He wanted to be capricious for Clara.

by his kisses, Clara's voice softened like a kitten's. "lan,