No Strings Attached

Dawson nodded, "Alright, I'm on it now."

Chase warned, "This could be trivial or serious because it involves national secrets. It's easy for you to be falsely accused. Are you sure you can save her?"

"I might not, but I can't just leave her in trouble."

"But if you go, what about Clara? She's due any day now. You're not planning to leave her to give birth alone, are you?"

Hearing this, lan pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll be quick and won't delay. Ask Sasha to come over and keep her company."

lan hurried back home to find Clara walking in the yard with Snow. He saw her solitary figure, and a lump formed in his throat.

He had no idea what was happening with Greta nor how many days his trip would take. What if something happened to Clara while he was away? The thought made him clench his fist tightly. Snow saw lan's car, barked, and ran toward him. Ian bent down to pet Snow's neck, saying in a deep voice, "Take good care of Mom. I have to go on a business trip for a few days."

Snow barked a few times understandingly, then ran back to Clara.

Clara noticed his sudden return and sensed something was wrong. "What's happened? Is there a problem?" she asked immediately.

lan wrapped her in his arms, kissing her forehead softly. "My sister's in trouble abroad. She's been detained by the police. I need to go check on her. I've asked Sasha to come and stay with you." Clara looked at him anxiously. "Then you must go quickly. I'm worried about Greta."

lan noted her sense of understanding, and his heart swelled even more. He stroked Clara's head and said in a husky voice, "Clara, I'm sorry I can't be here for you and the baby at this time. I feel I'm failing my duty..."

Before he could finish, Clara's hand covered his mouth. "lan, we're husband and wife. We're supposed to face difficulties together. Go save your sister. I'll be fine here," she said softly. "Alright, I'll just grab a few clothes and then leave."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

lan went upstairs to pack some clothes, and before getting into the car, he saw Clara waving goodbye. He couldn't resist. He rushed back to Clara, cupped her chin, and kissed her lips.

This woman had been silently supporting him since they got together. Now, she was about to give birth and was still thinking of him. He felt he could never repay Clara for all her goodness. They stood kissing in the yard for a long time, only stopping when Snow started barking jealously on the ground.

lan caressed Clara's reddened lips. His voice was hoarse. "Wait for me."

The car slowly left the yard.

Clara's eyes misted over without her noticing. She felt so sorry for lan for bearing so much pressure and helplessness.

She was also worried about Greta's situation. The Hayes family seemed to be at its weakest now. She had never imagined that the powerful Hayes Corporation could ever come to this point. It just goes to show that nothing in this world is permanent.

Clara went inside with Snow. With just a month until delivery, she thought she should check her

maternity bag again for anything et

missing. She pulled out the bag and compared the items one by one against the list she had on her

phone.

Meanwhile, the moment lan's car left the yard, his eyes were also teary. What he couldn't stand the most was Clara's understanding of him.

He always felt he owed her. If it weren't for him, her life could have been much more comfortable.

With these thoughts, lan pinched the

bridge of his nose again. He drove into the airport and boarded the plane with his belongings. As he sat in his seat, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest.