No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 309

"No can do. My wife has been expecting you, and she's whipped up a feast. If you don't stay for dinner, she might not have a happy year."

They chatted as they made their way inside. As Clara stepped into the foyer, a familiar figure caught her eye.

Greta stood at the entrance, beaming in a festive cranberry wool dress, "Clara, happy holidays!"

Clara stopped in her tracks, staring at Greta in disbelief. Could it be that the relatives Marco mentioned were the Hayes family? Could it be that Grandma Rose and her kin were here on a family trip? With a surprised smile, Clara said, "Greta, your whole family aren't here, are they?"

Greta nodded with a smile, "Yes, indeed. This is Grandma Rose's childhood home. She hasn't been back in years, but this year, I was free, so I accompanied her."

Clara chuckled softly, "What a coincidence."

Greta took her by the hand and led her inside, chatting away. "You have no idea. Grandma Rose has been busy in the kitchen all day after hearing you were coming. They've prepared what they think are the tastiest treats just for you. Ryker and I are just lucky to have the leftovers."

Hearing the commotion, Marco's wife and Rose emerged from the kitchen. Both ladies of the distinguished family had actually cooked for her. Clara couldn't deny feeling touched. She walked over with a smile and hugged Rose tightly. "Grandma Rose, happy holidays."

The endearment 'Grandma Rose' made her face beam with joy as she nodded repeatedly, "Happy holidays, my dear Clara. May your year be smooth and safe."

Clara nodded with a smile and embraced Marco's wife as well, "Ma'am, happy holidays."

Marco's wife looked at Clara affectionately, "Why do you look so pale? Was the journey too tough on you?"

"No, I'm just overwhelmed with joy seeing all of you."

Marco chuckled, "Look at Clara, such a charmer. You lot put together can't match her wit."

Ryker's father approached, "Clara, it must have been hard these past months with Ryker. That boy hasn't been a bother, has he?"

Clara shook her head with a smile, "Not at all. Ryker has been very well-behaved. He's been managing the club excellently. He's got a real knack for business."

Ryker's father added, "That's all thanks to your and lan's guidance. This brat doesn't listen to anyone else, just you."

As they were talking, Rose came out with a small dish. "Clara, try this sweet coconut infused sticky rice. I made it myself, knowing it's your favorite."

She picked up a slice and brought it to Clara's mouth. Just as Clara was about to take a bite, a wave of nausea surged up from her stomach. She instinctively suppressed it. Throwing up in front of everyone would be too hard to explain.

She took the plate from Rose, holding back discomfort, "Grandma Rose, I'll eat it in a bit. I just need to run to the restroom."

"Okay, dear. The restroom is right over there. Hurry along."

Clara rushed toward the restroom.

Rose watched her go, then glanced at her flat shoes, sensing something amiss. When Clara came back from the restroom, Rose pulled her into a room. Tears in her eyes, she stared at Clara, "Clara, you're carrying a little Hayes, aren't you?"

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