No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 314

Sasha was seething, her mind a whirlwind of curses aimed at Heidi. She knew Heidi was out to cause trouble, but she hadn't anticipated such sly tactics-exposing her fake pregnancy in front of an audience. Her grandfather, who valued a young woman's reputation above almost everything else, would surely be enraged by such a scandal. After all, the Palmer family was considered among the upper crust of society, and she was his only granddaughter. Her marriage prospects were a matter of utmost concern within the family. And now, here she was, outed as being with child before wedlock.

Fed up, Sasha puffed out her cheeks and retorted, "It's all because you kept pushing me into that arranged marriage. How could I ever be honest with you? I had to sneak around just to date, let alone have a child."

Wilson's brows furrowed in deep concern. "No matter who the man is, bring him to me. If he's no good, even with a child in the picture, I won't agree to your marriage."

Her grandfather wasn't as furious as she feared, so Sasha quickly switched to a more charming demeanor, "Don't you trust my judgment? He's got to be leagues better than any man you'd have me marry. Give me a few days, and I'll bring him home, okay?"

Her family gathered around to offer comfort and support. Carolina held Sasha's hand, eyeing her belly with genuine concern. "You could've at least dropped a hint about the boyfriend, but a baby? Why are you keeping such a secret? What if something happened to the little one? Get those heels off before you stumble and cause us all a heart attack."

Mark handed Sasha a non-alcoholic drink, his eyes twinkling with impending grandfatherhood, "Am I to be a grandpa? This is the best New Year's gift a father could ask for."

Once other families realized the situation was a genuine love affair rather than a scandal, they came over to offer their blessings, inquiring about a wedding date for the happy couple.

Clara could barely contain herself. She grabbed Sasha's hand and whispered urgently, "Sasha, you can't hide this forever. I can't let you drag yourself into this mess because of me. I'll talk to..."

Before Clara could finish, Sasha clamped a hand over her mouth. "If you dare spill the beans, our relationship is done! Besides, my godchild's life means more to me than any secret. Once you're abroad, I'll clear the air."

"But I can't let you take the fall and be the subject of ridicule," Clara protested weakly.

"People will talk no matter what. In a few days, they'll forget all about it. Rumors are nothing compared to your safety and that of the baby," Sasha reassured her.

Heidi, sensing the secret exchange between the two, tried to eavesdrop but was blocked by Ryker's lighthearted intervention. With his easy charm, he teased Heidi, "The party's about to start, and Ms. Heidi, you're due to play the piano, aren't you? You wouldn't want to go on stage looking like you've just stumbled out of a club, would you?"

The guys around joined in the banter, "Didn't you notice? She's done herself up like that on purpose. Has quite the look of a nightclub dancer, doesn't she?"

Humiliated and angry at her failed ploy, Heidi wiped off the spilled drink from her face and stormed off to the changing room amidst the laughter of the crowd.

Fuming, she kicked open the door to the changing room, her eyes flashing with malice. Neither Clara nor Sasha would be spared her wrath today. She snatched a sapphire blue evening gown from the rack, a style that bore a striking resemblance to Clara's.

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