No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 319

Just as she was about to turn and leave, lan's arms enveloped her in a protective embrace. His eyes were a deep ocean of emotion, his voice husky with tenderness. "What are you in the mood for? I can fetch it for you. How about some king crab? I'll peel a couple for you. Sounds good?"

His voice was as soft as a whisper, tinged with a hint of eagerness to please her. He feared a harsh tone might push Clara away.

Whenever she faced such tenderness from lan, Clara's heart would always melt. She closed her eyes briefly, powerless, and whispered, "No, thank you."

"How about some crawfish? They're the real deal here. And they've got all the spicy dishes you usually love. Let's try some tonight."

Clara quickly shook her head. "I don't feel like eating."

In the early stages of her pregnancy, those foods were off-limits. If lan were to find out, it would certainly arouse his suspicion.

lan looked at her, bewildered, "How come you've changed your tastes in just a few days? Didn't you use to drool over this kind of food? What's wrong? Are you not feeling well? Let me take you to see a doctor."

His cool palm rested on Clara's forehead, the other hand on his own, comparing their temperatures. Relieved they were the same, he let out a sigh. "No fever, so why don't you want to eat? Are your stomach problems acting up again? I'll book an appointment with a specialist for you."

"It's not that. I've just put on weight recently and want to slim down, so I'm watching what I eat for dinner."

"Put on weight? You look slimmer to me. Clara, are you hiding something from me?"

lan's suspicions grew heavier by the second. His eyes scoured over Clara, searching for something amiss.

At that moment, Rose approached, defusing the situation. She ushered Clara to sit and had a light yet nutritious pregnancy-friendly meal brought to her. "Clara, I heard you haven't been feeling up to eating much, so I had this prepared for you. Eat up, darling."

lan looked on in surprise, "She's not feeling well, and you knew? Besides, she's always had a hearty appetite. She won't be able to stomach such bland food." Rose shot him a poignant glare, "Your great-uncle has been looking for you. The whole family's waiting to have a drink with you. Go on, I'll keep Clara company." "No, I can't leave her with you. I need to take her with me."

"Why drag her to a bunch of men drinking? To inhale second-hand smoke? Clara wouldn't dream of it."

lan still felt uneasy, casting worried glances at Clara. "Stay with Grandma Rose. I'll be back soon." He looked from the plate of food to Clara and then walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, Rose sighed, "Have you set the date for your departure?"

Clara nodded, "February 6th."

Rose counted the days. Clara had only a week left. Her eyes reddened instantly. Gazing at Clara's belly, she murmured, "Clara, our family have wronged you. You're pregnant and still have to hide. Trust lan. He'll sort everything out and bring you and the baby home soon."

"Grandma Rose," Clara softly called out, "don't tell him. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave."

"I understand. It just breaks my heart that you two can't see each other soon. You must be missing each other terribly."

As the dinner came to an end, the butler reported, "Rose, Mr. Ian is drunk and keeps calling out for Ms. Clara. He won't let anyone touch him."

Clara immediately stood up, "Take me to him."

She found lan alone in a corner, slumped on a couch, a picture of desolation as he stared out at the night sky.

When lan noticed Clara, his gaze turned fragile, his voice hoarse with the aftermath of inebriation. "Clara, please don't leave me, okay?"

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