No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 451

He couldn't help but ball his fists. Stepping forward, he wrapped his arms around Clara and chuckled, "Clara's got a bun in the oven. It's not wise for her to hug everyone here. Who knows what germs you folks might be carrying?"

The uncles of the York family raised their fists in mock threat, aiming playfully at Ian.

"Listen to this cheeky lad! If it weren't for the fact that you and Clara just tied the knot, we'd knock you flat today."

"Getting hitched is one thing, but you haven't thrown a proper wedding bash yet. We could still put the kibosh on this union if we wanted to."

"Yeah, and let's be honest here, with Clara's standing, she could snag a diplomat's son or some high-flying billionaire without batting an eye."

As everyone bantered back and forth, Ian seemed utterly unfazed, his smile only growing wider.

Gently rubbing Clara's head, he said in a soft voice, "No can do, folks. Clara and I were promised to each other when we were just tots. That’s Aunt May's dying wish, and you wouldn't want to ruffle her spirit now, would you?"

His words left the room speechless, all eyes turning to James.

James let out a hearty laugh. "Trying to outsmart this young buck? You lot teamed up wouldn't stand a chance. Enough yappin' now. Marian is pacing holes in the carpet, waiting at home. Clara, let's head back together."

Then, he shooed the other uncles aside, took Clara's hand from Ian, and led her straight to the car. The brothers grumbled in the background, "Oh, so we can't touch her, but you can just waltz over and take her by the hand, James? You sneaky guy!"

Clara was escorted into the lead car, undoubtedly the most luxurious of the fleet. The sight of a line of top-tier black Rolls-Royces pulling up at the airport turned heads and drew envious glances.

Clara stepped forward and embraced Marian, affectionately calling out, "Grandma."

The genuine endearment, 'Grandma,' moved Marian to tears. Taking Clara's hand, she said, "Come inside with me. Let's visit your mother's room. She must have been waiting a while for this."

Marian led Clara into an old-world building filled with all varieties of plum blossoms, undoubtedly her mother's former abode.

The moment she pushed open the door to the master bedroom, Clara's eyes immediately landed on her mother's portrait on the table. Her mother's smile was warm and beautiful, her eyes brimming with tenderness.

A complex swirl of emotions filled Clara. She had always longed for a mother with just such a gentle and lovely presence, and now, on the day she could finally call her 'Mom,' they were worlds apart.