No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 497

Thinking about these things made Ian felt a wave of empathy as he looked at Anders. "You should spend more time with Elle. She's probably feeling pretty vulnerable right now, being a mom and all. I haven't told Clara about this. I'm worried she'll start imagining the worst."

"Better she doesn't know. With just three months to go before the baby comes, we need to keep things safe and stress-free."

The two men delved deeper into the matter of Leonora.

By the time Ian left the office, it was well past seven in the evening.

He stopped by a florist to pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers and then swung by the bakery for a cake.

When he finally got home, he saw Clara and Buddy, their little terrier, sitting on the swing.

Buddy came trotting over to Ian, circling around his feet and making a playful whining sound.

Ian bent down to scratch the dog's neck, chiding him, "How many times have I told you to give Mom some space? When will you learn?"

Buddy barked back a few times in protest before scampering away.

Ian, carrying the cake and cradling the flowers, approached Clara and gently kissed her lips.

He handed her the flowers and asked with a smile, "Has the little rascal been giving you a hard time today?"

Inhaling the fragrance of the flowers, Clara looked up at him with twinkling eyes and nodded. "He's been especially mischievous lately, always squirming around when I'm trying to nap, ruining my midday rest."

Ian pressed his face against her belly and said with mock severity, "You hear that, you little troublemaker? If you keep picking on my wife, you're getting a spanking the moment you're out."

As if on cue, the baby started to move energetically at the sound of Ian's voice.

Seeing such a lively little life, Ian kissed Clara's belly contentedly.

Ian led Clara into the downstairs bathroom. As the door shut, Clara whispered, "Ian, I need a favor from you."

He looked at her earnestly and kissed her again gently, "Just say the word, sweetheart. Whatever it is, I'll take care of it."

Clara hesitated for a moment before saying, "I want to help Dad find that child from back then. It's his flesh and blood, after all."

Ian washed her hands thoughtfully, responding, "After all these years, it won't be easy. Because Victoria brought you home, there was no police record. Even if the traffickers were caught, if no one claimed the child, they most likely ended up in different orphanages. But I'll do my best to search and hope for a good outcome, okay?"

Clara nodded with a smile. "Why have you been so agreeable lately? You say 'yes' to everything. You're not up to something behind my back, are you?"

Ian dried her hands with a towel and then, with a mischievous grin, pulled her hand toward his pants.

"Why don't you check for yourself, Mrs. Hayes?" he teased, his eyes gleaming with playful intent.