No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 523

When the first light of dawn crept across the sky, Elle finally fell asleep in his arms, exhausted. That was the night they gave themselves to each other for the first time.

From then on, they started living together.

Looking back, Anders felt an indescribable mix of emotions. It was both sweet and bitter.

If only he had understood Elle better and known how much she had put up with for him, he wouldn't have proposed a breakup. He wouldn't have inflicted such pain on Elle.

Anders gently caressed Elle's lips, reminiscent of their first time together, murmuring an apology, "Elle, I'm so sorry."

Elle's tears flowed silently, tasting bitter as they found their way into her mouth. All her grievances and resentments were encapsulated in those tears.

Her pride had kept her from ever telling Anders how difficult her life had been after they parted ways. She was afraid to tell her family about her pregnancy and did not want Anders' pity. She had no choice but to go through the pregnancy alone and was attending classes while preparing for the baby.

During severe bouts of morning sickness, she would take out her phone and dial Anders' number repeatedly. She wanted to tell him, "Anders, I'm carrying your child. I'm in so much pain. Can you come to see me?"

But she had once shattered her pride to be with him, only for him to leave her in the end. She couldn't bring herself to reach out to him a second time. So, she went through the pregnancy alone until Orin was born.

She remembered the day vividly. There was heavy snowfall, and then, suddenly, in the middle of the night, she felt a sharp pain and saw blood. She immediately called for an ambulance.

Orin appeared, his curly hair tousled, clutching his little blanket. His bright eyes fixed on them. "Mommy, Daddy, can I sleep with you?"

Just as the atmosphere had reached its peak, it was interrupted, leaving Anders slightly frustrated. "You're three years old now, and you're about to start preschool. You need to develop good, independent habits, okay?"

Orin, with quick little steps, climbed onto the bed. He gave Anders a kiss on the cheek, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'll help you win back Mommy. I don’t think you can get her even by the time my little brother is born."

Then, turning to Elle, he planted a kiss on her cheek, "I love you, Mommy. I love Daddy and my little brother, too. Daddy loves you, and if you also love Daddy, then our family will be complete and happy, right?"