No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 411

Clara waved goodbye to Rose, just in time to notice Anders and his family approaching. Little Orin had a bandage stuck to his forehead, clearly fresh from an injury. Without hesitation, Clara approached with concern in her voice, "Orin, honey, what happened to you? Does it hurt?"

When he saw Clara, the tears Orin had been holding back surged forth. He reached out his small hand. His voice quivered, "Auntie Clara, Orin hurts. I need a hug."

As Clara moved to embrace him, she was stopped by Elle. "Auntie's got a little one on the way, no hugging for her," Elle cautioned.

Orin, slightly disappointed, made another request, "Then, can Auntie give me a kiss?"

Clara wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. Her voice was filled with empathy. "You have to be more careful from now on, sweetheart. You can't get hurt like this. It could make your condition worse, okay?"

Orin nodded, showing an understanding beyond his years. "I know. Once Mom has my little brother, I can have my surgery."

Clara, surprised by his words, turned to Elle. “Elle, are you pregnant?"

Elle offered a soft smile, "Just a month along, Clara. How about we go outside and soak up some sunshine?"

Sensing the tension between Elle and Anders, Clara agreed.

They settled on a bench in the hospital garden, basking in the warmth as they chatted.

After a moment of hesitation, Clara asked, "How are things with you and Anders now?"

Elle's voice was calm yet distant. "We're just Orin's parents, nothing more."

"There's no spark at all, even with a child on the way?"

Elle met Clara's gaze. Her tone was solemn. "It's an IVF baby. We've never been together."

Clara's heart twisted at those words. Anders loved Clara, so when facing Elle, Clara always felt a twinge of guilt.

"Elle, nothing has ever happened between Anders and me. He's focused on building a home for you and Orin. Maybe you could give him a chance?"

Elle gave a faint smile, "Clara, we're alike in how steadfast we are in love. I knew Anders had someone in his heart, but I was headstrong, believing my charm could win him over."

Elle recounted the turmoil of discovering her pregnancy and the crushing moment Anders suggested they part ways before she even shared the news. Her pride kept her from pleading for him to stay, and the resolve led her to vanish from his life. If not for Orin's illness and lan's plea, Elle was sure Anders would never have known they shared a child.

As Clara empathized with Elle's story, Orin's cries pierced the peaceful garden. They turned to see a man in a dark face mask trying to bundle a struggling Orin into a car.

Clara's instinct kicked in; she hurled her water bottle at the man and shouted, "Stop! Put the child down!"

The bottle struck the man, eliciting a curse from him. Ignoring Orin's wails, he shoved the boy into the car and hit the gas.

Clara and Elle rushed to intercept, but the car swerved dangerously, barreling straight toward them.

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