No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 468

A spreading stain of crimson suddenly marred the pristine white of the bridal gown. In a heartbeat, lan sent the waiter sprawling with a sharp kick and scooped Clara into his arms. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Clara, it'll be alright. I'm taking you to the hospital."

Clara, clutching her abdomen, fought through the agony, trying to slip her ring onto lan's finger. But her strength had long since left her, and she fainted in lan's embrace.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Clara," Ian promised, running with her in his arms.

The joy of moments before had turned into sheer panic. Marian's tears came fast and furious. "Why is life so cruel? Clara has already been through so much. Why can't she catch a break?" James, trying to comfort his mother, said firmly, "Mom, Clara's going to be okay. Eddie and I will go check on her."

"Go now, and let me know the minute you hear anything."

They drove off, chasing after lan's car.

At the hospital, Clara was rushed into the emergency room. The doctor, under lan's insistent demand, allowed him to stay. He held Clara's hand tightly, calling her name over and over.

"Mr. Hayes," the doctor began, "Mrs. Hayes is pregnant. To save the baby, there are some medications we can't give her, and the anesthesia must be minimal. This means she will endure a lot of pain during the surgery."

lan's heart clenched at the words. "Isn't there anything else we can do?"

"The child will be fine only if we proceed this way, unless you don't want the baby."

lan, gripping Clara's cold hand, felt a cold sweat break out over his body. He knew how important this child was to Clara. She would do anything to protect it, but to keep the baby safe, Clara would have to suffer.

As he grappled with the impossible choice, Clara's weak voice broke through, "lan, save our baby. I can handle it."

Tears welled up in lan's eyes. He kissed her forehead gently, looking deeply into her eyes. "Clara, I'm so sorry. I failed to protect you and our baby."

She shook her head weakly. "I'm grateful the knife hit my stomach. If it had hit my womb, there'd be no saving the baby. Darling, I want our baby to be born safe."

Her voice was faint, but each word was clear. Ian held her hand tighter, his voice huskily whispering, "Okay, I'll be right here with you."

Clara's surgery lasted over an hour. She was conscious the whole time.

She felt every stitch, every searing pain from her wounds. She sweated profusely from the pain but didn't utter a scream. Even as lan wept with worry, she shook her head at him, signaling she was alright. Only when the doctor announced the surgery was a success and both mother and child were safe did Clara finally allow herself to relax and pass out from the pain.

lan called out in alarm, "Clara. Clara!"

"Mr. Hayes," the doctor reassured him, "Mrs. Hayes is strong to have stayed awake this long. The wound is not large, but it's deep, and sewing it up would have been very painful. Let her sleep; it's better than being awake in pain."

"Isn't there anything else for the pain?"

"Any medication could affect the baby. If Mrs. Hayes can bear it, it's best not to use anything. The first three days will be tough, but it gets better after that."

As Clara was wheeled out of the OR, everyone stood waiting anxiously.

"lan, how's Clara?" they asked.

"The baby's fine, and the surgery was a success," lan replied, his voice heavy with emotion.

Hearing this, Elle's tears flowed with compassion. "Clara can't take medication because of the pregnancy. How did she endure the surgery? I remember how much pain I was in with just an injured arm."

Edwin's eyes reddened with distress. "The person responsible has been arrested. I'll go back and interrogate them. I swear, for all the pain Clara endured today, I'll make sure it's returned twofold to the one responsible."

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