No Strings Attached

Chapter 310

Clara had just been through the wringer. Her stomach was churning, her mind a muddled mess from the nausea that had overtaken her. Caught off guard by Rose’s question, she found herself at a loss for words.

When she saw the streaks of tears on Rose's face, a pang of sympathy pricked her own heart. The lies she wanted to tell got stuck in her throat. She couldn't bring herself to voice them.

Her hesitation only solidified Rose's suspicions. Rose took Clara’s hand and said, “Clara, dear, I always knew you were such a sweet girl. How could the heavens deny you the joy of a child? You’re planning to keep this from Ian, aren’t you?”

Rose was quick to unearth the secrets buried in Clara’s heart, leaving her feeling exposed. “Grandma Rose, I’m sorry. I just don't want any harm to come to the baby. If Leonora and Heidi find out, they’ll surely concoct some scheme against me.”

With Clara’s affirmation, Rose seemed to calm down. She wiped away her tears, and said, “Then tell me. What’s your plan? I’ll stand by you and promise to keep your secret.”

“I’m thinking of going abroad to have the baby and then tell Ian. If he knows I’m pregnant, he'd never agree to be apart from me, and that would only put me and the baby in danger.”

“I agree with you. Which country do you have in mind? I can help you out. I have many friends overseas.”

“It’s okay. I’ve already made the arrangements. The university I graduated from had invited me for further studies after graduation, but I turned it down to be with Ian. I think it's time to take them up on their offer.”

Rose nodded with a smile. “Go with my blessing. I’ll keep an eye on Leonora here so she won’t trouble you,” she said, gently touching Clara's belly. “Little one, I’m sorry you and your mom have to go through this. I will take good care of you both.” Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

After dinner, Clara bid farewell to the family and headed to Sasha’s place. As soon as she walked in, she overheard Sasha ranting, “That idiot Heidi actually went and asked my cousin for info, and she even slipped her a card. That woman is asking for a lesson.”

Clara frowned, “What did your cousin say?”

“She played dumb, took the card, and showed her a fake pregnancy test.”

Worried, Clara said, “But your name is on it. I’m afraid she might do something to hurt you. You're just starting your career; an unwed pregnancy scandal could be damaging.”

Sasha laughed it off, “That might be a blessing in disguise. It’d get my grandpa off my back about getting married. If it gets out, I’ll just stage a fake wedding. If my cousin doesn’t spill the beans, Heidi will know it’s you. We can't gamble with that.”

Hearing this, Clara wrapped Sasha in a hug. “Sasha, you're sacrificing your reputation for me. Once the baby is born, I’ll make it up to you with a huge gift.”

“For that gift alone, I’ll do everything to protect you and the little one.”

As they were talking, Sasha’s mother Carolina knocked and entered the room. “Clara, Sasha, it’s our turn to host the annual gathering of the four great families at Crystal Springs Estate. You two need to dress up, maybe find some handsome guys to bring home.”

Sasha snorted, “Forget it. I’ve met them all, and not one catches my eye.”

Carolina glared at her, “Wilfred’s grandson called off his engagement, and it made your grandpa sick for days. Can’t you just find someone better to show him up?”

Clara really didn’t want to attend, but she didn’t want to upset Carolina, so she reluctantly agreed.