No Strings Attached

Chapter 318

Clara's voice was husky with a tinge of despair, "Do you really think he'll just let me go if I tell him the truth?"

"Even if he does let you go, he's bound to come looking for you. And when that baby bump starts showing, how do you think you'll hide it then?"

"I've covered my tracks. Nobody can find me. And I won't be in touch with any of you, not until the baby's born."

Hearing this, Sasha froze for a moment. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched Clara, "Are you saying that once you're gone, I can't reach you at all? Clara, don't be so cruel. What if I miss you?"

Clara's eyes also shimmered with unshed tears. She bit her lip and said, "It's the only way to keep the baby safe. Ian's not the only one with resources. Leonora and Heidi can track you down, too. They'll follow you to find me. I have no choice."

That was why she insisted on taking her father with her. He was in poor health, and the thought of leaving him alone was unbearable. For the sake of her child, she had to say a temporary goodbye to everything here.

Sasha watched Clara with a heart full of empathy, sensing the reluctance in her eyes. But beneath that, she also saw a steely determination.

Sasha knew better than anyone how important this child was to Clara. She fought back her tears, hugged Clara tightly, and said with a tough smile, "You go and don't worry about a thing here. I'll keep an eye on Ian. If he messes around with another woman, I'll make sure his child ends up calling some other dude 'daddy.'"

Clara managed a bitter smile. Just as she looked up, Ian was walking over. She quickly masked her emotions and whispered a few words to Sasha before they parted ways.

Ian approached, casting a glance at Sasha's downcast figure. With a grave tone, he said, "If the kid's father doesn't want to take responsibility, Chase has offered to step in as a dad. Maybe you should give him a chance."

Sasha's mind short-circuited, taking a moment to grasp Ian's implication. Annoyed, she clenched her teeth and retorted, "Tell him to get lost. I'd rather beg on the streets with my child than give him that chance!" She stormed off, dragging Ryker with her.

Watching Sasha's fiery exit, Ian's lips curved into an attractive smirk. He leaned in close to Clara and whispered, "Did you know that Sasha is the daughter of the Palmer family?"

Clara nodded, "Yeah, what about it?"

"And you knew that she was engaged from childhood, too?"

"Yeah."

"Do you know who the man is?" Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Clara shook her head, puzzled. Ian seemed unusually interested in Sasha's affairs.

Ian chuckled with intrigue and texted Chase. [Is your fiancée from the Palmer family in Riddleton? What's her grandfather's name?]

Chase replied quickly. [Wilson. Why, you know him?]

Ian texted back. [Had the pleasure of meeting his granddaughter. Quite the beauty. Sure you don't want to reconsider?]

Chase replied, [Even if she's an angel, she's not my type. Don't stir up trouble for me.]

Ian's smile turned sly as he read the message. Chase didn't even recognize his own fiancée. No wonder he's still single.

Ian pocketed his phone and took Clara's hand. "There's a racetrack outside. You've always wanted to learn to ride, right? Let's go for a bit."

Clara immediately withdrew her hand and stepped back. "I've changed my mind about that. You go ahead. I'm going to grab something to eat."