No Strings Attached

Chapter 424

Ian’s grin was a mischievous curve as he watched the blush-inducing scenes play out on the phone. His voice was a siren’s call that anchored Clara in place, breath held tight.

The air was thick with the sultry gasps and moans from the video, enveloping Clara in a blanket of heat that seemed to sear her skin. Her bewitching hazel eyes, brimming with innocent allure, could easily ensnare any onlooker.

She bit her lip, stammering, “I... I didn’t mean to open it. If I’d known, I swear I wouldn’t have watched. Honey, you’ve got to believe me.”

Her voice was a soft plea, which made Ian’s Adam’s apple bob uncontrollably. He leaned in close, his voice a husky whisper at her ear. “Darling, whatever moves you want to try, once we’ve had our first kid, I’m game. No need to spend money on tutorials.”

“I’m not... I didn’t... I told you it was an accident. Why won’t you believe me?” Clara’s voice carried a tinge of hurt. Her first attempt at sneaking a peek at an adult video, and she was busted by her husband — a total embarrassment if ever there was one.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a picture of vulnerability as she looked at Ian.

Ian chuckled and tenderly grasped her chin, planting a kiss on her lips. “Okay, I believe you. No more watching, alright? Whatever you want, I can provide you.”

Clara quickly covered his mouth. “Stop, no more.”

“Alright, no more talk of that. Let’s talk business. The wedding dress I ordered for you has arrived. Let’s go try it on later.” Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

At the mention of the wedding dress she had dreamed of, all Clara’s embarrassment vanished like smoke. Eagerly nodding, she said, “Yes, but I’ve put on weight. What if it doesn’t fit?”

Ian couldn’t help but pinch her smooth cheek. “If it’s not the right size, we can alter it. The wedding’s not until next month. We have time.”

Imagining herself in the wedding dress, marrying the man she loved most, Clara glowed with happiness. She wrapped her arms around Ian’s neck and stood on tiptoes to plant a kiss on his chin. With a smile, she asked, “Ian, are we really getting married?”

Ian caressed her lips with his thumb. His voice was deep and warm. “Legally, you’re already my wife, the future queen of the Hayes family. The wedding is just to announce it to the world.”

“And we’ll never be apart, always together?”

“Absolutely. If you even think about running, I’ll have to play the bad cop!” He gave her face a playful pinch to emphasize his point.

Clara looked up at him. Her eyes sparkled with an irrepressible light, much like when she first fell for him, with that same devoted gaze. She looked up at him. Her voice was as sweet as honey. “Ian...”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“I love you so much!”

Ian stared at her, slightly taken aback. This was the first time Clara had professed her love so openly since their rough patch. For three years, she had always been quick to express her affection, snuggling into him with a contented sigh whenever he surprised her with gifts or outings.

He once thought her gestures had an agenda, but he later understood they were heartfelt. Hearing those words again after so long, Ian couldn’t deny the surge of emotion. He leaned in closer. His intense gaze locked onto hers, his voice rough like hot embers. “Clara, say it again, will you?”

Clara blinked. Her shining eyes were fixed on Ian. “Ian, I love you so much! I never want to be apart from you.”

He was the man she had loved for seven years.

He was the memory of her entire youth.

And he was the man she dreamed of marrying for a lifetime.