No Strings Attached

Chapter 450

Elle inhaled deeply. The familiar scent of him washed over her, and her eyelids fluttered shut. There was a wave of weakness passing through.

During the times she was pregnant with Orin, battling severe morning sickness, through the agony of childbirth, she had been so close to calling Anders. But then she’d remember the cold words he spat during their breakup, and each time, she let go of the urge to reach out.

Just as Elle was about to push Anders away, the car’s Bluetooth system came to life. Orin’s young voice piped through the speakers. “Daddy, did you do what I told you to win Mommy back? She can’t stay mad when she’s got apple turnover, you know!”

Anders looked down at Elle cradled in his arms and chuckled softly. “I’m right here with Mommy, buddy. We’ll come to get you soon, okay?”

“Yay! Daddy, remember to give Mommy lots of kisses. She loves it when I kiss her. No matter what I do, a kiss makes everything better. You got it, Dad?”

Anders replied with a laugh, “Alright, I’ll give it a try.” Then, he gently pressed his lips to Elle’s forehead.

“We better hurry back and tell our son he’s going to have a brother or sister — or maybe both,” he said with a smile, deftly changing the subject and leaving Elle’s complaints lodged in her throat.

The pair drove straight to Ian’s mansion. Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

A few days later...

Marian had barely been discharged from the hospital when she eagerly began organizing a family reception for Clara.

The York family was a prominent name in Riddleton, and it was in their home in Riddleton that the reception would be held.

Clara and Ian arrived a day early via private jet. Stepping out of the airport, Clara instantly recognized her Uncle James, but she was surprised to see him followed by a dozen dashing men. She glanced at Ian, puzzled. “I thought it was just James coming. Who are all these people? I don’t think I know them.”

Ian couldn’t help but tease her by lightly flicking her nose. “Silly girl, the Yorks are a thriving bunch. Your uncle James has eleven brothers, and your mother was their only little sister. Now that they’ve found their niece, they’re all eager to meet you.”

Clara’s eyes widened in disbelief. “So my mom was the beloved princess of the family? How did she end up with a jerk like Paolo? You know what they say, a woman’s marriage is her second life. A good one means happiness forever; a bad one is a lifetime of regret.”

Ian kissed her brow gently and said with a smile, “You’re much wiser than your mom was in one way. The guy you married is not only handsome and wealthy but knows how to treat his wife right. I’ll make you happy for the rest of your life.”

Clara felt her heart bubble with sweetness at his words. Not only was she married to the man she loved, but she also had a whole family’s affection. She was sure her life would be fulfilling.

Grasping Ian’s hand, she said in a tender voice, “My impeccable husband, we better get moving, or the uncles will start to get impatient.”

Hand in hand, they approached the York clan. Before she could utter a greeting, Clara was whisked away from Ian’s side. Voices chorused around her.

“Clara, I’m your eldest uncle.”

“Clara, I’m your third uncle.”

“Clara, I’m your seventh uncle.”

Surrounded by the Yorks, Clara could only hear one thing: “Uncle...”

She smiled politely, “Hello, uncles.”

When Clara spoke in her soft voice, the York uncles’ eyes reddened with emotion.

“You sound just like May,” they said.

“Clara, let me give you a hug.”

“I want to hug my little niece too.”

Watching his wife being passed around by a group of older men, Ian felt a twinge of possessiveness.