No Strings Attached

Michael summoned the Hayes, York, Campbell, and Dolan families. He explained the situation once more, clarifying the stakes involved, and everyone agreed that this was the best way to protect the child and Clara.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

It was unanimously decided that the story was that Elle had twins, born prematurely, and were being kept in incubators. Clara's child, unfortunately, lost their life due to the severe impact.

Upon hearing this news, Elle, who had just undergone surgery, couldn't help but shed tears. As a mother, she could imagine how desperate Clara would feel upon waking. Tearfully, she looked at Anders. "Anders, once the babies are alright, come back to Riddleton with us. I want to protect Clara's child and ensure they're not harmed in any way."

Anders tenderly wiped her tears. "Alright, no more crying. You've just had surgery, and you shouldn't cry. We've lost one child, but Orin's surgery was a success, and he'll be discharged in a few days. Then, we'll all head to Riddleton together."

After making all the arrangements, lan returned to Clara's hospital room. He sat down, holding Clara's hand tightly in his.

He wished all of this was just a dream, wishing he and Clara could freeze time seven years ago, a time without pain, only mutual trust and dependence.

He kissed the back of Clara's hand softly. His voice was hoarse. "Clara, please forgive me for not keeping my promise. I had to do this to ensure your and our child's safety. I know you might hate me, but I have no regrets. I've already made you suffer so much because of me; I can't bear to see you hurt anymore. Clara, whether we're together or not, my love will always be for you. You're mine and will always be my No. 11."

He stood up, gently kissing Clara's lips. Tears fell onto Clara's face.

He couldn't help but kiss Clara, knowing that once she woke up, all of this would become impossible. He and Clara would no longer have any relationship.

lan gently kissed Clara's forehead, careful not to use too much force, afraid of facing her if she suddenly woke up.

After a while, he slowly let go of Clara and sat beside her for a long time. Then, he went into the bathroom, fetched a basin of warm water, and carefully wiped Clara's face and body.

Once everything was taken care of,

he found himself alone in the nursery. The little baby, with a. breathing apparatus and various monitors, still bore a striking resemblance to Clara.

lan leaned against the incubator, watching the child without blinking. He and Clara had often imagined what the child would look like. After eagerly awaiting his arrival in this world, he had to be separated from his parents. His parents also had to be apart.

lan couldn't describe his feelings at that moment. Staring at the sleeping child, he whispered, "Once I've sorted everything out, I'll bring you and your mom home, okay?" After saying this, he couldn't help but shed tears.

Anders, who had been standing at the door, saw this scene and felt his eyes redden. He walked over to lan patting his shoulder, offering comfort, "Don't worry, I'll raise Kim as my own son, ensuring he faces no hardships."

lan's voice trembled. "Thank you."

"Let's give the child a name."

lan looked at the baby and was silent for several minutes before finally saying hoarsely, "Let's name him Roy. For the hope of divine protection and smooth sailing through life." Anders nodded, "Alright, Roy, it is. We'll give him Elle's surname. This also honors Clara's maternity. If he chooses not to change it when he's older, that's fine too." Hearing this, lan gave a bitter smile. Then he said solemnly, "I've asked Dawson to draft a divorce agreement. I want to transfer my assets to Clara. You'll be our divorce lawyer."