No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

When the first light of dawn crept across the sky, Elle finally fell asleep in his arms, exhausted. That was the night they gave themselves to each other for the first time. From then on, they started living together.

Looking back, Anders felt an indescribable mix of emotions. It was both sweet and bitter.

If only he had understood Elle better and known how much she had put up with for him, he wouldn't have proposed a breakup. He wouldn't have inflicted such pain on Elle.

Anders gently caressed Elle's lips, reminiscent of their first time together, murmuring an apology, "Elle, I'm so sorry."

Elle's tears flowed silently, tasting bitter as they found their way into her mouth. All her grievances and resentments were encapsulated in those tears.

Her pride had kept her from ever telling Anders how difficult her life had been after they parted ways. She was afraid to tell her family about her pregnancy and did not want Anders' pity. She had no choice but to go through the pregnancy alone and was attending classes while preparing for the baby.

During severe bouts of morning sickness, she would take out her phone and dial Anders' number repeatedly. She wanted to tell him, "Anders, I'm carrying your child. I'm in so much pain. Can you come to see me?"

But she had once shattered her pride to be with him, only for him to leave her in the end. She couldn't bring herself to reach out to him a second time. So, she went through the pregnancy alone until Orin was born.

She remembered the day vividly. There was heavy snowfall, and then, suddenly, in the middle of the night, she felt a sharp pain and saw blood. She immediately called for an ambulance.

The heavy snow had closed many roads. By the time the ambulance arrived, she had passed out from pain.

After a long struggle, she gave birth to Orin, but the delay caused significant blood loss. At the brink of death, she called her mother.

Elle's heart still ached at the thought of these memories. She often noticed Orin's longing for Anders and wanted to let go of everything and be with him again, but the wound from before ran deep. Even healed, it left a profound scar. Every glance at that scar reminded her of Anders' words.

Elle's tears grew, making their taste bittersweet. Anders immediately let her go, holding her tenderly. He kissed her, forehead. "Elle, I know how much you've suffered and how heartless I was to you. I don't ask for your forgiveness, only that you let me stay by your side and take care of you and our children, please."

With tears in her eyes, Elle looked at him. She was about to speak when the door opened.

Orin appeared, his curly hair tousled, clutching his little blanket. His bright eyes fixed on them. "Mommy, Daddy, can I sleep with you?"

Just as the atmosphere had reached

its peak, it was interrupted, leaving Anders slightly frustrated. "You're

three years old now, and you're sel

about to start preschool. You need to develop good, independent habits, okay?"

Orin, with quick little steps, climbed onto the bed. He gave Anders a kiss on the cheek, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'll help you win back. Mommy. I don't think you can get

In

her even by the time my little brother

is born."

Then, turning to Elle, he planted a kiss on her cheek, "I love you, Mommy. I love Daddy and my little brother, too. Daddy loves you, and if you also love Daddy, then our family will be complete and happy, right?