No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 277

"Uh-huh, I'm here."

"When can I see you?"

Her voice had a slight nasal quality to it, and at the sound, lan felt a tremor in his heart. "Sweetheart, step out onto the balcony and see how thick the snow is. Send me a picture."

"

Clara dragged herself up from the couch lethargically and stood by the window. Blinking away the sleep from her eyes, she peered down at a world blanketed in white. She leaned against the window sill, tilting her head back to gaze at the sky where snowflakes danced their descent.

With a soft sigh, she murmured, "It's still coming down, lan. I'm afraid we won't be together for Christmas."

lan chuckled softly, "Missing me that much?"

"Mmm, a lot."

"Then keep your eyes peeled and look outside."

Bewildered, Clara gazed out the window. Suddenly, specks of light appeared against the snowy backdrop. Under Clara's watchful eye, the lights gradually formed a huge heart shape. Her eyes widened in astonishment.

Just then, a kaleidoscope of fireworks burst forth from the snowy grounds, lighting up the night sky. They bloomed like flowers in the air, petals of light cascading down.

Clara was stunned by the sight before her. Her throat felt like it was clogged with cotton, and she couldn't utter a sound.

lan gazed up at the petite figure on the balcony, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Clara, I miss you so much. You have no idea."

With a choked voice, Clara began, "lan, I—"

She wanted to say she missed him too, but before she could finish, she saw a tall and broad silhouette standing beneath the heart of lights. The man was clad in a black coat, looking up, his eyes locked with hers.

For a moment, Clara's heartbeat seemed to stop, reminiscent of their reunion three years ago. She stared at the man in the snow, speechless, until finally she stammered, "You're such a liar."

lan's lips curled into a smile. "Clara, get dressed and come down."

"Okay, wait for me."

Without bothering to change, Clara threw on a long down coat over her pajamas and dashed downstairs. As she ran, she called out, "Snow, Daddy's back. Let's go see him!"

Snow, thrilled to bits, scampered after Clara.

The snow in the yard was deep, swallowing Clara's ankles with each step, the bells on her wrists jingling with every movement.

"lan."

She sprinted toward lan and launched herself into his arms. Ian's strong hands caught her, lifting her into his embrace. His cool nose brushed against Clara's warm cheek as his deep, pleasant voice whispered in her ear. "Baby, I missed you too much, so I caught an early charter to Riddleton and drove here."

Clara clung tightly to lan's neck, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Aren't you tired?"

lan kissed her lips lightly. "I think I could still manage a few hours in bed with you."

Clara laughed as she playfully squeezed his cheek. "You're such a perv."

"The real thing has yet to begin, darling. Ready to experience it?"

"No, I just want to hold you." She wrapped her arms firmly around lan's neck, unwilling to let go even for a moment.

lan, looking down, kissed her soft hair and said with a smile, "Darling, can you come down? I have something to tell you."

He set Clara gently on the snow and pulled out an elegant black velvet box from his pocket. He opened the box, revealing the Williams Pink Star diamond ring that had been auctioned for a staggering 4.6 billion the day before. Only then did Clara notice that the surroundings had been meticulously arranged.

There were romantic flowers, colorful balloons, and dazzling lights. The scene mirrored the proposal she had planned months ago.

Clara's eyes brimmed with tears, and she called out, bewildered, "lan."

Under her intense gaze, lan took her hand. Then, with a graceful motion, he bent one knee and knelt before her.