No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 300

Clara turned just in time to catch Heidi eying her midsection with poorly concealed scheming in her gaze. Her expression remained cool and composed, betraying not a hint of panic. With a subtle arch of her brow and a faint smirk playing on her lips, Clara said, "Rest easy. If I ever do get knocked up, you'll be the first to know. I'd hate to rob you of the opportunity to give up hope since that's clearly the best way to get under your skin."

Heidi clenched her teeth in fury. "Oh please, Clara, get over yourself. Remember, you and lan are over. Make sure your words aren't just empty promises, and don't you dare come crawling back. After all, you're the reason Leonora took a hundred lashes. If you even think of returning, she'll never let you off the hook."

With biting sarcasm, Clara retorted, "Even if I stay away, do you seriously think lan would settle for you? He can't even stand wearing a shirt that someone else has touched. What makes you think he'd want a woman who's been with someone else?"

Her words pierced Heidi like thorns to the heart. With fists clenched tight, she spat, "Even if I can't have him, I'll make damn sure you won't either!" Then, Heidi stormed off.

Clara, unfazed by the encounter, continued shopping for baby items and picked out a cute little pajama set for Della.

However, no sooner had she left than Heidi circled back to the boutique. "My sister was here earlier, and she really liked the baby clothes. She wants another set," Heidi lied to the clerk.

Beaming, the clerk suggested, "Your sister chose a pink one before. How about I grab a clean white set for you? It'd look cute on the baby."

Heidi's tense heart finally eased when she noted the age range on the label. Stepping out of the boutique, Heidi dialed a number. "Aunt Leonora, I don't think Clara's pregnant. She was buying clothes for Roger's daughter."

On the other end, Leonora lay in bed, sweating from the pain of her wounds. She gritted her teeth. "That's a relief. Otherwise, my suffering would have been for nothing."

Heidi's voice wavered with a sob, "I know it's all been for me, but even though lan's done with Clara, he still won't look my way."

A flicker of sympathy crossed Leonora's eyes. Softly, she consoled, "Don't worry, dear. I have a plan to get you become his wife. Patience is key, alright?"

"I understand, thank you." Though Heidi sounded pitiful, a glint of triumph shone in her eyes. Clinging to Leonora's coattails was her ticket to securing a future with lan. Meanwhile, Clara finished her shopping and headed straight to Christy's place. Della clapped her tiny hands in delight upon seeing Clara arrive laden with bags.

Christy met her with a smile. "I told you not to buy more. She's already got more clothes than she can wear."

Clara, cradling Della, planted a kiss on her forehead. "It's the New Year. As her godmother, I must spoil my little angel with a pretty dress."

"You're one lavish godmother. Between the jewels and clothes, you might just spoil her rotten."

Della was attracted to the vibrant color and gazed at the gifts with widened eyes, beaming at Clara.

Christy shook her head, saying, "Clara, she's closest to you. I swear, the minute you have your own little one, she's going to be so jealous."