No Strings Attached

Chapter 443

Clara struggled to put into words the whirlwind of emotions she was experiencing. There was excitement, a sense of relief, and an even greater sense of heartache.

Her heart ached for Grandma Marian, who had lost her daughter, and for her mom, who had been taken from life far too young.

Clara held Marian's hand, her eyes filled with tears. She looked at her and softly said, "Grandma, we'll visit her together once you're out of the hospital, okay?"

At these words, Marian’s lips trembled with emotion. “Clara, does this mean you’re considering being a part of our family again?”

Clara offered a faint, bittersweet smile. “Dad said having more people to love me isn’t a bad thing. He’ll always be my favorite dad.” Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

“That’s right. Casey will always be your dad. We won’t compete with him for you. We just want to give you more people to look after you, to cherish you.”

Marian couldn’t express in words how grateful she was to Casey. He had raised his daughter for over twenty years and had selflessly convinced her to reconnect with her biological family. It was clear evidence of his kind nature.

Edwin, overhearing the conversation, turned to Clara, his eyes unable to hide his excitement.

“Clara, I’m your brother. Would you call me brother? How does that sound?”

Before Clara could respond, Ian’s deep voice came from behind. “Enough. Clara’s still recovering, and Grandma just woke up. Let her rest in her room for now. Keeping the baby safe is what’s important.” As he spoke, he shielded Clara with his body, preventing Edwin from getting any closer.

Edwin gritted his teeth in frustration. “Ian, just you wait. There’ll come a day when you’ll need me!”

Ian chuckled dismissively. “Don’t worry. That day will never come.”

After his retort, Ian intended to escort Clara away, but at that moment, the door to the room burst open. James and his wife rushed in, looking anxiously at Elle. “How’s Grandma? What happened that she suddenly became critical?”

Elle smiled, shaking her head. “Clara is here, so Grandma is fine now. Mom, Dad, Clara has accepted us.”

At these words, Mr. James went from the weight of concern for Marian to a state of joy. He watched Clara, incredulous. “Clara, is what your sister said true? You’re really considering recognizing us as your family?”

Clara didn’t give a direct answer, but softly called out “Uncle James.”

When he heared this long-awaited title, James’ eyes reddened with emotion. He gently patted Clara’s head and smiled. “Alright, once you and your grandma are discharged, I’ll throw you the grandest family reunion party.”

James’ wife, equally moved, grasped Clara’s hand. “Clara, dear child, your mother’s spirit can finally rest in peace.” She enveloped Clara in a warm embrace.

Clara’s gentle voice whispered, “Auntie.”

“There, there, dear. I’ll go home and start preparing your welcome gifts right away,” Mrs. James assured her.

Elle joined in with a smile, “And don’t forget me, Clara.”

As they shared a hug, Clara affectionately called her sister. Elle stroked her hair tenderly. “I’m going to give you a generous gift, sweetheart.”

Noticing that Clara had acknowledged everyone except him, Edwin looked at her with a hint of dejection. “Clara, are you still upset with me because of Heidi?”

Clara shook her head softly. “I won’t confuse the two of you. You are my brother”

When he heared this long-awaited address, Edwin’s eyes welled up with unshed tears. He hugged Clara tightly and whispered, “From now on, you’ve got me. I won’t let anyone bully you again.”

The room buzzed with an invigorating atmosphere. Everyone’s emotions were running high.

Just then, a deep, gravelly voice interrupted from the doorway, “Clara, I’m your dad.”