No Strings Attached

Chapter 460

Hearing those words, Edwin felt a tightness in his chest. He instantly fished out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it up, and took several deep drags. Then, in a somber tone, he said, "But Ian is the man she loves, the father of her child. They've been through so much together and were finally about to tie the knot. If Clara learns the truth, she'll live with guilt, even if she chooses to let go of past grievances. I can't bear to see her in pain like that."

"So, you're planning on hiding the truth?" came the probing question.

"If possible, I'd want to keep her in the dark forever."

Edwin's eyes glistened as he looked at Brodie. It was the best solution he could think of. His sister had been lost to them for so many years due to that car accident. Although Casey had always taken great care of her, she had grown up without a mother's love, and Victoria's influence had been significant.

She had only just begun to feel a mother's love, to feel valued by the family. He didn't want to plunge her back into pain because of this revelation.

Brodie sighed, his gaze laden with meaning. "Don't forget, Clara's a lawyer. She'll sniff out any inconsistency. Once Leonora's evidence is confirmed, this case needs to be reopened. She's well- known in the legal world, and now that she's been acknowledged by the York family, any little leak could raise her suspicions."

Edwin stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray with force, his voice hoarse, "Then we take it one step at a time. There has to be a better solution than sacrificing Clara's happiness." Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

He pondered for a few seconds before suddenly asking, "Do you really think Leonora is that heartless? To push her own children together?"

Brodie looked thoughtful. "There might be another possibility that Ian isn't Leonora's biological child."

With that suggestion, hope sparked in Edwin's eyes as he stood up abruptly. "I'll get the DNA tests done on Ian and Leonora right away. Clara and he can't end up like this."

---

Clara hung up the phone, her mind cleared of doubts by Brodie's words. As she turned to leave, she saw Marian entering with a delicately crafted wooden box.

"Clara, there's something else I need to give you. Your mother loved to keep diaries. These are her journals from her whole life. I thought you might want to read them to understand her better. One of them is specifically about her pregnancy with you," Marian said.

Clara took the box from her grandmother and slowly opened it. Inside were several diaries, ranging from the pink covers of her mother's adolescence to the deep chestnut of her mature years.

She picked up the top journal and flipped it open. On the first page, in elegant handwriting, it read:

[My Second Pregnancy Diary – With Love, Your Mom May]

[Today, I went to the hospital, and the doctor says I'm six weeks pregnant. I'm so happy, my baby. I promise to eat more and keep you healthy and chubby.]

[We had a 4D scan today, and it's a girl. The heavens really favor me for giving me so many loving family members, a husband who adores me, a well-behaved and understanding son, and now a sweet daughter. My life is truly complete.]

[My little one, you've been in my belly for five months now, and you were with me at a piano competition where we won a big prize. You're amazing.]

[Do you really like Ian? Every time he comes around, you're the most active in my belly. I adore him, and if you do too, how about I arrange a childhood betrothal for you?]

[Darling, this necklace is a token of affection from Ian, considering your betrothal settled. I hope you find happiness.]

[My precious daughter, you'll be born in a few days. I've prepared lots of cute clothes and toys for you, and I've decorated your room beautifully – all hand-made by me. I'm so looking forward to welcoming you.]