No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 278

The world was a canvas of endless white, throwing Ian into sharp relief, his deep black eyes serene and steady. There was a coolness in his brows, but nestled within them was the faintest glimmer of passion.

Ian looked up at Clara, his voice tender and warm. "Clara, before I fell for you, marriage was never on my mind. I saw it as a chain, a burden, and I didn't believe that wedded bliss was a guarantee for any couple. It was you who drew me out of that shadow, you who ignited this deep craving I've never felt before. I want to keep you close, and for all the joy that the future holds, I want to walk through it with you.”

“Clara, will you marry me?"

As his words sunk in, tears welled up and spilled over Clara's cheeks. She gazed downward at Ian, who was always so cold, proud, and untouchable. Now, he was kneeling before her like a devoted worshiper, his eyes brimming with longing for her answer.

This was the moment she had yearned for three long years. The scene that had frequented her dreams was now unfolding before her eyes.

She wanted to reach out without hesitation and slip on that pink diamond ring. She longed to utter the words 'I do' immediately, but the thought of her own frailty made her retracting hand hesitate.

Slowly, she crouched down, her cool fingertips gently brushing the snowflakes from Ian's hair. Her warm lips pressed a kiss upon his face.

The pain in her voice could not be hidden. "Ian, can I give you my answer in a little while?"

Ian's eyes darkened, his chiseled jaw clenched tight. His hand gripped Clara's waist, pulling her fiercely into his embrace, his voice brooking no argument. "Are you waiting to confirm you're pregnant before you say yes?"

Tears cascaded down Clara's cheeks, her eyes helpless and filled with an indescribable sorrow. Ian's icy hands cradled her face, his voice hoarse. "I traveled over twenty hours to surprise you, and this is the response you give me?"