No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 319

Just as she was about to turn and leave, Ian's arms enveloped her in a protective embrace. His eyes were a deep ocean of emotion, his voice husky with tenderness. "What are you in the mood for? I can fetch it for you. How about some king crab? I'll peel a couple for you. Sounds good?"

His voice was as soft as a whisper, tinged with a hint of eagerness to please her. He feared a harsh tone might push Clara away.

Whenever she faced such tenderness from Ian, Clara's heart would always melt. She closed her eyes briefly, powerless, and whispered, "No, thank you."

"How about some crawfish? They're the real deal here. And they've got all the spicy dishes you usually love. Let's try some tonight."

Clara quickly shook her head. "I don't feel like eating."

In the early stages of her pregnancy, those foods were off-limits. If Ian were to find out, it would certainly arouse his suspicion.

Ian looked at her, bewildered, "How come you've changed your tastes in just a few days? Didn't you use to drool over this kind of food? What's wrong? Are you not feeling well? Let me take you to see a doctor."

His cool palm rested on Clara's forehead, the other hand on his own, comparing their temperatures. Relieved they were the same, he let out a sigh. "No fever, so why don't you want to eat? Are your stomach problems acting up again? I'll book an appointment with a specialist for you."

"It's not that. I've just put on weight recently and want to slim down, so I'm watching what I eat for dinner."

"Put on weight? You look slimmer to me. Clara, are you hiding something from me?"

Ian's suspicions grew heavier by the second. His eyes scoured over Clara, searching for something amiss.

At that moment, Rose approached, defusing the situation. She ushered Clara to sit and had a light yet nutritious pregnancy-friendly meal brought to her. "Clara, I heard you haven't been feeling up to eating much, so I had this prepared for you. Eat up, darling."

Ian looked on in surprise, "She's not feeling well, and you knew? Besides, she's always had a hearty appetite. She won't be able to stomach such bland food."