Chapter 66 Claraâs eyes brimmed with tears as she recalled the recent past. Perched on the edge of the bed, she clasped her babyâs tiny hand, gazing at her with unabating focus. So engrossed was she that she didnât even notice when someone entered the room.
Heidi glanced at the child, then at Clara, and said with a smile, âIsnât the little one just adorable? You must be very fond of children, arenât you, Ms. Clara?â
Without even lifting her head, Clara replied coolly, âWhether I like them or not is none of your concern.â
âNow, why would you say that? After all, youâre carrying a child youâll eventually be handing over to me. You are the birth mother, but Iâm going to be her adoptive mother her only legal mother. Are you not aware of that, Ms. Clara?â
Stunned, Clara looked up, her gaze icy. âWhat do you mean?â
Heidiâs smile was radiant. âHavenât you ever wondered why lan would have you bear his child if he doesnât love you? Itâs because a few years ago, I was injured while saving him, which left me unable to conceive. Grandma Rose was against us being together because of this, but lan wanted to marry me and also didnât want the Hayes family line to end. So, he came up with this surrogacy plan. Once youâve given birth, the child stays, and I become her only legal mother. Youâll never get to acknowledge your child as your own. Tell me, Ms. Clara, how does it feel to watch your own flesh and blood call someone else âMommyâ?â
Clara was shocked to her core. All her doubts were suddenly dispelled. lanâs ruthlessness was crystal clear he had devised this surrogacy scheme, using her as a vessel to â
continue the Hayes family legacy, having her child call someone else âMommyâ.
To hell with all of them!
Clara didnât want to lose her composure in someone elseâs home, but this news was like a bomb exploding in her head, leaving her mentally battered and bleeding. She stood up from the chair, her eyes fierce as she glared at Heidi. âMy child will never call you âMommyâ. Dream on!â
With those words, she marched toward the exit.
Never had she felt such hatred towards lan. She wished she could take a knife and end him.
Stumbling down the stairs, Clara barely made it outside when she bumped into a broad chest. Without looking up, she muttered an apology and attempted to leave.
However, her wrist was caught in a firm grip, and a familiar voice whispered, âWhat happened?â
Claraâs head snapped up, and she found herself locked in lanâs dark, unfathomable eyes Their gazes clashed, and lanâs eyes darkened as he noticed Claraâs reddened eyes. His heart clenched suddenly.
He reached out, touching her forehead, and his voice deep with concern, âYou look awful. Are you feeling alright?â
Clara shoved him away, her eyes cold. âThanks for your concern, Mr. Hayes, but I wonât die on you.â
Turning to leave, she was unexpectedly pulled into an embrace. Ian leaned in, his voice a low chuckle in her ear, tinged with triumph. âJealous?â
This was the reaction he had been hoping for. To confirm whether Clara still harbored feelings for him, he had purposely taken Heidi on a business trip. He ignored the rumors at the company about him and Heidi, wanting to see Claraâs response.
It was clear now. She still loved him, and she still cared. The frustration lan had felt over the past few days suddenly vanished.
He wrapped his arms around Claraâs waist and said in a hoarse voice, âDid you see that baby? Letâs have one just as cute.â