Female Novel
Chapter 451
He couldn't help but ball his fists. Stepping forward, he wrapped his arms around Clara andchuckled, "Clara's got a bun in the oven. It's not wise for her to hug everyone here. Who knowswhat germs you folks might be carrying?"
The uncles of the York family raised their fists in mock threat, aiming playfully at Ian.
"Listen to this cheeky lad! If it weren't for the fact that you and Clara just tied the knot, we'd knockyou flat today."
"Getting hitched is one thing, but you haven't thrown a proper wedding bash yet. We could still putthe kibosh on this union if we wanted to."
"Yeah, and let's be honest here, with Clara's standing, she could snag a diplomat's son or somehigh-flying billionaire without batting an eye."
As everyone bantered back and forth, Ian seemed utterly unfazed, his smile only growing wider.
Gently rubbing Clara's head, he said in a soft voice, "No can do, folks. Clara and I were promised toeach other when we were just tots. That’s Aunt May's dying wish, and you wouldn't want to ruffleher spirit now, would you?"
His words left the room speechless, all eyes turning to James.
James let out a hearty laugh. "Trying to outsmart this young buck? You lot teamed up wouldn't standa chance. Enough yappin' now. Marian is pacing holes in the carpet, waiting at home. Clara, let'shead back together."
Then, he shooed the other uncles aside, took Clara's hand from Ian, and led her straight to the car.The brothers grumbled in the background, "Oh, so we can't touch her, but you can just waltz overand take her by the hand, James? You sneaky guy!"
Clara was escorted into the lead car, undoubtedly the most luxurious of the fleet. The sight of a lineof top-tier black Rolls-Royces pulling up at the airport turned heads and drew envious glances.
"Wow, what a turnout! Who's the VIP?"
"Hey, isn't that car at the front for James York's ride? Could the York family be celebratingsomething?"
"Are you out of the loop? The York family just announced they've found their long-lostgranddaughter. There's a big family reunion party planned for tomorrow."
"My stars, what a lucky girl! Surrounded by all those loving uncles and brothers—a real-life princesswith her own fan club!"novelbin
As the car arrived at the York family estate, Clara was taken aback by the sight before her. She'dheard tales of the York family's estate rivaling the grandeur of classical gardens, and indeed, it livedup to its reputation. The delicate pavilions and towers, the serene rockeries and ponds—eachcorner was steeped in poetic charm. Clara knew the York family had deep cultural roots, but thereality was even more profound.
Eve, upon seeing Clara alight from the car, hurried over with tears in her eyes and took her hand."My dear sweet child, welcome home."
Clara stepped forward and embraced Marian, affectionately calling out, "Grandma."
The genuine endearment, 'Grandma,' moved Marian to tears. Taking Clara's hand, she said, "Comeinside with me. Let's visit your mother's room. She must have been waiting a while for this."
Marian led Clara into an old-world building filled with all varieties of plum blossoms, undoubtedly hermother's former abode.
The moment she pushed open the door to the master bedroom, Clara's eyes immediately landed onher mother's portrait on the table. Her mother's smile was warm and beautiful, her eyes brimmingwith tenderness.
A complex swirl of emotions filled Clara. She had always longed for a mother with just such a gentleand lovely presence, and now, on the day she could finally call her 'Mom,' they were worlds apart.