Clara's POVI said, "Bye, Sam," and waved to the manager.He saw me race out of the bakery and grinned.I glanced at my watch at 18:30.This meant that I had a mere thirty minutes before I had to start working at the hotel. We had a busy day with a lot of orders coming in, so my shift finished a little later than normal today.I was simply covering for a buddy, therefore today was my final day. This meant I had to hunt for another part-time job because I was back on the job market. I had to leave before I lost my second job, though.The bus was ready to leave when I put out my hand to stop it."Clara," the bus driver grinned as I got on, panting profusely."I'm grateful, Brian," I said.To put it mildly, I was accustomed to being late.The hotel where I worked was a twenty-minute drive away; if I ran quickly enough, I could make it in time. I tapped my foot tensely, counting every minute. It doesn't help that I'm the last one to arrive—my boss has been seeking an excuse to dismiss me e
Clara's POVTaking up the broom, she began cleaning the living room. There wasn't much to do at this place; every day, even when no one was staying in the rooms, they were all cleaned.We had to tidy the bedroom next.Ivy reached over to the nightstand and grabbed up another magazine—this one was another of Derek's. "How is it possible that a guy looks like that, yet no one has ever tried to have his baby," she said.I said, laughing, "Are you still on that?""I mean, look at him. He is practically a Greek god. If I were those other girls, I'd get pregnant and trap him immediately." She laughed."We would have to become millionaires before he gives us a bit of his attention. He is hardly ever seen with a girl in the tabloids." I said.Unexpectedly, I noticed his images in one of my fifteen-year-old sister Katy's adolescent magazines, which she received every month and which were devoted to boy bands. He was the centre of attention for the tabloids. "Maddison must have the right idea,
She was off sprinting to the closet with the dress before I could object.There were several reasons why this was a horrible idea.We had to get the job done because Maddison was probably going to come soon, so I moaned as I finished the remaining tasks. It was a few minutes before Ivy came out of the closet."How do I look?" she said as she leaned against the door."Wow," was all I could say.The majority of her back was seen due to the floor-length gown's sharp neckline and exposed leg. It accentuated every aspect of Ivy, fitting her flawlessly.Ivy said, "Wouldn't it be great to be rich?" "I just looked at the price tag, it costs enough for me to buy myself a decent car." She said,"It's a shame she is probably only ever going to wear it once," I said. "You should take the dress off before you get us into any trouble.""You're correct," she said. Looking behind her back for the zip, she extended her hand.Ivy yelled, "The zipper won't open."Panicked, I gazed at her.By happenstan
"I think you are better off wearing the blue one ma'am," I said.Madison said, "Excuse me," as she turned to face me.Her companion and her helper both raised an eyebrow at me. I was probably fired for speaking out of turn at this point."I mean, a woman like you, the blue one perfectly highlights your curves. It shows your elegance, that you are different and not like the other girls. It says 'irresistible', you need to make him imagine what he could have. You will be the envy of them all." I was speaking while glancing at the gown. "Besides, black is last year's season," I said.She gave me a sidelong glance before focusing on her reflection in the mirror. As she tucked her hair behind her ear, she said, "I suppose you are correct."I merely stroked her ego.Madison said, "Maybe she should take your job," looking at her assistant.That was a close one, I sighed. Before any of us get into problems, I hope Ivy can remove the outfit. As fortune would have it, Ivy left the restroom.As
Derek's POVGazing at the vista of the huge towers behind my desk, I paced my office.I would begin work on the tallest skyscraper in New York in just a few more months. I was going to transform the hotel sector with this idea.It takes toughness to succeed in this profession. That required putting those who believe they can betray you in check.I asked my assistant to summon Hendrik to my office."Yes, sir," Luke said.A gentle tap on my door prompted Luke to open it. He has helped me out ever since I opened the company, and we have also had a few friendship moments.Luke said, "Mr. Hendrik is here to see you, sir.""Please send him in," I said.Luke said, "The poor guy thinks he's getting a promotion."I laughed.I discovered that he was offering our main rival, Peterson Inc., access to some of our trade secrets, including all of our agreements and projects. Ever since, I've been surreptitiously exploiting him to provide our rivals with false information. They were clueless about wh
"This morning," was his response.Didn't individuals become weary of concocting tales about the lives of others?I had a feeling that my grandfather's name was all over this. I was aware of his methods."This is ridiculous, don't people have something better to do with their lives?" I said. Returning the iPad to him, I questioned, "Who is she anyway?""The obsessed girl who won't stop calling the office," he said."Great, another pathetic girl that probably needs to be sent to a psychiatric hospital," I said.My phone rang once more; it was my mom sending me another text. I believed that leaving your parent's house was the main goal for them to stop being around you.He said, "Mr. Pierce is here early, sir.""You can tell the receptionist to send him in," I said."I must warn you, sir, he isn't one of your problems you can just throw money at. That ground means a lot to him, you would have to convince him." He issued a warning.He was in his late fifties, based on what I have heard. T
How quickly did his informants inform him? It's like he had no life at all."It's been taken care of," I answered.He let out a laugh."Derek, I must say that just makes you weaker than I thought." He spoke bitterly.My expression changed, and I clenched my hand into a fist, holding back my anger."If your employees don't respect and fear you, that makes you weak." He continued.He quickly changed the subject. "How is your new project going?" He asked."Why do you care so much anyway?" I asked."I don't. I'm just making sure you don't become a stain on my legacy. Frankly, I think you are talented enough to achieve more substantial things than some silly hotels." He said.There he had, the reason I had to become so cold and calculative in business or I would never reach his expectations."I know you are going to need my help and my money if this idea is going to work. Just simply having this structure approved might take years." He remarked."I'm all good," I said.With him breathing o
Derek's POVThe chopper hovered 10 feet above, revealing the home of my parents, who reside in the upstate of New York.I could see the tennis court, the garden, and the swimming pool well; there were no people outside, only a few servants going about their business.I detested being at home because, unlike at work, where I felt strong and in charge, my parents attempted to regulate everything I did, and things didn't get any better when my grandmother sided with them.After selling his software firm for billions, Dad opted to diversify into smaller businesses and has essentially been retired ever since. He embodies the archetype of the wealthy white man who spends his days playing golf.At last, the helicopter touched down on the landing strip.After getting out of the helicopter, I took off my sunglasses.As I headed toward the home, Dad came over to say hello.He remarked mockingly, "If not for the son I forgot I had.""Hi, Dad," I said.He drew me into an embrace."Your mom is pret
Derek POV The things he is willing to do make me sick to my stomach, and I'm finally done. He deserves everything coming to him. I was glad that the trial with Maddison's mother went smoothly. Turns out, there is nothing Maddison loves more than her reputation and money, and for that, she is willing to let her mother rot and make herself the victim.I was finally done with the cooking and dished our food in the dining room.I slipped my hand into my pocket, ensuring the ring was safely secured.Clara voiced her approval. I'd made a Pad Thai dish for her, knowing it was her favourite. I finally influenced her. "If my mom calls, please tell her I'm not pregnant." She stated this in the middle of her dinner.I nearly choked on my food as my eyes widened."Are you pregnant?" I questioned, puzzled. "Of course yes. She came over the other day and found a pregnancy test in my bathroom." She explained."Oh," I noted, amazed. "That explains why she's been texting me a lot more often." I am
Derek’s POVI must have looked at my watch about five times in the same minute. Why was I nervous? I've made far more risky decisions, and none have ever made my heart beat this fast. The house had already been set, our dinner table was perfect, and the garden was just as I had instructed. Clara would be arriving any moment from now, and I was almost done cooking. Everything was perfect, so why was I this nervous?I wiped the sweat off my brow. Vincent was right; my idea was stupid. What was I thinking about planning a proposal here? Surely, I could have thought of a better idea.I needed to calm down. Hopefully, she had another busy night, and she wouldn't show up.Maybe I should turn off my lights and pretend I wasn't home. But she'd walk in. That's what I get for giving her an extra key.Since we've both been tied up with work, we have dinner almost every evening. It made sense that we'd both have the keys to each other's apartments after she moved out of her mother's.I needed to
Derek POV About a month ago, my mother decided that the best way to end her obsession was to start a new one. She went and got herself a replacement kid. I don't know who in their right mind decided that it was okay for her to adopt a ten-year-old kid. I'd be fine with all this, except the kid hates me. I've done nothing wrong to him. Maybe I'm a bit biassed, but it only took one visit to know there was no longer any space for me in that house."You should be happy about this," Vincent laughed. "Your mother will finally get to fix all the mistakes she made with you. It happened to me, too." He laughed.The secretary walked in to announce that an old friend of ours, Dexter, had arrived. We were working on a new business venture, and we had been waiting for him to start our meeting officially.Dexter walked into my office as laid back as usual. He had barely changed much since I'd last met him. He had a few classes in college together.We exchanged greetings as Dexter settled himself i
Derek's POVSOME MONTH LATERI swivelled in my chair, fiddling with my pen as I tried to develop ideas. When I needed my brain the most, I couldn't think of anything. I've never felt this anxious about anything before."Are you certain that's a good idea?" I inquired of Vincent, who sat across from me.He had visited my office to discuss our new business deal. We just happened to have moved on to the next item on the agenda.He looked at me in disbelief, as if there was only one obvious answer. "Yes, which woman wouldn't want you to take her to Paris and propose to her in front of the Eiffel Tower?" He answered sarcastically. He threw his hands in the air in disbelief.As incredible as his idea sounded, that didn't sound like something Clara would want. She wasn't that sort of girl.I leaned into my chair and stared at the ceiling. I always thought the proposal would be the hardest part, but I guess so was how to propose."If you think that is too cliché, you can go on a private islan
Clara's POV I leaned on the door and peeked through to stare at Derek's motionless body. My eyes were quickly whelmed in tears. I never wanted things to end this way.Without thinking, I pushed open the door and walked in.I collapsed into his chest, held onto him tightly, and sobbed."Please wake up and get back to me; I'll do anything. I love you." I whispered. I held onto him even tighter.I wish I'd said this when he wasn't fighting for his life. There were so many things I would have loved to have done differently, but now I can't take any of it back.I suddenly froze as I felt a hand patting my head.I looked up.I blinked at Derek, who was staring back at me. For the first time, I saw clearly. Derek wasn't covered in bandages or had wounds all over his face, as I expected."It's okay, I'm alright." He answered.I wiped away the tears, my vision becoming clearer. "You are not hurt?" I asked, finally realising what had happened."No, but I will be if you continue squeezing me li
Clara's POVDAYS LATERIt took a few days before the doctors could clear me out and send me home. I was being discharged today, and I had decided it would be the start of my new life.Derek hasn't come over as much, at least not to see me. It meant he was starting to get it. This way, we'd both be able to move on eventually.I was packing the few items Mom had brought to make me more comfortable when I heard a knock on my door. Layla peeked through the door before walking in.She has been responsible for ensuring a fresh batch of flowers in my room every day. She visited me a few times. I was glad she never pushed anything between Derek and me. Without me explaining, she said she understood.Today, there was something different about her. She didn't look like she was dressed for the runway, nor did she carry around her fancy handbag. She was wearing flat shoes. I noticed her eyes were red."I'm so sorry I haven't visited you much in the last few days. How are you, sweetheart?" she ask
Clara’s POV I was relieved when the nurse announced I'd have a visitor until I saw who it was.The sound of the walking stick should have been enough to know who it was. I could have used the time to pretend I was dead or, better still, leave the room,m but I was foolishly hopeful.Derek's grandfather walked into my room with his usual sinister look and a mightier-than-thou attitude.He looked over at me and smirked. "You don't look too bad. I guess everyone exaggerated how bad you were." He commented. If my hand weren't connected to an IV, I'd be the one leaving this room. He was here for a peace offering."Why are you here?" I asked."Don't worry," he replied, raising his hand. "I won't be here for too long. I wanted to be here in person to ensure my message was clear. I hope you liked my flowers." He smiled. "It's funny how I've tried to make sure you and I don't end up as a family, yet here we are." He chuckled. "You've cost me a lot lately, you and all your recent drama." He pau
Clara's POV I understood him, too. I made many bad decisions that I thought were good at the time, and he reacted that way because of it. I should have never done any of what I did, either. I know and understand that lies can never be good.But I wish things were different."You should leave," I finally replied. My mouth became dry, perhaps because I knew I was about to tell one final lie."Of course, you need some rest. I'll see you in the morning." He concluded. He smiled weakly and leaned in to kiss me on my forehead."You shouldn't come back," I added as he pulled away.He stared at me with confusion, but he dismissed whatever he was thinking as his face lightened up. "Of course, I'll be here," he answered.I shook my head at him. "You shouldn't come back to see me, not today or ever. We should end this. Everything that did or didn't happen, all of it." I explained."You should get some rest. We are not thinking right now; so many things have already happened on the same day," he
Clara's POVI woke up to a beeping sound and bright lights around me.All the anxiety rushed in. It took me a while to calm down and realise I was no longer tied up there. I was safe. I still couldn't close my eyes and not reimagine everything. I wish I could forget everything. About a month ago, I never imagined my life would turn out this way.The sedatives were wearing off when my family came rushing into my room.Mom and Katy were the first to strangle me with their hugs and kisses. Soon enough, my room was covered in flowers and soon balloons got well.It was a relief to see everyone again. I thought I never would.We spoke for hours and even cried. You never know how to appreciate these small moments until they can be taken away.I was glad to hear that the woman had finally been arrested. I hope she is locked away somewhere she can never hurt anyone again. Although everything seemed to settle, I couldn't help but think the real storm would soon follow.A nurse stopped by multip