Lisa was in a very bad mood. She yelled at everyone at the company and stomped out. She cursed the parking lot attendant for letting a car park next to hers, for no reason other than that the car was fat and ugly. Many people watched her throw a tantrum before entering the car and speeding away, narrowly missing the gate as she turned out of the building sharply.She had to park by a bridge and get out, so she wouldn't cause any accidents. She walked to the bridge and watched the water running beneath it peacefully flow down the current path. She wished she was like that slow moving river, because she knew she was done for. She could only hope to correct the mess she had made.However, considering it was Axel Lysander she had wronged severally, Lisa knew she didn't stand a chance. And he had given her one too many chances. There was no way he was going to forgive her for a direct plan to kill Claire. She remembered what happened when she had called Doyle a few minutes ago."Hello, Mon
Reality was beginning to set in for Claire. It had been a long day and night. The more she thought about the events of the day, the more embarassed she became. Shameless, Claire. You're so shameless. She hit her head on the wall severally and called herself names. She really, really needed to talk to Danielle.Claire turned off the shower and dried herself off. She slipped into her lingerie and opened the door of the bathroom slowly. It squeaked and she winced at her attempt to leave the bathroom silently. There was no need, because Axel was not in the room. The house was really quiet, and Claire shivered from the cold.Axel had laid out some clothes for her on the bed with a note.Come downstairs when you are done, Tigress.She smiled at her newfound nickname. The clothes were plain and a size bigger than hers, but they were warm and comfortable. She adjusted them until she was okay, then she slipped out the door and went downstairs. The men were awake, but no one was talking. Some w
Danielle yelled for an entire minute."Claire? Where have you been? Do you know how many times I called you? I've left hundreds of messages! I've been so worried. Do you actually realize how scared I was that something had actually happened to you? How could you suddenly go AWOL on me?"Claire waited until she was done ranting. It was only when Danielle paused long enough to take a breath while demanding a reasonable explanation did she speak."I've been busy."Claire didn't realize Danielle would take it the wrong way. She had to wait another whole minute for Danielle to calm down."You'd better have been busy trying not to get killed, or you have a lot of apologies to make!" Danielle ended on one breath."Actually, I was busy trying to avoid being killed and getting laid all at the same time." Claire muttered quietly.Danielle's breathing ceased. "Did I hear something about you getting laid?"Claire rolled her eyes. "I shouldn't be surprised your mind completely jumped over the part
Claire sighed and drew her knees up to her chest. She didn't know what to do. She was so afraid, and confused. Even if she let Axel have his way, and she desperately wanted to, what next? She was more of the commitment type of person, and she wasn't sure Axel felt the same way. Besides, it was so much easier here in Australia. Would things be the same back in New York? She didn't want to ask Danielle about it anymore. Her best friend would tell her to go for it, but she wanted a more objective point of view.Rising, she went downstairs to look for Jubril. He was standing outside the safe house and staring down the road, deep in thought."Jubril?" Claire opened the door and called.He turned and walked towards her. "You should stay inside, my lady."She shifted out of the way and let him shut the door."Please, call me Claire."He smiled at her. "Is there problem, Claire?""I was wondering if I could ask you something."Claire blushed at the look he was giving her. It was as though he
As soon as he explained to Jubril that he had nothing to do with her pain, Axel scrambled out of the car with as much grace as he could in the given circumstances."Donald!" He hollered.Donald gave him the evils. "I don't want to hear it."Axel laughed. "I had no intention of saying anything, except that I have to leave now. Don't forget to clear the First Class for our flight later tonight!""Did something happen?"Axel smirked. "Asks the guy who said he didn't want to hear it."Donald flipped him the bird and Axel only blew him a kiss and returned to the car. He tried calling Claire's number as he sped home, but it was unreachable. As soon as he reached the safe house, he stormed in and took the stairs two steps at a time. He paused for a second outside the bedroom door to breathe, then flung the door open.His heart melted when he saw her seated on the bed, looking like she was carrying the weight of the world. Axel softened his expression, because she looked ready to bolt."Tigre
Axel looked at Claire over the top of the file he had buried his head in since they boarded the plane. She was staring off into the distance with haunted eyes. He hated the look, and he didn't know what to make of it. That is the look she had carried since he and Donald returned that evening. It had gotten worse when they had to say goodbye to Jubril."Your woman don't see me, brother." Jubril had whispered to him. "She don't want to go back."He kept thinking about what Jubril said. Claire must have remembered the horrible people that waited for her in New York - Lisa, her sister - and decided Australia was better for her. He literally had to wrestle Claire into the car that was taking them to the airport. She had not said a word to anyone that evening. If Axel were to be very honest, she looked dead to the world. Claire was not the only one confusing Axel that evening. Donald had been talking quietly on the phone since they entered the plane before take off, and now, he was doing s
Somewhere in Dreamland, Claire heard Donald gag when he entered the compartment."Jeez, Axel. Who spilled the vanilla?""We decided to eat ice cream." Axel's smooth voice said nonchalantly. The smile was obvious in his voice. Claire opened one eye to peep at them. Donald was standing awkwardly to one side."Now I don't even know what seat to sit on. This whole place smells like ice cream."Axel gave him a toothy grin. "Don't worry, the seats are safe. I can't say the same for the floors, or the bath tub."Claire suppressed a smile at Donald's disgusted expression and shut her eyes. This was going to be the sweetest sleep she had ever had. Even though she had not reached her goal, she was getting there. Life was good, in that very moment.************For the first time in years, Axel felt very tired. He couldn't even move his arm, so he settled on reading through the reports sent by the directors. He was still upset with every single one of them for the way they had treated Claire, a
Donald and Axel sat together, whispering in low tones. Claire didn't have any interest in their conversation. All she wanted to do was sit and stare at the wall for the rest of the flight. When the pilot announced it was time for touchdown, she sat up and packed her bag."I'm not looking forward to going home."Donald shrugged. "Then don't. I'm sure we can find a place for you to stay in the penthouse."He sent a quick glance at Axel and Axel nodded. Claire sighed."Just as long as I get a bed to sleep."They had to strap in for touchdown. It was 5am, New York time, and Donald had a car waiting for them. It didn't take long to get to the penthouse. Claire was feeling sleepy, but the sleep fled as soon as they entered the building. "You guys live here?!"It was exquisite. There was no other way to describe the marble covered floors and gold plated walls and chandelier. The stairs and elevator shone with some expensive stone Claire had only seen on television.Her mouth dropped open at
Okay, I'm in tears right now. I can't believe we have come full circle with this story. I'm proud of you all readers, and so grateful for all your support. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope this story has taught you a lesson on life and love.I can't thank you all enough. You have made it possible for Claire and Axel to come this far. Without your support, I would have given up on this story.I love you all. Thank you. Here's a truckload of hearts and kisses and love and flowers and everything beautiful for you all! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🖤😘😘😘😘🧡🧡🧡Stay healthy, stay safe, stay loved! 😍😍
“You're still watching that?"Claire looked behind her from where she was curled up like a ball on the sofa. Axel stood by the pillar, his hair dripping wet. He was barechested, and Claire had a full view of his godlike body. It was one she had worshipped the night before, and the memories flooded her head. She felt her face go hot.“Why not?" She blustered. "As much as I am concerned about the trend of animal abuse, I get a kick from watching you tell them off.”Axel scowled at her. "That's a very mean thing to say.” His face brightened instantly. "I'm not complaining, though. Why are you blushing?”Claire touched her red face. He was coming closer to peer at her curiously. She squeezed her eyes shut.“You should put some clothes on."Claire felt the sofa dip where he sat down beside her.“No." His breath tickled her face. “I would rather not." Claire rolled her eyes, but kept them closed. "Fine, whatever.”He grabbed her jaw and roughly pulled her against him. "Look at me.”Her eye
Axel had planned the wedding just like Claire wanted, so they moved on straight to the reception in the same place. The dance floor was cleared for the couple to have their first dance, and open the floor. The orchestra struck up a tune, and Claire put her hands around Axel's shoulder.“I can't stop thinking about them."Axel placed his forehead on hers. “Maybe that's because it's about time we got rid of them. I don't want anyone spoiling your mood.”Claire sighed. “There's a little problem though." He whirled her around before holding her close again. "What is that?”She leaned into his chest. "I am finding it rather difficult to leave the comfort of your arms right now.”Axel grinned. "Then don't. We can go after the dance. Besides, we are making a lot of people jealous here. This isn't a chance you want to pass up.”"I've already put my mark on you." She smiled with belligerence and dug her fingers into his suit. “No one can take you away from me." That cracked Axel up, and he s
Axel stood by the altar, watching the heavenly beauty in white walk down the aisle towards him. His heart was beating erratically, and he found it funny how she still made his heart race after all this time. He made a mental note to thank Jenise for making the most beautiful wedding dress for his woman.With each step she took, he found it increasingly difficult to breathe. She stole his breath away, and she had not even said anything yet. Axel was watching her intently, so he easily caught the shift in her gaze and expression. He looked over at what had crumbled her face, and blinked, twice.“What the hell?"“What is it?" Donald was his best man, and was standing close enough to hear him curse out loud. He followed his line of sight to where Rose McLennie sat, and beside her a woman that looked like her older form. They were both wearing sneers on their faces, sneers that were at that moment directed at Claire.Axel turned to him. “How did they get in?"Donald shrugged. "No one got
"Don't stand me up."Those were Axel's last words as he had left the cafe the previous day. Now, as she stood in her flowing wedding dress, she could not help but wonder if his earnest plea was the reason she had put in this much effort to look beautiful.Myla had done wonders on her hair, packing it all to the back bridal style. Her face popped out at anyone that looked, and Myla was grinning at her over the top of her head.“Wow, Claire, just…wow!”Eric had just stepped into the room, and his eyes filled with tears.“I thought today is supposed to be a happy day." Claire said with a soft smile. “Let's save the tears for later, mm?"Danielle was standing by Claire's side, smiling widely. She had done her makeup, and there could be no other exceptional way to do it. Claire looked perfect, beautifully perfect. He took her hand and kissed it. “You have such gifted hands, Danielle." Jenise peeked out from the closet. "I made the dress, hand me my flowers.”Eric chuckled and pulled out
Axel shrunk under the gaze of the women. He saw the men around him do the same. They had had their bachelor's night out the previous day, and the prank had fallen on him. He couldn't get out of it like he had wanted. Earlier, he had tried dissuading the guys."What if she passes out?"Donald had pushed a mask on to his face. "All the more fun, then.""Tomorrow is the wedding!"Hunter snickered. "The worse thing that could happen is if she leaves you at the altar."From her thunderous expression, Claire looked like she just might. She had been terrified, that much was obvious from how her entire body was still trembling. Her legs gave way, and she fell into a chair and began sobbing again.Axel longed to go over to her and put a comforting arm around her, but the look Danielle was giving him stopped him. She looked ready to burn any male that came within a foot of where the women were huddled together around Claire. Eric was not excluded from the ostracization. He had tried to dissuade
It was the ladies' turn to exchange glances. "How can you not know what happens the day before a wedding?" Myla asked. "Even my Coco knows!" Axel raised a brow. "I do know about the bridal shower, but you already had one yesterday."Jenise nudged Danielle. "Tell him. Put them out of their misery." Her voice rang with mockery.Danielle and Claire giggled. "We are going to the spa and hair salon!" Hunter rolled his eyes. "For a second there, I thought something really important was going to happen."Jenise puckered her lips. "Getting a massage and your nails done is "something really important", especially if you are getting married the next day."Axel rose. "You should tidy up the rest of the invitations. Donald, make sure you send them out, along with the accompanying emails."Claire ruffled through the invitations. "I didn't accidentally put one for Croatia in there, right?""Claire." Axel extended a hand towards her. "Walk with me for a second."She reluctantly took his outstretc
Axel stared at Claire in wonder. "You stayed up for most of last worrying about my whereabouts, and now that I'm back safely, you find yourself something else to worry about?"Claire drew her lips into a pout. "I waited up for you because I already had that in mind! Then we couldn't reach you and I forgot what I was worrying about."Axel had to suppress his laughter. "Oh. I see. Well, I have not sent any invitations out yet."Claire sat up. "Really? The wedding is in two days!"Axel furrowed his brows. "Um, yeah?""How would the guests have time to ready their outfits?"Axel snorted. "If anyone cannot get a proper outfit for an occasion, even if it is thirty minutes away, that person would not be in my list. You know the circle I belong to, Claire. If I give them the invitation that morning, and tell them to dress a certain way, they'll show up at the wedding before you."Claire frowned. "That would not be very polite.""I am not polite, sweetheart. I thought you knew that."Claire bi
Danielle gently shoved her forward. "Don't worry about that. At the rate at which you're eating, you'll probably not fit into the dress by weekend."Jenise snorted out a laugh. "I guess that means we will need to do the fitting of the dress on Friday night."The ladies giggled in amusement, and Claire glowered at them."That's not funny, guys!" She grabbed Coco's hand. "Come on, Coco, let's leave them to their impolite behavior."Her reaction only made them giggle more. Claire was not particularly upset. She felt pretty good that they were at least having fun. She could not begin to imagine what they had gone through when she had been in the state of coma. She had not even properly thanked them yet.Claire could see Donald from afar, through the glass doors. He was leaning on the limo, speaking into the phone and smiling widely. Occasionally, he would draw circles with his toes or scratch the back of his head, an indication that he was speaking to his new girlfriend. His relationship