Clarence's POV. Everything was going in line with my plan I couldn't help but be happy. My company is finally going to be launched and with the help of my staff after one month of starting it, I am going to create a remarkable event to celebrate. This morning when I arrived at my office, Olivia, my secretary was placing a pile of documents on the table. Hurrying to her side, I asked, “What's that?” "You're here.” She said, stepping backward with her hands folded in front of her while I examined the documents. "The meeting will start in half an hour, I will remind you five minutes before the commencement.” She said, eliciting a nod from me. Engrossed in reviewing the statistics I had requested, I totally forgot about the meeting but thanks to Olivia, I arrived at the boardroom just in time. Lowering myself at the head of the table after exchanging greetings with the directors who had helped make the business possible, I allowed my eyes to roam around for a while. Just the
Julian’s POV. It had been hours since I walked into the hospital, but it felt like I hadn’t even settled in. My body was present, sitting behind the desk, staring at files and reports—but my mind had drifted somewhere else entirely. I was thinking about Clarence again. More specifically, I was thinking about Kristina and the fact that Clarence was now working with her. It didn’t sit right with me. It never had. I was never supposed to agree with such an arrangement but I had no choice. Kristina wasn’t the type to work well with others, especially not with someone like Clarence. She didn’t like being challenged, and Clarence wasn’t someone who knew how to grovel. That made them a bad mix. The kind that could explode at any moment. I wasn’t sure if Clarence realized what she was getting herself into. Or maybe she did and just didn’t care because I confirmed the other day that I was the one who sent Kristina just to cover up for her. She always had this stubborn streak, like she’d rat
Clarence's POV The D-Day I had been waiting for had finally arrived. To my delight, everything was going on smoothly and just as planned; I couldn't help but thank my lucky stars. Julian had confirmed he was the one who sent Kristina and I had to let it go, and I cannot blame him when he said he didn't trust me. He had every right not to, but I made up my mind to prove him wrong. I was backstage and the ceremony was now in its full swing and very soon, I would be called to the stage to give my speech. Skimming through the speech I had painstakingly prepared a few days ago, I paced about in circles so my legs wouldn't be stiff. “Oh, here you are." Kristiana's voice made me snap my head upwards. The past few days, she had been cool-headed, helpful, and learning fast. After the first incident, she hadn't tried to intervene with anything that didn't concern her. Returning her smile and reliving her from the glass of wine she held out to me, I asked, “Have you been searching for me
Clarence's POV. Frustrated, I pushed my hand into my hair, I began to tug on it as I tried all I could to control my temper. I was on the verge of bursting out. What is all this madness? All of a sudden, she requested that she become the host speaker, which I agreed to. Why then is she blaming me for being unable to deliver a speech effectively? This is sickening. “I can't believe I’m having this conversation with you right now." She sucked her teeth in anger. Not like I meant it, I just wanted to put an end to all this saga so I stepped forward and with my calmest tone, I said, “Please forgive me." Crossing her hand on her chest, she let out a loud hiss instead and then resumed pacing about. With a smirk, I stepped backwards, preparing myself for the worse as I was certain that this was just a tip of the iceberg. “Ms. Clarence…” Olivia poked her head through the door but I gave her a sign to leave. It would be unfair to let her get entangled in this mess. “I would
Julian's POV. Today was the launching ceremony of Clarence company and to that effect, she sent me a VIP invitation after Kristina asked me to show up. Because of my tight schedule at work, I couldn't meet up with the opening ceremony and by the time I arrived, it had begun in full swing. Scanning the hall with my eyes, I was hoping to see Clarence lurking somewhere but she was nowhere to be found, same as Kristiana. Where could they have gone? — I pondered, shifting my weight on my seat. Pulling out my phone, I dialed Kristiana's phone but she wouldn't pick up her call same as Clarence and this got me so worried. Unable to keep up anymore, I walked up to the man who had identified himself as one of the staff of the company. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, I asked, “By any chance, do you know where I can find Clarence?” The look he sent my way made me rephrase my words, "I mean, Ms. Clarence.” "She invited me for this ceremony but she is nowhere to be found,” I
Julian’s POV. My immediate response to Kristina’s request made her mouth drop open, same as her eyes which were widened like saucers. The look on her face depicted shock which was understandable. Ever since Kristiana and I became an item, I had never deprived her of anything. If I don't have it at the moment, I find all possible means to get it for her. “Julian.” She managed to call after several attempts to make a sound. "I’m sorry but you can't have it…" She didn't wait for me to finish speaking before she stormed out in anger. Her heels clicking against the marble floor was the sound that rented the whole room until she slammed the door shut. Pushing my hand into my hair, I tossed it backwards as I let out a little sigh of frustration. Clarence saying she wouldn't be able to run the company was nothing but the truth. Kristiana knows nothing about business. Her focus in life before now was to acquire all luxuries her hands could get on, nothing more and I doubt if
Clarence's POV I have been frustrated several times in my life but this was something else. I mean, why was I the one getting the brunt of everything while the orchestrator stood aside, watching in fulfillment? Tossing my head backward, I let out a low and frustrated sigh, clenching and unclenching my fists all in a bid to let go of the anger that was running through my veins. After Julian left backstage, I took my leave too, and then returned to join the event. When he wouldn't stop looking around, I concluded that he was searching for Kristiana who wasn't in the hall at the moment. Wondering what was going on, I couldn't concentrate on the event that I kept talking about nonstop. Several minutes later, he left the table and with the way he was walking hurriedly, I was fully convinced that things were not right. At first, I didn't want to go after him but I was curious to find out what issue would make him leave when the launching ceremony wasn't even near the stage of g
Clara’s POV. I sat at my penthouse with Gina, sipping wine and enjoying the cool evening when Damon came rushing in like he’d just seen a ghost. His steps were hurried, and his breathing wasn’t calm. I looked at Gina, who had been scrolling through her phone on the couch, and we both exchanged a glance. Whatever it was, it had him worked up. “Call a meeting,” he said, not even bothering to sit down. “Now.” Gina stood, raising an eyebrow. “What’s going on?” He ran a hand through his hair. “Clarence just launched a company.” I straightened. “What?” He nodded quickly. “I didn’t know it was her company. I was invited by a few partners, they didn’t say much. Said it was a new luxury clothing house—they wanted me to come along and network. I thought it was just another rich kid playing CEO. But then I saw her. On the stage. She was introduced as the owner.” Gina scoffed. “You’re lying.” “I’m not,” he said and pulled out his phone. “Look.” He handed the phone to Gina, who scrolled
Kristina’s POV.I couldn’t sit still after I watched Julian leave and headed back to my ward to take some rest. The hospital room felt smaller with every passing second, the walls pressing in on me like they were trying to suffocate me. Julian was gone—he had left so suddenly after receiving a call without stating why he was leaving and I had no idea where he had gone. But something in my gut twisted, telling me he had run off to Clarence.I clenched my hands on my lap, my mind racing. He had been distant lately—more than distant and very cold even before we traveled back. And not in the usual way Julian could be when he was buried in work or annoyed. This time, it felt deliberate like he was tired of me for real this time and was ready to shut me out.I pushed the blanket off and stood up, wobbling a little before regaining balance. I didn’t care what the doctors said. I wasn’t going to sit in this hospital room like some helpless child while my head was full of thoughts of Clarence
Clarence’s POV.The next morning came quietly leaving me unsure, I hadn’t heard a word from Julian, not even a text after he helped me home yesterday and asked me to rest.The scandal was still online and everywhere, headlines still displaying everything in bold fonts, and faceless comments dragging my name like it was something dirty.I sat on my bed, my legs crossed beneath me, refreshing my screen every ten minutes like something new would pop up. Like maybe it would all disappear if I just stared at it long enough.I eventually gave up and called Julian when I couldn’t take it anymore. I knew he was probably busy, but I couldn’t keep sitting around doing anything while the whole internet was talking about the company like it was some sinking ship. His voice came through immediately after he picked up the phone, it was very calm and steady like there wasn’t something to worry about. “Julian,” I said, “what’s going on? It’s still everywhere online. Don’t you think I should do som
Julian’s POV.I was already on my way back to London when the weight of the past few hours pressed over me, filling my mind. I’d just finished confirming to both my parents and Kristina’s parents we were back as couples and I would push on with the marriage.They were convinced, and I could tell they were pleased with the news. My life, at least at that moment, seemed to be on a predictable path. I had to choose to be back with Kristina, after all, and that should’ve been the end of it. But then the phone rang, and everything shifted. Clarence’s name flashed across the screen. If only she had called earlier before I told everyone that I was back with Kristina.I didn’t even have to think before answering. There was something in her voice already—something urgent—that made my heart skip a beat. “Julian…” she started, but the words faltered. She was trying to keep it together, but I could hear the strain in her voice. She informed me about the chaos that was going on in the company and
Gina's POV.I stared at my wristwatch, my pulse dragging along with every second that passed. Damon would be home any minute. If he walked in now, I knew what would follow—the questions, the demands, and the expectations. Tonight was his event, one of those grand things he threw just to remind the world he was still relevant. And if I was in his house when he got back, I’d have no choice but to go with him.But Richard…He had called me several times today, then sent a message saying I had to come to New York so he could introduce me to his family. A big deal, considering how secretive he usually was. For once, I felt like something more than just someone he spent time with behind closed doors. And he said it so casually like it was nothing like it was already settled that I would be there or our relationship would have to come to an end.I was stuck.My heart beat faster as I paced the room. The weight of the two men pressed down on my chest. It wasn’t even about love—I wasn’t naive
Gina’s POV.The loud beeping of my phone startled me awake, making me jolt upright in the chair. My neck ached from the awkward position I’d slept in, and my eyes were dry and heavy.I reached for my phone, still ringing in my hand, and saw Richard’s name on the screen. I blinked at it for a second, confused. When did he start calling? I glanced at the call log and realized there had been several missed calls—all from him. I checked my settings. The calls were being silenced. That explained everything. Still, it didn’t make sense. I hadn’t remembered silencing any calls. I turned slightly and looked at Mark, who was awake and lying there, reading a book.“You saw my phone was ringing and didn’t say anything?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm but feeling irritation crept in.He turned his head slowly, looking at me like I’d just asked something ridiculous. “It didn’t seem important. I turned it off.”I stared at him, disbelief spreading across my face. “It was Richard calling me.
Clarence’s POV.The flight back to London felt never-ending. I sat by the window, staring out at the clouds, but my mind wasn’t there. It kept going back to Julian. Not just the way he looked pale, withdrawn, and distracted but the way he’d kept everything to himself. He hadn’t told me what had happened. He didn’t speak much while he dropped me at my destination. I had asked him if everything was okay, but he had refused to say anything to me.He had tried to act fine but he didn’t look fine to me at all. I wanted to believe he was in control of everything he was going through, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was deeply off. Maybe he was angry with me. Maybe he regretted getting involved in all this again. Or maybe—and this thought stung more than I wanted to admit—maybe he just didn’t want to share anything with me anymore. After all, we weren’t really anything now. He had a fiancée. A life. And I was just a lingering ex. When we arrived, I didn’t even go home.
Julian’s POV. “Julian, please,” she said, her voice softer than usual, as if lowering her tone would fix anything. She rushed to hug me from behind, stopping me in my tracks. “I will apologize as you want and take responsibility but I can't go alone.” “Please go with me. I need you to come.” I didn’t answer right away. I already knew what this was about. She wanted me to accompany her to the boy’s ward—the one she hit with her car. “I wasn’t with you when it happened,” I said. My voice came out flat. I wasn’t angry, not in the usual sense, just tired. The kind of tiredness that had nothing to do with sleep. “You should go alone.” Her fingers tightened around my hand. “I’m scared,” she said. “I don’t know what they’ll say to me. I just… I don’t want to face them alone.” I looked at her for a moment, trying to read past the makeup and the tears she was trying to hold back. Kristina was always good at crying when it counted. She knew when to play weak and when to act li
Julian’s POV.I wasn’t expecting to see her there, not at this hour, and definitely not standing by the corner like she’d been waiting for me. Kristina’s mother. Mrs. Henderson. Dressed in a rich cream coat, her arms folded like she had every right to be here like this was some kind of meeting she scheduled. I slowed my pace when I noticed her, hoping I was mistaken. But the way she stepped forward told me I wasn’t. "Julian," she calmly called, like she wasn’t the least bit ashamed or out of place. I didn’t answer at first. Just kept walking. I wasn’t in the mood for this, whatever this was supposed to be. “I know Clarence came to see you,” she said suddenly. “You two were in your office yesterday, weren’t you?” That stopped me. My eyes narrowed before I could help it. “How do you know that? How did she know Clarence and also knew her name?” She smiled as though she was proud of what she’d done. “Let’s just say I’m looking out for my daughter. Nothing wrong with that, is t
Julian’s POV.I wasn’t expecting anyone. Not at this hour, not today, not after the mess I was already trying to keep under control. So when I was heading back home to keep my head cool and saw Clarence standing there, it felt like my breath had been yanked right out of me.She looked tired—no makeup, no guards, just herself. Still as composed as always, but I could tell something was eating at her.“What are you doing here?” I asked, blinking twice to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. “You came all the way from London to New York?”“I had a feeling something wasn’t right, you have been absent from work without informing or contacting anyone,” she said quietly, her face searching mine. “And I needed to see for myself.”“You didn’t have to,” I replied. I meant it. She didn’t owe me this. Not after everything.“But I did,” she said, brushing past that. “And it wasn’t just that. There’s something wrong at the company.”I stepped closer immediately. “Something is wrong? What happened?” “