Clarence’s POV.How time flies! It was five months after the successful surgery which I wasn't going to forget in a hurry. At first, things were going on smoothly but suddenly went awry as unforeseen complications arose.Everyone thought that was going to be my last moments on earth as I kept losing blood and to make it even more terrifying, the city blood bank was taking forever to grant the hospital request. While everyone gave up, Julian didn't. He was resilient and would stop at nothing to make sure I left the surgery alive and he did that. Not only did I leave the operating room alive, my legs were fixed and I could walk, run and jump like everyone else though I was still healing. The smile that was tugging the side of my lips slowly began to fade away and my expression was replaced with a deep frown. Taking my eyes off the notepad on the table, I titled my head to the side, frustration gnawing in on me. My legs, which had been the greatest obstacle for me, were now out o
Clarence’s POV.The look Julian sent my way was a clear indication that he wasn't pleased with my interruption. Breathing shakily, I struggled with my words. The next few minutes saw me clenching and unclenching my fists as a million thoughts hovered around my head. I was terrified and almost giving up on my quest. Julain on the other hand was calm but every sigh and switch of weight from a leg to the other was a clear indication that he was slowly losing his patience. The moment he cleared his throat, I lunged forward, fearing that he was going to walk out of me. “Be out with whatever you want to say already." His tone dripped with disinterest, it was crystal clear that he wanted this done quickly. “By any chance are you trying…” I didn't give him the chance to finish up with his words before I cut in. "That's not it!” When he wouldn't say anything, I mustered up courage to say, "Can we talk?” "Spill…” "It's not something I can say right here.” I replied, glancing around my
Julian’s POV. Rolling my eyes, I allowed a low sigh to escape my lips. At the moment, I was trying to suppress the anger that was raving inside of me and it was all because of Kristiana. What the hell was she doing here? If only I knew this was her reason for enquiring about my whereabouts, I wouldn't have told her. “You shouldn't be here." I stepped in, preventing Clarence from giving a response to her question. "Come on babe, you don't expect me to sit in the hallway all by myself.” Slurring in her speech, she grasped my arm as a broad smile spread on her lips, "You know I don't get to see you everyday, so I want to spend every single minute by your side.” “Come on Kristina." I groaned, pushing her hand away, my face flushing in embarrassment. One thing I detested was a public show of love and affection, it makes my insides churn and when I see couples acting this way, I scoff. “Don't mind me, go on with your conversation." She pulled her phone from her pu
Clarence’s POV. What is all this all about? — I couldn't help but ponder. Kristiana kept making a scene but I couldn't say a word since I was the one in need here. My meeting with Julian was important but she came around, making it seem like it was nothing as she went about blabbing non stop about his achievement and how he was the best finacé. Not going to lie, I was jealous. My heart literally shredded into a million pieces but there was nothing I could do. Shutting my eyes tightly, I tilted my head to the side as I held my glass of water. All through her blabbing, I hoped that Julian sent her away so we would have a concise conversation but he did nothing of that sort. Though, he tried to step in several times but if only he was persistent and rigid enough, his efforts would have gone through. Now left alone to myself, I was swirling the content of my glass as I darted my eyes around. “After several back and forths, I was able to muster courage to speak
Clarence's POV “How exactly did I plan to figure things out?”It had been a day since I made that decision of sorting things out without involving anyone but ever since then, I have been unable to lift even a finger. It was still the same.At first, it seemed like I was finally getting my breakthrough but within the twinkle of an eye, I was back to the starting point. It was frustrating but what was more frustrating was the fact that I kept thinking of soliciting help from Julian. In an hour, I would check my inbox more than five times, hoping to see his message but there was none. Dejected, I decided to pack up and return home as that was my plan B. Staying in New York without a source of income was terrifying and I couldn’t afford to make a fool of myself in this big city. When I return home, I will have to go on my knees before step mom for help. At least, that would be better than hoping for a miracle which wasn't forthcoming. With this thought ringing in my head, I decide
Clarence's POV"My dreams finally came true."Standing behind the floor to ceiling window in my office, a bright smile spread across my lips. I had received the funds to renovate my mother’s company and as I stared at her office that used to be filled with her scents before she passed, my eyes were clouded with tears.I was already at the verge of giving up but Julian showed up, giving me a second chance to prove myself. Wiping the lone tear that rolled down my eyes, I pulled my chair out and then gently lowered myself on it. Staring at my name plaque on the table, a low chuckle rippled from my throat but I was short lived. A knock had interrupted my moment. “Come in." The door creaked open the next second revealing Olivia, my secretary. Smiling brightly as usual, she made her way towards my table and after a curt bow, pushed a file which I received at once. “The project manager sent the project in. He needs you to review and approve it." She spoke while I scanned through the do
Julian's POV Kristiana was suddenly interested in working.No matter the angle I looked at it from, I just couldn't wrap my head around it. Reclining against my chair, I tossed the iPad I was scrolling through on the table as a little sigh escaped from my lips.Picking up my ballpoint pen, I began to swirl it around my fingers, recalling every single thing that had happened that day. “Was it Clarence who motivated her?" I huffed, taking in a deep drink of air. Her request came in after she learnt Clarence was running her company. Up until now, her motive was unclear but it was good that she decided to do something meaningful with her time. On every other day, she spent it researching on Shein’s newest collections, limited editions and also spent countless hours skimming through fashion magazines. Kristiana wasn't one who had interest in work, not when her partner was more than capable of taking good care of her. “It's a good one." I said repeatedly with my hands crossed on the
Clarence's POV Everything was going in line with my plans and so I couldn't help but to be happy. My company is finally going to be launched and with the help of my staff, I am going to create a remarkable event to celebrate.This morning when I arrived at my office, Olivia was placing a pile of documents on the table. Hurrying to her side, I asked, “What's that?” "You're here.” She mouthed, stepping backwards 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 present, I allowed my eyes to roam around for a while. Just then, my eyes fell on Kristiana and almost immediately, I rolled my eyes re
Clarence’s POV. The moment I stepped into the police station, my eyes landed on Julian. He was seated in front of an officer, and Kristina was right beside him, her arms wrapped around his waist, head nestled against his shoulder. I froze. I didn’t know why Julian had asked me to come, but looking at them, I suddenly felt like I didn’t belong there. He seemed fine. He wasn’t alone. Kristina was with him, holding onto him like she was afraid to let go. If I walked up to him now, it would only make things more complicated, and her suspicions would only grow deeper. Without a second thought, I turned on my heels and made my way back to my car. As I slid into the driver’s seat, guilt settled in my chest. I should have stayed. He had defended me at the mall, standing by me even when it meant taking the insults meant for me. But I couldn’t even walk into that station for him because I was afraid of what his fiancée would think. I hesitated for a moment before typing out a text.
Julian’s POV. Kristina’s gaze darted between me and Clarence, the anger in her eyes intensifying with every passing second. The way I was still holding onto Clarence’s hand possessively didn’t help. “What the hell is going on?” Kristina asked with suspicious eyes. I let go of Clarence’s wrist, stepping back. “It’s nothing,” I quickly said. “There was a misunderstanding.” Kristina’s lips curled in distaste as she crossed her arms. “A misunderstanding?” She turned her glare on Clarence. “Of course, it involves you.” Clarence didn’t react to the hostility, instead, her expression was impassive. “If you’re done making assumptions, I’ll be leaving.” She bent down to pick up her groceries, but Kristina took a step forward, eyes narrowing. “You think I’m stupid?” Kristina scoffed. “You always show up at the worst times, don’t you? Just when Julian and I are doing fine—” I cut her off. “Kristina, that’s enough.” She ignored me, still focused on Clarence. “Stay the hell away fr
Julian’s POV.Staring at Clarence’s photo brought back memories I had tried so hard to forget. Our university days. The laughter, the arguments, the way she made everything feel less suffocating. And then, the day everything ended. I tossed the phone back into the glove compartment, shutting it away like I had tried to shut away those memories. She was the last person I wanted to think about, not now, not ever. I wasn’t even sure if I still had space for her in my heart. Rubbing a hand down my face, I let out a slow breath and rested my head against the seat. My mind refused to quiet down. Why was I even hell-bent on getting married to Kristina? I didn’t love her. Hell, I didn’t even like her. She was my parents’ choice, their perfect idea of who I should be with. And somehow, I had gone along with it, convincing myself it was the right thing to do. A sharp ache settled in my chest. It wasn’t just about them choosing Kristina—it was about everything they had done for me. Eve
Julian’s POVI stood outside my family home, my hands buried deep in my pockets. Months had passed since my last visit, and if it weren’t for the news about my father’s health, I wouldn’t be here now. Two days ago, my mother called, her voice filled with urgency, telling me my father had fallen ill. As his doctor, I had no choice but to come. But beyond the obligation, there was still something in me that made me care. No matter how much distance had settled between us over the years, he was still my father. Stepping inside, I inhaled the familiar scent of polished wood and freshly brewed tea. The house staff greeted me with polite nods before disappearing into the background, just as they always did. My mother met me in the hallway, her expression unreadable.“Julian,” she said softly, reaching out to touch my arm. “I’m glad you came.” “How is he?” She sighed. “Weak. He refuses to rest properly, but I know you’ll handle that.” I didn’t reply, just gave a small nod before
Clarence’s POV. Their stares burned into my skin, each one heavy with judgment. I stood in the center of the living room, my back stiff, fists clenched at my sides as anger coursed through me. My stepmother, my uncle, Gina, Damon—they all looked at me like I was nothing more than a disgrace. Like I had no right to be here, let alone demand what was mine. As if I were some thief who had stolen from them, someone who should be on my knees, begging for permission to keep what my mother left behind. “You’re being disrespectful, Clarence,” my uncle said, shaking his head as though I had disappointed him personally. "This arrogance is exactly why you don’t deserve the company." I swallowed back my frustration. "I’m not being arrogant. I’m fighting for what’s rightfully mine.” My heart was pounding as I spoke, but I wouldn’t let them see it. I refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing their words had any effect on me. "Yours? That company belongs to the family, not just
Clarence’s POV.I pulled into my family's residence, a place I never thought I'd return to, even if I lost everything. I sat in my car, taking deep breaths, preparing myself for what was waiting inside. Meeting my step-sister, her mom, and my ex-husband - now her sweetheart - was a daunting task. I steeled myself, knowing I couldn't avoid them, especially now that they were in charge.The meeting was likely about my mother's company, which I now controlled. That company was my lifeblood, and I wouldn't let them ruin it without a fight. I got out of the car and walked into the yard, heading straight to the main house.The butler greeted me, ushering me in like a stranger. It stung to be treated this way, especially since I was the legitimate daughter but since I was a failure, I was now considered more of an outsider than a family member.I took a seat in the living room, looking around at the place that was once my home. Memories of my late mother lingered, but now the space felt suff
Clarence's POV.I wanted to speak up, but Julian's dismissive attitude made me realize it was best to leave, even though his presence at the company bothered me. I wondered if asking him about it would be pointless since he wouldn't tell me anyway."I'll just head back," I announced, turning to leave. Julian didn't react or look up, which wasn't surprising given his behavior.As I walked out of his office, I sighed, wondering when his silent treatment would end. I knew I was the one who ruined everything in the past, and he now had a fiancée. While that didn't justify his treatment of me, I couldn't complain because I deserved it. After all, we were just business partners, not even friends.Just then, someone shoved me aside, saying "Excuse me" in an annoyed voice. I staggered, regaining my balance to find Kristina storming past me. She didn't even spare me a glance and angrily walked into Julian's office, banging the door shut.I scoffed, irritated by her behavior. "She sure has end
Clarence's POV.Though Julian's response wasn't what I expected, I didn't take it personally. Overall, I was grateful that he didn't flare up like Kristiana, instead he gave me a chance to say whatever I wanted and he was patient with me. During the three days he asked me to stay off the company, I remained indoors, watching the news just in case something regarding the loan was mentioned but nothing of that sort popped up. Several times, I was tempted to tag step mom and Damon to be responsible for this mess but there was no strong evidence against them. All they knew and cared about was that I had resurrected my mother's company, nothing else.They wouldn't have found out about Julian’s help, I'm sure of that. And even if they did, a week was not enough for them to pull that off so easily. “It must be someone nearby that did that.” I spoke with much conviction but I couldn't picture the face of who the person was. Each time I recall the humiliation and embarrassment Kristiana
Julian's POV.The splashing of water against the floor in the bathroom was not enough to conceal the voice of Kristiana who was yelling for reasons I couldn't fathom. Hurriedly, I pulled my towel off the rack and strapped it tightly around my waist as I stepped out of the bathroom. Kristiana had her back on me but I could see the phone that was against her ear. I should have known she was on the phone— I mouthed, drying my wet hair with the drier. Her conversation was slowly getting intense with her partner receiving the dead end of it. At this point, I needed no one to tell me it was Clarence on the other end of the phone. At first, I didn't make a move but when she wouldn't stop yelling, I had no choice but to walk up to her. Snatching the phone she was gripping tightly to, I ended the call, tossing the device to the side. “What do you think you are doing?" She yelled, her eyes widened as she pulled herself to her feet to square off with me. Ignoring her, I turned my back o