[ Tristan ]“Dad, can I come in?” I knocked at the door of library where he spends most of his time if he isn’t playing with Travis. He was facing the fireplace, sitting on a rocking chair.“You should spend more time with Claire if you want her to regain her memories soon. It’s your chance, Tristan.” He said without looking at me, taking it as green signal, I walked inside.“Claire is in her room. It was a stressful day for her so I thought giving her some space would be a wise idea. Secondly, I don’t think it’s appropriate to invade her privacy because I am a stranger for her. I am afraid how she passed out in her panic yesterday. I can’t afford to lose her again, Dad. I have waited for five years, I can wait more.” I said, showing him my vulnerable side.“Bourbon or scotch?” He asked me for my preference but I snatched his glass.“Enough, you aren’t drinking anymore, Dad. For God’s sake, you’re going through treatment.” I reprimanded him.He smiled, “I’ll live for a short time, you
[ Tristan ]“Tell me, why did you call me at this hour? I can’t leave my house anytime. I have a wife now who is a curious cat. I don’t want her to suspect me because then, I’ll have no answer.” I scoffed at the person who stood in front of me with a long face.“Forgive me but do you have any other option? My own family will hunt me down if I meet you in broad daylight, Tristan and you know my father and his anger issues.” He said.I sighed and pinched my nose. He was right.“I am sorry, Caleb. You have to go through all this and I am extremely sorry for hitting you today.” I apologized to my only friend in this whole world who had supported me all these years.“It should be me who have to apologize to my sister for being a total ass towards her. I have hurt her beyond repair but I had no other choice. Our father would have locked her somewhere if I showed my concern for her. I hate him.” Caleb said with remorse.“You have been protecting her for years, Caleb and it shows your love fo
[ Claire ]I nervously checked myself in the giant mirror and thought about this new journey as the CEO of Jones & Co. Never in my wildest dream, I imagined myself working in my family’s company let alone leading it one day. Tristan made it possible and I have to thank him.A soft knock on the door snapped me out of my diverse thoughts. Tristan was leaning on the doorframe, all dressed. I forced a smile at him which he returned with a warm one.“Are you ready?” Tristan’s smooth voice reached into my ears and I turned to face him. He looked really handsome in a dark navy blue three piece suit, his eyes scanned me from top to bottom with intense stare which caused my cheeks to heat up.“We’re matching.” He pointed his finger on my outfit and then I realised that I was also wearing navy blue office suit. It was coincidence but I was feeling really shy.“I didn’t think that we’d match. I can change, just give me five minutes.” I said and turned to walk in the closet when his hand caught m
[ Claire ]“Miss Jones, good morning and congratulations on your wedding with none other than Mr. Tristan Pierce.” The staff at my company greeted me, with wide smiles on their faces but I knew it was only for show off. They were giving me respect because I married the richest man of the city and now, I am their CEO.“Thank you, everyone, I hope you all work as passionately as your happiness is for my marriage. I want the quarter growth of our company 2% higher than this year’s first two quarters which isn’t very promising. I want the reports of our selling and profit of last five years and your ideas to increase sales in next six months by three. I am calling a meeting. Make sure you work hard or I won’t hesitate to open vacancies. Believe me, your desks will have new faces tomorrow morning.” I addressed them like a boss, with coldness on my face and confidence dripping from my words.Their smiles dropped and their faces lost colours. I learnt from Miss Kim, my secretory about the in
[ Claire ]“Ma’am, what is it?” Miss Kim gasped when she saw imprint on my cheek.“Forget it and call board meeting. I have to take an urgent decision. Oh God! There is only disaster everywhere. This company will shut down in no time if things would go like this.” I sighed in frustration.She brought a chilled bottle and handed it to me so I could use it to lessen the swelling. I felt embarrassed that my employee has to see this.“Mr. Jones will not approve the changes because present rules are passed by him.” She said.“I don’t need his approval. In fact, I am going to explain the board members about this mismanagement and how the company is suffering from it. I am sure, they’ll support me. I have better plans for the improvement in selling.” I said to her.My headache grew with the passing hours. This job came with a bucket of only challenges and feels like a crown of thorns. The rest of the day I read and analysed the quarterly expenditure reports and compared it with the profit we
[ Claire ]“You seem very disturbed. If you don’t mind, may I ask what’s bothering you? Is it related to the business or something else?” Tristan questioned me and it forced me to look at his awaiting figure.How could I tell him about something that I am not sure whether it’s a fragment of my past or just my illusions. I shook my head negatively.“It’s nothing, don’t worry.” I assured him with a smile but he didn’t look convinced.“Anyways, I heard Miss Kim praising and your kickass attitude at the office. Keep it up and do not hesitate when you think something isn’t fair. Compassion is seen as weakness if you keep giving others chances. If you think firing less productive employees then go on.” He advised me and to some extent, his words lessened the burden on my chest.“I’ll send the notice to the marked employees tomorrow. I can’t believe my father pushed the company on the brink of downfall by his stupid decisions.” I shared my frustration with him.“You’re using your common sens
[ Tristan ]I was stunned, how could she blurt out a very special memory, exactly how it happened five years ago? I stared at her pale face and a sliver of hope sprouted inside me. She was having flashes of her past means I can help her to remember the beautiful time we spent together and how we promised each other to never be apart.“We have reached.” I said to divert the subject. I knew if I asked her about it, it’d make her panic and there’s probabilities that she’d close herself and I won’t risk it.“Come, Travis. I’ll order my favourite for us, do you want to try my special treat?” She asked Travis while avoiding me.“Yes, Mom.” My son clapped his hands and they stepped out of the car, our guards followed us. I walked by their side, my eyes scanning the area for any suspicious activities and when I was convinced that we were safe, I signalled them to enter inside. The place was quiet and vacated as I had reserved the place for two hours. I paid them double.“Why this usually crow
[ Claire ]We sat quietly on the chairs inside Thomas’ room. He was resting on his bed with closed eyes. He looked really sick and it made us worried. He had only shown me affection and if he dies, I’ll definitely lose a father figure in my life.“Claire, Tristan.” He slowly opened his eyes and looked at us.“Dad, please, rest. We can talk tomorrow.’ Tristan held his hand gently and massaged it.“I am fine, son. Don’t be panicked. I am just sleepy because doctors gave me heavy meds.” He smiled weakly.“Still, Dad. We want you to be fine so we can have a great weekend together.” I said while trying my best to smile warmly at him.“Come here.” He signalled me to hold his other hand and I wasted no time in grabbing his other hand and patted it gently.“I am so happy to see my complete family. I want nothing more from this life.” He said.“Dad, I want to throw a party but if your health allows. I want every rumour about our family to be cleared since our society always gets excited for be