Chapter - [ 1 ]

[ Claire ]

I lifted the flute of my drink to my lips again and downed the bitter liquid which I think tastes sweeter than my life. I watched my father’s elite guests having a great time at the party. After all, they were exclusive guests of Harris Jones, the business mogul who was ready to step down from his position tonight and give the inheritance to his son, my brother for namesake, Caleb Jones. Another reason of their celebration was my sister’s twenty-first birthday, the favourite daughter of Jones family.

And I am the black sheep of the family whom everyone despises, reasons unknown to me and honestly, I don’t care anymore. They hate me since I was born. 

I am only allowed to be a part of such extravagant parties when they have to portray a happy family picture. So, I am enjoying this party as much as I can, ignoring the constant ache in my heart when I watch my parents introducing my siblings with pride to their friends and potential business partners.

Deciding, I’d need another one to calm down my nerves and to pose for one last picture, I walked to the bar to fetch my drink when I bumped into someone. I looked up to see a man staring down at me.

“Watch where you go, Miss.” He hissed.

“I am sorry, Sir.” I apologised to him when we were equally at fault.

“You just ruined my limited edition shirt which your petty sorry won’t compensate.” He said and it was something I couldn’t take.

I finally looked at him.

“I said sorry because I accidentally collided with you and you could also watch where you were going, Mister.” I matched his pitch and it was enough to draw others’ attention on us.

His eyes darkened after hearing my words and his fists clenched.

“Do you know whom are you talking with or you're  only  pretending  that you don't know me, strawberry?” He raised his brow and took a step closer which I found quite provoking. He was making a scene and I feared if my family sees it, they’d find fault in me.

His sly smile, they way he stared down at me, it seemed he knew me well but I saw this man for the first time, yet so familiar. 

Perhaps, all the scoundrels look same. 

“No, I don’t and I have no interest in knowing you, Mister. So, now excuse me? I’ll pay for your limited edition shirt if it makes you happy.” I said in annoyed tone because the alcohol in my body and his attitude began to piss me off.

“Do you really think you can pay me back, strawberry. I never forget dept." He smirked. He again used a creepy endearment and offered me a plate of iced straberries but how could he know that strawberries are my favorite. 

I ignored him. This man was giving me creeps.

“What’s going on in here, Ryan darling? And Claire what the hell are you doing with my fiancé?” My sister’s voice forced me to divert my attention from him to her.

I was shocked to hear her words. Did she just say fiancé?

She’s younger than me, only twenty-one and this man looks in his thirties.

“Yes, love. I was fetching you a drink but this uncivilized miss bumped into me and also not accepting her mistake.” Ryan said to her while circling his arm around her waist while I waited for the drama unfold. Mia always finds a way to make me a villain in everyone’s eyes.

Her green eyes glared down at me. she grabbed my forearm and before I could say anything or protest, she dragged me towards our parents and my stomach sank with fear.

“Mom! Dad! Look what your daughter has done.” Mia drew their attention on me while I looked down at my feet.

Their smiles disappeared and replaced by a deadpanned look, they gave me an accusing look as if they proved me guilty without listening to what I have done. My brother shook his head in disbelief. He never said awful things to me but his silent coldness said it all.

“Claire, I told you not to start your drama at such an important family event.” My mother whispered yelled at me as they led us to a vacant room for such discussions.

“I didn’t do anything, Mom. I accidentally collided with Mr. Ryan and his shirt got ruined with the drink. I apologized but he was the one who stretched the argument.” I said the truth.

My mother gasped and palmed her mouth while Dad charged towards me and slapped me across my left cheek. It stings, tears brimmed into my eyes. It wasn’t new but every time it pains more than past.

“You ungrateful brat! Do you have any idea who is Mr. Ryan Bale?” He roared.

I sobbed rubbing where his hand left an imprint.

“I..I..didn’t disrespect him. I swear.” I whispered but it didn’t matter to them.

“Shut up! We do not want to listen to your lame excuses, Claire. He is our biggest investor. Very few people know that our shares are falling. Mr. Ryan stood up to help us and in return, he wants to marry a daughter of our family so we are about to announce Mia and his engagement tonight but you have to cast your evil eye on everyone’s happiness, the only thing you have been doing since you were born, you killed your twin brother, if it wasn’t you, whom doctors saved first, my boy would have been alive.” My mother spatted with venom and malice.

I had listened to this reason for the millionth time from my mother but how it was supposed to be my fault?

“Claudia, lock her in her room. We can’t afford to lose this golden opportunity. Our son stepped up to continue the partnership between us and Bale’s company. I do not want him to upset more.” Dad said to my mother but his eyes were digging holes in me.

“No, Dad, first she has to apologize to my fiancé. She disrespected him in front of everyone.” Mia whined to our parents like a spoiled child while smirking at me.

“Mia is right, honey. Claire has to apologize to Mr. Ryan. He is the future son-in-law of our family, our Mia’s husband.” Mom advocated her. The moment was abruptly disturbed by loud footsteps.

“There’s no need for Miss Claire to apologize to me. She is right, I was also not watching where I was going. So, it’s my fault as well.”

Ryan’s smooth voice forced everyone to look at him but I chose to look down.

“Mr. Bale, we’re sincerely sorry in our daughter’s behalf. She’s a bit clumsy but our other daughter Mia is perfect in everything. She won’t give you a chance to complain.” Mom smiled sweetly at him. Clearly, she was making an attempt to butter him.

“Who wants everything perfect in their lives? At least, I don’t.” Ryan smirked as his steps halted right in front of me, his eyes were glued on me with a strange darkness in their depth.

“Sweetheart, what are you saying?” Mia tried to link her arm with his but he yanked her away.

“Mr. Harris, when I said that I’d marry a daughter in your family, I didn’t meet an interesting personality like Miss Claire and I’d be very glad and consider to offer fifty-fifty partnership for our next five projects if you allow me to marry your elder daughter Claire Jones. I believe she’s my match and I’d love to break her haughty attitude.” Ryan declared and I froze.