[ 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
[ Claire ]“Tristan?” I softly whispered his name because he had been hugging me for more than ten minutes.“Just stay like this for two minutes.” He said, burying his face in the crook of my neck but how could I tell him that our closeness is creating a summersault inside me.“I think it’ll rain again. we should go back inside as I felt droplets falling on my hands.He slowly broke the hug but still stood hugging my waist. His intense eyes fell on me and I felt strange emotions surging inside me.“Let’s go.” He said and sensually grabbed my hand. An electric sensation ran through my cells.He began to walk briskly inside but it started raining heavily so we ran. By the time we reached in the porch, I was drenched and my satin nightgown stuck on my skin. My gaze travelled on Tristan whose shirt became flimsy and gave a sexy view of his perfect abs.I gulped my saliva. In my memory, I hadn’t dated any guy since high school, having sex or any intimacy with a man was totally alien for me
[ Claire ]“Claire, I am sorry if I have crossed my lines but your question is irrelevant here. We met three days ago. How can you make assumptions?” His eyes twitched, he looked hurt.“I..I..am sorry. It came out wrong but I don’t know how to explain this but I feel like our pasts are connected. I feel it with Travis and Ryan as well, why? I haven’t felt it with anyone else.” I threw my hands in air as my frustration grew because I am feeling lost.“I understand your confusion with your past, Claire and I am here to help you with everything but we don’t know each other. Do not stress yourself and ruin the chances of a future because you want to be stuck in the past.” Tristan said, his features softened.I ran my fingers through my hairs, “It’s easy for you to say, Trisan but it’s my life and I don’t know who I used to be? Whom am I missing in my life? You haven’t gone through it so you won’t understand how it feels to be lost and there’s no one who can help you to find the answers yo
[ Claire ]“Miss Jones, we agree that you want to re-apply the old rules and want to raise the wages of our fourth class employees but you can see, we can’t afford to cut the budget of our senior employees, who are the backbone of our company. They work really hard to keep up with the present day’s competitive market.” One of the board members, who is also a very good friend of my father said during the board meeting the very next day.“I agree with you, Mr. Gabe but our workers, who work in the factory are our real backbone. They don’t complain and come to their shift on time, never takes day off because they have to look after their family’s needs. They are always scared of losing their jobs, that’s why they work with honesty but the problem persists with our upper system. They know, any MNC may hire them if they quit their jobs here and they’re taking undue advantage of our current crisis. I have shortlisted a few names. You can check their recent performance and then decide, why m
[ Claire ]Finally, the big day has come, the convention hall owned by Pierce family is the centre of buzz. It was decorated like a new bride. Thomas and Tristan left no stone unturned to make it a memorable event for the city. The invitations were sent to only two hundred exclusive guests, many influential names were out of the list which made it more of a sensation and curiosity is at its peak.“Mom, how am I looking?” Travis, who checked himself for the millionth time in the mirror asked me.I tilted my head to his side while I was checking posts on the social media about the party. He was wearing a black tux, matching his father’s and a maroon shirt, matching my dress.“The most handsome man of the evening. Trust me, Travis. You’re looking dashing.” I complimented him and a blush crept on his face.“If you’re saying, I believe you.” He said and adjusted his bow looking in the mirror like an adult which made me laugh.“How am I looking? You haven’t complimented me yet, bud.” I narr
[ Claire ]“Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you are enjoying this evening. We’re glad that you all became a part of our celebration as we mark the beginning of our new journey.” Tristan addressed our guests over the microphone.The spotlight was on three of us, the flashes of cameras almost blinded me.“Tonight, I am feeling extremely happy to make two announcements. You all already know that I am blessed to marry this woman, standing by my side.” He turned to me with a smile, I was feeling really overwhelmed.The air echoed with clapping. They were the same people who witnessed the biggest humiliation of my life. Tristan was right, it depends on us how we use it for our benefit. I was standing beside the most influential man of the city, it changes my identity.“Meet my wife, Claire Jones Pierce and the CEO of Jones & Co. The second announcement is more exciting not only for us but also for all my friends in our world.” Tristan paused and this time my curiosity also piqued. What could b
[ Claire ]It took me time but I helped myself to converse efficiently with all the guests, I made sure that as a host, I give them equal attention. I answered their questions carefully, yet most of them see me as an incapable leader and believe that my father should take over the charge of the company since I had no experience of running a business which made me question my abilities.“Mrs. Pierce, I see how you’re glowing tonight.” I heard the familiar voice and I turned only to come face to face with Ryan Bale, standing a feet away from me holding a his drink. There was a smug look on his face.“Mr. Bale, I wonder why my husband invited you because it’s not a business party and he wasn’t obliged to keep a cordial relationship with you.” I approached him confidently.It wasn’t my father’s house where he’d have leverage over me.“So feisty? I fall more for you when you try to bite back, kitten.” He smirked and I wanted to puke how dirtily he commented on me like I was a piece of meat
[ Claire ]We talked very less since our last encounter at the party. He announced our collaboration without my permission or even discussing it with me but I could see visible change in the attitude of the senior officers in my company who used to express their dislike for me, now treats me with respect and seem eager to be a part of every decision making.Three days passed. I spent most of the time at office since my workload doubled with the responsibilities. I don’t even get chance to eat properly, let alone dwelling in my personal life’s turmoil. But I know, I can’t avoid a conversation with him for long, sooner or later, I have to face him.A soft knock on the door diverted my attention from the computer screen to Miss Kim, who was standing at the door.“Miss Kim, please come in, sorry I was totally engrossed in the new products’ quality check and various levels of testing, all the results look good. Let’s do the tasting tomorrow.” I smiled tiredly at her and yawned.“Ma’am, are