[ 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
[ Claire ]“The food is really delicious. I have never come to such place before and it’s my bad luck that I have been deprived from such heavenly tastes and flavours.” Tristan, who was eating like a whale, commented as we proceeded on a dessert stall.“I told you. These street food stalls are my stress buster but be careful, everyone is looking at you. It’s not everyday when a billionaire walks among them.” I pointed at groups of people who were gawking at him, mostly girls which didn’t set well with me.“Why? Are you jealous, Mrs. Pierce?” He smirked as he noticed those females“Me and jealous? Dream on, Mr. Pierce.” I rolled my eyes but I literally choked on my dessert when a passing by woman winked at him.“Hey! Can’t you see that he’s married?” I yelled at her from behind.“Someone was saying that they’re weren’t jealous a moment ago.” He cleared his throat and I felt like the earth should swallow me alive.“I am not jealous but she was indecent. How can she flirt openly with a m
[ Tristan ]Numbness is what I felt at the bottom of my heart. My father was gone in a blink. I had left him fine, reading newspaper in the garden and talking with the maids, and now, his coffin was being lowered in the ground right in front of my eyes.Reality dawned upon me.I am officially an orphan. The man who guided me in every step of life, gave love of both parents while dealing with his own loneliness, he is no more. I won’t be able to seek his guidance or share my problems over a glass of bourbon.I didn’t realise when tears rolled from my eyes when they began to fill the grave.“Tristan.” Claire’s soft voice and her gentle tap on my shoulder forced me to tear my gaze from the grave to her.She was also crying silently. There were many people, they came to say their last goodbye to a great man but I felt all alone.After the final prayer. Everyone passed their condolences to me before leaving one by one, the sky began to turn dark as evening grew into night. We buried Dad. I
[ Claire ]It’s been a week since we buried Thomas. We slowly moved on with our work and lives. Tristan talks very less, I gave him space to overcome his loss but it worried me how he shelled himself. Thomas advised me to stay close to Tristan because he might lose himself in his self agony.My work also took a toll over me. My father was making it difficult for me to work smoothly, he turned the senior staff against me who create hurdle in ongoing projects by putting their objections and I am running thin with my patience. I have to obtain a milestone to shut them and have an upper hand over them.“Ma’am, can we go for lunch, you skipped the breakfast today.” Miss Kim said as we buried ourselves in reading the reports submitted by the marketing team which didn’t look promising.I rubbed my throbbing temple and stretched my arms. My stomach growled with hunger.“I think you’re right. We need a break from this nerve wrecking study. We’re definitely sailing on a sinking ship, Miss Kim.