Chapter - [ 5 ]

[ Tristan ]

“Tristan, how long? How long are you going to waste your life for something which is your past? Think about your son and your own life. One day or another you’ll need a life partner, a companion. She isn coming back. She  must  be happy  with a family of hers.” My ailing father gave me the same advice I have been hearing from last five years.

I was facing the window, the grey sky, rainfall drizzling in silver chains with thunderbolts, it was similar to my inner soul. It’s been years since the woman I loved passionately, like a crazy lover, broke my heart into million pieces and mocked me by sleepingby disappearing after giving birth to my son. I searched her everywhere but a year later I found out that she met with Ryan fucking Balean accident and lost her memories. Her parents told me that she married another man and settled in London. i couldn’t bring myself to love someone again because I am still not over her.

“Dad, I have to tell you something. I thought I’d tell you when Travis will also be here but I think you have right to know.” I turned to face my father whose narrowed eyes were already glued on me.

“Tristan, why do I have this feeling that you found the right one?” He pressed his lips into a thin line as he gauzed my expressions.

“I guess, yes.” I exhaled a deep breath and waited for his response. My own smile threatening to spill.

A faint smile crept on his sick face. He had been insisting me to date again or marry for the best but I always ignored this question because I have everything I need in my life.

A knock on the door drew our attention on the door. My secretory peeked inside.

“Sir, Miss Jones is here. Shall I send her inside?” Robin, my secretory asked me.

“Yes.” I nodded and again turned to face my father.

“Miss Jones, may I know her name?” He raised his brow.

“You can ask her directly. She’ll be here shortly.” I answered and waited for Claire to come.

My father shouldn’t know about this little arrangement I made with Claire. I don’t trust women around me but when I looked into her pain stricken eyes, the dull ache when she talked to me without knowing my identity and how her attitude didn’t change even after learning about me, I knew, she’ll be the perfect candidate to solve my problems.

A minute later, the door opened and Claire stepped inside with calculative pace, her hands folded in front. She wore the dress I asked the maid to bring for her and I didn’t know she looks perfect in anything she wears. Last night, she was in a ball gown but this grey dress also suited her but what intrigued me, was her glowing face without any makeup.

“Good Morning, Mr. Pierce.” She greeted my father first with slightly bowed head and did same with me.

“Come here, Miss Jones and meet my father, Thomas Pierce.” I gestured her to come closer. My father’s observant gaze was already on her. His eyes were stuck on her.

“Hello, Mr. Pierce." She greeted my father vocally, her wavered voice was the proof of her nervousness.

“Miss Claire Pierce?” My father rose from his seat and scanned her. His eyes stuck on her.

“Yes, Mr. Pierce. I am daughter of Mr. Harris Jones.” She told him about her identity. The bitterness was evident on her face as if it was just an obligation.

“Hmm, you have become a sensation all over the news. Even a small kid who uses internet knows you. But I am not here to judge you by something that news channels serve. My son has chosen you means you’re special. I hope you didn’t take this decision under any pressure.” My father said in a quiet tone. In all these years, I could never decode this man. His moods, his inner thoughts, he keeps them to himself since my mother ditched him and I hate that woman for killing a part of him.

Claire glanced at me, I gestured her to answer him, deep inside, I was also curious to hear what was her perception. My father is an experienced person in reading people’s mind and body language.

“No, I am doing this on my own will. Mr. Tristan Pierce didn’t pressure me.” She answered while looking at him straight in the eyes.

“Very well. I hope my grandson will have same opinion and acceptance for you because he our priority and we won’t tolerate if you ever hurt him.” He used a firm tone this time and I agree with him on this.

I have protected my son from this cruel world for five years. I never mentioned his mother in front of him, like she never existed.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Peirce. I understand. A heartless person can loathe a child.” She smiled a genuine one.

“Alright. Let’s see whether Travis would accept you or sees your true colours. He is a smart kid.” He stated proudly and it was true. My son inherits this quality from my father. He can observe a person in a few moments of meeting them.

“I am taking Claire to meet him. I think we should be leaving now. I’ll see you in the afternoon, Dad, at the court. You’ll be my witness and Miss Jones’ witness will arrive at the court directly for the marriage registration.” I told them. Claire’s pale blue eyes shot at me in surprise.

I didn’t tell her either about my plans.

“Don’t you think you’re taking things in rush, son?” He narrowed his eyes.

“I know what I am doing, Dad. Please, trust me.” I blinked my eyes in

“I believe you but I don’t want the history to repeat itself.” He said.

“Miss Jones, would you wait for me outside? I’ll join you shortly then we’ll meet my son at his kindergarten.” I told her and she nodded her head. She excused herself from there and then I turned to face my father’s questioning eyes.

“How is it possible that she doesn’t remember you, Tristan? She was behaving like a total stranger.” Dad looked puzzled and equally emotional.

My features softened.

“I was shocked at first when I met her last night. She was all alone and it’s true she doesn’t remember me or our beautiful past, Dad. My fate has given me a second chance to make her fall for me once again. I want her to love our son. Those pricks lied about her marital status. She never left the city, they just covered it brilliantly.” I said, my eyes moistened.

Five years, I and my son yearned for her and she’s finally back into our lives like a miracle.

“She has lost her memories of two years when she met you and you both had a beautiful child. I hope your love rekindle and she’ll remember everything.” Dad smiled and patted my shoulder in encouragement.