[ Claire ]I woke up with a worse headache as I again had flashes of the moment my father aimed gun at me and said the most hurtful words to slice my heart. I groaned feeling direct sunrays hitting my sleepy eyes. I sat up carefully as my body had turned stiff and I still feel mild pain when I move with force.I didn’t find Tristan in the room. I requested him to sleep in the same room but he refused to sleep with me on the same bed because he was scared of hurting me in his sleep as he has a habit of holding me. He took the couch despite my constant requests to sleep on the bed.I checked the time, it’s eight thirty in the morning. I decided to do my morning chores without anyone’s help since I don’t want to be a burden on anyone. My family left no chance to remind of this when I was recovering from the accident and I needed a caretaker for about one and a half month.I felt slight discomfort but I managed to bath and change into a loose top and skirt. I might be looking like a coun
[ Tristan ]“How is he, doctor?” I asked the doctor and the psychiatrist who were treating my nephew.“I don’t think he is in a good shape, Mr. Pierce. This boy has witnessed traumatic events and endured physical abuse, in such cases, children slip into severe mental issues. The panic attack was just an early sign. I advise you to treat him like a fragile case, nothing sort of violence and negativity should be around him. I hope you’re getting my point. The foster homes sometimes don’t provide a healthy environment. The charity homes or orphanage aren’t your option since he isn’t an orphan but comes from a well known family.” The doctors advised me.I glanced at the sleeping figure of the boy and thought about it. Ryan will come for him as soon as he gains his consciousness.“Thank you, doctors for notifying me on time. When can I take him home? I don’t want to leave him under a stranger’s care.” I asked them.“By the evening, you can take him but you have to talk to the charity group
[ Tristan ]“Alicia! Is that really you?” I couldn’t believe on my eyes when I saw my friend in such a vulnerable condition, skinny and pale.“Tristan, I knew you’d come to save me.” She said in a broken voice.I took a step forward in her direction. Her frail body was trembling like a dry leaf. My own eyes filled with tears as it was very hard for me to believe that a vibrant girl, who used to be full of life and had fun like crazy, now locked in a dark hell.I touched her face and she closed her eyes while leaning on my shoulder.“How it happened?” I found it hard to speak.She lifted her face and her lips quivered as she tried to speak. I helped her to sit down on the single bed. the place looked awful, the screaming and wailing of mentally disabled women shook my heart, I couldn’t imagine how she had been living in such place.“Marrying him was the biggest mistake of my life.” She sniffed.“I can’t agree more. He is the biggest jerk I have ever seen.” I said, my hatred is increasi
[ Claire ]I waited for the whole day. I was anxious because Tristan didn’t sound good when I called him. He told me to wait because he’d tell me everything once he comes home.“Mom, stop worrying. If Dad told you to be stress free means he can handle the problem he is dealing with. Please, stop killing the floor by continuous pacing.” Travis said to me lifting his face from his book.“You’re right, Travis but I can’t help it. Your father is late. I mean look at the clock, it’s almost eight in the night.” I said glancing for the millionth time in the clock.He shook his head and picked my phone, “I am calling dad again for your mental peace.” He said but before he could make the call, the door bell rang.“I think it’s your father.” I said and Gina went to open the door, I followed behind her because I desperately wanted to see him safe.When the main door opened, I saw his figure on the door step and I sighed in relief but when my eyes shifted on his right side, I was both surprised a
[ Claire ]“Hey, come here.” Tristan said who slipped in the bed beside me after the dinner. Thankfully Alicia requested to eat in her room. I was glad because I am sure I wouldn’t have eaten peacefully in her presence.I snuggled into his arms. It’s my favourite sleeping position though I feel bad for his arm but he doesn’t mind allowing me to use his arm as my pillow.“You know, it is the best time of my day when I can finally have you in my arms and find my peace, no matter how challenging my day was.” He said with a smile. I like this trait about him. He never misses a chance to make me feel wanted.I kissed his chin with a smile, our gaze never breaking. I found surprise in his eyes.“Sleep now, Tristan. You are exhausted, it’s visible on your face.” I said while running my fingers in his hairs, he closed his eyes to feel my touch, his creases relaxed.“I can do anything to have your fingers massaging my head, it’s a heavenly feeling which I missed in five years.” He said with cl
[ Claire ]It wasn’t ethical to ask Alicia about her past link with my husband but I don’t want any kind of danger on him and it wasn’t wrong because I can’t trust Alicia.“What do you want to know, Mrs. Pierce?” She blinked her eyes innocently at me.“Please, drop the formalities now. You can call me Claire.” I said as I am still not habitual being addressed as Mrs. Pierce.“Then stop calling me Mrs. Bale, it feels more like an abuse. I hadn’t adopted Ryan’s surname, one of the many baseless reasons he hated me for.” She told me with hint of sadness.“You’re safe now. You can start your life fresh with your son. It will be challenging and not easy at all but I am sure you’ll overcome.” I said to lift up her courage.“I don’t think, Claire. He has given me deep wounds which I don’t think would heal easily. He is a monster who will chase me to the end of the earth if he won’t be sentenced for his sins.” She said.“He will, he must pay for his crimes. I and Tristan won’t leave him easil
[ 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 anothe
[ Claire ] “What are you saying, Mr. Ryan? She isn’t good enough to be your wife. Please, marry my younger daughter Mia. She is good in everything.” Dad tried to plaster a smile on his while I prayed for the same.I had been planning to leave this house as soon as I save enough money to settle down far from my family.Mia’s eyes welled up with tears, “Ryan, don’t do this to me. You don’t know anything about my sister. She’s a bitch of low character, she always snatches my happiness. Five years ago, she did the same and God punished her. She hasn’t good grades as well and look at her fashion sense.” Mia blabbered to Ryan but I had to wince when she lied about my grades.It was all a lie. I never had a love affair.“I don’t need to hear about my future wife from you, Mia. She is beautiful and not to mention intelligent who doesn’t spend money on buying unnecessary things. I like her.” Ryan said but I wasn’t driven by his praises. His intentions were hideous.“Mr. Ryan, please try to un