[ 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
[ Claire ]Walking in the middle of nowhere, my body drenched in the rainfall and shivering with cold, I had no place to go. My tears also dried up after crying for hours. What sin have I committed to bear such harsh punishment? I sat down under a shed, wrapping my arms around my torso. I bit my lips to supress the teeth clattering. It was freezing cold. My family didn’t have the decency to let me collect my belongings.I was tired of living this life for last twenty-foursix years but I couldn’t gather my courage to end my life.I thought about calling my grandparents but dropped the idea since they live in countryside, enjoying their last days. They’d be hurt if they learn about what my family did to me. I couldn’t be a burden for them. Besides, I didn’t have any money or my phone.Suddenly, I heard roaring of a car in a deserted lane and it stopped here not even a creature could be seen. My heartbeats accelerated in fear since I was all alone. The flash of the headlight blinded my e
[ Claire ]The warm temperature in the luxurious living room of Tristan Pierce comforted my body. I could feel my pulse. The awkward silence between us could be sensed in the thick air.I had a homely feeling wrapping me in its warmth in a complete stranger's house whom I trusted and accompanied him here.“Here, have this, it’ll help to normal your body temperature, Miss Jones.” He offered me some brandy which I took and gulped with an incoherent ‘thanks’.He sat across me with crossed legs and his hands rested on arms of his single sofa. I tried my best to avoid looking at him.“Are you feeling better now?” He asked after a few moments of excruciating silence.“Yes. We can talk now.” I said gaining some confidence.“Great, I can tell that you’re a smart woman, Claire.” He said addressing me by my first name for the very first time and I hate to admit that it sounded so good, strange.“What is the use of this smartness when I can’t fight for my rights, Mr. Pierce. I allowed them to ri