[ Tristan ]“Alicia, I have found a lawyer for you, she’s best in domestic violence cases and I am sure that she’ll help you to get rid of that despicable man in a legal way.” I told my friend as we sipped our coffee. Claire was still sleeping, she could be late for office but I want her to not exert herself so I let her sleep for a while.She looked at me, her pupils reflecting confusion.“You found a lawyer for me? Means you want me to drag Ryan in the court? Do you believe that he’d grant my freedom easily?” She asked me multiple questions and they were logical.I placed my cup on the table and turned to face her, it was going to be a long conversation and I want her to be prepared for her own future’s sake.“He has to, Alicia. We won’t leave any choice for him. He has made you and your son suffer. Don’t you want a stable life for your son? He needs a mother like you and a life far from the toxicity of Ryan Bale. The boy lived in fear, the trauma is deep and if you don’t want him t
[ Claire ]“I must say you impressed me, love.” Tristan said with a hint of amusement, whom I took on our date.“You’re welcome, Mr. Pierce. I thought this place would be an ideal location for our evening and the owner is Miss Kim’s son. He opened this place recently. He specially requested me to come here so his restaurant can get publicity.” I told him.“So, you’re going to post our date’s pictures on social media?” He narrowed his eyes on me.“I think the world should know about our relationship. I don’t think keeping it very private is necessary. We are married not dating.” I answered.He only smiled in response and pulled the chair for me. We were on the roof top, the table was under a large tree’s shadow which was decorated with fairy lights.“This place is really beautiful. The young man has a good sense of business. The restaurant will attract the young generation who wants romantic ambiance.” He said. Meanwhile, the waiter came to serve our drinks and take our order.“Korean
[ Claire ]“I don’t want to go back home.” I pouted as we strolled on the streets, it was risky but our guards surrounded us.“But we can’t stroll around like this for long. Our kid is waiting at home.” Tristan said pecking my hand.“Hmm, I want to spend some time with him before we call it a night.” I said. Everything feels like a dream. I finally managed to confess my love for him and his reaction was priceless. I know he won’t leave my side forever.“Let’s go back to our car. We’ll buy some burgers and fries for the kids.” He said and we made our way back to the restaurant. Tristan was holding my hand protectively.We bought the burgers and fries from a food truck before moving towards our car when my phone rang and I asked Tristan to wait. The caller id showed my grandparents’ landline number. My heart leaped, I wasted no time in swiping the green button. After the sour encounter with grandpa at office, I thought it was from him.“Hello, Grandma?”“No, Ma’am, I am Cindy, the house
[ Claire ]“Grandpa, I can understand your anger but aren’t you stretching it too far?” I vent out my frustration and hurt. My grandfather didn’t want me to know about my grandmother’s serious health condition.“Claire, I did not want you to panic which you’re doing right now and do not forget that you are talking to your grandfather.” He said.I sobbed, I don’t understand why everyone around me changes, their mind and behaviour become unpredictable.“Grandpa, I am sorry to interrupt but Claire loves you and Grandma so much, you are her family. She has all rights to know about your well-being.Grandpa raised his brow at Tristan, he looked displeased.“My wife needs extra care now. She has suffered second heart attack. I don’t want to imagine what would have happened to her if I wasn’t at home. The doctors advised me to keep her away from any stress and I want you both to do the same.” He said.“I’ll never do anything to hurt her or you, Grandpa? I am here to take care of her.” I repli
[ Tristan ]“Caleb, I know it’ll be hard for you to believe but whatever I am going to tell you is true.” I said to Caleb.As expected, his grandfather forbade him to see his grandmother. Then, he called me since he was feeling alone. I helped Claire to sleep, she faced difficulty but I had to keep her away from stress. I asked him to come to our house.He turned to face me. His eyes had bags under them, “Tristan, why I am having a strong feeling that something happened between Grandpa and Claire. She has been his favourite. He always pampered her but you said, he asked her to keep her distance from our grandma. It doesn’t sit well with me.” He said.“Please, be quiet. I don’t want Claire to hear you and come here.” I reminded him.“Sorry, I forgot that my sister is sleeping in the next room. Please, pour me another drink.” Caleb rubbed his forehead. I feel bad for this man who is struggling in his dysfunctional family.I made drink for us. It was not late but the night felt very quie
[ Claire ]My head felt lighter when I woke up in the morning. The sleep helped me. I tried to move but I couldn’t as I was wrapped by strong arms of my husband, the warmth of his body comforted me throughout the night.I slowly turned around, careful enough so his sleep won’t be disturbed and I can have a proper look of his handsome face. A smile spread on my lips. Now he knows how I feel for him. I don’t need to hide my true feelings anymore and we can venture into the depth of a marital bond.I lifted my hand and touched his stubbled cheek. Feeling my touch, his eyes slowly opened and locked with mine. They are the most beautiful eyes. I lost in them.“Good morning, love.” He wished me in his husky voice and his hand gently pulled me even closer to his side. I felt butterflies in my stomach.“Good morning, handsome.” I wished him and ran my fingers in his silky hairs.For next ten minutes we stayed like that, only listening to the birds’ chirping. I find my heaven in his arms.“Let
[ Claire ]“Mr. Pierce, we understand your concern but this is our policy. We can’t take our decisions against any patient and their family’s wishes. Mr. Jones doesn’t want us to allow any visitor to his wife. Sorry, we can’t do anything.” The director of the hospital whom Tristan summoned apologised to us.“No, Mr. Hall, you can do one thing. Type your resignation letter and mail it to me. I’ll accept it first asap.” The owner of the hospital glared at the director who stood there helplessly.As we predicted earlier, Grandpa strictly told the hospital staff to forbid us from seeing Grandma so Tristan took the matters in his hands and now, we’re standing in the hospital director’s office. My heart felt heavy.“Mr. Hall, I am being very generous here but do you have any idea that Mr. Jones is a very old man and at this age, people talk weirdly and act according to their fluctuating emotions. Mr. Jones is greatly affected by his son’s death and now his wife is sick. He is only paranoid.
[ Claire ]“You practically declared a war against him, Claire. Did you look at his face? He won’t sit quietly. He is our grandfather who always resented his own son. We are nothing if he determines to show us our place.” Caleb said.“I know, brother but I can’t abandon Grandma for him. It is not going to be easy for us but I am ready to face everything. If he wants to teach us a lesson, he can. I’ll take care of grandma. Did you see her face? How happy she was to see us.” I answered and sipped my latte.We were sitting in a café near the hospital. Tristan received a call from his P.A. so he had to leave urgently. I and my brother were alone and it was our first outing as siblings.“When are you going back?” I asked him. He has been staying since Harris’ death.He shook his head, “I want to go back and finish my course but Mom is losing her mind day by day. She isn’t herself anymore. First Dad and now Mia. I don’t know what I should do with her. Whenever I express my wish to return, s