Claire’s povI went past Anna into the outer office. My stomach felt tied up in knots. And there she was - Chloe, glaring at me with clear hatred. Her lips curled into a mean smile as I came closer."You," she spit out, venom in her voice. "I don't know what dirty little thing you think you have with Lucas, but it ends now."I felt mad at her demeaning tone, anger burning hot in my chest. "I don't think that's any of your business, Chloe."She laughed in a mocking way. "Of course it's my business. Can you imagine, a high-class billionaire like Lucas being with a low-life, poor girl like you? It's disgusting, not to mention impossible." The cruel words cut right through me, bringing up every insecure feeling I tried to bury. I was suddenly very aware of my modest office, my ill-fitting jacket, my bare ring finger.A tremor went through me, but I fought against it, gathering up my last bit of boldness. I looked straight at Chloe, mouth set in a hard line. "Well, it seems Lucas saw so
Chloe's POVI stormed out of Nova Designs, tears streaming down my face. Humiliated. Betrayed. How could Lucas treat me this way? Over some nobody like Claire? My vision blurred as I stumbled into the backseat of the car waiting for me. "Home, now," I choked out to the driver, not even bothering to wipe my eyes. Let him see my pain. Let the whole damn world know.The ride passed in a daze, the city lights smearing together through my tears. Before I knew it, we pulled up to the sprawling mansion I called home. I practically fell out of the car, my heels wobbling on the cobblestone drive.Somehow, I made it inside, the heavy door slamming shut behind me with a resounding thud. And there in the grand foyer stood Grandpa, his weathered face etched with concern."Chloe, darling, what's wrong?" He rushed over, age-spotted hands reaching for my shoulders. "You're crying..."A fresh wave of sobs wracked my body. I collapsed into his arms, burying my face against his suited chest. "Oh Grand
Lucas's POVThe instant Chloe fled, I pulled Claire into my arms, holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world. In that moment, she was. My heart pounded as I breathed in her sweet scent, relishing the warmth of her body against mine."I'm so sorry, Claire," I murmured into her hair. "I promise, I won't let anything like this happen again. No one will ever take you away from me."She trembled slightly in my embrace, and I tightened my hold, willing her to feel safe and cherished. To know that I would move heaven and earth to protect her.We stood there, lost in each other, the rest of Nova Designs fading away. It was like we were the only two people in the world. Nothing else mattered but the feel of Claire in my arms."Ma'am?" A hesitant voice shattered the spell. "You have a call..."Claire and I sprang apart as if scalded. My face heated as I took in the wide eyes of Claire's assistant, Anna. Along with the curious stares of the other employees."It's the manager f
Claire's POVMy heart raced as Lucas pulled me close, his words washing over me like a soothing balm. "I promise, I won't let anything like this happen again. No one will ever take you away from me."I melted into his embrace, letting his strength steady me. In that perfect moment, I almost believed everything would be alright. That we could weather any storm, as long as we had each other.Reality intruded all too soon in the form of my assistant, Anna. "Ma'am? You have a call..."Lucas and I jumped apart, heat flooding my cheeks as I felt the curious eyes of my staff on us. I smoothed my skirt with shaking hands, trying to regain some semblance of professionalism. After a few more awkward exchanges and lingering looks, Lucas and I retreated to my office. The click of the door shutting behind us sounded loud in the charged silence."So," I began, busying myself with straightening files on my desk. "When would you like me to start on your design?" Lucas's fingers caught my chin, gent
Lucas's POVI walked into my house, my mind still filled with thoughts of Claire. Her smile, her laugh, the way she felt in my arms. God, I missed her already and it had only been an hour since I left her office. My fingers itched to call her, just to hear her voice again.I pulled out my phone, ready to dial, when a sharp voice cut through the quiet. "And what the hell did you do to Chloe?"I nearly jumped out of my skin, whirling to find my mother perched on the couch, arms crossed and eyes cold. "Jesus, Mom! You scared me."She stood, mouth pinched tight. "Answer the question, Lucas. What did you do?"I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Look, Chloe needs to accept that she and I were never going to work. We're just not right for each other."Mom's face reddened. "How dare you say that? Have you lost your mind?"Frustration filled me, hot and sharp. I was so tired of this same old argument. "Enough, Mom. I'm not marrying Chloe and that's final. The sooner you accept that, the
Lucas's POV I couldn't stop grinning like a fool after I hung up with Claire. My cheeks ached from smiling so hard but I didn't care. I felt like I'd just won the lottery, my whole body buzzing with excitement and anticipation.I tossed my phone on the bed, already thinking about our dinner plans. I wanted everything to be perfect - the food, the ambiance, the company. My two favorite people in the world, all to myself for the whole evening. Shrugging out of my shirt and pants, I grabbed my cell again and dialed Jason, my personal assistant. He picked up on the first ring, efficient as always."Jason, hey. I need you to book a private dining room at the Ritz for tonight. 7pm sharp."I could hear him typing rapidly in the background. "Of course, Mr. Brookes. For how many?"My smile widened. "Three. And Jay? Make it the Windsor Suite. I want the works - champagne, roses, the best menu they've got.""Absolutely sir. Anything else?"I bit my lip, thoughts turning serious for a moment. "
Claire's POVI rushed into the office, my heart still racing from the phone call with Lucas. A dinner date. Tonight. The thought made my stomach flip with nerves and excitement."Well don't you look happy," Anna said as I walked in, a big smile on her face. "Good news?"I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face. "Lucas asked me out tonight. To someplace really nice."Anna jumped up and hugged me tight. "Claire, that's great! You so deserve this after everything with that awful Chloe."My smile slipped a bit at her name. I still couldn't forget how she ruined our last date, all the terrible things she said.Anna squeezed my hand. "Hey, tonight will be different. I know it. She wouldn't try anything like that again.""I really hope so." I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "Actually...I was hoping you could watch Brian tonight? I don't want to bring him, just in case...""Of course!" Anna said right away. "You know I love spending time with the little guy. We'll hav
Lucas's POVI practically bounced down the stairs, my excitement building with every step. This was it. The night I'd been waiting for. A chance to show Claire how much she meant to me, to take our relationship to the next level."I'm heading out, Margaret," I called my housekeeper as I grabbed my keys. "Don't wait up. And make sure to set the alarm when you leave.""Of course, Mr.Anderson ," she replied with a knowing smile. "Have a wonderful evening."I flashed her a grin and a wink before dashing out the door to my car. The engine roared to life as I slid behind the wheel, the stereo automatically blasting my favorite feel-good playlist.With the music thumping and my heart soaring, I pulled out of the drive and pointed the car towards Claire's apartment. Towards my future, if I had anything to say about it.The drive seemed to fly by, my mind filled with visions of how the night would go. The romantic dinner, the heartfelt conversation, the kiss I planned to lay on her that would
CHRISTABEL POV"Ma'am this is the file." The securities brought out a book.Indeed that was the golden file but where did it come from?"What?" I shouted in disbelief.That's not me."Claire, how would you do this?" Mirabel shouted tooShe doubted with everything in her. I just disappointed her, I made her feel bad for everything."You know you don't have to believe this. It's not true, I don't know about the golden file. I just got accepted to the company." I cried out.The whole eyes were on me, the girls secretly laughed and rejoiced as they watched me lament for freedom."This was found in your office and in your locker covered among your files and you are telling me that you have nothing to do with it . How am I supposed to believe that?" Claire's got closer.She took the file from him and glanced through it to check if anything was missing."See, I haven't even planned such a thing." I attempted to walk closer to her but the security stopped me. They saw me as a traitor."You wi
CWorstABEL POVI was still in a state of fear while waiting for whoever the culprit was to go out and surrender. I don't want to pa,y for what I did not do. Jack had left and I was alone.He did this because he wanted to prevent people from knowing that anything happened between us.Claire came to the company that morning, but before then, Mirabel had been begging for us to submit the file; she took it upon herself to find the file while we went on the punishment of not working.When Claire got into the office, I waited patiently for her to come out mad. "What's taking her so long?" I whispered.I don't know how long it took for Mirabel to deliver the message to her. We almost gave up, thinking thate is wasn't going to be mad abo; our, our thoughts were wrong.Claire stumped out of htheoffice with her dead stare gglaringat everyone. "Oh no!" I crossed my fingers and prayed silently for her not to take a drastic decision.After all the shouts and threat's she came up with the idea of
CLAIRE'S POVThey are still things I had to handle the morning before I left for work.My car was ready."Ma'am we are ready to move." The driver came to me"Well, I'm not ready so you will have to wait. Just make sure that the things are ready so we don't have to wait again after this." I walked away to my son's room."Hey boy" I closed my eyes for a second and opened them to see him in my arms.The joy that filled my heart when I found out that my son is able to do the things he does on a daily basis."You are looking so bright today." I cupped his cheeks and made him smile."Mom, the doctor was right when he said I needed to rest. I'm feeling better now, like better than ever." My son hugged me tight before he could complete the sentence."Yes the doctors are always right and they don't say the wrong things." I smiled and got up to sit on the bed.My son's caramel eyes didn't leave me, he kept staring at me and I'm starting to feel uncomfortable."Do you have anything to say?" I fo
ToAIRE'S POV"Did you have to give me your blood for me to live?" There was silence in the room. No,w this is why I don't want to stay here for long; he would always have a way to find out what is happening,g and that is what I am not in support of. "My darling, I don't have to do that. I told you it was just a minor issue, everything is Alright now." I answered quickly.That was the one? Doing that came into my mind atthata,t time. I couldn't think much any longer."Then we should get going; I don't want to stay here any longer," Brian said authoritatively.He had arranged them and struggled to pass people. Even with my phone,e I might still be better than whoever.The doctor had seen the preparation of the boys already, so he rushed out of the office to see us."He is really serious about leaving." I complaiwhosecretly to him."He is a child, what do you expect? He needs freedom to play with other kids." He scoffed and walked to the office.I followed him immediately.That's what
CLAIRE'S POV"Doctor!!!" I shouted for him to come out.The nurses came out to help me take him to the bed."I hope he is doing okay?" I was terrified of this.I have never seen him fall that way, he is always strong."Take him for a check-up." The doctor showed up immediately."Did you have to take so much blood from him?" I asked him, looking confused."I only took what the child needed. I don't distribute blood to the community." He answered angrily and left for the room.They ran a few tests."How can I be watching out for two people? I can't handle the first one to the end and now he is joining too." I hit my head in frustration.I am frustrated, I don't know what to do or which way to go. All I'm doing is sitting."Is he going to be alright?" I dragged a nurse who was in a bit of a hurry to get something for the doctor."Yes..." She took my hands away immediately and leftShe just said that so that she would be free from my grip. It's something I do all the time, it's something
CHRISTABEL POVThe sunlight shone into my eyes. I stretched on the bed."Are you sure you want to meet up with work today?" Jack whispered into my ears.Work?I jumped up from the bed. I seriously forgot about that part. Jack is almost done with dressing, and I haven't even had my bath."Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" I asked the busy Jack.He smiled, I don't know what he found funny but that wasn't funny in any way.I stepped out of bed and searched for my clothes wherever I threw them."Where are my keys?" I scattered the whole place searching for it."Here." I threw the key at me.I quickly got dressed and prepared to walk away."Why not wait for me to drop you off while I'm passing to work?" He suggested."Why are you sounding like I'm preparing to go to the farm?" I sighed and waited outside for himThe whole thing that happened last night was a mystery that no one saw coming.My groceries I got from the shop, I couldn't recognise them anymore. I packed up the things from th
CHLOE'S POV"Doctor....wait!!!" I shouted and ran into the doctor's office.Lucas is dead serious about what he said and that, I will not accept. The doctor was so busy with trying to get some things ready for the work."What are you doing? Are you agreeing with this?" I told him.He was so busy that he had no chance to look at me."Doctor!!" I shouted My voice went so loud that I was scared Lucas would hear me"What do you need ma'am?" He finally looked up and pretended like he didn't hear what I said at first."For my son to survive." The doctor looked like he was happy and waited patiently for this time to come."If you do not want me to continue with the action. You can discuss it now." She announced.I now know so much about how he wants her so badly."Please, I need you to do something for me," I begged.He responded to this and walked towards her to hear what she had to say."Do not let him know what you know. I know you can hide it from him. Just let him know that it is done,
LUCAS' POV My work here was done and now I can happily go back to where I was. I made sure the school explained everything to me."Sir, you are harassing the authorities of the school and this is good..." One of the teachers there tried to convince me to keep my voice low."Do I look like one who talks too much? No. I will make sure this school goes down for what they did to my...." I paused.I'd rather be careful with what I am saying. I don't want to say something I am not ready to carry."Brian," I added after seconds of second thought."Whatever happened to your child was an accident and no one should be blamed for it." The manager stood high. She had her shoulders up, her face showed no remorse and that alone was making me super annoyed."You are to be blamed for it, you are to look after the children when their parents Keep them in school. And you stand here to tell me that you are not to be blamed for it??" I shouted in anger.Mirabel held me so tight, she knew I would lose c
CHLOE'S POVMeeting Christabel wasn’t the plan when I left the house, I saw her anyway. I didn’t realize what she was wearing until she came closer, it’s obvious Claire bribed her to be with them. “Useless human, she wishes to waste her talents with those dogs,” I scoffed.Having to speak with her was the worst decision I made. She made my pleasant evening bad; she took part in bringing me down, and yet she says she doesn’t want to be in the middle of the arguments.She is taking herself in. “Why are you trying so hard to be Claire?” she asked.Silence filled the air. I had a lot of things to say but I don’t know how to do that without killing her.“What?” I exclaimed.She scoffed, flung her hair backwards, and walked away. I felt the urge to drag her hair but the people around had eyes on us too much. “I could rip out your heart if I want to,” I whispered in her ears.“Unfortunately, you can't,” She said with a smirk.I let the poor thing walk away. I clenched my teeth and folded