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
Lucas's POVAs we pulled up to the KISS AND SMILE hotel, I couldn't help but grin at the look of awe on Claire's face. Little did she know, I was the owner of this particular establishment. Just one of the many surprises I had in store for her tonight."Lucas, this place is incredible," she breathed as I helped her from the car, Brian already bouncing with excitement beside us. "Are you sure this isn't too much?"I laced our fingers together, bringing her hand to my lips for a quick kiss. "Nothing's too much for you, sunshine. Besides, wait until you see what I have planned."With a wink, I led them into the opulent lobby, nodding at the staff who greeted me by name. Claire's eyes widened but she didn't comment, just squeezed my hand tighter.Jason met us at the entrance to the private dining room, a knowing smirk on his face. "Everything's arranged just as you requested, sir. Your table is ready.""Excellent. Thanks, Jay." I clapped him on the shoulder as we breezed past, into the in
bond we'd all built. That Lucas's feelings for me...for us...were strong enough to weather the storm.The sudden blare of a car horn jolted me from my anxious musings. Heart leaping into my throat, I hurried out of the bathroom just in time to see Brian dashing out the front door, sketch pad clutched to his chest."Uncle Lucas, Uncle Lucas! Look what I drew for you!"Snatching up my purse, I locked the apartment and turned to see Brian already bouncing around Lucas, chattering a mile a minute as he waved a piece of paper in his face. Lucas, bless him, just grinned and nodded along, squatting down to look at Brian's latest masterpiece. "Wow, buddy, this is fantastic! Is that you and me playing catch in the park?""Uh-huh! And there's Mommy, see, watching us and smiling."My heart turned over in my chest. Tears pricked the backs of my eyes at the sight of them together, so easy and affectionate. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.And that's when it hit me - this was right
Claire's POVThe chirp of my alarm roused me from a deep, contented sleep. I rolled over with a lazy smile, memories of last night's dinner - and Lucas's proposal - washing over me in a warm, giddy rush.My fiancé. God, I loved the sound of that.Grabbing my phone, I saw a text from the man himself. "Good morning, beautiful. Wishing you the sweetest of days. xx"A little thrill went through me at the endearing. It still didn't feel real, him choosing me, loving me. Wanting to build a life and a family together.Grinning like a fool, I sent back a string of heart emojis before dragging myself out of bed. As much as I wanted to spend the day basking in newly-engaged bliss, there was a little boy who needed his breakfast.Speaking of... "Brian? Time to get up, sweetie!"No response. I poked my head into his room, only to find it empty, the sound of water running in the bathroom. "Morning, Mommy!" he chirped, popping his tousled head out. "I woke up early today. Did you sleep okay? You w
CLAIRE'S POVI was still in shock, trying to recover from Chloe's looks. Her eyes were worse than that of a killer.When she stared at me I almost fell to the ground. My heart raced for seconds before Lucas gave me a warm hug.I don't know what to do anymore. I was still confused about everything even when Lucas told me to go home.I found myself several times talking about the whole issue.“Wait…” I halted my car and leaned backwards with a sigh.“Am I falling for Lucas again? I mean, I fought this feeling for months, and now, here it is all burning like it's a new love.” I sighed.I started my car recklessly without looking behind.The trailer from behind horned like they were about to fall into the gutter “What is going…. Oh shit!” I was quick enough to put my car to the side.“You piece of shit, watch where you are going.” The passenger shouted through the window.I held my chest from the shock. I hope I don't die before I get back home.I checked my back before moving my vehicle
LUCAS POVThe whole scene wasn't clear to me enough.I needed an explanation for all the shit that was happening. I mean, Dad would just sit there and watch these people lie against me.It is a new day and I expect everyone in the house to forget about everything that happened. I don't see myself forgetting about it very soon but I wish my parents would forget about it immediately.“I have to get to work.” I sighed.My head is not in a good state to go to work. I had stayed away from work, trying to prove some stupid points to people.My father had been silent since the day that issue was addressed. I know very well that he would talk about that, he just needs time and something to remind him of it.I got up from the bed to the kitchen as tired as I was. I could barely think of something to say to anyone.“Good morning, mom.” I greeted her with a low tone.She snubbed and continued with what she had to do. My strength wasn't enough to greet her twice or ask what the matter was.I assu
CHLOE'S POVMy mom was my savior, but that didn't last for long.I had to defend myself at some point and I had to follow my mother's rules."Let the victim defend herself." When Lucas said that, my heart sank.I was shivering already, the man wasn't frightening but his looks and body movements says it all.I don't know how observant he was but I had to be careful so that he doesn't detect the lie.After the whole shouts and screams and argument. The father came to a conclusion that didn't favour Lucas. He was annoyed at this but his father...? He is the same to everyone including his sons.Lucas didn't give up, he shouted at us and did whatever he wanted but our decision stood firm."Before I leave, this is to remind you that if you don't accept my daughter after being a traitor to her...I will call the police into this case and her father..." My mom scoffed."You wouldn't love to see his madness here." With these words we walked out.I could tell that Lucas was mad. He kept stutte
LUCAS POVIt was a pleasure to see Claire. I mean, I didn't expect to see her, but here she was anyway.She looked like one who had been running a helter-skelter to look for me. Chloe's mother made a threatening Sentence that made her almost lose control. I don't see any reason why she should be Afraid."Go home," I instructed her and I made sure she drove away before I joined them in my house. "Who do we have here?" My mother came out to welcome her supposed daughter."Hold those greetings to yourself." Chloe's mother interrupted.My mom stood there shocked; She was probably trying to process why she would act that way."You might want to have a seat mom," I said to her,I fell on the sofa and took a deep breath. "Mom, where's dad?" I asked while looking around.I found him coming downstairs."What is going on here?" My dad stepped inNow I was certain the so-called meeting should start; at least I have someone who doesn't support them in any way."Chloe came over." Her Mol pulled
CLAIRE'S POVI don't know how things were going with Lucas and that fool. I lost concentration at work, especially when he came to me in the morning and asked where I found her.He was so impatient that before I could get out of my office to meet him he was gone."Ma'am, the files you requested are here." One of the new workers said to me, I just kept staring at the papers without having in mind what I wanted to do with it."Ma'am, we have to leave with this immediately, so please, I would need you to finish with it...." I interrupted her before she finished speaking."Just leave," I said to her,"Ma'am?""Am I stuttering? I said you should leave." I raised my voice at her.I wasn't comfortable with that after some minutes but I didn't have a choice."Shit! What is going on with me?" I hit the table in anger.There was no way I would have to leave the company papers unsigned. Even when I shouted at the lady, I knew that I couldn't deny my work. I still have to do itI began with the
CHLOE'S POVI woke up with a severe headache. My head began to spin, I could barely think. My eyes were heavy, and my visions were blurry. I tried to get up but my pounding headache kept me back on the floor."Argh." I groaned.The pain was unbearable.I was in chains, my hands were tied to my back."What's happening?" I struggled to get myself free and that's when I noticed I was knocked out."What the fuck is happening?" I shouted.It took minutes before I could see clearly, Lucas was standing right in front of me."You are awake scum?" He asked.What the hell was going on? I was pissed hearing that he had to call me that."What....what do you mean by scum?" I asked him, annoyed."Are you done playing with your little whores like you?" He resigned.I didn't even get a clue of why he reigned insults at me. "What are you talking about?" I struggle to sit upright."Can you recall the last place you were?" He asked.He squatted and faced me.I thought about it, so hard to remember wh
LUCAS POVThe message sent a shock to my whole body; I couldn't move for the next few seconds that passed."Chloe?" I found myself repeating the words. I put the phone back into my pocket and looked around. I found my mom staring at me through the window."Your daughter is back, and you have to start praying for her, or you might not see her the same," I muttered and got back into the car. I drove away in anger. At first, I planned to meet Claire, but after getting the massage, I had to change the plans."I hope not to find you anywhere." I gnashed my teeth.This message was sent to me by Claire. It's early morning, and she will probably be heading for work; I hope she arrives there safely.My doubts were too much for me to ignore; I had to call you to find out what was going on."Will she ever pick up?" I threw the phone on the passenger seat.I was close to the company when she finally picked up the call."Finally." I sighed."Hel..." She didn't let me complete the greetings befo
CHLOE'S POVI could not get out of the anger when I saw Lucas and Brian together. I felt like I should kill him off at once, I was fucking annoyed.There was no way I would have Lucas' attention if he was getting close to that brat. "They are getting on my nerves too many times, and I would not hesitate to teach them a lesson that they haven't learnt in a while," I muttered.I hid until they had passed and I watched him drive away. They looked so much like a family."Who knows where the bastard of a child came from?" I scoffed.I got back home, hitting everything that came my way. I could not think straight. I felt my blood pumping so hot like it was going to come out the next minute."I hate you, Lucas," I screamed.I hope my neighbours don't think I'm mad because this was the most unbearable part of it."For all the things I've done, you still don't think about that. You always find your way back to her." I crumbled the can that was in my hands."I should have ended this when I had
CLAIRE'S POVI had a fun time interviewing the girl. She was such a cool and nice girl, to be honest.Just like the first time, whenever she enters I feel strange. Not in a bad way but in a way that I've found someone to help me.I was fond of her already. "She is such a good-looking girl," I said to myself anytime I remember her."Mom, are you leaving for work so soon?" Brian asked me.I was about to say yes, but with the look on his face, I had to say the opposite."No baby. I have to stay back and handle some things." I lowered my height to his level and cupped his cheeks.My son was smiling sheepishly already; he found himself falling for the words I had just said. Of course, I expect him to fall."So, Mom, am I going to be involved in what you have to do?" He bent his face to the ground.I know how emotional he is."Don't feel bad about anything. You are my priority and that's why I am staying back." I didn't mean to say that but he needs to hear it."Are you serious mom?" His