I watch as Lai kisses his bride as the officiant declares them husband and wife. “Congratulations brother” Clark says, embracing Lai, “happy married life” he says.“Congratulations brother” I say, pulling him into a hug, “make sure you treat Belle like the queen she is” I whisper in his ears. He nods, “I will treat her no less” he replies, “good” I say, lightly punching him on his arm before turning my attention to Belle.“Congratulations Belle, I’m so happy for you. I wish you both a happy marriage and a home filled with love” I say, embracing her. She smiles, “thank you Lara, maybe our children will be the same age and get to be playmates”.“Yeah” I respond dryly, remembering Clark’s stand on having children. “Let’s not keep you any longer, I’m sure the other guests want to congratulate you” Clark says, escorting me back to our seats.“What’s wrong?” He asks, “nothing, I’m fine” I say, forcing a smile. He shakes his head, “we’ve been married for a while now and I can definitely tell
“What is going on here?” Clark asks, “Why are you here with him?” He asks, clearly upset. I can tell from his tone that he's not letting out half of his anger towards me.“Oh hi Clark” I say, standing to my feet, “this is Jordan, a friend of mine” I say, introducing them. “Nice to meet you” Jordan says, extending his hands.“That doesn’t answer my question” Clark says, ignoring Jordan’s hands. “It wasn’t planned. I heard someone crying and I came to check it out. Coincidentally it turned out to be Lara, I’ll give you both some space to talk” he says.“Bye Lara” he says, walking away, “bye, thanks for this evening” I say, before returning my attention to Clark. “You’re angry” I say, watching him closely, “what makes you think that” he replies, folding his arms across his chest.I wince, “your tone and body language show that your are angry even though you’re trying so hard not to show it” I reply, sitting on the bench. “And do I have a good reason to be?” He asks, calmly watching me.I
A month has passed by and things have been really peaceful between Clark and I. We have fallen into a routine and quickly adapted to each other without peering too much into each other's life but still ensuring that we show care for each other.It's Friday and it’s Lai’s birthday. We are celebrating at the LaiLa Hotel named after Lai and I which was recently built by my parents. My parents have decided to expand their business by going beyond the online gaming industry and diving into the hotel management business.This development led to Lai handing in his resignation letter due to my parents' pressure. As the only son, my traditional parents believe that it’s time for him to run the company that will be handed over to him, which is why I’m glad I started my business long ago.Thankfully Lai won’t be leaving immediately as he has given Clark a two months resignation notice, giving Clark sufficient time to hire a new personal assistant depending on how finicky he is.I head down to Cl
“Good morning Lai” I say, smiling from ear to ear as I walk towards my brother, dropping the food package on his desk. “Mom asked me to drop this off for you” I pout.“What happened?” He chuckles, “why are you pouting so early in the morning. Do you dislike doing this almost every week day”I nod, “You really should get married soon, so I don’t have to keep doing this. I have a life you know” I say, flashing a smile at him as I sit opposite him.He chuckles, “thank you very much for your advice but except you have someone in mind for me then I cannot grant you this wish of yours as I’m not dating anyone at the moment”.“Then starts dating” I whisper, in an attempt not to draw the attention of his boss. He nods, “don’t worry he’s not here yet” he says, glancing at the door before his eyes return to me.I roll my eyes, “that’s a first. Has he decided to hand over his business to you” I reply with a sarcastic tone.Lai chuckles, “very funny Lara, but no. He had an emergency meeting to at
“Time to head home” I say, closing my laptop before packing my things. “Alice” I call out as I walk into her office space.“Yes Lara” she answers. I smile, “please let everyone know that I will not be around tomorrow, you’re in charge tomorrow. So I’m leaving my company in good hands”.She nods, “I will let them know ma, I’m sure everything will run smoothly”. I nod, “thank you, please let me know if there’s any problem, no matter how small it is”She nods, “I will, but I’m sure there’ll be no need for that. Have a wonderful day off”“Thank you Alice” I say, walking out of the office and towards the car park where my brand new Nissan is packed, a gift from my loving parents.In thirty minutes, I arrive home thanks to the road being traffic free. I hand my car keys to the security, before heading into the house and straight for my room. I’m in a terrible need for a shower.Once I’m done I change into a pink floral nightgown with a matching jacket since I’ll be leaving my room.“I’m sta
Clark’s POVMy head is spinning, thoughts running through my mind as I make way to the office in my private car, tailed by two of my very best bodyguards.The emergency meeting I told Lai I was having was truly an emergency, but not truly a meeting, depending on what you define a meeting has. I had to meet up with my parents to discuss some shocking revelations that threaten to destroy all I’ve ever worked for.As the only child of Carson and Jane Rique , I have been trained all my life to inherit Dames, the company that I head as the CEO. Flashback to the meeting with his parents “You need to get married before the year runs out or we’ll have no choice but to hand the company to someone else” dad says, running his hands through his hair.“But the year will end in a month and a half. How do you expect me to find a wife in that short time? And besides what is the sudden need to get married, you’ve never required me to do so, so why now?” I ask.Mom smiles, “it’s really not our fault
Lara’s POVAfter dinner I helped Clark with washing of the dishes and the pots that were used to cook. In that moment I felt like it won’t be so bad to be friends with him, but that moment was short lived the moment he opened his mouth“That’s not how you do this” he says, taking the pot from my hands, “you have to ensure it’s cleaned with a dry towel before you return it to its original position”.I sigh, “of course, I’m sure you have a book of methods and processes for everything you do. You wouldn't want to be caught making a mistake. If you’re gracious enough, why don’t you publish the book, I’m sure the world cares so much for pan and pots, it’d be a bestseller” I say, in a sarcastic tone as I roll my eyes.He shrugs, “it’s just common sense” he replies, returning the pot to me. I roll my eyes, “I have more common sense than you do” I say, returning the pot to the cabinet.“Now what did you want to talk about?” I ask, turning to face him. “Let’s talk on the terrace” he says, inte
Our Wedding Day- The 18th of December “Do you Lara Austen, take Clark Rique to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part.I smile, pretending to be in love with the man in front of me, “I do”. The priest nods, “do you Clark Rique take Lara Carter to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part.He nods, “I do”. I inwardly shake my head, so much for pretending to be in love. “I now declare you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride” the priest says, stepping backward.I flash a smile at Clark, waiting for him, inwardly grateful that I’m not the one that has to kiss him. He walks towards me tentatively like every step for him is painful.Afraid that the guests will suspect that we’r