160"Why don't you accept it, Zara? It's over. You lost the battle before it began. You can't succeed because Hunter was never yours. In anything, you only made him realize his feelings towards his wife."My chest thrummed with a building need to scream. Those were the exact words Claire said."I know that, so what? I don't want Hunter for love. I just want his money and his body."I freed my hand and came out. I was getting annoyed by Enzo's persistence. He followed me out, leaving a wet trail after him."Why don't you go away for a while? I need some privacy." I glared at him with disdain but he won't budge."Zara, I truly can't help myself. Don't you think I would have walked away the first time I learned that you go to sex and BDSM Clubs? Except that I can't. I've badly fallen for you.""Not my headache. Sort out your emotions and move on. I can't settle down with any man who has no big bank balance, let alone with a man who works as a personal security guard." I didn't even spare
161Zara's POV"Oh god, Zara! I'm scared for you." My fake sobs came to a halt as I heard an equally jarring fake gasp on the call. "How big is the knife? Is it a katana? Or a machete?" The mockery in those words pierced my ego like the tip of an obsidian blade. When I say obsidian blade, I remember reading once that it is the sharpest blade in the world. One can only imagine how deep the tip wounded my ego.Claire was answering Hunter's phone. It couldn't get any worse than this. She sounded proud... Like nothing could feel better than having Hunter under her control. Hunter under her control— I was forced to picture him with eyes staring aimlessly in the air. Like a man possessed by an evil entity while Claire stood behind him, giving him commands that he followed like a robot. The image shook me. It felt like Claire was holding a sword on my head. There is no other way I could describe this situation because if Hunter believed her words then I'm so gone. It sent a shiver down my
162Zara's POVFor the next two days, our attention was on Jack Stones, the detective. It was not startling that he was able to find most of my information— with evidence. One must think that it would have left me with sweat and tears. But no, all it did was thrill me. It was disappointing that Hunter was not in my control any longer. He was being controlled by Claire and it had led him to hire a personal investigator. Considering how stealthily Jack Stones worked, he might have received special orders to keep it private. It couldn't hide from my eyes though. The eyes I have come to look for me in exchange of physical pleasure. "He's here at the sex club." Enzo said over the phone. Today was the third day and I was hoping to see Jack here. He had been to all the places and people I was connected to. This was the last place he was coming to visit and I was here to give him a surprise. Or rather, a deal of life and death. "Let him come. I'm waiting for him." I replied while taking a
163"This can't be true." Hunter muttered it for the tenth time in the last five minutes.Jack was watching Hunter closely. Sweat beads rolled down the length of his spine as he tried not to give away his anxiety in front of the wealthiest man who hired him to find him the truth. Except that he was giving his client lies. Lies that he fabricated for getting sèx from Zara. Lies for saving Zara from going to jail. Lies for helping her step-up her game... And lies to destroy Claire's character in Hunter's eyes."Unfortunately, it is. I cross checked everything myself, Mr. MacIntyre. It's not what you expected to hear, but it's the truth. Your ex-wife was the one wearing an innocent face all this time, not Miss Levine. " Jack kept his hand on Hunter's shoulder as he shook his face.He was in awe at how Hunter kept his features professionally impassive. But white. Ghostly white. His lips were sealed in a line as he attempted to stay indifferent and those dark eyes were on the verge of lo
164Hunter didn't move even after Detective Jack left twenty minutes ago. His body was locked in place while his eyes continuously streamed. There was just one thing his heart chanted, "Claire is innocent. I know she's innocent."Alas, the evidence in his hold made his breaths hitch. Hunter languidly lowered his head. His colorless face puckered a little as he clenched his jaw to the point of breaking. "This can't..." He faded out as anxiety assailed him. While gawking at the stack of papers he had in a tight grip, he wished that he had never hired Jack Stones. He wished that he could just get away with Claire from this world and its shit load of issues behind to somewhere only they both existed. He wished that the detective didn't come today. Today... Of all days! Hunter flickered his lashes and looked around. He was taken aback when everything around him looked black and white. He felt as though color was leached out of the world, leaving him with only black and white. There were
165The dinner date was awesome. Hunter blushed more than Claire. Although he chased after her to convince her for a date, Claire surprised him with his favorite food and flowers. The scented candle added beauty to their table while the surroundings were made of dark wooden walls, giving the vibe of being inside the trunk of a tree. And guess what, the walls were soundproof. It was a good opportunity to make it up to Claire for the tasty food and everything, but Hunter's heart was restless. As much as he wanted to spend more time with her, he had to grab her hands and hold her from stepping out of her gown. "I will tear it off your mouth watering figure, Dove. I just have something to take care of tonight." He had said. Claire looked disappointed but she let it pass with a radiating smile. "Okay, just be safe. Do apply the herbal paste I packed for you. It'll help heal your infected wounds faster. " "I won't forget that." Hunter had replied whilst suppressing his tears. Then when
166Cole was out of breath and all red when he stopped on the top of the lighthouse. Hunter was facing the water, his back rigid and a gloomy air emanating from him. "Dude, I almost killed myself coming here." Coming to stand next to his best friend, Cole held the railing and leaned forward as he dragged deep breaths. Hunter hasn't moved yet and his profile appeared worrisome. His silence sent an eerie chill along Cole's spine. He straightened and shook Hunter. "Bro! Where are you lost?" Hunter jerked out of his trance with a loud heave. He blinked his eyes and shook his head to restore his composure before giving Cole a defeated look. "You're here, Cole." Hunter muttered in what sounded like the voice of a man who's lost everything. "What's up with you, man? You look pathetic." Hunter looked down in response. "I am not a paranormal creature or something. I won't know unless you speak, buddy. Tell me." Cole poked him with an elbow. "I don't know where to begin!" There was a so
167Although Penny had come to Claire the instant Cole left to meet Hunter, she had been alone in her friend's bedroom since she arrived. Claire was summoned by her father in his study for work-related reasons, leaving Penny with nothing to do. Also, it's been a while since Cole left and her curiosity was growing with each minute. She hadn't thought she would get this update from Cole when she messaged him. Now she was glad that she did. Else nobody would have ever found out that Hunter had bought the services of a detective to search Zara's background. A tremor of indignation ran through her body as she reread Cole's recent text. 'The search indicated Claire's involvement in Zara's attack and that she paid goons to rape Zara. Evidence revealed a whole new face of Claire which Hunter and I can't come to agree with. He's in a doubt something's off.'Some of her anger reduced reading the text again. At least, the last part was relieving enough to bring a smile to her lips. "Good for
281Although Dominic had been reluctant in the beginning, he told his wife that Hunter had called him a while before the dinner. He wanted to come to their mansion for some reason. Dominic revealed that Hunter prepared some kind of gift for their daughter, and needed his help to execute it. His request was to dim down the lights of the lamps around their garden so Hunter could have a dark set-up. And then the next thing that happened was that they heard commotion outside their window. Since their room was on the ground floor, they heard and saw everything. Hunter was in the garden, and he wasn't alone. His guards were there to help him whatever he planned to do for Claire. Dominic and Andrea also read the messages on the cardboards that Hunter held. One can say that Hunter's surprise proposal wasn't really a secret. His In-laws— correction, his ex-in-laws, who were about to become his in-laws again, had front-row seats to the whole thing.They read every message, saw every express
280"I know I was once the person Scott wanted to be like. But after what I did to you, his sister, he's lost all respect for me. I know he wouldn't hesitate to stab me the second he gets the opportunity." Hunter paused. "I don't consider that wrong because what I've done is enough reason for someone to put a blade through my heart.""Hunter!" Claire glared at him, but obviously it was so dark that he couldn't see it. But her hold around his neck, it indicated that she was disappointed. "I'm telling the truth, Claire. What do you think? That I'm only committing my mistakes in front of you. If that's what you think then you don't know me at all." The determination in his voice steeled her spine. "Fixing things with you was my first step toward fixing everything I destroyed." "Your forgiveness meant everything because if you could forgive me, then maybe the others would too. My goal is to make things right with everyone in your family, especially Scott."Claire's jaw unhinged. She was
279"Really?" He sounded playful.Claire hummed near his face and cupped his jaw, "I adore how you tackle challenges head-on and always come out on top." She paused, pecked him on the lips and added, "For me, you're a true champion and that's what captivated my heart.""You think too highly of me.""I just know that you're very skillful and...""And?" Hunter leaned in closer, depositing all his wait on her.Claire's lips tugged at the corners. An idea struck and she pushed him away. Hunter frowned at the loss of contact. But the push stirred his thoughts awake and he realized he was here on a mission. "You didn't answer my question!""What question?" Claire asked playfully."About being my girlfriend.""I'll think about it." She got out of his hold as she stifled her laughs.It was dark so she couldn't see his expression. But from what she knew about him, she knew he was boiling on the inside. Despite being one of the most successful men, he was grumpy and had very little to no pati
278Claire wasn't happy. Hunter did make mistakes, but that didn't make him a loser. A loser would never accept his mistake. A loser always avoids it and often others have to guilt-trip him to take responsibility for his actions. That, or he's blamed until he's forced to accept his mistakes. However, he would never willingly own up to them. Claire had a big lecture to give to him on this topic. She showed a phone sign with her finger as she put it near her ear, indicating that she was going to call him. But Hunter quickly shook his head and motioned down at the cardboard. Not many were left and Claire decided to stay. She probably read the worst ones, she deemed, as she folded her hands and waited for him to reveal the new messages. It read: On the other hand, you're so charming, honest, kind and considerate. Another one said: I'm nothing in front of you. Another one: Everyone loves you for who you are. As for me... He sighed self-loathingly as he revealed a new card: They can'
277Claire took a deep breath as she lifted her upper body by the midriff and took a glance towards the window. The curtains were drawn and a soft breeze was billowing it. Her heart pounded loudly as her face began to heat up.The sadness she was drowning in earlier got replaced by excitement and an utter sense of delight. Her body was alight with all sorts of gleeful emotions. She nervously swallowed as her nerves were getting the better of her. With slow and unrushed movements, Claire lifted the blanket from her body and rolled out of the bed. She took baby steps towards the window because the thrill of going there made her body jittery. The distance suddenly seemed too long.But when she reached there and drew the curtains apart and looked down— it was worth it!Her lips curled up and her cheeks numbed from all the heat she was feeling in her face. Claire was filled with uncontainable joy because HUNTER WAS STANDING DOWN THERE, outside her window.He waved a hand at her as his mout
276Claire shut the door with a bang and threw herself on bed, pulling the blanket over her. Her chest ached from trying to control her sobbing while her eyes flashed with the images of Scott's disgusted expressions. The pain she felt was unimaginable.They hurt more because they came from her only sibling— her protective sibling who had promised to burn the world to make her happy.She recalled Scott's desperation from months ago when she had discovered that she was pregnant. He was willing to give her baby the love of a father and take care of her the way she deserved as a pregnant lady. He never left her alone, always lingering around as if it was his responsibility to make sure she and the baby were fine.But the bitter words he said today, the anger he showed... It made her heart shatter into pieces.Claire covered her mouth to suppress her sobs. For her, it was a wonderful day today. She felt amazing when she shared her feelings with Hunter. She was thrilled beyond explanation w
275The way he spoke with authority made Claire's jaw tighten. It was as if he were the older sibling and she the younger one— not the other way around."Let go of my hand, Scott! I'm not in the mood to talk." Claire eyed him sternly. "Then make your mood, Claire. Because I'm not letting you go until we finish this conversation." Scott shrugged his shoulders uncaringly. He held her hand tightly and gave her a challenging look, making her seethe. "Stop being annoying, Scott. Let go." "Answer my questions first. Was Penny the only company you had or was there someone else too?" "You know the answer then why are you asking me!" Claire pulled her hand away. "I knew it! And I'm ashamed to call you my sister." Scott sniggered, making her eyes freeze in shock. Mr. Argent banged his hands on the table before he rose to his feet, "What the hell is going on here? What's with your attitude today, Scott. How dare you talk to your sister like that?" "Just the same way she dared to soil our
274Claire came home with bright pink cheeks and a smile that made her mother stop her in the main hall. She circled her while her curious eyes tried to find out the cause behind that blush."You are blushing, Claire." Andrea prodded a finger in her cheek."Am I? That's probably the heat of the day, mom. You see, it's so.... Dark outside like it's going to rain." Claire's voice lessened over the last sentence as she gazed out the huge sliding doors that led to the garden outside.The sky was gray and heavy and angry black clouds floated in it. She bit her lips embarrassed as she wondered what excuse to make to avoid her mom.Andrea laughed, "Oh, Claire, you're so transparent. It has nothing to do with the weather. You're thinking about him, aren't you?" "W-who?" "Don't play dumb, sweetie. I know exactly who I'm talking about." She paused for dramatic effect. "Tyler." Claire's jaw dropped. She stared at her mother as her heart pounded in her chest. She wondered why she was talking ab
273Hunter's POV She stopped just a hand's distance away and blinked her doey eyes at me, "I know we've been through so much, and our past is complicated. But I don't want to rush into anything this time. I want to love the good part we missed before. I want us to take our time, to enjoy each other's company, to fall in love all over again. I want you to make me feel special.""I want our second chance to be different. I want it to be about us, about our love, about our connection. I want it to be real, and true, and raw. I want us to be vulnerable, to be open, to be honest with each other. I want this time to be our time. Our time to love, to laugh, to live. Our time to be us." Her lips trembled. She was having a war with herself whether to tell it to me or not. She chose to do it anyway and risk it all... Because, by sharing her feelings with me, she was exposing how desperately she wanted me. "I want us to create new memories, to make new mistakes, to learn from each other all ov