226The jerk was taking pictures of me. I saw him move the phone in different angles to take different photos of me. The winds were favoring him because they blew my hair around, and I raised my hands to tame them. Some of the hair strands were stuck to my face and lips. I sighed as I sought after swiping them back. Hunter took more pictures, but there was no flash this time. Maybe he didn't want to attract the attention of the others on the table and shut the flash off. "Fine, I am sorry." Tyler said aloud while holding his ears. "No one can win an argument from you, Elder Mrs. Murphy. I surrender.""You better." Grandma humphed smugly. "Can we start eating, please. My stomach is churning in hunger!" "Sure, you can." Grandma Avery said and just then Hunter decided to appear. My skin rippled with goosebumps. His eyes were on me as he greeted Avery with a kiss on the cheek, "Hello, Avery, you're looking lovely today." "Hello, favorite person! You're just in time for breakfast. We
227I darted towards my room. He held my wrist and stopped me. When he turned me to face him, my heart pounded because Hunter was standing right behind him. His legs staggered watching Tyler hold my hand. But he didn't stop closing in on us. "Dove," He began. "I'm really—""Dove! Is that your nickname? I never heard of it." Tyler cut Hunter with his remark. "I call her Dove because she has pretty big and beautiful eyes which resemble a Dove bird's. Why? Do you have a problem?" Hunter drawled as he aggressively leaned towards Tyler. I was afraid that Hunter might pick a fight with Tyler again, so I pulled the latter with me. "It's no point talking to him. Let's go out." I spoke, feeling disgusted in Hunter's presence. "I don't feel like eating in the house anymore, Tyler. Will you take me out?" "Why not?" He smiled and forwarded his hand to me. Hunter was glaring at Tyler and his hand. When I took his hand, a growl expelled from deep in his chest. We both treated him with ignora
228Hunter's PovMy heart swelled triple of its usual size and wanting to jump from my mouth into my hand so it could show to everyone how delighted I was! Yes, my nerves were dancing in happiness and my heart was too excited to contain this happiness.Claire was sitting next to me. It was like a dream come true. That night after she heard my confession and left me alone on the dark and lonely road, I thought it was over. I thought that she wouldn't spare me a single glance after that.But yesterday when she saw me, the relief and happiness was visible in her baby blue eyes. She was soothed but her anger didn't let her show it. And that slap, I won't deny that it didn't hurt me, but that slap was a way to show that she hated me a lot. But I know my Dove. She will never hate me.She had several reasons to hate and never see me again, and all those times she came running into my arms.So she's hardly angry at me. But if I make a little effort then I'm sure the ice around her heart will
229Hunter's POV Pain clawed through my chest as a smile of agony unrolled on my lips. My eyes weren't moist but the bite of her words made my eyes burn. So much hatred? This should not stun me, but damn, it did. It did more than I was capable of describing it in words. I gazed at her, trying to force a smile despite the deep pain in my chest. I reached out a hand to grab hers and put it back on my bleeding forearm. "Why wait for karma to do what you can do to me now, Dove?" I guided her long nails to my skin and made her scratch me. She gave me a look with her left brow going high, "Are you challenging me? I'm not the old Claire, Hunter MacIntyre. She was easy to fool and manipulate. Don't even dare to think that the thought of hurting you would cause my mind to spin.""All I'm trying to do is bring my old Claire back..." I kept the smile which I could see was aggravating her. "And if this is the only way... Then be it." Her nails pricked my skin enough to cause a burning sensat
230Hunter's POV "I'm the one bleeding and it's your eyes that are shedding tears. Isn't it a little weird, Dove?" She froze, I saw her knuckles turn white from clenching her fingers too tight to keep her emotions in check. But she failed and it made my body hum in gratitude. It's a relief that her heart still cares even though her eyes show deep hatred. "Your curses... I've been thinking about them since you first cursed me, Dove. I won't hide how much it hurts to hear all those words. They make my heart bleed. I wonder if you are really so desperate to see my blood. But... Is this how it’ll be when I’m bleeding and suffering in torment?" I moved back so I could look at her face. My darling was glowing red. Her cute nose seemed like a cherry tomato while the rims around her eyes shimmered a pinkish red. Her wet lashes shadowed her admirable cheeks as her full lips quivered from each sob that left them. "Gosh, if this is how you're going to cry, I swear I'll throw myself under a
1"You look amazing!" Hunter MacIntyre's compliment sent his wife, Claire's blood coursing in her veins like an awakened river."Thanks," She lowered her head while trying to hide her smile. Today was their second wedding anniversary. Claire was a lucky girl to marry the man she loved. She felt her nerves twisting in yummy delight. Her husband was a substitute to slow torture with that look of his. With that tailored suit clinging to his body, he forced eyes to take a look at him. Her gaze traveled to his brown, strong throat, then towards the deliciously straight mouth and up to his black eyes; dark and hooded and so full of secrets. They watched her intently causing her breathing to catch.Hunter hugged her from the back and snuggled her bare shoulder. He enveloped her right in his hold, enjoying the feeling of her being in his arms. "I can't wait to tell the world that I am falling for my own wife." Today was their anniversary. And the day couldn't get any better. Claire woke
2Claire felt exposed to danger. Like a baby bird left in the open. She dragged shallow breaths as she watched her husband hug his ex-girlfriend possessively. He whispered something in Zara's ear, making her eyes water. He wiped them with his hand. By this time, all the cameramen focused on them. Gasps erupted around Claire as Hunter's admirers began to gossip about it. "Oh goodness! Isn't that Zara Levine, Hunter's ex-girlfriend?" "Christ, she looks more beautiful than before!" "Look at Hunter's expression. He's all desperate around her. Damn, he's kissing her!" "They look so good together. But I pity Claire. She must have waited for today wholeheartedly and it had to be ruined like this. Her husband is kissing his ex-girlfriend in front of her. That's insane!" "But why is Zara back? She was married to another man, wasn't she? What's this now?" All the remarks around her made her body heavy. Claire was rooted in her spot. "Claire, let's go inside." Her brother tried to pull he
3 When Claire shook the hazy veil of darkness and came to the surface, the first face she saw was of her mother. Andrea's eyes were red and cheeks flushed. She was in the same dress she donned for Claire and Hunter's wedding anniversary. It was visible just by looking at her that she didn't leave her daughter's side even for one second. "Laire, baby," Andrea impatiently leaned towards her daughter and cupped her face. A tear of relief trickled from her left eye. She kissed her forehead and immediately looked over her shoulder to shout, "Claire is awake, Dominic!" She turned to her daughter again. She removed hair from her eyes and smiled, "How are you feeling now, honey?" She touched her swollen lip gently. Claire just stared back. Her mother's tears made her remember her own. Then it returned to her mind like a slow memory returning to a person suffering with amnesia. Pain, hot and raw, settled in her chest. Claire recalled how her husband left her outside the hotel they
230Hunter's POV "I'm the one bleeding and it's your eyes that are shedding tears. Isn't it a little weird, Dove?" She froze, I saw her knuckles turn white from clenching her fingers too tight to keep her emotions in check. But she failed and it made my body hum in gratitude. It's a relief that her heart still cares even though her eyes show deep hatred. "Your curses... I've been thinking about them since you first cursed me, Dove. I won't hide how much it hurts to hear all those words. They make my heart bleed. I wonder if you are really so desperate to see my blood. But... Is this how it’ll be when I’m bleeding and suffering in torment?" I moved back so I could look at her face. My darling was glowing red. Her cute nose seemed like a cherry tomato while the rims around her eyes shimmered a pinkish red. Her wet lashes shadowed her admirable cheeks as her full lips quivered from each sob that left them. "Gosh, if this is how you're going to cry, I swear I'll throw myself under a
229Hunter's POV Pain clawed through my chest as a smile of agony unrolled on my lips. My eyes weren't moist but the bite of her words made my eyes burn. So much hatred? This should not stun me, but damn, it did. It did more than I was capable of describing it in words. I gazed at her, trying to force a smile despite the deep pain in my chest. I reached out a hand to grab hers and put it back on my bleeding forearm. "Why wait for karma to do what you can do to me now, Dove?" I guided her long nails to my skin and made her scratch me. She gave me a look with her left brow going high, "Are you challenging me? I'm not the old Claire, Hunter MacIntyre. She was easy to fool and manipulate. Don't even dare to think that the thought of hurting you would cause my mind to spin.""All I'm trying to do is bring my old Claire back..." I kept the smile which I could see was aggravating her. "And if this is the only way... Then be it." Her nails pricked my skin enough to cause a burning sensat
228Hunter's PovMy heart swelled triple of its usual size and wanting to jump from my mouth into my hand so it could show to everyone how delighted I was! Yes, my nerves were dancing in happiness and my heart was too excited to contain this happiness.Claire was sitting next to me. It was like a dream come true. That night after she heard my confession and left me alone on the dark and lonely road, I thought it was over. I thought that she wouldn't spare me a single glance after that.But yesterday when she saw me, the relief and happiness was visible in her baby blue eyes. She was soothed but her anger didn't let her show it. And that slap, I won't deny that it didn't hurt me, but that slap was a way to show that she hated me a lot. But I know my Dove. She will never hate me.She had several reasons to hate and never see me again, and all those times she came running into my arms.So she's hardly angry at me. But if I make a little effort then I'm sure the ice around her heart will
227I darted towards my room. He held my wrist and stopped me. When he turned me to face him, my heart pounded because Hunter was standing right behind him. His legs staggered watching Tyler hold my hand. But he didn't stop closing in on us. "Dove," He began. "I'm really—""Dove! Is that your nickname? I never heard of it." Tyler cut Hunter with his remark. "I call her Dove because she has pretty big and beautiful eyes which resemble a Dove bird's. Why? Do you have a problem?" Hunter drawled as he aggressively leaned towards Tyler. I was afraid that Hunter might pick a fight with Tyler again, so I pulled the latter with me. "It's no point talking to him. Let's go out." I spoke, feeling disgusted in Hunter's presence. "I don't feel like eating in the house anymore, Tyler. Will you take me out?" "Why not?" He smiled and forwarded his hand to me. Hunter was glaring at Tyler and his hand. When I took his hand, a growl expelled from deep in his chest. We both treated him with ignora
226The jerk was taking pictures of me. I saw him move the phone in different angles to take different photos of me. The winds were favoring him because they blew my hair around, and I raised my hands to tame them. Some of the hair strands were stuck to my face and lips. I sighed as I sought after swiping them back. Hunter took more pictures, but there was no flash this time. Maybe he didn't want to attract the attention of the others on the table and shut the flash off. "Fine, I am sorry." Tyler said aloud while holding his ears. "No one can win an argument from you, Elder Mrs. Murphy. I surrender.""You better." Grandma humphed smugly. "Can we start eating, please. My stomach is churning in hunger!" "Sure, you can." Grandma Avery said and just then Hunter decided to appear. My skin rippled with goosebumps. His eyes were on me as he greeted Avery with a kiss on the cheek, "Hello, Avery, you're looking lovely today." "Hello, favorite person! You're just in time for breakfast. We
225Claire's POV "Ares, I'm on a mission concerning my life and death. My wife is mad at me and I have a competitor fighting with me over her. Do you have any idea how fragile the situation is? One wrong move on my part and I'll lose Claire forever. So please, it's a hearty request, please... Take care of the meetings all by yourself." There was a pause and my curiosity compelled me to tiptoe ahead and peek inside. A surge of emotions left me breathless as my eyes widened. Hunter was walking around with a towel around his hips. His hair was damp, showing that he just had a bath. His strong shiny back made my heart lurch. This man and his strong physique, I recall using vibrators in the beginning of my obsession after laying my gaze on him. I used to imagine those strong arms around my body as he... I shook my head to clear my head. Turning away, I hardened my heart again. That's true that he's a walking distraction, I won't give in to his attempts. He hurt and used me enough. "I
224Claire's POVMy toes curled, slowing my stride as I tried to step towards the bed. My heart had jumped into my throat as it contested with my rising emotions, making my breathing difficult. I stopped by the bed and stared at the surprise none other than Hunter would have prepared for me.My bed was decorated with rose petals, and amidst them sat a cute soft, white teddy bear holding a heart that read 'I'M SORRY' in bold and capital. He wasn't sitting there alone. He had a big bouquet of different shades of sunflowers set beside him and a tray of my favorite chocolates across from him. My fingers twitched as I grazed the head of the bear, my skin tingling with heat and anxiety.What was happening to me? Why was I feeling thrilled and touched by this gesture?It was nothing extraordinary, was it? Just an adulterer trying to right his wrongs. I shouldn't feel impressed. But that's where the problem lies! No matter how hard I tried to loathe him, he did something to weaken my resolve
223Closing his eyes, Hunter took ten deep breaths to stabilize his emotions."Calm down, Hunter. Calm down. Calm down for Claire. She doesn't want a brute for a husband. She wants a loving and understanding man. You can be that for her. You are already that man for her. Calm down. Think about Claire. Just you and her. Just you and her. Just you and her."While he attempted to make himself resurface from the dark abyss of indignation, the sound of the creaking door stiffened his body. He tried to think of himself in another scenario with Claire by her side.'I'm not letting you have the satisfaction to see me lose my shit, Murphy. Not again. Not again.' He told himself as footsteps drummed in his ears as Tyler walked in again.Hunter was bracing himself for another provoking statement from him when, "Hunter, son, are you okay?"He opened his eyes to see Avery looking at him with concern. She has a tray of food in her hands and contrition in her eyes! Contrition? Hunter blinked his la
222Hunter's heart slammed in his stomach as it throbbed everywhere in his body. His fingers curled and a tide of intense rage crashed within him. "Murphy, no." He shook his head in warning, his voice a low eerie snarl."No? Why no, Hunter? I gave you respite all these years. Don't you think it's time to pay back for your evil deeds done towards me. It's not like I'm doing it alone! Claire and I will do it together. This way you will only have to pay once for the crimes you committed towards two individuals separately. It's a favor done on you, isn't it?"Hunter fumed. His heaving chest indicated the kind of control he was having on himself. The pulse at his throat seemed to explode any time now, even then, it didn't stop Tyler from pushing his buttons further."I was silent all this while because I didn't want to disturb your married life. I'll be honest, you dazed me with your so-called picture perfect life. I thought you were happy and your wife whom I have never met before didn't