What will be Claire's reaction? Will Hunter manage to separate them before anything blooms b/w them? Stay tuned!!! Target for 3 chapters tomorrow: 5 comments. Trust me, this is fun and you'll like what's coming up ahead.
48RavenMoore, Tyler was waiting outside his establishment to receive Claire. The sight of him left her knees trembling. He was surely one of the most handsome men she had laid her eyes on. And with the three piece gray suit clinging to his body, he gave her like those fictional flawless male lead vibes. Claire rubbed her hands on her black skirt. She chose a formally decent attire for today. A dark blue chiffon top with a fitted skirt ending above her knees. There was also a huge bow in the front. She made her way towards him with a soft smile touching her lips. "Hi," Her voice was small and she couldn't perceive why she was feeling this way around him. "Welcome to my safe haven, Mrs. MacIntyre!" Her smile diminished into a scowl. Tyler raised his hands as he chuckled, "I'm joking. I thought you'd need every bit of mood lift I could offer." "Thank you. I'm really nervous." She said as they went inside. The building was as gorgeous as from the outside. All the heads turned to
49Anyways, she pulled his laptop closer to look at the projects he left for her to study. Claire was deeply engrossed when her phone lit up with someone's call. She didn't let her eyes avert as she accepted the call and drew the phone closer to her ear. "Hello?" She was captivated by the project flashing on the laptop which is why she didn't register that a minute had passed and still the one on the other end of the phone call had not uttered a word.It was the whispering coming from the other side that tottered her focus. She tore her gaze away from the laptop screen to take a glance at her phone."Hello?" She spoke again as it was an unknown number."Hello, who's this?"When no answer came, she decided to disconnect the call and focus back on the project. "Claire," Just as she pulled the phone away from her ear, she heard a fading out voice calling her name. She put the phone back to her ear and this time she was able to listen to the voice clearly and recognise it too. "You
50 Claire's body froze. She drew in a sharp breath while attempting to flash a smile. "Mrs. Murphy, I..." Tension failed her. The complaint in Tia's eyes was palpable. She didn't try to hide her disdain when she sneered. "I have been fond of you always, Claire. You are like my daughter. I truly sympathize with you for what you suffered. But," Tia grasped her hand and squeezed it spitefully. "I do not appreciate you dragging my son in your mess." "Mrs. Murphy, I don't know what you are saying. I didn't—" "I will cut to the chase, Claire. I saw the article and the pictures and it is too much for my bearing. How could you kiss my son?" A startled gasp burst from Claire's mouth. She blinked her eyes frantically as she shook her head in dissent. "I didn't kiss Tyler, Mrs. Murphy. The pictures are taken from deceptive angles to make it look like we kissed. But trust me, it's not like that." Tia sniggered cruelly. Gone was the woman who was earlier consoling Claire that things wo
51The winds became aggressive outside Hunter's villa. Curtains rolled and rumbled and everything about the night suggested the arrival of something perilous.When Hunter was done wearing his clothes, he came to the windows to close them. The outside world was fighting against the storm. From the trees to the grass, he noticed, were battling to stay put in their places while the harsh blowing winds tried their best to tear them apart. Hunter saved himself from slipping as the floor was wet. The winds had carried rain inside. He carefully closed all of them and as he began his stride outside the room, the noise of shattering glass caused him to look back. His heart rolled in his chest and throbbed because one of his and Claire's photo frames had fallen down from the wall. Hunter quickly approached it and picked up the frame. This was one of their wedding pictures. Claire was literally glowing like a star herself. Not to mention that her wedding gown was a shimmery white that glimmere
52RavenMoore, Claire regarded her reflection with uninterested eyes. Even though she appeared lethally beautiful in a cerulean shaded off-shoulder gown, she didn't feel any tingles of excitement. Today was grandma Avery's anniversary party. But heart was at unease, her chest quivering with every breath. She felt her eyes burning with the need to let out emotions that had been building within her for the last two days. She may have smiled and pretended to be happy in the old Murphy mansion. On the inside her core was trembling. Tyler's mother's words haunted her. Every time she came across that woman, her shoulders squared and she felt like hiding behind the couch. Though no one could understand her turmoil, it was getting too much now. "Just tonight. I have to endure this night and then I can go back home." She told herself in order to keep the bids of resilience she had left in her intact. She was motivating herself on how to survive the night when Penelope came in. It was her
53Hunter's PovShe struggled under me like a rebellious deer would from the sharp claws of a panther. Each time she made a move our lips brushed together. It didn't take her long to realize that and she froze like a statue. But her eyes spoke. They screamed at me. Cursed me. They also mocked me for cornering her in the dark like I had a right on her. That's true that I don't. But I want to have it again. I want to have my spousal right on her again. I know I must be crazy for feeling this way but I cannot run away from my feelings. I cannot lie to myself that I missed her. I missed every small habit of hers that I have refused to regard when we were together. Only after she left me did then everything came back to bite me in the ass. The trembling of her lips made my heart skip a beat. I knew she would be shaken after seeing me. That all her past wounds will rip open and bleed again. But I can't deny my desperation. I was dying to see her, which is why, when I heard from my manag
54Hunter's Pov (cont'd) She whimpered and pushed me back. Rubbing her arm I held in a scalding grasp, she sneered. "You can't do anything, Hunter MacIntyre. Tyler is not a weakling. You can't take him down. He knows how to deal with a monster like you." Hearing her praise that scoundrel in front of me, a vortex of fury swirled inside me."Don't." I fixed my dark eyes on her. "Don't try it, Claire. I know there's nothing between you and Tyler.""Just because you think it that way, it doesn't mean it's not true. Tyler promised to marry me. He promised to give me a marriage you couldn't." She articulated after averting her gaze. I didn't want to irk her but my lips upturned in a knowing smirk. She looks away when she's lying. "Reject him. He's not worthy of you.""Neither were you and I still married you. What's wrong with trying it with him? He can't do any more damage, can he? You've done everything to me. I don't have anything to lose." I bit into the flesh of the inside of my
55Claire's POV My head throbbed in an agonizing headache as I watched the two men glower at each other. Never in my wildest dream would I ever want them to have a face off. Yet, here they were. Face to face. Fighting over me. For what? Their claim? I scoffed and blinked my eyes. None of them were saints. They may not have let it be obvious but both of them had blood on their heads. That's how the rich become rich. By shedding blood. Sometimes theirs. Sometimes of others. Although I have not heard any news about them both indulging in criminal activities, I can confidently say they had connections with the dark side of the world. After all, a man will not threaten another with such malice if he wasn't a part of the underworld. And surprisingly, both of them were. Hence, I was numb with terror as I did not want them to get into a physical fight because of me. "You do realize that you are standing in my house, right?" Tyler drawled in a pissed voice as his hands fisted on his sides
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
272Hunter's POV "Claire, what's wrong? I thought we cleared our misunderstanding in the elevator." I said as I tried to move closer to her. It compelled her to take three, long steps away and put distance between us that overwhelmed me. A feeling of dread made my stomach heavy. What happened to her? Did I do something wrong? Was it because of Penelope? Yeah, it could be her. They have been friends for years, and while Claire didn't stop me from chasing her away, it doesn't mean she appreciated it. "If it's about Penelope then I can call her and apologize. I'm sorry, I didn't think it would hurt you to see me sending her away. But I did—" "It's not about Penny, alright." The heaviness in her voice made me stare at her. We've been so good. I was starting to believe it wasn't a dream. But we're going back to square one. I ran my fingers through my hair. My body was burning from heat and sweat. The suit was suddenly too tight for me and I had to undo the first few buttons and fan