7
The cameras flashed just as Claire crossed the gate and came to this side to meet the waiting crowd of journalists.
"Mrs. MacIntyre or Miss Argent? Which one do you prefer?"
Irritated by the question, Claire forced her lips to curve. Her grin carried a hint of mockery as she faced the cameras before holding the gaze of the journalist who asked her the question.
"What should I call you- a journalist or a woman with impaired eyesight? Or rather... a brainless journalist with impaired eyesight? Which one do you prefer?"
Her Savage reply made the woman chuckle sheepishly in embarrassment. The others stared at Claire with an impressed glance as she never spoke like this before.
It seemed that the kitten had transformed her claws finally.
"Do you see this sparkling big diamond? This shows that I am married. Hence I will prefer Mrs. MacIntyre now and for the rest of my life." Someone from the mass of journalists clapped in amusement.
The lady mouthed a small apology while another person who was impressed by savage Claire asked.
"Mrs. MacIntyre, the world is pitying you for what happened yesterday. We clearly saw your husband walking on you with his first love. I won't ask you to share what you feel, however, everyone is eager to know what will be your decision now?"
The question obviously shook the ground under Claire's feet. She hated being pitied. It makes one feel weak and useless.
This pity was the second reason to not think about divorce and hold onto her marriage.
Otherwise the world would laugh at her for not being satisfying enough to her husband— despite having a hot body— that he had to bring a substitute.
"Decision? What kind of decision?"
"Decision concerning your marriage, Mrs. MacIntyre. What will be your decision towards your marriage after yesterday's incident?"
Claire drew out the goggles she was wearing and gave a disinterested roll to her eyes, "There are many bitches out there whoring around and trying to steal unfaithful married men from their wives. But neither Zara is a whore nor my husband is unfaithful. Stop making assumptions. We are happily together."
"But your statement contradicts with your husband's actions, Mrs. MacIntyre. He openly kissed Zara Levine yesterday. How will you justify that?" Another journalist asked.
"For your information, Zara is a widowed woman. Her husband passed away recently. Since she's my Hunter's ex-girlfriend, and keeping in mind how much he loved her before they separated, he got a little carried away when he saw her for the first time after two years." Claire reasoned with a careless shrug.
She purposely spoke about Zara's marital status. So that the users on social media can create rumors and roll them around to her excitement.
"It's not like I'm not hurt. But it was just a heated moment. My husband confessed to me and we're good now."
Claire was about to excuse herself and leave when one last question was thrown at her.
"Last question before you leave, Mrs MacIntyre!"
"Okay, bring it on."
"It was your wedding anniversary yesterday and you seemed pretty hurt after your husband left you. Is there going to be another celebration or..."
"We rescheduled our anniversary celebration. You will get the images to see on our social media handle."
After that, she ensconced inside the cab she called and drove away.
If Claire was satisfied with lying to the journalist as a way to get back at Hunter for making her cry yesterday, here in his penthouse Hunter murdered his burrito in a tight hold.
He was watching TV with Zara when she shuffled the channels. She instantly stopped watching Claire being shown on a news channel.
"Hunter," Zara's meek voice made him turn his head.
As his eyes observed her scared facial features, his face softened. He left the messed up burrito on the plate and turned to her.
Zara was in tears. It was pretty obvious that Claire's harsh words hit her.
"Your wife loves you so much. Why are you doing this to her because of me?" Zara sobbed like a baby.
Every sob that she expelled sent an electric shockwave through Hunter's body. He put an arm around her shoulder before twining his fingers with her hair. He joined their foreheads. Hunter refused to let go. He reveled in the soothing sensation he felt by being around Zara.
"Hunter," She touched his cheek. "Don't destroy your marriage because of me. Remember, I am the girl who left you heartbroken and married another man? I didn't even see you before leaving."
"Shhh, don't say anything." Hunter was about to kiss her on the lips that she pulled away.
Her act made his knuckles turn white and mouth twist. His blazing eyes held her immobile in her spot.
"Go back to your wife, Hunter. I'm not worthy of your love."
"Zara," Unable to see her trembling helplessly, Hunter engulfed her in his arms.
She struggled to get out when he pinched her chin upwards to look in her eyes. Her innocent baby blue eyes caused his heart to skip a beat.
"You didn't leave me, okay? You had a responsibility to fulfill as a daughter. I'm proud of you that you chose your parents over me."
"But the world won't look at it that way, Hunter. Claire told the journalists that I'm a widow. Now they will see me as a homewrecker who's targeting her husband after killing hers."
Hunter tilted her face and smashed his lips with hers. Zara almost swooned for his kiss was dizzying. He sucked her lips passionately before pulling her closer until there was no gap between them.
"I waited for you like a madman, Zara Levine. I'm not letting you go now I have met you. You are mine to claim."
Zara sobbed, "It's wrong, Hunter."
"It is not." He kissed her again. "What's scaring you, baby? I am here with you."
"I have seen a lot of things in my two years of marriage. The last thing I want to see is being called a whore who's stealing someone's husband."
Hunter cuddled with her for a while before he decided to leave. Zara walked him to the elevator, in which, a finely built man was standing at attention, when the doors slid open.
"See to it that Madam doesn't leave this penthouse." He ordered, causing Zara to gasp.
"You can't keep me here locked up forever, Hunter. I have to go back to my In-laws." Hunter paused in the middle of entering the elevator to shoot spears of fury towards her.
Zara lowered her head apprehensively, "They have no one but me."
"You are not to leave this property, Zara Levine. I'm not letting you go this time. My words are final." Hunter spoke indignantly.
Having entered inside the elevator, he instructed the guard to watch after Zara.
Then before the doors closed shut, he assured her, "I will divorce Claire soon. Have faith in me."
Zara remorsefully heaved in response to his words. However, as the elevator closed and descended, she turned around with an ominous smirk cracking on her lips. She entered the kitchen to pick an apple while the security guard plopped in a chair situated near the elevator.
Taking a bite, she laughed inwardly, 'He's still into me like a love sick puppy! You're very smart that you chose to come back to Bloomcrest, Zara. A luxurious life with a man who's wrapped around your pinky finger is waiting for you.'
Tbc...
No wonder Zara has to be like this. Why wouldn't she be after all she chose their wedding anniversary date to return 😓😓
8Dusk hung over Bloomcrest while the winds rolled over calmly. In her Villa, Claire worked tirelessly in the kitchen. She was preparing food for Hunter. There was a cheerful smile on her face as though she was very happy in her marriage.Thea was helping in the kitchen. She took the dishes to the dining table as they were filled with a new dish by Claire. As she returned after her fourth round, she nervously pinched her fingers and spoke in a hushed tone. "Madam, I don't think Mr. MacIntyre will return home today. S-so I'm afraid all this food you're making is going to go wasted." "I left a message to Hunter in the evening to come home soon for dinner. He might have seen it and will be here anytime now." Claire said confidently. Beside her Thea made a pitiful face as she thought, 'You're dreaming with open eyes, madam. Your husband is gone. He's not yours any more. Why can't you see it?' "Can you pass me the ketchup please?" Claire asked. Thea remained quiet and helped the lady
9Hunter stared at her last message with cold eyes. 'Playing stubborn? I like it.' He mumbled while putting a hand under his head. He was in the penthouse on the sofa in the living room, staring at the door of the room Zara was in. Although he insisted on sleeping in bed with her and cuddling her, she refused him without blinking an eye. Zara claimed that she was a widow and Hunter was a married man. A married man with a loving and dedicated wife. It would not be appropriate to sleep with him while his wife was waiting for him in their house. Though the flames of need to be held tight were evident in her eyes, she suggested maintaining space. This was one of the qualities in Zara that Hunter was crazy about.She sacrificed her life and love for others. She prioritized others' feelings over hers. She didn't give herself the attention and praise she deserved. All her life, she thought about others. Then why shouldn't Hunter thrive to give her a deserving happy life? She deserved to
10Hunter didn't have to ask about his wife at the reception. A doctor who noticed him entering inside, who was talking to a nurse, left his conversation incomplete to escort the heir of MacIntyre empire to his wife's ward.Obviously Claire had to be taken to the VIP floor and kept in the biggest ward. As Hunter walked nearer to her, his body started growing sweaty and heart thundered in his chest.This feeling was equivalent to feeling the soul leaving one's body. What amazed him more was the fact that he was feeling this way for his wife who he was desperately trying to dispose of to be with his real lover.'What the hell!' A lump formed in his throat as he heard himself swearing in shock.In front of him were Thea and Cole sitting on a bench. While the old woman was rubbing and squeezing her hands in nervousness, his best friend sat emotionlessly staring at his shoes. However, they had one thing in common. Blood.Both of their clothes were stained with blood as though they were pla
11Pain engulfed Claire. Her body became numb as she expressionlessly stared at nowhere in the air.She didn't know what day it was or how long she had been asleep in a hospital bed, but she knew that not eating proper food for ten days caused huge damage to her body.She could feel her bones trembling. Her body felt paper light while her lashes weighed down with exhaustion.All of this she did was for what? Her husband didn't even care to spare her a glance when he saw her.It was after ten days they met. But still, he left hurriedly as if she was not in a hospital bed with a bandage on the head. The screeching sound of parting door made her lift her eyes. Claire noticed Cole standing on the doorstep with a frown."What's up with your husband? He left like a hurricane." He came inside."Something to do with Zara." Claire spoke in a voice lacking emotions. It still oozed with pain.Cole's back stiffened. He gritted his teeth as he shook his head."Zara!" He huffed while turning arou
12"You're being insane, Claire! Like why? Why would you persevere to stay beside a man who doesn't give two fucks about your health?" Penelope ground the words out as a tear escaped her right eye.Although she was aware of the full story of her friend, she didn't expect to get the gore information Claire just shared.Hunter left her unattended for ten days. Even if he came to see her today, it was only for a few minutes.He has to he a total jerk to do that to his devoting wife."It's certain that man doesn't feel shit for you. Why would you still chase after him then?" Penelope literally screamed as she asked the question.Claire raised her now dry eyes. She was exhausted of crying. But her wet lashes made her look vulnerable."Hunter is distracted, Penny. Otherwise he was a very good husband to me in the last two months after I asked him to give me another ch—""Who the fuck is he to give you a chance, huh? That asshole should not even get an appointment to see you again. You're be
13If Claire thought that was more hurtful, she was wrong. Just after Hunter left she saw her mother-in-law turning to her husband with a teary face and said, "Poor soul has to go through so much. Leon, she will be fine, won't she?" And she hugged her husband.Claire felt like a bucket of cold icy water was thrown on her. She had been here since last night and nobody came to see her except for her husband... Which was also for only ten seconds to count. Her parents were oblivious of her condition. But considering that Cole brought her here in his arms, shouldn't he have told her in-laws too? Beside her husband. Torment seeped into her bones and suddenly her skull began to throb with pain.Cole was standing beside her in-laws, soothing them. Claire couldn't bring herself to believe how suddenly everyone's emotions turned against her. Up until some days ago, all these people were on her side, shedding tears for her and pitying her.She could have endured Hunter's indifference becaus
14While the lines of worry lessened around Cole's mouth as the ladies seemed to notice his words, Claire scanned his face for visible lies.He could be lying to fool her. Unfortunately, all she saw was genuinity.Moreover, he had no reason to lie. He may be Hunter's best friend, he was supporting Claire."Nice excuse but my friend and I are not imbeciles. That woman and rape... What a joke!" Penelope said, her words reduced the impact Cole's announcement had created.She refused to believe that it happened. She cringed and added, "I'm forced to wonder whether you are involved with Zara to destroy Claire's relationship. Cole, tell me honestly, are you doing this because you are jealous of your best friend having a loving and faithful wife? You want to separate them because you never had a chance at true love. Ain't I right?""If you can't say anything good, don't open your stinking mouth, Penelope Baker." Cole hissed out. His eyes grew darker, and if looks could kill, he would have
15"Claire!!!" Penelope shrieked her name out of shock as she watched her friend go down on her knees.Claire was being helped by her when two strong arms came around her shoulders. A knot seemed to untie within her chest as a faint smile crossed her lips."Hun—" Her mouth hung open on a gasp as Claire observed the face mere inches away from her."Jesus Christ! You are burning with fever, Claire. Come on, get up. Let me take you to your ward." That was Cole furrowing his brows in concern at her.The dam of miseries seemed to unbolt in her heart. Claire flickered her heavy lashes. She looked behind Cole's shoulders at her husband, regarding her with a detached stare. Hunter didn't seem in his senses. Even if he was then he didn't care one bit about her. He was right there by the wall, in the same position, just his face's angle had lowered to look at her."Come on, give me your hand." Cole's words caused her breathing to fracture.While she was struggling to get up, another man was he