I remember the first day Claire walked into my office. Her eyes were undeniably familiar. I knew I had seen them before.
For a secretary, she had an extreme level professionalism which led me to forget about where I knew her from and focus on work - we worked well together. She was always in sync. One day, I received one of the many calls from my parents urging me to get married. I had every intention of marrying one day but it wasn’t a priority and having constant reminders was tiring. By the end of that conversation, I was spent and a migraine had already begun to surface. I had multiple girlfriends before and our relationships were always great in the beginning, that is until Charlotte would intervene. I was always available to Charlotte with no exceptions and that was intolerable for each one of them. None of them could accept the amount of attention I’d dedicate to her or the relationship I had with her. One of my exes went so far as to label Charlotte a ‘home wrecker’ and each one of them requested that I stay away from her. I despised that Charlotte lost her ability to walk and I was aware that she would ask for attention with every intention of causing a rift in my relationships. But I was also understanding - seeing that she was afraid of my relationships causing distance between her and I. It was too much to bear for any of my relationships. None could withstand the dedication they longed for - being given to someone else and a breakup followed each time. This happened so often that I had developed a way of avoiding relationships altogether. Then there was Claire. After the call, Claire happened to walk into my office and I blurted out “Claire, go on a date with me” while reviewing documents that needed to be sent out. I don’t what it was that made me want a relationship. I didn’t feel the need to avoid her. I enjoyed her company, although it was paid - it brought me joy. A joy I had constantly and deliberately tried to ignore. When Claire agreed to go out with me - I felt something change. I would be eager to finish my work and be with her. Everything just fit when it came to my time with Claire. She eased my stress, made me happy and I was relaxed around her and I had never felt that before. In the last five years, the entirety of our marriage, Claire has been a phenomenal wife. She was understanding of my situation and care for Charlotte. Until today. Why did you do this? Why would you purposely hurt Charlotte? “It was an accident”. That was part of her rambled response. I can still remember the way her eyes looked as she begged me to believe her, the red tear-blotched eyes as she denied what she had done. That conversation had ended once I left the room and Claire to hurry Charlotte to the hospital. After taking the time to get Charlotte situated in the car safely, I sped to the hospital with not another thought on my mind nor care to. “Leo, I don’t think Claire meant to hurt me. We were having a bit of heated discussion at that moment, but I don’t remember it being on purpose.” Charlotte said this from hospital bed where she lay with a pale face. The doctor said temporary memory loss isn’t uncommon with a head injury but he also said her injuries don’t indicate that being a symptom. “Don’t worry, I will deal with her.” Making a promise I’d have no choice but to uphold to somehow. “You just need to get some rest.” Claire was firm on this matter - proclaiming coincidence and innocence. How was I going to solve or handle this problem? I had to figure it out - I promised Charlotte. I would. I left Charlotte’s room and ward and walked the neighboring wards just to breathe. I walked endless corridors until I stopped at one with a familiar shadow. Is that Claire? I watched for a moment and it was Claire. She was pale and looked ill. Was she injured too? I remember shoving her out of the way as I went to assist Charlotte. Did I shove her too hard? Did I hurt her? I decide to check on her. Entering the room, I see a man sitting at her bedside, chatting with my wife happily, smiling at her with his hand on my her shoulder. “Claire.” I heard myself calling her eagerly and jealously.Leonardo rushed to my side, place his arm around my shoulder and looked at Jordan in an assertive manner. I watch as he says “Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Leonardo Park and I am Claire’s husband” in a serious tone.Jordan slowly dropped his hand from my other shoulder.“Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Taylor, owner and president of JT Constructs and Company.”Was he mentioning his company in an effort to establish some sort of masculinity? “I believe I’ve heard of your company. We are in the same business after all.” Leo smile coyly. “That’s interesting. Where do you work?” Jordan seems casual as if he hadn’t noticed what my husband was doing.“Oh, I thought I mentioned it. I’m the president of Barters to Builds Co.”Jordan seemed taken aback to hear that my husband was the president for Barters to Build Co. it is the largest ship trading group in the country, and real estate construction is one of the many successful sub-businesses within its’ corporation.Once Leo caught a glimp
“Leo, we’ve been married for five years. You know me better than anyone. I would never purposely hurt anyone.” I’d be lying had I said that Charlotte’s constant attention-seeking, and intrusions into my marriage didn’t bother me. They absolutely did. But I’d rather talk to my husband about resolutions - not bludgeon Charlotte.Leo stood there with his arms crossed and I felt a metaphorical knife to the pit of my stomach. He would never believe me when it came to Charlotte. I could my throat growing a lump. Tears threatening to escape and tried to control my urge to sob.“Claire, she was hurt and you were the one who caused her injury.” He repeated himself as though this were a fact. It wasn’t. I didn’t hurt Charlotte.Charlotte had set me up and trapped me once again. She was looking for a way to insert herself between Leo and I and she had found it.“I understand she got hurt. But I didn’t hurt her.”“Claire, you took her out. You should’ve been responsible for her and keeping her sa
Could Clair and Charlotte have argued? Something must’ve happened when they were alone.I remember Charlotte’s scream reaching the house and gaining everyone’s attention and myself running to her as fast as I could.I had seen some of what happened. As I stood at the top of the hill, I had seen Charlotte’s wheelchair tip to one side, Charlotte falling to the ground and her forehead starting to bleed. Then Claire panicking while trying to help Charlotte back into her chair and Charlotte dodging her hand and cowering as if she were afraid.I remember running to help Charlotte, shoving Claire to the ground and not caring about her in that moment.Then after Charlotte was assessed, I argued with Claire.She should’ve taken care of Charlotte. She should’ve protected her.I know she said it wasn’t intentional but I knew Claire was upset that I had skipped our anniversary to be at Charlotte’s side to celebrate the news. I still didn’t believe her.But after having a moment to think, I realiz
I arrive at Leo’s home. Normally I would say ‘our home’ but it didn’t feel that way after everything that’s happened today. I enter the house and it’s once comforting warmth has shifted to bitter coldness. It didn’t matter. I was simply here to get my things and head to Jasmine’s. She was more than willing to let me stay with her while I figure things out. I’m sure after my refusal to apologize to Charlotte that Leo wouldn’t mind my absence. I start gathering my things from our bedroom when I feel the front door open. I didn’t expect him to be home so soon. I thought he’d stay by Charlotte’s side - like he always does. As I continue packing, Leo enters the room and immediately looked anxious. He grabs my hand. “Where are you going?” “I’m moving in with Jasmine for a bit.” I keep my head low. I knew that looking in his eyes would spark more tears. “Can we talk about it?” I continue looking at the ground. “Claire, I know you’re angry and hurt because I blamed you for what
I came home expecting to see Claire. I owed her a conversation. What I didn’t expect to see was her gathering her things - packing them all. I knew I had taken things a little too far today with my reactions and felt obligated to apologize after seeing how upset I had made her. I thought she was upset that I had demanded an apology be given to Charlotte.I didn’t expect to hear my wife was moving out. I tried to talk and reason with her. I even offered her the chance to veto an apology to Charlotte in an effort to correct my wrongs and have her reconsider. It angered her more. It wasn’t hard to tell that what I had done today - had broken her.I had broken her. So much so, that she asked me for a divorce and returned the ring I had made specially for her when I asked her to spend her life by my side. A ring that was worth more to me than my entire fortune.And I watched her leave right from our bedroom window. I didn’t have the ability to chase her. I was in complete shock. I should
I arrived at Jasmine’s house and remove my things from the taxi. I had forgotten how large Jasmine’s home is. Jasmine was a second-generation wealthy woman by birth right and a fashion designer by talent but she’d never make you feel that way. She was giving and genuinely kind. She was an amazing friend and I was grateful for her. Especially after what’s happened todayI bring in my belongings and sit on the couch allowing Jasmine to comfort me after I share every detail of this disastrous day that was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. “What about your marriage, Claire? Do you really want a divorce?” I could see the worry on her face. She knew much I loved Leonardo. “I think I’ve suppressed myself for so long by being with Leo. I have to consideration that I have a child now. I’m pregnant.” I look into her eyes expecting the worst of reactions. But Jasmine was beaming in a smile. She was so excited for me and excited I’d told her.“Does Leonardo know?” She asks qui
It’s been a few days since I’ve settled into Jasmine’s home when I get a phone call. I almost expected it to be Leo. Only when I pulled my phone out to check - I quickly realized it wasn’t. It was my brother - Matthew. And there was only one reason for him to contact me. I knew well before I decided to answer that he was going to ask me for money. Matthew was an idle man who enjoyed gambling far too much and had acquired some hefty debts along the way. The worst part was that he never intended to pay for them out of his own pocket. He simply hoped - more like demanded, that me (his sister) who married a billionaire would help cover his costs. Matthew was the most elated when I announced my engagement to Leonardo - not because he wanted to see me happy or settling down but because my husband was wealthy and he saw it a cash roll. A steady source in which he could cover his costs throughout life. And It infuriated me. I had helped Matthew in the past when he had asked for money. Wha
It had been a few days since Claire had moved out and the feeling of emptiness in our home lingered. I missed her and I didn’t know what to do about it.I wanted to call her but I knew space was something she needed when she decided to leave and I decided that I didn’t want to overwhelm her. I was hoping she’d call me - if I’m being completely honest. But I had received nothing.I’ve been occupying my time with helping Charlotte heal from the accident and helping her to prepare for her procedure with the doctor he spent so much time searching for.After Charlotte’s release from the hospital, she expressed to me that she didn’t feel comfortable being alone in her own house. So I told Charlotte she was welcome to come stay in mine for a little while. I wasn’t stepping out on Claire. I would never cheat on my wife. But I did like the idea of the house being less empty. I pick Charlotte up from the hospital and carefully place her in the car. We drive back to my home. I assist Charlotte
I wake up early and head downstairs where I can smell an amazing breakfast brewing. I’m met in the hallway by Jas who seems to have woken from the same heavenly scents.“Wait, you’re not making breakfast?” She looks at me confusingly as I return the same glance back at her.“Jas, I can’t cook. I thought it was you.” I say with a shrug.“Well, I’m not that great of a host.” She shrugs as we both think and reach a moment of realization. Was Claire cooking? We rush down the stairs in unison to find Claire adorned with an apron that covers only the front of her pregnant belly as she takes some bacon off of the griddle. On the table, there is an array of foods. Waffles, pancakes, bacon, sausage, maple syrup and French toast. We watch in silence as we see her continue to pull food from the griddle and plate it. It isn’t until she tries to move the plates to the table that she notices us. She jumps for a moment and then lets out a small smile.“I didn’t know you were guys were standing there
I leave the hotel with more confusion than when I had arrived. Dalia had brought my ex-lover Julia. A woman I thought to be dead and she had brought her alive and well - carrying my son. I try making sense of it all as Enzo drives me back to the safe house to wait for the attorney to appear and collect payment.“Is everything alright, boss?” He asks as he drives.“No.” I respond blankly as I stare out the window, recounting what I had just witnessed.“I can go back alone and end this, if you’d like.” He offers as we continue driving.“No. No one is to touch Dalia without an order.” I say strongly.“What happened up there? I was almost certain you’d have killed her by now.” He asks.“She brought a gift for me. She brought her sister and my son.” I admit as we reach the house.“Julia’s alive?” He asks in shock. My men were aware of my relationship with her from the very beginning. An effort on my part to make sure she was also protected.“Yes. I saw her.” “We have an heir.” He smiles a
Tick. Tick. Tick.I watch the clock on the wall strikes an hour since my arrival and I’m thankful for the ticking of the hands being the only noise in my roomWhy would Leo put me here? I’m not crazy. Claire is the problem. I curl my knees up to my chest and hug them tightly as I sit in the luminous lighting against the cold wall touching my bed.“I have to get out of here.” I whisper to myself as if someone would even hear me.“You can leave these walls but I will never leave your side.” I hear the echo of my mother’s voice.“What the hell do you want from me? You’re dead. You’ve been dead.” I say in snarky tone as I look into her cold eyes. She stood at the end of my bed.“I want you to confess.” She says gravely.“What would I have to confess?” “That you killed your own mother.” “I’m not doing that.” The memory of a corpse was not going to convince me to confess to killing my mother. I turn away from her and face the wall as I lay down. “You don’t exist. You’re just a figment of
It’s late when I get a call from Chief Commissioner Mason.“Sorry to bother you, but I have some news. If it alright if I stop by?”“Of course.” I reply as I get up and wait for the front door bell. It had to be important if Mason was stopping by at this hour. Did something happen to Leo?I open the door the moment it rings and I see Mason waiting, I motion for him to come in and lock the door behind him. We walk over to the living room and sit down.“I didn’t bring juice this time since it’s late. But I did bring you a fruit cup.” He holds it out for me and I smile softly as I take it.“You’re lucky it’s close to juice.” He lefts out a small laugh at my response. “What’s going on?” “Well I got a call from Leo just an hour ago.”“Is he alright?” I interrupt.“Yes. Charlotte was in sort of manic episode and refused to leave his house. She threatened to kill you.” I catch my breath in my throat and feel a knot forming in my stomach.“W-why? I left Leo alone.” I stutter as I feel my bod
After my meltdown and discovering some things in Francisco’s past, I began hearing my mother’s voice again. She was haunting me and I knew I wanted to see Leo to calm myself. I drive the only car available to his house and knock on the door. Elena cracks the door open and tells me that Leo is not home. A answer I refused to accept. She stood in my way as much as Claire. I try shoving the door open but she slams it shut in response and locks it. Feeling defeated, I sit on the doorstep and stare at the pavement for what felt like eternity. Then I see Leo’s driver drop him off as he parked the town car and I wait for him to notice my presence. I expected him to at least be happy to see me but his face expressed nothing but disdain. He didn’t expect me or want me there.He tries to tell that he will never choose me and that it’s Claire - it’s fucking Claire. And the next thing I know, the Chief Commissioner is detaining me at Leo’s request and taking me to the car. How could Leo do this
I arrive at home and see an unknown vintage car is parked on my property. I was in no mood for company unless it was Claire’s. I send a photo of the license plate Mason and he asks that I remain inside as the vehicle belong to the mafia leader Francisco who has just escaped prison. But I see something even more shocking as I get closer to my front door. Charlotte is there sitting on the pavement outside my front door. Her hair is disheveled and her clothes are wrinkled. She looks to be a complete disarray. I text Mason back, letting him know that Charlotte was here and there was no sign of Francisco. “Charlotte?” I ask in disbelief as I approach the front steps. “Oh. Leo, I’ve been waiting for you to get back.” She looks to have been crying. “Are you okay?” I ask as she begins to stand. “No. I was thinking about what you said and I think you should reconsider. I would’ve waited inside but Elena refused to let me in.” “That’s because you’re not welcome here anymore.” I say coldly a
I missed sleeping in an actual bed as I stretch out my limbs and see it is the next morning. The attorney texted and confirmed his flight. Soon he’d arrive here, pay Charlotte’s father a visit and come to collect his payment but I had to sense in waiting for him. I needed to catch up to whatever Dalia had done while I was locked up.“Enzo!” I beckon my henchman and watch as he comes in.“Have you seen or heard anything about Dalia? Enzo was always on the avenue and overseeing our territories. If the streets were talking, he’d be listening.“Last notice I got was that she was staying at the Hilton hotel just downtown. I placed a few men there. They haven’t seen anything suspicious.” “Good. We’re going to pay her a visit today.” I smile lightly as I imagine the fear in her face as I come to find her. And for a second, I feel guilt. Her sister would be disappointed if she were here to witness all that had happened.I get dressed and have Enzo drive downtown. The drive is lengthy but I w
I see Nathan’s face line with confusion at the mention of Jordan. I knew our line of work wasn’t large and there must be something he must’ve heard about Jordan.I hear him question the name I had just mentioned.“Yes. I dated Jordan. He’s the owner or was the owner of a construction company here in the city and I had gone to architectural school with him years ago.” I explain.“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name.” He seemed to be upset in his remembrance of that name.“Did you know Jordan?” I ask curiously.“Actually, yes. I did a job or two with him when he first opened his company. I thought he had a pretty good vision but come to find out, he’s been fucking my wife.” I could see the rage painted across his face. Jordan had overstepped once again and this time, he involved himself in someone else’s marriage.“I’m so sorry, Nathan. I didn’t know. Was this recent?” When had this started? From my understanding, he had been going through mediations and his divorce for jus
I peak downstairs as I hear the front door open. I hoped to see Claire had returned. I’ve taken a liking to her company. I see her come in with her husband behind her. And the from the looks of it, he didn’t enjoy my waiting. I come down the stairs casually and head to the kitchen. I grab myself a soda when I hear footsteps behind me.“Spying on my wife?” I hear Leo say from close behind me. I turn to see he is just an arms reach away.“I just wanted to make sure she made it back alright.” I say as I open my soda and take a drink.“Why wouldn’t she? She was with me.” His tone was unenthused.“Well, she disclosed her attacks. I felt it was only right to check on her.”“Is that all?” He asks presumptuously.“What do you mean?” “Well, I’ve heard the news that you’re going through a divorce and I just want to make myself clear when I say this - Claire is my wife. She is carrying my children and I won’t tolerate you disrespecting that.” He stands firm - assuming it’s an intimidation tacti