It got busier with anticipation, wishes, and determination. The fashion design cooperation welcomes Clarisse back to the industry before setting their skills on the preparation for the fashion show. At work, at home, locked in her sewing room, she spent her time crafting unique dresses, taking her time to draw the features considering the fabrics, the person who would be putting it on, and putting effort in making it a sophisticated gown that exudes the royalty and the uniqueness of whoever the wearer would be.Christian stood at the balcony with Gael sitting around the table waiting for him to finish his call. After some minutes, he joined him in the seat." Who are you speaking with that takes that long?", Gael asked when he took his seat," Marissa"," Marissa? It's been so long since I heard from her", he said and took a sip of the wine in his hand, " heard she went on a business trip"," Yeah, she's back, she came back today"," Oh, nice"," Yep"," And Ryan? Been a while since I
Kyle slowly opened his eyes, feeling weak all over; he flickered his eyes slowly, and the numbness and pain from his hand set in the moment he became conscious. He opened his eyes to a dimly lit room and looked at his hand to see it tied at both sides.He looked around fearfully and his gaze fell on Christian, sitting in the middle of the room with two men standing behind him. He was clothed in a black shirt that hugged his abs, tucked into his black pants. He sits majestically, exuding a cold and dangerous aura like a Mafia king before his men.Fear gripped him, and his pulse raced faster." Christian?"," Hi", he waved at him, " hope you enjoy your dream?"," Christian, we need. We need to talk", he stammers as he sights the table beside him. The tools on the table sent harsh signals to his nerves." We're talking. I hope my men treat you nice"," Yes, yes, they did"," That's nice, you were clothed, fed, and given a place to sleep, that's nice if you ask me too"," What, what are y
" Great job Miss Clarisse, these are exceptional", Suzanne praised as she checked out the outfits," Everything is so unique and beautiful", Celia added with her eyes staring at the dresses with so much admiration," Thank you so much", Clarisse replied with her busy hands making bonds," This would look so great on our models, we'll start bringing them in to test the dresses on", Suzanne informed," No problem, just some little touch remaining ", she said glancing at Hester and Mory," I can't believe you did this in just a few days that you got back, we thought you might not be able to exhibit your talents yet "," Well, I guess I would be able to ", Clarisse said with a chuckle," You're more than ready, I mean...", Suzanne paused staring at her with so much admiration, "You're so hardworking and I love your dedication"," I'm glad I'm not disappointing "," But make sure you take some rest, the show is in two days, I want you to be healthy"," I'm perfectly fine".Suzanne smiled b
Marissa smiled beautifully and leaned forward to kiss him but without knowing her intention, he reached out to take another file and opened it, making her lose the opportunity." Now that you've gotten what you want, can I get back to work now?", he asked without looking at her.Marissa groaned, "Ain't you my best friend anymore? I was so happy to come and see you, but you don't even look happy to see me".Christian paused what he was doing and looked at her, he stood up and gently hugged her briefly, softening her heart and mood." Of course I'm happy to see you, you just like stressing me and I've got work to do, and you didn't tell me you were coming"," Do I need to inform you when I'm coming to see you?"," You don't want to waste your time and energy, do you?", he asked and sat back on the swivel chair," It's because I miss you; I couldn't wait another day without seeing you," she said, moving closer to him, " I thought of you every day, Christian. "She stood between him and t
' I hate her already '." Can you speak now? Who are you?" Clarisse asked and folded her arms below her breast, standing in a sexy way.She was putting on a short jean skirt and reached her thigh and cream half-shouldered top." I am Marissa..."," You said that earlier"," I'm Christian's best friend"," Oh, sorry, I didn't recognize you; he never made mention of you," she said, giving her a cheeky smile." That's new; he always tells everyone about me," Marissa said with a smile, trying so hard to remain calm.Clarisse's heart skipped, " Really?"," Yeah", she nodded smiling sweetly, " there was even a rumor that we were dating ","It's a rumor, "she said, gritting her teeth slowly.Marissa chuckled, " I brought you here to apologize "," For "," Any inconveniences that may have caused, he was always over me you know, he has never gotten close to a woman, he wouldn't touch or let any woman touch him, I was the only female friend he had "," Why are you telling me all this"," Cause
Grabbing her waist tighter and deepening the kiss that made her knees grow weak, she made to wrap her arms around his neck when a thought came to her mind.' what are you doing, Clarisse? You're supposed to be angry. 'She pulled away hardly and frowned, " If this is to bribe me, then it won't work; you'll tell me why there's a woman claiming to be your favorite."Christian giggled.' Damn, jealousy can be cute', he said in his mind and licked his lips," There's only one woman who's my favorite, and that's you, so don't mind whatever she says; I'm sure she's just teasing you."She scoffed, "Seriously? "," You look gorgeous, you know that?", " Don't divert the conversation"," I'm not, but why should I be bothered about that when I have all of you all to myself? How can I have any other woman when I have this queen in my arms? And she's my friend, not my best friend, you're the only female best friend I have".She tried so hard to conceal her blush with a fake frown, but he saw thr
Clarisse laughed softly as she watched the comedy reels on her phone. She sat on the bed with her legs stretched out and a pillow on her lap, her back relaxed against the bed board. She kept strolling through the platforms, reading memes, and watching skits." Let's watch some news", she said to herself and clicked the news page. She started strolling through trying to watch catchy news till a headline popped up.~ The Ferdinand downfall ~She clicked on the news and watched the news; her jaw started dropping as the newscaster broadcasted the news about the Nands' cooperation. Interestingly, when the news about the company going bankrupt, the riot from the communities who bought the company's shares invested in the company and the areas where they are constructing buildings.After broadcasting the end of the Nand's cooperation, the broadcaster went ahead to broadcast the news about the bedridden Ferdinand, revealing the video clip of Patricia trying to sneak into the hospital where
Looking curious, she eagerly tore the envelope open and saw some documents. She brought it out of the envelope and went through it. She slowly stood up from his lap with a gasp.Her jaw fell and she looked sharply at him." This is a lot of money", she exclaimed in shock " Mm", he nodded," No, I can't take this", she shook her head extending back the documents," It's yours, Ari"," No, it's not; I know I had a deal with grandfather, but this is not it."Christian stood up, not taking the documents from her; he tucked his hand into his pants pocket." It's not about the deal, Ari, the money belongs to you, it's your money"," No, it's not, how the heck did I own five hundred million dollars that I never worked for"," That's because your parents work for it".Shocked. She stepped back looking more confused." My parents? What do you mean? What are you talking about?"," That money was collected back from those who stole it; they took your parent's properties, shares, investment, the
(13 months later)Blue was bubbling with so much excitement that Clarisse couldn't help but chuckle." Your excitement is above the cloud", Clarisse said and she measured her waist," I know right ", she confirmed and giggled," Our bride-to-be ", Clarisse winked at her causing her to blush " She's my bride, "Gael said behind them, and everyone laughed.Clarisse poked her tongue at her, " everyone knows", she teased," I need to inform you guys again "." Your waist is small, and your hip is big; you have a very nice shape," Clarisse said to Blue moving the tape rule around her." Thank you, but make sure my wedding gown is more beautiful than Elizabeth's "," Elizabeth? The senator's wife?", Clarisse asked and burst into laughter, " yes ma'am "," I'm serious "," I know, you trust me right?"," Sure"," Then we're good, I'll make a stunning wedding dress for you"," I know you'll make a beautiful one but I want the one that's more beautiful than hers".Clarisse laughed, " as long a
" $10,000","$25,000"," $45,000"," $75,000"," $80,000"," $90,000"," $100,000. Going... going..at the count of three, 1, 2, 3", he rang the bell, "sold at $100,000".Blue clasped her hands together, feeling so emotional. That's the smallest amount that her painting was sold, and they're still bidding. She never believed or imagined that her painting would cost that much.Gael grinned and looked at her; his heart felt fulfilled. He looked so happy as more paintings and crafts were placed on display.One of her pants that speaks of undying love that got embraced by nature and death was purchased by Clarisse at seven million dollars.They gave each other a very tight hug when the show was over. " I feel like I'm on top of the sky right now," Blue sobbed, hugging Clarisse." There are beautiful paintings, well done Blue"," Thank you so much".Clarisse broke the hug, " I did nothing, but there are many people over there that you should thank, we'll meet later on"," Sure ", she nodde
( Still flashback)Clarisse's heart tightened after listening to the recorder; she took a deep breath as tears gathered in her eyes. It was a lot for her, listening to a family of hers plotting her death.Christian pulled her closer into his arms and whispered, "Are you okay?".She smiled bitterly and nodded, her chest getting tight and firm, " they were never my family", she said coldly." They killed my parents and now their daughter is planning to kill me"," Would you have gone truly? If I hadn't played this tape", Marissa asked," I would have, I would have agreed to meet her, but where she gets it wrong was thinking I would move according to her plans if she really wants my forgiveness, she'll come to see me, if we have to meet then I'll book a restaurant and I won't go anywhere without telling my man about it".Marissa sighed, " I don't think she'll want you to tell anyone that you want to meet with her "," That's for sure", Ryan agreed," I said I won't move according to her
(Flashback)Ryan's words started repeating in her head once again, bringing her awareness to something she had never noticed or something she pretended not to notice. Realizing which relationship she wanted more and which relationship she never wanted to end, she picked up her phone after prioritizing someone she never wanted to think about or imagine losing.She took her phone and dialed Alice's contact; after concluding to meet, she went to take her bath and get dressed before calling Ryan.Praying and wishing he picked, she felt so relieved and happy when he did after the third rang," Hi, Ryan"," Hi", he replied coldly," Can we meet, please? I would come over"," Okay".Her heart ached when he coldly hung up; she swallowed hard, accepting the coldness, and with more desperation, she headed over to his place. After the short drive, she arrived at his house and took a deep breath, exhaling heavily before stepping out of the car.She knocked on his door and he opened the door." He
( very early the next morning)Alice walked out of the house and headed over to where Marissa's car was packed; she opened the door with Marissa's key and reached out for her bag; she opened Marissa's bag and took out the pistol.She smiled heartily at the gun, " beautiful", she uttered and threw the bag back into the car before closing it and heading back into the house.Her stomach grumbled as she stepped in; she went straight to the kitchen counter to make herself a cup of cornflakes and tucked the gun into her back pocket before heading to the room where Clarisse was tied.With her head banging and spinning, she slowly flickered her eyes open to a bright room that nearly blinded her eyes. Slowly, she adjusted her sight to the room light and raised her head to see Alice munching on something; when she took another spoon, she realized it was flakes.Her body felt numb, and she couldn't move; she looked at herself to realize her situation." Oh, you're awake", Alice said, grinning wh
Alice smirked evilly, " Tonight? Can we meet tonight?"," Sure"." Please don't tell anyone that you're coming to see me, especially Christian"," And why that?"," I did the wrong thing towards him also, he'd hate it if you tell him you're coming to see me and he might not accept"," Christian isn't that type of a person, he holds no grudge"," Still," her voice became sadder, " I want you to forgive me and also help me ask him for forgiveness; I'm just scared he'd refuse you to come and see me."Clarisse sighed, " don't worry, I won't tell him", she accepted," Oh, you're such a darling! Clarisse, thank you so much, I'll definitely repay this kindness"," It's okay, let me go and get ready"," Yeah, sure, I'll be expecting you".With that, Clarisse hung up." Hi", she went back to Blue," Hi, done?"," Yeah, yeah I'm done, just that, I need to head out "," Hope everything is okay?"," Yeah sure, I just have to meet someone, I'm sorry we have to cut the conversation, and the moment
" If you're sure she'd fall into the trap then no issue, what do you need, tell me"," I'm going to lure her over to a place I know, I've checked every place in that area, there's no surveillance camera in that area so we don't have an issue getting traced or finding us"," Okay...once you lure her there, what next?"," That's where you come in"," I'm good with knife, I just need to stab her right ?".Alice smirked, "No, there's something else you need to do".Marissa furrowed her brow as she listened to the rest of Alice's plan before smiling satisfactorily and nodding in agreement with her plan.************Clarisse and Blue burst into laughter as they kept chatting and giggling." Honestly, it's so nice to have someone who gets you like no one"," I know right, I've never imagined that I'd be in this situation ", Blue said smiling," I guess no matter how dark this world can be, there are people who are different and special ","And I'm lucky to have met some of them ".Clarisse
On a pair of jeans short and a blue crop top, Marissa sat on the floor with a glass cup of alcohol in her right hand. She sat on the floor with her elbow resting on her knees, staring blankly into space. Her heart felt heavy, her eyes felt tired, and her busy mind kept replying to memories, not just any memory but her memories with Christian.Remembering when he first got enrolled into the school and how they bumped into each other, spilling her milk on her shirt, how he became Ryan's best friend and automatically became hers as well.She remembered how she always stared at him, how handsome his cold face was, how she was always eager and impatient to see him again the following day, and when it was weekend, she'd suggest hangout, which he never agreed to, but she and Ryan would suddenly show up in his house. She chuckled when she remembered the expression he'd give them." Ah", she heaved a deep sigh.Ryan's words started repeating in her head once again, bringing her awareness to s
Marissa stormed into the sitting room in a rage and threw her purse onto the couch angrily." Hey, you good?", Ryan asked moving on the couch," Of course not, I'm pissed", she said walking towards the fridge to get bottles of alcohol," What happened? Did someone upset you?"," More than upset me"," Who?"," Don't worry, just be my drinking buddy for this night", she said placing the bottles on the table." Tell me what happened, if not, I'm not drinking anything"," Ugh! Don't be childish, I called you to come over so that you can be my drinking buddy".Displeased to hear that, he sighed, " I will be your drinking buddy; I just need you to tell me what happened."Unable to keep it from him, she said fuming, "It didn't go as planned, the plan was to ruin the show, ruin the show dresses but she couldn't even get that done, she's so useless"," What, are you talking about?",Fuming, she said, "I want to make her pay, make her know her place, and not touch what belongs to other people.