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Claire couldn't fathom the stinging pain in her heart. Her dinner date with Wesley went well. His jokes and flirting made her forget her problems for a moment. For once, it felt good to not think about revenge or how she was still affected by Oliver's presence. She had wanted to introduce Wesley to Thalia but, unfortunately, she had already fallen asleep by the time she returned home. It was in the morning when Katherine woke Claire up with an urgency to her tone. "Claire, Claire, wake up. You have to see this!" "What is it, Mom? Is the world ending?" Claire groaned, her eyes feeling heavy as she tried to squint them open. "I wish it was... that man you seem to fail to move on from is just playing you. Look, he was with his real lover last night." Claire's stomach plummeted at those words. She sat up straight and reached for her mother's phone, the loud pounding of her heart deafening to her ears. A sharp sting of pain shot through her heart and her eyes blurred with tear
"S-Sir, we are getting a lot of calls from media houses. They want you to confirm your relationship with Miss Hart-" "Relationship? Since when have I been in a relationship with her and why have you failed to handle this issue?" Oliver questioned. "I couldn't do anything before getting your permission. I've been trying to call you for the past two hours after you went viral," Thomas explained. "The news is trending on social media." Oliver narrowed his eyes, feeling confused. He didn't like where this was going. Glancing at his assistant, he asked, "What news is trending?" "Well, Miss Hart posted a few suggestive pictures of the two of you this morning and everyone is going crazy. She has practically confirmed to the public that you're in a relationship," Thomas answered and showed Oliver the tabloids. It was only then that Oliver understood Claire's cold demeanour and why she was so upset with him. She must have thought he was playing with her. Thomas' phone rang and he hiss
"Babe, are you sure you're ok? You look pale," Quinn said as she studied her best friend's face during lunch. Claire had been in a bad mood and since she couldn't drink, it being during the day, she called her friend out for lunch. "I'm fine, Quinn. Why wouldn't I be?" Claire asked, trying to mask her conflicting emotions. The truth was, the pain in her heart was still there. Worse, she now felt guilty for how she had treated Oliver earlier. The hurt that flashed through his eyes when she slapped him with those flowers... she would never forget that look. How was she supposed to go ahead with revenge when she was feeling bad for the people she was supposed to take down? "Claire, I haven't known you my whole life but I can tell when something is bothering you... is it because of the news that was trending earlier? It's fake... Oliver said so himself," Quinn said and noticed the quick flicker of pain that flashed through Claire’s eyes before it disappeared. Claire chuckled and
"Can you get me ice cream, Aunty Quinn?" Thalia asked when Quinn picked her up from school. "Of course, what flavour do you want?" Quinn asked as she drove her car off. "Um... I want the half-half one. Chocolate and strawberry," Thalia said and Quinn's eyes lit up. "I love that one... I think I'll have that one too!" She said and Thalia giggled. A good thirty minutes later, Quinn drove through traffic and took Thalia to an ice cream shop in town. After ordering, they sat at one of the tables. "Is Mommy going to marry Uncle Oliver?" Thalia suddenly asked as she licked her ice cream. "You really like him, don't you?" Quinn remarked, feeling sorry for the kid who didn't know the man she liked was actually her biological father. Thalia nodded her little head and replied, "Yes, I like him very much and I want him to be my Daddy." Quinn smiled. She reached forward and stroked Thalia's hair before saying, "Let's wait for Mommy's decision, ok?" Thalia felt disappointed but she
Jessica Hart had been looking for an opportunity that would force Oliver to be with her. Her spy from the Ford Corporation kept giving her updates that she didn't like. Oliver seemed to be pursuing Claire with everything he had... getting her flowers and gifts which was so unlike him. Her spy reported that at some point, they left work together and reported together the next day which meant Claire had spent a night at his house. All these traits that Oliver was portraying were foreign to Jessica. The Oliver she knew was no romantic. He was arrogant and cold and was never interested in pursuing a woman. Women threw themselves at him and even then, he never spared any of them a glance. Heck, she had stripped before him once but he didn't even get turned on or try to bed her. So, hearing that he was chasing after Claire, jealousy boiled in Jessica's veins. She made her henchmen keep an eye on Claire and continue to look into her background so that she could make her pay for stealin
Claire's phone chimed again... the sound making her skin crawl. It had only been a few minutes since she received a threatening message and now, the sound of the notification made her heart pound violently as dread filled her stomach. What could they have sent again? Her worst nightmare was receiving a picture of her daughter all tied up and bloody... luckily, the kidnappers were yet to hurt her and that made Claire want to find her faster before they did something to her. With trembling hands, she unlocked her phone and read through the message. Her stomach plummeted at what she read, sinking to the depths of her feet. It was another threat from the kidnapper. Unknown: [If I don't get any positive reaction from you, I will cut off a finger from your daughter's hand every hour. You better start packing.] "Maybe I should do as the kidnapper says and leave the City... I can't risk it," Claire said, her voice shaking from the fear gripping her. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she a
Hours earlier... Henry Ford went to his son's office to discuss the issue concerning the finance director's crimes having received a report from Oliver. "How long has he been doing this, Son? And how come you didn't notice?" Henry asked as he took a seat on the visitor's chair. It was disappointing to find out that someone they trusted was stealing from them. Oliver sighed. He glanced at his father and replied, "I realised this recently... the numbers were not adding up but I couldn't find the problem yet. Claire helped me investigate the issue... I'm just looking for the right time to expose his crimes and get him locked up... we might not be able to recover the money though." He forwarded the email he got from Claire to Henry Ford and said, "I've sent you all the transactions that prove that Cole Harrison has been stealing from us. My guess is he held a grudge after not getting the position he wanted. I can't believe he would do that just because you didn't make him the CEO. He
Claire sobbed in Oliver's arms, her hands clutching the sides of his shirt tightly. She cried so hard that she wound up soaking his shirt with her tears, her heart lurching from the intense suffocating pain she was feeling. There was no pain that could compare to the pain she felt at that moment. The thought of losing her child scared her witless. Oliver held Claire tightly, pulling her closer into his comforting embrace, his manly scent serving as the anchor that prevented her from losing herself. "I'm sorry, baby... I'm so sorry. I should have protected you both," Oliver whispered, stroking her hair with a firm hand while the other wrapped around her protectively. His heart squeezed seeing Claire in so much pain... she had mentioned on her call with Wesley about being watched and he had arranged a few of his men to protect her secretly. Who knew they would target Thalia? "She's just a kid... why would anyone kidnap a kid?" Claire said through sobs... her body trembling. H
Years came and went... After a warm shower, Oliver stood behind his wife to help her wear the necklace that was engraved with their children's names. "So, you know what today is?" He asked as he placed the necklace around her neck. "How could I forget?" Claire arched an eyebrow. "You've been talking about it for months.""Yes... because I've been preparing a vacation for us for when this day comes. I can't believe it's been eight years already," Oliver remarked. When he was done putting the necklace around Claire's neck, he placed a soft kiss in the crook of her neck before saying, "You've made me the happiest man on earth, Angel."Claire sighed before leaning back into Oliver. She remarked, "Time flies."Everything was going well for everyone. Oliver Ford had taken over as chairman of the Ford Corporation after his father, Henry Ford, retired. With Oliver's leadership, the company was taken to greater heights and it expanded to more foreign countries. As for his marriage with Cl
"Uncle Jake. Remember how you owe me?" Thalia said with her arms crossed over her chest. "I'm here to collect."Oliver, Jake and Liam were left to babysit the kids while their women went out to relax. The men chose to let the kids play in the playroom while they caught up on a few soccer games that they had missed during the week. However, Thalia saw this as an opportunity to collect her debt from one Jake Norton. He was seated in the living area, invested in a soccer game when she confronted him. Jake's eyes widened. He didn't expect the little one to interrupt him when the game was just getting good. His favorite team were leading and he wanted to see how it would end. He chuckled and replied, "You want to collect now? Let's wait until the game is over, ok?""Are you trying to run away from paying your debt, Uncle Jake? A real man sticks to his words," Thalia remarked in her adorable voice. Jake sighed. He said, "Ok, you win, sweetheart. So, tell me. What do you want me to do f
A few weeks later..."I can't believe you guys are having a double wedding! I'm so freaking jealous! I want to get married again so that we have a triple wedding!" Claire exclaimed after Quinn and Aria were done with their makeup."Oh my... you two look so gorgeous. I love the designer wedding dresses," Claire remarked with a smile plastered on her face. "It was more convenient since we were both getting married this year. Besides, Jake and Liam are ecstatic about getting married on the same day," Quinn replied, smiling. They had come to that decision during Thalia's birthday party. Oliver suggested it and the rest thought it was a good idea. "I'm more surprised that Aria is getting married. She's just a year older than me. We promised to get married at thirty," Evelyn remarked. She sighed and looked at her friend in awe. "You make such a beautiful bride, Ari. Congratulations."Aria smiled, looking at herself in the mirror. She couldn't recognise herself. With her hair pulled up int
Liam entered Aria’s apartment for the first time. He noted how cosy and homely it felt. There were blue couches in the living room and grey curtains on the windows. Liam’s eyes fell on the portrait of a little boy hanging on the wall. His heart raced as he looked at the boy who had dark brown curly hair with fair skin and hazel eyes. ‘Is that my son?’ He thought in his mind. The boy took after Aria but he had his eyes. Liam's heart felt warm. He glanced at Aria and eagerly asked, "Where's Jayce? Where's my son?""He should be in the kitchen with his nanny. Let me get him," Aria responded, her stomach a bundle of nerves. She still couldn't believe what was happening. It all felt surreal. Just the previous day, she didn't know who Jayce's father was, but now, not only did she find out who it was, but he also proposed to her. Who knew she would end up with the stranger she had a one-night stand with?Her heart was filled with warmth and sweetness. Aria looked for her son and sure e
Sophia Hill was over the moon at the thought of her long-time dream finally coming true. When she left the special forces and joined Liam’s company as part of his security team, she developed a crush on him.She did all she could to get noticed by him and when Liam noticed how good she was, he promoted her to be his personal bodyguard. However, that was just it. Liam never made a move on her or spared her a glance. Sophia thought since he was a player, it wouldn’t be hard for him to fall for her. However, nothing of that sort happened. Liam kept her as a bodyguard and never saw her as anything more. A chance came for Sophia to make Liam hers. He accidentally got drugged at a party and Sophia was ecstatic about such a great opportunity. To her shock, she found him making love to another woman in the room she had booked for him. Fierce jealousy rushed through Sophia and she wanted nothing but to separate the two but it was too late. All she could do was wait until Liam was done. She
Liam’s heart was beating like a drum within the walls of his chest. He took in a deep breath as he held the envelope. His friends stood beside him, waiting to read the results with him. Oliver patted his shoulder and said, “Don’t worry… even if you don’t turn out to be the father, you still love Aria and you will be with her.”“That’s right. Look at me and Lucian. We may not be related by blood but he’s my son and I love him. I’m sure Aria’s son will love you regardless.” Liam let out a breath. He glanced at his friends and they nodded at him in encouragement. Ignoring his pounding heart, he opened the envelope and took out the document with trembling hands. “The results are usually at the bottom of the page,” Jake remarked. “Don’t waste your time reading the statistics.”Liam’s eyes went to the bottom of the page and he read the results in his heart. A smile crossed his lips before it turned into a grin. “The child is mine! Aria’s son is mine! Haha! I have a son!” Liam exclaimed,
“What?” Jake’s eyes were almost popping out of their sockets. “Is it the same Aria we all know? Wait, she’s back?”Liam almost laughed at his friends' reaction. He knew they would be shocked. He and Aria had a huge age gap but surprisingly, they got along well. No one would know they were nine years apart in age if they saw them together. This was why Liam was convinced she was the one. He wanted someone he could relate well with as a wife. Forever is a long time to be with someone you can't stand. He nodded and replied, “Yes, it’s her. She’s working at my company-”“Liam… she’s like a sister to me. Are you really in love with her or you’re taking advantage of her?” Oliver questioned, his eyes narrowed down at his friend. “I wouldn’t propose to her if I didn’t love her-”“You what? Are you crazy? Do you think Uncle Adrian will agree? He knows you’re a player,” Oliver said. “You could have started by winning him over first.” “Well, I’ll do that but first, there’s something I need he
Liam's hand trembled when he held the familiar bracelet in his hands. What did this mean? Why was this bracelet with Aria?He took in a sharp breath, his heart clenching at the memory that flashed through his mind as he examined the bracelet. It was definitely this bracelet. He may not remember anything from that night but he remembered how brutal he was. The drug had taken full effect and he lost control. It was like a beast within him was unleashed and he devoured the woman who had walked into his room without mercy.This was why he felt guilty when he found out it was Sophia. He was so rough and probably hurt her during the session. This was why he kept her around to compensate her. However, the bracelet in his hand brought back part of his long-lost memory. The woman beneath him was struggling when he became so rough he had to grab her neck to pound into her like a crazed beast. He recalled how she held his wrist and the bracelet in his hand was on her wrist. The bracelet was m
"Why can't you take me seriously, cupcake? I really want to marry you," Liam said after Aria tried to brush off his words as bluff. Who didn't know that Liam never wanted to get married? He had been announcing it for years since she knew him. She chuckled and uttered, "You don't need to lie, Liam. I know you." Liam furrowed his eyebrows. He remarked, "There you go again using my reputation to judge me. I want to marry you, Aria. You're the right one for me... I can feel it in my bones."“B-But you haven’t even met my son yet,” Aria mumbled when she realised he wasn't joking. “I’ll meet him before we have our wedding,” Liam replied. Aria’s eyes widened into saucers. She asked, “We will have a wedding?”“Of course! Isn’t that how people get married?” Liam arched an eyebrow. “I thought you wanted a contract marriage. Like you need a wife and I’m available-”“It’s not a contract. I want to marry you for life,” Liam proclaimed. “Till death do us part.”Aria bit her lower lip as she th