CLAIREI felt Asher’s arm tighten around me as he drifted back into a steady rhythm of breaths. My eyes stayed on his face, how they we're softer when he was asleep, free of the tension that seemed to cling to him like armor when he was awake. Seeing him this way—this close—brought a kind of warmth to my chest that left me craving every bit of him.Not that I hadn't had that already.My thoughts wandered back to last night, the tender and yet wild and uncontrolled way he touched me, as though I were something he couldn’t bear to go without. And yet, beneath all that passion, I sensed desperation. It was as if the intensity between us wasn’t only from our desire but also from his fear. Now, I understood why.The news of his father had thrown him, and even though he tried to brush it off, I could see that it settled like a shadow over his face. I turned in his arms, brushing my lips lightly against his shoulder. “Asher,” I murmured softly. His eyelids fluttered open, and a sleepy smil
ASHERI stepped into my office with a lightness I hadn't felt in a long time. The past few days with Claire had been nothing short of blissful, with stolen moments of laughter and warmth that left me smiling even at work. Even my outfit seemed to reflect my state of mind. I wore brighter colors. A three-piece blue suit, and I left my hair to stay freely on my head. Just like how I had woken up this morning, Claire in my arms.I wanted to wake up like that every morning. With her next to me and the sun filtering in, blessing their union. I could still remember everything that happened between them. We didn't just have sex; we made love. The passionate love that connected our souls. I wasn't a romantic, but that was the only way I could explain it. My hands on her, her moans, loud and soft, my fingers in her hair, and how she tasted. So sweet and complete. She was everything I never knew I needed. Last night was bliss. A high point for me, and I would give anything to have that peac
CLAIRE I closed my eyes and sighed. I couldn't exactly remember when I got home so fast. Only that I was trying to get home to my husband as soon as possible. I had missed it. I thought about how the day had turned out to be a good one. From the offer that I had received this afternoon to the look that I got to experience on Liah's face. Everything seemed to be going fine. I hurried to the room.My heels clicked relentlessly against the floor. I finally opened the door, and I blinked in surprise when I spotted Asher lying on the bed with his torso bare. My gaze lingered on his torso for a little bit, and my mouth watered. It was a happy surprise to see him home before me. He looked unaware of my presence as his arm was placed over his eyes. His chest rose and fell slowly.He seemed to be exhausted and asleep. I wondered if I should leave him to rest and find something else to occupy myself with. But every part of me ached to touch him for some reason. I slid out of my shoes and blaze
CLAIRE I closed my eyes and sighed as I tried not to think about how fast my heart was racing. Everything was happening. I knew he was still studying my expressions. “You look a little bit pale. Did I say something wrong?” He said as he stared at me. He shifted closer to me as he engulfed me in his arms.“You're safe. I'm sorry that I asked. I shouldn't have,” he whispered as his hands ran smoothly down my back. I closed my eyes and sighed. It wasn't his fault. It was only logical that he knew intricate information about his wife. He didn't withhold anything. Not anymore. At least I could tell that he was making an effort. So why on earth was it impossible for me to do the same? I closed my eyes and sighed as I tried to ignore the way my eyes watered with tears as dreadful memories flashed through my head.“Everything is going to be okay. You're safe” His voice was calm and collected as he tried to assure me. But I couldn't seem to calm down regardless of his assurance. “My child
CLAIRE “Cheetos or marshmallows?” He grinned at me. I blinked. My brain was a bit slow considering the fact I just woke up from sleep.I closed my eyes and sighed. A smile is slowly beginning to form on my face. He was the first thing that I saw in the morning. My brows furrowed.“It's morning. Why are we having Cheetos and marshmallows as options for breakfast?” He grinned.“It was something that I used to do as a kid. I wasn't really a fan of having breakfast with my parents, so I would have these as options instead. Ice cream too. I wondered how my teeth endured all that terror.” We both laughed, and he settled on the bed beside me.He placed my leg on his thigh. My nightdress rode up an inch higher, exposing my bare thigh. I noticed the way his gaze lingered on the sight for a little longer than necessary. I closed my eyes and sighed. I was exhausted and thrilled at the same time. “We could have ice cream for breakfast too,” he grinned at me. The mischief was evident in his eye
CLAIRE I kept my eyes on the wall, my breathing shaky as I tried to get a hold of myself. It felt like everything was slipping through my fingers, no matter how hard I held on. The sketches blurred as tears stung my eyes, and a heavy ache settled in my chest. How could he care so deeply about me? I knew the truth, a truth I could definitely not deny. I wasn’t worthy of this—of him. The thought had been with me for weeks now, lurking at the back of my mind, growing louder every time he looked at me like the way he was looking at me right now, with so much tenderness. He made me feel safe and seen, but deep down, I feared he’d realize I wasn’t what he needed. That one day he’d see all the cracks, the parts of me that I couldn’t hide forever. And when that day came, I’d be left alone.A hand gently touched my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts. Asher had come closer, concern softening his gaze. “Claire… Are you okay?”I forced myself to smile, swallowing down the lump in my thro
REGAL The party was already in full swing by the time I left my bedroom, and the night was yet to even begin. I smiled to myself, descending from the stairs into my living area, which had temporarily been converted into a party hall. Guests lined the entire perimeter of the space, with soft music blasting from the overhead sound systems, and my invited guests chatted animatedly among themselves, networking and generally having fun. From where I stood, I could confirm that at least a dozen faces were people I was sure to have invited, who did well to turn up. Turning my head to the left, I caught a glimpse of Jonathan, Conrad, and Elvislounging on one of the plush sofas strategically arranged in a corner of the room, beautiful young girls slung around them. On a stool in front of them were placed different bottles of wine with different glasses. I began walking towards them when they spotted me.“The man himself!” Conrad chanted as I approached their gathering, alerting the others of
CLAIRE I thought I could find solace in the fact that Regal wouldn't be able to get to me anymore. I wouldn't have to endure his unprecedented visits to the office. I wouldn't have to tolerate his threats. Maybe you're just relieved that you wouldn't have to tell Asher that he's your ex husband. An important discussion that you're consciously evading. I was aware that it was hypocritical of me especially because I knew that we had agreed that we would be honest with each other. But I couldn't seem to get it out. Telling him about Regal would eventually lead to him finding out that I'm nothing but damaged.I was in a fix. I couldn't bring myself to tell him the truth but at the same time, I couldn't fully embrace the idea of letting him go. I could feel his soft breath against my neck. It was obvious that he was still asleep. He plastered me tightly to him like I was some sort of captive who had intentions of escaping. I couldn't breathe without breathing the scent of him. I didn't m
CLAIRE “So when were you going to tell me that you dished out invitations without my permission?”Asher said casually as he took a sip of wine. I watched Liah pause for a moment as she turned towards him. They exchanged glances. I couldn't really read too much meaning into it. I was relieved that Asher was able to keep it together. He didn't act on the tension that lingered between him and Regal. And if things weren't according to plan, maybe an argument wouldn't commence. I was too quick to assume that I would be lucky. But it certainly wasn't wrong to hope that no drama would take place. “You didn't have a problem with me inviting people before?” Liah raised an eyebrow at him as she took time to chew on a piece of chicken tender. I noticed the subtle tilt of her chin. I noticed the way her gaze lingered on him a little longer than necessary. I noticed his sharp glare. “Stop diverting and answer my question,” he said. “I will, when you stop talking to me like a child,” she snappe
CLAIRE “Annabelle,” my lips were slightly parted in surprise. I blinked and opened my eyes again. Somehow I hoped that this would be a figment of my imagination. I hoped that this was simply a case of my anxiety hitting over the roof and I would just be imagining things, but when I opened them, she was still standing there looking at me. “You don't look so excited to see me, sis,” she grinned at me. Her eyes twinkled with something. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what it was or read any sort of meaning into it. It was the last thing that I wanted to do. Somehow the words were stuck at the back of my throat, and they wouldn't come out freely. Maybe it was my confusion, maybe it was the dreadful feeling in the pit of my tummy, but somehow, I couldn't get the words together. All I could think about was what she might be doing here. My gaze lingered on her ridiculously short dress and the glasses on top of her head. “What are you doing here?” Somehow I was finally able to gather the
CLAIRE I had no idea how long it took me to move. I had no idea how much time passed as I slept but the next time that I awoke, it was noon. I couldn't remember the last time that I slept into noon. When I turned to the side, Asher's bed space was no longer empty. He laid beside me, as naked as I was underneath the sheets. He was still fast asleep, his arms were still wounded around me like he had no intentions of letting me go even in his sleep. I had no intention of letting him go too. I closed my eyes and sighed. I was utterly and completely exhausted as I relaxed back into bed. I didn't have pressing deadlines to meet, I didn't have meetings to attend. Here. It was me and Asher. My mind traveled towards Liah but I didn't react to it in any way. I wouldn't let myself think of her. She had done enough damage with her scheme and I had let her. This time, I got to be the one to decide how I was going to react to her or whatever pathetic schemes she threw at me. Asher groaned slig
CLAIRE I was back here, back to feeling like my whole world was shattering before my eyes. I would have done anything and everything to escape the pain that I felt in the confines of my chest. I didn't want to be back here. Maybe inviting Liah to stay here was a big mistake. A mistake that I was already regretting. I closed my eyes and when I opened them, I raised my gaze to look at the clock. It was already five in the morning and I had barely gotten any sleep. I turned my head towards the side. I was taunted by Asher's empty bedside. There was nobody to warm me up. I couldn't smell him. My eyes watered with tears. The ache in my chest intensified. Maybe I should have believed him. He had done everything to prove that he loved me. And even when I thought he wouldn't stay. He did. So why wasn't I open enough to listen to his explanation? I got down from my bed. I considered looking for him in the guest room. I would tell how sorry I was. How I couldn't sleep alone. My hands were su
CLAIRE I noticed how tense Asher was when he returned. I wanted to say it was because he had no choice to be in the company of Liah but my guts kept telling me that something was wrong. “Are you okay?” I murmured as he approached me. I noticed how Liah walked closely behind him. He held my hand, I couldn't help but notice that he looked a little pale. I closed my eyes and sighed. I was utterly exhausted. I don't think that I had the stomach for more drama.“Thanks for letting your husband drive me around. How generous of you?” Liah smirked at me. I felt a slight tug in my chest coupled with the suspicion that was nibbling within me from the inside out. I remained silent. I had no idea what to reply to what she had just said.“I guess it's time for dinner?” She looked at me expectantly and I nodded in response. I waited until she disappeared into the house before I directed my gaze back at Asher. “I know this isn't your idea but you seem too quiet. Did something happen?” I looked
ASHERI watched as Liah pushed another bite of her croissant into her mouth, a smug smile spreading across her face. She was trying to get under my skin, to take me down memory lane and make me remember the past. But I wasn't having it."You know, Asher," she said, her voice husky, "I'll never forget that night we spent together at the beach. Do you remember it?"I raised an eyebrow, my expression neutral. "I'm married now, Liah. I don't dwell on the past."Liah's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, I'm sure Claire wouldn't mind if you reminisced about old times," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.I leaned back in my chair, my eyes never leaving hers. "Actually, Liah, Claire is the reason I'm not interested in revisiting the past. She's the one I'm committed to, and I don't have time for games like this."Liah's eyes narrowed, a flash of anger sparking in their depths. But she kept her cool, her smile never wavering. "You're really devote
ASHERAs soon as Liah left the room, Claire turned to me with a strange look on her face. "You should drive her," she said, her voice calm.I stared at her in confusion, wondering if she had finally lost her mind. "What? Why would I do that?" I asked, incredulous.Claire's expression didn't change, but I could sense a hint of something beneath the surface. "Just do it," she said, her voice firm.I shook my head, feeling a surge of frustration. "No way," I said, my voice firm. "I'm not going to drive her around just because you're saying it. I refuse to be in the same space with her for that long. Her presence irritates me, freaks me out. I hate being around her, and I'm not going to do it just because you’re asking me to."I couldn't believe Claire was even suggesting this. Didn't she know how much I despised Liah? Didn't she know how much Liah's presence affected me? I thought Claire knew better than that."Liah is toxic, Claire," I said, trying to reason with her. "She's poisonous,
CLAIREI woke up to the warmth of Asher's gaze on me. I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Good morning," I said, my voice husky from sleep.Asher's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled back at me. "You're beautiful in the mornings," he said, his voice low and husky. "Your hair is a mess, and your eyes are still sleepy, but you're still the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as Asher's words washed over me. I loved moments like these, just the two of us, basking in the warmth of our love.Just as we were having our own little moment, the door to our room burst open, and Liah strode in, a look of determination on her face."Oh..." she said, her voice trailing off as she took in the sight of Asher and me in bed together.I sat up, startled, pulling the covers up to my chest as Liah's sudden entrance caught me off guard. Asher and I were both naked under the sheets, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I tried to cover myself.Asher's face
CLAIRE Liah's smile faltered for a moment, and I saw a flash of surprise in her eyes. But then, she pretended to be surprised. "Oh, Asher, I had no idea that Claire allowing me to stay was the only reason you were tolerating my presence," she said, her voice dripping with innocence.Asher's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "Don't play dumb, Liah. You know exactly why I'm letting you stay. And it's not because I want to revisit the past with you."Liah smiled sweetly, her eyes locked on Asher's. "Oh, Asher, there's no harm in bringing up the past," she said, her voice light and airy. "After all, it's just conversation. And I'm sure Claire doesn't mind. Do you, Claire?" She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with challenge.I met Liah's gaze, my expression cold and unyielding. "No, I don't mind at all," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I love hearing about your past with Asher. It's not like it's making me feel uncomfortable at all."“Oh, Claire,” she chuckled. “You’re ab