INICIAR SESIÓN***~CLAIRE~***Jason looked like he had lost his mind. Did he really just ask me to give him another chance? Another chance for what? "What exactly is wrong with you, Jason?" I snapped. "Do you really think I would ever come back to you?""Stop trying to deny it, Claire." He rolled his eyes and started to walk towards me. "It took me a while to understand you, but I do now. You were just trying to get back at me all this time.""Oh enough of this!" I snapped again. "You should be ashamed of yourself. Your wedding is in two weeks, yet here you are, begging your ex-girlfriend to run away with you."I took a step towards him, bold and unfearing. Gone were the days I cowered away while he talked to me. I wasn't the same shy, timid girl I once was. "You know what your problem is, Jason?" I continued coldly. "You don't know what you want. You're an ass licker. You'd leech on the nearest woman close to you, as long as you benefited from her. You've realized how rich I am now, how beautif
***~CLAIRE~***"Was it Tyler who brought you here?"I opened my eyes and stared at Christian. We were tangled between the sheets on the bed, my thigh thrown over his body. He had one arm around me, while his other hand softly stroked my hip. I hesitated before answering. He didn't look pissed. His voice sounded casual, and when I didn't reply immediately, he looked down and frowned. "What's wrong?" He asked. "I don't want you to be mad." I murmured. "I won't be. I just want to know."I snuggled closer to him and leaned my head on his shoulder. "Yeah. It was Tyler."He didn't respond for a while. I looked up at him again, wondering why he was suddenly quiet. "Tyler is just a friend.""You told me you had a crush on him when you both were kids."I hid my face in the curve of his neck and giggled. "It was just a silly crush. Well, maybe not a silly crush. Everyone in our neighborhood called us soulmates and a few predicted we would get married."I raised my head and smiled at him
***~CLAIRE~***I watched Christian walk away, and as the door shut behind him, something melted within me. I realized then that I didn't want him to go. I wasn't hurt anymore. I wanted him to stay. I needed him. I went after him instantly. I didn't bother pulling on my robe to cover the see-through nightgown I had on. All I wanted was to stop Christian from leaving me. I rushed out the door and down the hallway, heading straight for the elevator. The doors were slowly closing, and I could see Christian. He had his head lowered. "Christian..." I yelled. He looked up, his eyes going wide as he spotted me. Before the doors slid close completely, he held it and stepped out. I threw myself into his arms. My hands locked around his neck, my thighs around his waist. His hands wrapped around my hips as he held me against him. "Claire..." He groaned softly. "Don't go." I whispered. "Stay with me."I lifted my head and kissed him. He responded instantly, one hand going to wrap my hair
***~CLAIRE~***I didn't return to the mansion that day. I wasn't ready to face Christian. I told Tyler I wanted to be alone, and he totally understood. He stayed away, only calling occasionally to check on me. From the hotel, I went to work. I didn't have much to do, but I had to finish my birthday dress. I had no idea if our engagement party had been cancelled, but I still had a birthday party to attend. I cancelled my lost credit card and went to apply for a new one, only to be told one had already been created in my name. When I returned to the company, Katherine handed me a back card and explained with a knowing smile that Christian ordered it for me. My name was written across the bottom in bright gold. Then two nights before my birthday, I received an unexpected guest. I was in bed, adding the finishing touches to my dress. It was extremely beautiful. A shimmering emerald colour with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a deep neckline. The dress flared out elegantly in a gentle
***~CLAIRE~***I felt cornered. I wasn't expecting Maverick to find me here. I couldn't even bring myself to ask Katherine why she brought him with her. "Mr... Mr Cartwright..." I stammered finally, trying not to fidget. "I didn't expect to see you here."Katherine looked at me with pleading eyes. "I hope you don't mind, Claire. When Mr. Cartwright asked me if I knew where you were, I couldn't lie to him.""It's okay." I forced a smile. Maverick had still not spoken a word. He just stared at me silently. He took a deep breath and steadied his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Can we come in?" He asked finally. I stepped away swiftly, opening the door wider for them. Maverick walked in first, and the strong smell of his cologne tickled my nostrils. Katherine stopped beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay?" She whispered. I gave her a reassuring smile and nodded. "I'm okay. Thanks for coming.""I hope you're not mad. I wasn't sure if you wanted company.""It
***~CLAIRE~***I stared at my phone as it vibrated continuously. Tiny drops of water moved at the edge of the screen, and black ink was slowly spreading out. I would have to change it soon. When the call ended, I had the urge to call him back. But I stopped. I remembered Sloane in his bathrobe and the pain came crashing down on me over again. I pushed the phone away and curled up under the sheets, rocking slowly. I didn't want to feel this way. I hated feeling helpless. He kept calling. My phone vibrated for hours, keeping me awake, tugging at my heart. When I couldn't hold back anymore, I got up and answered it. "What do you want?" I tried to make my voice hard and emotionless, but I wasn't successful. My voice came out soft and shaky. "Claire? Oh, thank God." Christian said from the other end. He sounded relieved. "Tell me where you are. I'll come meet you.""I don't need you." I responded. "Go back to Sloane. You're good together.""Claire, don't do this." He begged. "Give m







