"Don't you think it's too early to shade tears, Cinderella?" A familiar voice mocked."Excuse me?" Claire scowled incredulously as her eyes met Doris. She wiped her unshed tears right away, her hatred for crying deeper."You look terrible," said Doris as she neared her, her manner rather spiteful and conceited. "Have you finally learned your lesson?" She crossed her arms on the chest, smirking.This bitch! Claire tried her best to keep calm despite her stirred tempter."I can't say it was nice meeting you, so I'll pretend you're not here," Claire retorted, pissed off. She continued walking, ignoring Doris' victorious remark.She was not worth it."There'll never be two suns in the sky," Doris uttered scornfully, and Claire halted in her tracks. "I'm glad you've realized sooner than later," she added.Fuck her! Claire turned around. "Do we have a problem, Doris?" she asked calmly."Oh," Doris muttered, her tone sarcastic. "Sorry, I was just thinking out loud. Why? Did something happen
On Monday, at work, Claire was inside Nathan's office after the morning briefing. The designs were proceeding accordingly, except for a few details made during their recent meeting."So, you think we should adjust a bit?" Nathan asked once they settled down, a big computer screen displayed with the specific illustrations."Not the whole thing. I was just thinking of using the false ceiling over here, and some LED lights with similar ambiance, but on this one . . . let’s keep it as it is." Claire was tentative, seemingly engrossed into her element."That sounds great, Levy!" Nathan said, and thoughtfully he studied everything they were discussing about.At last they were done with work matters."So how was your weekend?" Nathan asked when Claire got up to gather her notes."Just so and so; nothing major," Claire replied vaguely. "I'm sorry for leaving in such a frenzy at the club.""No, don't mind. I knew you were in safe hands," Nathan teased, grinning up at her."He seems like the je
The infamous designs for the SK project were finally coming to an end. Even though they remained wary of what Ryan Stevens would say after the next presentation, everyone seemed to be optimistic. With that, Nathan suggested going out for a round of drinks at Rocket."You coming, Levy?" asked Nathan as they slipped into the elevator on their way out."Why not?" Claire replied, completely aware of his ploy."Great. But only if you promise that we won't get busted again," he joked. They both laughed while waiting for the elevator to take them down.Their team had nine members, including Nathan Panther, the leader. Elevator flung open and Everyone slipped in. Common noises filled the air as it slowly shut and began descending down.Claire was exceptionally quiet with her thoughts. Her phone had been silent the whole day, no single text or call from Ryan. It was strangely disturbing. She was definitely missing him."What about you, Claire? How much can you bet that Lydia will get wasted to
"Mr. Stevens?" Claire spoke, and a smile appeared on her face right away "Okay, Grandfather. I'm just used to calling you Mr. Stevens, that's all."Ryan smiled fondly. "You're beautiful," he whispered into Claire's ear, making her frown while wincing back so he wouldn't touch her."But of course I'll have to be there, since you're personally inviting me now," Claire said, smiling again. "Don't worry about that, Mr. St—I mean, Grandfather." Now she hissed at Ryan who kept teasing her face. "Okay, have a goodnight. And it was really nice hearing from you, too." In a few seconds she hung up."Why did he say to make you laugh like that?" Ryan asked with a chuckle."None of your business," Claire retorted."Seems like I'm being left out now. So we're set now, aren't we?" Ryan asked, taking his phone from her."You're such a conman," Claire snapped. Ryan's eyes widened. "What? You did this on purpose, didn't you? You just wanted—" Her lips were shut by his instantly, holding her deftly by t
Bastard! She could no longer repress her tears.It was mid-summer but Claire was surprisingly feeling a terrible chill. She fastened the sides of her jacket and enveloped herself tightly while walking speedily on a foot-walk lane, oblivious of anything and anyone around her.She wanted to be at home as soon as possible, but there was no sign of any taxi, nor of any bus. What a Deja vu! She suddenly remembered the rainy day in Montesby and how it led to that fateful encounter with him.How was she going to be home quickly now? She sniffed, watching the cars moving fast, the sky dark. And her stepbrother crossed her mind, quite unusual. She gave him a call. She couldn't care less of looking vulnerable. She just did it."I'll be right there, and calm down please," Jorge said."Okay, please hurry."She was now sitting in a convenient store, her shoes off her legs. The heels had her legs tired, hurt even, and it occurred to her that she might need to use flats for a few days until the blis
They left the restaurant and the day was spent roaming around aimlessly, taking pictures, in which Bruno gladly taught her about perfect angles, lights, and all the basics of taking good pictures at different times of the day."I guess I'll see you at seven?" He beamed."Of course." She responded similarly. "And thank you, I had a blast."."Well then, I'll pick you up in an hour.""Bruno, I told you I'll come on my own. You don't have to, really. I'm not some kind of a princess who needs an escort everywhere, okay?" Claire insisted but Bruno's grin was adamant."I'm such a gentleman who treats every lady as they deserve.""Oh you! Stop being stubborn and get out of here." Claire shoved him off with a wave, and he laughed heartily while unlocking the car. "Later." She clambered off."I'll pick you up and that's final," Bruno stated, and it was clear that the Stevens were not the type to take a no for an answer.At least her afternoon had turned out to be rewarding, Claire thought as she
Mr. Stevens regarded Claire with a very bright smile. "Come in," he urged, standing up to warmly pull her into a hug.Claire strode over, relenting to his wish. "Hi, Mr. Stevens. I hope you're doing fine." She was in his arms, and he seemed pleased to have her over."I am. But I told you to call me—""Grandfather!" Claire finished for him, flushing. They both laughed. "I better practice more often," she teased, trying hard to refrain herself from looking at Ryan."Yes, silly girl," Mr. Stevens remarked. "Thank you for coming tonight. I know you don't have any obligation toward this old fella but you've come anyway; and you look beautiful." He smiled at her."No, it's nothing. In fact I'm very grateful for the invitation . . . And for the compliment, too," Claire said calmly, and that's when her gaze shifted toward the other audience in the living room.She received a wriggle of fingers and a plastic smile from Doris, who was seated cross-legged on the couch, holding a glass of red wine
Claire was sitting in the sun lounge near the swimming pool. She was inspecting her bare feet and a few bruises. Her heels lay down on the floor. Despite the cool and relaxing atmosphere outside, she was still mad. There was no way she was ever going to like Doris, she decided."Oh, there you are," announced Bruno, and she lifted her gaze. "What happened to your feet?" He dropped down reflexively and took a close look, frowning."It's nothing. I just had a few blisters yesterday," Claire replied."Nothing? You got to be kidding me! Wait here; I'll go get some band aids." He stood up and left.Her feet were the least of her problems right now.She simply couldn't stand the situation anymore. With Doris breathing under her neck, and Ryan behaving like a total stranger whom she happened to have his house passwords.How stupid was that?Bruno returned and sat down. Slowly he took her feet into his lap. "Does it hurt?" he asked gently, gazing up at her, and slowly took a cotton stick and th