Will Hunter come for Claire now that he's been informed? What do you think? Next chapter in fifteen mins🌟✨
256“No thanks, sheriff. Just take my statement and I'll get going.” Claire spoke, but the sheriff insisted she take the almonds first. He was acting weird. He was being extraordinarily friendly and dusted the chair before she sat down too. She heaved because she knew the root cause. Although she was the daughter of a well-respected man in the country, she was being well-treated because of her connection with Hunter.Through her the Sheriff wanted to impress Hunter. Quelling down her frustration, she glared at Alexa... The culprit behind all this. Alexa shrugged with an apologetic look as she tried to speak with the sheriff. "Sir, we were at Paragon Mall shopping... And our friend was just attacked in the parking lot. Someone put a knife to her throat."Yara stood behind Claire, holding her shoulders. She nodded her head to confirm Alexa was telling the truth before she removed Claire's hair out of her shoulder and neck. "See here. It's not big but it could have been dangerous."
257Claire sat heaving angrily beside Hunter. Her hands were folded under her breasts and she glared out without caring to fasten the seat belt. Hunter noticed it and said, "Claire, buckle up your seat belt."He was ignored brutally. He sighed as he tried again. This time Claire snapped her head towards him like a Python warning humans to leave it alone if they didn't want a painful bite."Fine, I'll do it for you."Hunter unclasped his own seat belt to come and help her. However, she thrusted a hand at his shoulder to keep him away."Touch me and you'll be dead meat!""I won't, now do it. We don't have time to waste, Claire. I told you I have a meeting!" He eyed the belt."It's none of my concern whether you have a meeting or not. I didn't ask you to drop me home. Now bear with it.""Claire..." Hunter sighed as he peered at her with a ‘what am I going to with you’ yet loving gaze. Claire fumed and looked out of the window. She wouldn't be acting this way if it wasn't for what she he
258"You have no idea what I want with you and how desperate I'm to have that. I've made mistakes, Claire, and I'm about to clear them up and make everything better. You just need to be a little soft and let me in." He spoke resignedly. "Be a little soft and let you in?" Claire growled angrily as she threw daggers at him. "You say things that hurt and then you disappear for days. Then you show up only when you hear I've been troubled. How is this going to make anything better? You don't keep your word and only act when it's convenient for you.” "I didn't disappear! I was just— wait!" Hunter fluttered his eyelids as a smirk unfurled on his lips. "Did you just say that I said things that hurt? By that, are you referring to what I said at the airport— about letting you go? Did that scare you, Dove? Did you really think I will not show you my face again? Damn, did you really think I was going to give up on us?"Crimson colored her cheeks as she redirected her gaze outside. Her eyes wide
259She knew she started off ridiculously. But it was her jumbled up emotions. Firstly, Hunter was annoying her. And then she saw Penny after such a long time. The friend within her, who had missed her other half— her bestie, was reawakened.The first glance Claire had taken at Penny after stepping inside the house was enough to realize that— had she been by her side wherever she wasn't, she might have prevented her from committing some of the mistakes she now regretted. The kiss with Tyler, for instance."You can stay here if you like. I'll just go up and..." Claire's tear-stricken voice came out slow and hoarse. "Take a shower! I also need to take care of this thing and figure out how to cover it."Claire started walking away when Penny asked, "What is that by the way?" "Oh, this is nothing. Someone just pressed a knife to my throat in the parking lot." Penny's blood ran cold. She immediately held Claire's hand to stop her. "Are you serious?" She lifted her chin a bit to see her
260Penny didn't waver, "Girl, Hunter's character is deeper and darker than silent mysterious waters in the ocean. The last time Tia insulted you in the old Murphy Mansion during Grandma Avery's anniversary, Hunter burned her favorite car in revenge and in warning to stay away from you... And we saw how he pummeled Tyler for being around you.""H-he burned her car!!!" "Yeah, Cole told me. Anyway, do you think that after Tyler and you kissed, he saw him leaving your room and believing that you two had séx while he was in the next room, after Tia raised a knife on you to harm you, after bleeding for you… After all this— will he really stay quiet?"Claire recoiled in shock, wrapping her arms around her legs. She felt cold from all the assessment Penny made her do. "I... I'm speechless." "The answer to my question is— No, Hunter won't stay quiet. He's plotting his plan in silence and when it is the right time, he will unleash his attack on the Murphys.""....""Btw," Penny moved closer
261She took Claire's hand and stroked the back, "Well, I was one of those who had problems with your wedding with Hunter. I didn't like him. But over the months since your divorce, I have seen many changes in him. His love is genuine, Claire. The man didn't hesitate to kneel in a crowded place to please you, do you really think he would go back on his promises after doing so much for you?"Penny looked at her expectantly, hoping her words would have an effect. Claire only looked away and it blossomed her resentment."I haven't seen a dumber woman in my life!" Penny rose to her feet. "Hunter's literally crawling on a minefield to get to you and your stubbornness is one step away from making him explode with one of the mines. You will lose him forever if you don't stop it, Claire."Penny sauntered to the door, her feet thudding loudly on the tiled floor."Perhaps you want to see his body in a coffin to realize what you're doing to him and yourself.” Claire gasped at her words, her featu
262Claire stared at Tyler's messages for a while. She neither felt disappointed that he was trying to contact her after two days nor relieved that he at least tried. She felt neutral and decided to respond to him with glee. She typed: Hey, no problem. I can understand your dilemma. I hope your mom didn't give you a hard time after I left. How is Grandma? I miss her. Tyler's reply came instantly: Glad to hear you're not mad. I really thought you wouldn't want to talk to me after the stunt my mom pulled. Trust me, it's difficult to describe how ashamed I am. Claire smiled. Tyler could be a good friend. He was honest with her and stayed in touch as they had decided. Well, it would have made her feel rejoiced earlier as Tyler's cooperation was important in her revenge plan. Since she no longer wanted to make Hunter's life hell, she was going to be straightforward with him and cut to the chase and tell him her decision. A slow bloom of euphoria made her chest ripple. Discussing givin
263She was glowing inside, excited to start a new phase with Hunter. All the hatred, ignorance and pay-back time was redundant. She was tired of staying away from Hunter and pretending to be angry with him. She wanted to be with him again... And soon. "But it's not going to take long, right? You're certain what you want... And it's not revenge. So, I'm rooting out for you! I'll plan your wedding." Penny took a sip with a grin. She was honestly happy, and she couldn't wait to get alone and share the news with Cole. Her boyfriend has been wasting his time on the internet, running fake fan accounts for Hunter to clear his image and fight off haters, although it wasn't his place to clean the dirt. But his efforts needed a reward— what could be a better reward than the news of his best friend's reunion with his desired ex-wife! "Hey, I've got a perfect idea about how we can make your second marriage memorable!" Penny squealed as she grasped Claire's arm desperately. "Let's hear it!" "
291Claire ignored it for as long as it could. There came a moment, though, when she could do nothing but notice how he sat, silently watching her. He looked like a god himself. But he was mesmerized by her beauty as though she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen… And as if there was nobody like her. The man, however, had no idea that he was a fine specimen himself. Claire gulped a knot of desire, trying to focus on driving. It wasn't very long when she realized that asking to drive was a bad idea. Hunter looked seductive in his fitted suit. Every inch of him was calling out to her to jump in his lap and kiss the hëll out of him. That white shirt was inviting her to mark it with her red lipstick. The crisp collars were asking her to crease them in her hold— while those noticeable and enticing veins on his neck teased her, inviting her to trace them with her lips. His fine and toned physique filled half of the car as he exuded a sense of possession and domination. His loo
290Hunter's face was drenched in sweat. Hunter could easily deal with this situation. He wasn’t the kind to fear a psycho, but knowing Claire had planned this date just for him made Mona feel like a threat. He didn't want to let Mona ruin her effort. Everything so far had gone smoothly. Hunter didn't want Mona's arrival to destroy everything. Hence, he decided to go and see her in the men's washroom. "Uh, Claire, I'll just come back. I need to use the restroom." "Okay, I'll wait in the car for you." Hunter saw her leaving and remorse ploughed through him. He apologized to Claire in his heart for lying to her. But going to the restroom was important. It was either that or have Mona ruin their entire day which had been nothing but full of good memories. He walked towards the restroom like an approaching storm, his stride long and hurried. He banged the door open only to find it empty. Casting a gaze around, Hunter checked every door. There was one that was locked. He knocked on it
289Hunter's heart throbbed wildly in his chest as he saw his Dove asking him so innocently about the surprise. His lips curved with a beautiful smile, and he felt like giving it to her just here and now. "No, it's with me." Claire started checking his pockets. But was disappointed to find nothing other than his phone and purse. "Where is it, Hunter? You have nothing on you?" She whined. "Who said I have nothing on me? You haven't checked it thoroughly baby. It's on me and it'll always be on me from now on." He smirked as he kissed her, and she could feel him smirking. "What is it, Hunter? Tell me, I want to know." Claire pressed but Hunter remained quiet. He let Claire take them to their dining venue, and was glad that she had chosen to book an entire room for them. Just them. The table was alight with candles in the centre of the room. A huge chandelier was hanging over their heads as it glowed with lights, casting soft golden light on them. Rest other part of the room was cl
288Hunter's head was clouded by the message he received as he got down the car. Luckily, the restaurant was set in a dim and quiet area. He didn't have to worry getting caught by paps or anyone who could be a bother. He looked at the restaurant and heaved loudly.Reggie noted the worry on his boss' face but kept his concern to himself. He knew that if whatever he received on his phone had been risky, Hunter would have already put him to work to take care of it. He didn't, instead he asked Reggie to leave him alone."Hunter..." Hunter heard Claire's voice somewhere outside the restaurant behind his back.He impatiently whirled around and swept a gaze around. His heart stuttered and grew bigger in size as he noticed Claire— she was standing under a tree in the far corner, wearing a hot and stylish black dress.Hunter strode towards her. His pace was leisurely, his eyes fixed on her. Even his soul was captivated by her appearance and his heart thudded in admiration for her.When he sto
287"Hey—""H-Hunter..."Hunter sat up straight, his spine erect, and his face becoming white in shock as fear crept under his skin, listening to Claire's voice.He looked at the clock and gulped a shallow breath. It hadn't been more than an hour since he dropped Claire off to her home, and hearing her panic-stricken voice unsettled him."Dove, what's wrong? Is everything okay at home?" Hunter asked and bit his tongue to stop himself from saying— Did Scott do something again?He heard Claire's heavy breathing and immediately got up."Dove, say something!""H-Hunter... I... I..." Claire sobbed, causing his patience to near its end.At once he grabbed the keys to the bike he rode tonight."Don't worry, Dove, I'm coming over." He literally sprinted towards the door.His body was suddenly cold from terror as Claire's sob was making it worse. Hunter had come around the staircase. He was about to descend when he heard her sniff and ask him not to come.He stalled and stared at nothing in th
286Hunter stared at her, thrown off guard by her words. He reflected back on their meeting in the dark alley, and indeed what he realized made his mouth open a little. Mona hadn't looked like she intended to do anything physically with him. Her grin back then had been playful— one that of a naughty child who knew he was notorious for his mischief. "You can say that I was testing your loyalty towards Claire. I didn't intend to do anything mischievous, Hunter. But you see, Claire ruined everything when she interrupted." Her lips lifted in a sneer as she showed him her left cheek.There was a visible claw mark on her skin from Claire's nails. The scratch was swelling, its edges inflamed and red. Hunter felt bad for her. Now that he knew that Mona didn't mean to do anything condemning in the dark alley of the mall with him, he felt the need to apologize to her on behalf of Claire, but Mona beat him to it as tears flashed in her eyes."No, Hunter. I might want to see you with Claire and
285Hunter's body worked on its own. He felt like someone had trespassed into his territory and snatched one of his shirts that Mona was folding.He growled at her as his eyes seemed to darken even more. In the dim lights he came off as a hunter ready to tear his teeth into her skin and kill her. It wasn't a surprise that Mona was unaffected. She just rolled her eyes and lifted her finely manicured hand to blow over her nails."What the hell are you doing here? How did you come inside?" Hunter hissed."I was trying to be helpful as you can see." Mona said while casting a gaze around.Hunter's walk-in closet was a mess. It looked like a clothes manufacturing factory, unfolded shirts lying here and there, some trousers on the floor as if they were dropped just there after trying them on."I don't need your fucking help, alright! Just tell me why you are here and get the hell out." Hunter gritted out between his clenched teeth.Mona watched his knuckles whiten as he fisted on the shirt h
284"If you think that then I'm happy otherwise in my opinion, Reggie ruined everything I did." Hunter smiled a little awkwardly."That's because you're used to having everything done meticulously, Mr. Billionaire. But for normal people like us some mess and chaos is welcome.""Well then," Hunter sighed. "I'll have to make sure there's some chaos in our relationship."Claire chuckled. Later on, they hopped back on the bike and Claire was the one handling it. Hunter sat behind her, admiring her as she flawlessly rode the bike. There were no words exchanged until Claire stopped the bike on the street some yards away from her house.Hunter blinked his eyes as he looked around."Why here, Dove?""Scott's room's window." She pointed as from where they stood they could clearly see that Scott's room's lights were on."Oh." Hunter got down as he didn't need any further explanation.He wanted to drop her at the gate of her house and watch her go inside. But he deemed it was okay if they got dow
283"You'll never have to fight for any right when you're standing beside me. I'll always make sure you're respected and cherished more than I am. I'll also help you with your career, Dove. You can work at your father's or mine— wherever you're comfortable and I'd always come to pick you up so we can go home together." Hunter's voice was like warm honey, soothing and sweet. But Claire had more to acknowledge than just his heart-touching words. The surrounding was one of them. What had been a lake enveloped in a blanket of darkness was now glowing with golden lights. It felt as though the blanket was lifted off, revealing the beauty it had hidden underneath. "I'll always cherish you, love you and give you space. You will never have to question your worth or love for me.... Because I'll make sure I live up to your expectations." The pause he took allowed Claire to notice where they were standing— in the middle of a four post bamboo arch. There were colorful flowers and green leaves