1"You look amazing!" Hunter MacIntyre's compliment sent his wife, Claire's blood coursing in her veins like an awakened river."Thanks," She lowered her head while trying to hide her smile. Today was their second wedding anniversary. Claire was a lucky girl to marry the man she loved. She felt her nerves twisting in yummy delight. Her husband was a substitute to slow torture with that look of his. With that tailored suit clinging to his body, he forced eyes to take a look at him. Her gaze traveled to his brown, strong throat, then towards the deliciously straight mouth and up to his black eyes; dark and hooded and so full of secrets. They watched her intently causing her breathing to catch.Hunter hugged her from the back and snuggled her bare shoulder. He enveloped her right in his hold, enjoying the feeling of her being in his arms. "I can't wait to tell the world that I am falling for my own wife." Today was their anniversary. And the day couldn't get any better. Claire woke
2Claire felt exposed to danger. Like a baby bird left in the open. She dragged shallow breaths as she watched her husband hug his ex-girlfriend possessively. He whispered something in Zara's ear, making her eyes water. He wiped them with his hand. By this time, all the cameramen focused on them. Gasps erupted around Claire as Hunter's admirers began to gossip about it. "Oh goodness! Isn't that Zara Levine, Hunter's ex-girlfriend?" "Christ, she looks more beautiful than before!" "Look at Hunter's expression. He's all desperate around her. Damn, he's kissing her!" "They look so good together. But I pity Claire. She must have waited for today wholeheartedly and it had to be ruined like this. Her husband is kissing his ex-girlfriend in front of her. That's insane!" "But why is Zara back? She was married to another man, wasn't she? What's this now?" All the remarks around her made her body heavy. Claire was rooted in her spot. "Claire, let's go inside." Her brother tried to pull he
3 When Claire shook the hazy veil of darkness and came to the surface, the first face she saw was of her mother. Andrea's eyes were red and cheeks flushed. She was in the same dress she donned for Claire and Hunter's wedding anniversary. It was visible just by looking at her that she didn't leave her daughter's side even for one second. "Laire, baby," Andrea impatiently leaned towards her daughter and cupped her face. A tear of relief trickled from her left eye. She kissed her forehead and immediately looked over her shoulder to shout, "Claire is awake, Dominic!" She turned to her daughter again. She removed hair from her eyes and smiled, "How are you feeling now, honey?" She touched her swollen lip gently. Claire just stared back. Her mother's tears made her remember her own. Then it returned to her mind like a slow memory returning to a person suffering with amnesia. Pain, hot and raw, settled in her chest. Claire recalled how her husband left her outside the hotel they
4 "Ever since I gained maturity I have loved you. I kept myself pure so you would be the one taking me. I dressed myself as per your liking so you would look at me. I even turned down offers of marriage from compatible men because I was enchanted by you. After all the sacrifices I made for you, this is what you give me?" She grasped his collars, shaking him. Her streaming eyes made his face seem blurry. "For two years I endured your ill-treatment and invested my time to make you happy. I would make food each day even though you left it to turn cold. I didn't complain when you came home late and retired to bed without even taking a glance at me even if I was wide awake and talking to you." "You forgot my birthdays, let alone wish me. You ignored my parents on family dinners. But I was still happy because you were with me all this while. I took your cold treatment with a smile. Despite all this, all that I wished for was to see you smile. You want to know why?" Hunter's eyes remaine
5 Her heart was crushed into a pulp under the weight of those words. Wiping her tears, Claire lifted her face. She held her head high as she gave him a tight smile with a challenging gaze. "Then let me tell you, Mr. Hunter MacIntyre, I will also fight for what is mine. You are mine. I'm not letting any widowed whore have my husband." Hunter opened his mouth. But before he snapped at her, she whirled around and went up the stairs to their bedroom. A drumbeat of madness pounded at the back of Hunter's eyes. He fisted his hands while following after her. Hunter caught Claire right outside the bedroom. He pinned her to the wall and leaned in, whispering right before her lips. "Since when I became yours, huh? As far as I can remember you have always been at my mercy." Hunter hoped to intimidate her. But he should have known that by leaving her outside their anniversary party's venue he made her bones persistent and determination of stone. He killed her emotions. "You became min
6Cole's mouth fell agape in sheer astonishment. This definitely has to be a doppelganger of Claire.Otherwise his best friend's wife was timid and mute. She barely opened her mouth to speak. And even if she was slandered, she found it was better to meet them with silence than to retort."What? Is something on my face?" Claire asked with a grin.Cole nodded his head as he confessed, "You have become fierce. I like this side of you.""Thanks. I had to become outspoken for the sake of my marriage. I have to save Hunter and my relation, Cole. And I will need your help with it.""I am always here for you two, Claire. Just let me know how I can help." He liked her spirit."Okay, listen to me," She held his gaze. "I want to gather information on Zara. Cole, I feel that her return is deliberate and that her husband's death is not natural."Cole's back stiffened. His eyebrows knitted together as he suppressed himself from looking disappointed. "I get your point about saving your marriage, Cl
7The cameras flashed just as Claire crossed the gate and came to this side to meet the waiting crowd of journalists. "Mrs. MacIntyre or Miss Argent? Which one do you prefer?" Irritated by the question, Claire forced her lips to curve. Her grin carried a hint of mockery as she faced the cameras before holding the gaze of the journalist who asked her the question."What should I call you- a journalist or a woman with impaired eyesight? Or rather... a brainless journalist with impaired eyesight? Which one do you prefer?"Her Savage reply made the woman chuckle sheepishly in embarrassment. The others stared at Claire with an impressed glance as she never spoke like this before.It seemed that the kitten had transformed her claws finally."Do you see this sparkling big diamond? This shows that I am married. Hence I will prefer Mrs. MacIntyre now and for the rest of my life." Someone from the mass of journalists clapped in amusement. The lady mouthed a small apology while another person
8Dusk hung over Bloomcrest while the winds rolled over calmly. In her Villa, Claire worked tirelessly in the kitchen. She was preparing food for Hunter. There was a cheerful smile on her face as though she was very happy in her marriage.Thea was helping in the kitchen. She took the dishes to the dining table as they were filled with a new dish by Claire. As she returned after her fourth round, she nervously pinched her fingers and spoke in a hushed tone. "Madam, I don't think Mr. MacIntyre will return home today. S-so I'm afraid all this food you're making is going to go wasted." "I left a message to Hunter in the evening to come home soon for dinner. He might have seen it and will be here anytime now." Claire said confidently. Beside her Thea made a pitiful face as she thought, 'You're dreaming with open eyes, madam. Your husband is gone. He's not yours any more. Why can't you see it?' "Can you pass me the ketchup please?" Claire asked. Thea remained quiet and helped the lady o
292Tears dribbled out of Claire's eyes as she covered her mouth to stop her sobs. Hunter had really caught her off guard with his proof. She traced her shaking fingers on his skin, especially the outline of the heart in which her name was written. The area around the tattoo was red and sore. Hunter softly winced in pain when she lingered her fingers on her name inked on his skin. "Do you like it?" Hunter asked, his eyes searching hers for her emotions. But he only found tears. Tears showing her shock, pain, emotional turmoil and what not. "H-Hunter... This... Why did you have to do this?" She sobbed. Getting up from the table, Hunter sat up straight. He pulled her in his arms. His legs locked behind hers as he lovingly caressed her cheek and kissed her forehead. "Why not? I love you and I want the world to know. Haven't I said this before— The world saw me break your heart. Now they should also see how badly I've fallen in love with you. And this tattoo..." Hunter gave her a cu
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