Is Tyler not a dream boy??? I'd jump on him if he's real haha. What are your thoughts on him? Unfortunately the target wasn't accomplished but no worries it's still the same for next 2 chapters. And I really hope there are 4 comments soon because the chapters are under editing for tomorrow. Thanks for reading!
46When Claire came down to the living hall, Avery was being summoned by her husband for her opinions.She left Tyler alone in the living hall. Claire took a one eighty degree gaze around her and realized it was just them. She immediately made a beeline towards him.Folding her hands, she coughed to get his attention.She felt her knees strangely shivering when he ever so uninterestedly bought his eyes up to meet hers."Do you need anything, Mrs. MacIntyre?" Claire's lips twisted.She saw the ghost of a smirk playing on his lips. He was teasing her."I want to know how you took your revenge on Ezma?" She asked, avoiding his playful mood."Revenge? Why would I take revenge on her?" He sat straight."Come on, don't act all gentleman. I'm sure you did something to Ezma to become how controlled and focused you are today." Her eyes flitted up and down his body in reference."I didn't take any revenge on her. There was no need to." He offered with a slight lift of his shoulders.Claire scof
47 Bloomcrest, Hunter was working on his laptop. He was engrossed in his work when his phone blared loudly. Lazily he lifted his eyelids and located his phone beside his mug of black coffee. Zara calling... A small frown settled between his eyebrows as he stared at it. Since that night he unwillingly spent with Zara watching a movie, she was after him like a shadow. Asking him about his days and work, about his meals, about everything he didn't want to share with her. He wearily grasped his phone and put it on silent. Then he placed it behind the heap of files on his left so that even if the screen lit up with another call he wouldn't be able to see it. Hunter went back to focus on his laptop again. But a knock on the door interrupted him. He asked whoever it was to come in and heard, "Sir, Mr. Wordsmith is here to meet you. He says it's important." "Let him in." He replied and resumed his work. Hunter was least interested in Cole's reason to visit him. Since his divorce, Cole
48RavenMoore, Tyler was waiting outside his establishment to receive Claire. The sight of him left her knees trembling. He was surely one of the most handsome men she had laid her eyes on. And with the three piece gray suit clinging to his body, he gave her like those fictional flawless male lead vibes. Claire rubbed her hands on her black skirt. She chose a formally decent attire for today. A dark blue chiffon top with a fitted skirt ending above her knees. There was also a huge bow in the front. She made her way towards him with a soft smile touching her lips. "Hi," Her voice was small and she couldn't perceive why she was feeling this way around him. "Welcome to my safe haven, Mrs. MacIntyre!" Her smile diminished into a scowl. Tyler raised his hands as he chuckled, "I'm joking. I thought you'd need every bit of mood lift I could offer." "Thank you. I'm really nervous." She said as they went inside. The building was as gorgeous as from the outside. All the heads turned to
49Anyways, she pulled his laptop closer to look at the projects he left for her to study. Claire was deeply engrossed when her phone lit up with someone's call. She didn't let her eyes avert as she accepted the call and drew the phone closer to her ear. "Hello?" She was captivated by the project flashing on the laptop which is why she didn't register that a minute had passed and still the one on the other end of the phone call had not uttered a word.It was the whispering coming from the other side that tottered her focus. She tore her gaze away from the laptop screen to take a glance at her phone."Hello?" She spoke again as it was an unknown number."Hello, who's this?"When no answer came, she decided to disconnect the call and focus back on the project. "Claire," Just as she pulled the phone away from her ear, she heard a fading out voice calling her name. She put the phone back to her ear and this time she was able to listen to the voice clearly and recognise it too. "You
50 Claire's body froze. She drew in a sharp breath while attempting to flash a smile. "Mrs. Murphy, I..." Tension failed her. The complaint in Tia's eyes was palpable. She didn't try to hide her disdain when she sneered. "I have been fond of you always, Claire. You are like my daughter. I truly sympathize with you for what you suffered. But," Tia grasped her hand and squeezed it spitefully. "I do not appreciate you dragging my son in your mess." "Mrs. Murphy, I don't know what you are saying. I didn't—" "I will cut to the chase, Claire. I saw the article and the pictures and it is too much for my bearing. How could you kiss my son?" A startled gasp burst from Claire's mouth. She blinked her eyes frantically as she shook her head in dissent. "I didn't kiss Tyler, Mrs. Murphy. The pictures are taken from deceptive angles to make it look like we kissed. But trust me, it's not like that." Tia sniggered cruelly. Gone was the woman who was earlier consoling Claire that things wo
51The winds became aggressive outside Hunter's villa. Curtains rolled and rumbled and everything about the night suggested the arrival of something perilous.When Hunter was done wearing his clothes, he came to the windows to close them. The outside world was fighting against the storm. From the trees to the grass, he noticed, were battling to stay put in their places while the harsh blowing winds tried their best to tear them apart. Hunter saved himself from slipping as the floor was wet. The winds had carried rain inside. He carefully closed all of them and as he began his stride outside the room, the noise of shattering glass caused him to look back. His heart rolled in his chest and throbbed because one of his and Claire's photo frames had fallen down from the wall. Hunter quickly approached it and picked up the frame. This was one of their wedding pictures. Claire was literally glowing like a star herself. Not to mention that her wedding gown was a shimmery white that glimmere
52RavenMoore, Claire regarded her reflection with uninterested eyes. Even though she appeared lethally beautiful in a cerulean shaded off-shoulder gown, she didn't feel any tingles of excitement. Today was grandma Avery's anniversary party. But heart was at unease, her chest quivering with every breath. She felt her eyes burning with the need to let out emotions that had been building within her for the last two days. She may have smiled and pretended to be happy in the old Murphy mansion. On the inside her core was trembling. Tyler's mother's words haunted her. Every time she came across that woman, her shoulders squared and she felt like hiding behind the couch. Though no one could understand her turmoil, it was getting too much now. "Just tonight. I have to endure this night and then I can go back home." She told herself in order to keep the bids of resilience she had left in her intact. She was motivating herself on how to survive the night when Penelope came in. It was her
53Hunter's PovShe struggled under me like a rebellious deer would from the sharp claws of a panther. Each time she made a move our lips brushed together. It didn't take her long to realize that and she froze like a statue. But her eyes spoke. They screamed at me. Cursed me. They also mocked me for cornering her in the dark like I had a right on her. That's true that I don't. But I want to have it again. I want to have my spousal right on her again. I know I must be crazy for feeling this way but I cannot run away from my feelings. I cannot lie to myself that I missed her. I missed every small habit of hers that I have refused to regard when we were together. Only after she left me did then everything came back to bite me in the ass. The trembling of her lips made my heart skip a beat. I knew she would be shaken after seeing me. That all her past wounds will rip open and bleed again. But I can't deny my desperation. I was dying to see her, which is why, when I heard from my manag
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