Chapter 1~ A text

Buzz!!

[If you want to see your boyfriend, go to the Ford Paradise Hotel.]

Claire Hamilton squinted her eyes as she glanced at the lit screen of her phone, reading the message she had just received from a strange number.

She furrowed her eyebrows, wondering what it could be about. Her boyfriend, Oliver Ford, had not contacted her that day despite it being their eighth anniversary.

After trying to call him several times, she finally gave up when his phone directed her to voice mail for the umpteenth time.

Now looking at the message she just received, Claire’s stomach did a flip. ‘Could Oliver have planned a surprise and texted me with an unknown number?’

Claire couldn't help but fantasize with anticipation. She hurried to get ready for the appointment.

With her heart leaping with excitement, she took her time to look good for the night. Since she had been with her boyfriend for eight years now, she assumed he was going to propose to her today.

She wore a short shimmery dress that hugged her figure perfectly. She wanted to look good for the secret cameras that would take pictures of them as Oliver got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. 

A giggle left her lips when she pictured the moment and her heart raced like a galloping horse. 

‘I’ll get engaged to the love of my love tonight,’ she squeaked internally as she applied nude lipstick on her plump lips. 

Claire and Oliver were the same age. Both were twenty-six and Oliver was about to become the CEO of the Ford Corporation, his family’s company. Although Claire hadn’t achieved much, she worked for a certain company as an administrative assistant, not wanting to work in the same company as her boyfriend. 

Although they came from different classes and had a big gap, Oliver had always been kind to Claire and had never cared about the class gap between them like other rich people.

A few minutes later, Claire’s heels clicked on the marble floors of the Ford Paradise Hotel. Her heart raced and her stomach knotted with nerves as she approached the ballroom.

Despite the long wait, Claire was nervous at the thought that Oliver would propose tonight.

Her phone buzzed again and she received a text from the same number.

[Come straight to the ballroom.]

Those words further confirmed Claire’s assumption. It seemed Oliver was going to surprise her in front of a lot of people tonight.

She could hear soft music playing and murmurs signaling various people engaging in different conversations.

Reaching the grand doors to the hall, Claire took in a sharp breath, her heart pounding erratically in her chest.

She pushed the door open, her stomach fluttering. She hoped to see Oliver waiting for her behind the door, holding flowers. The moment she opened the door, she would see Oliver kneeling on one knee and proposing to her. However, her smile faded at the sight in front of her.

In the center of the ballroom, Oliver was holding a woman close to him as they swayed to some gentle love music. A spotlight was on them, illuminating their faces as they stared into each other’s eyes.

Oliver Ford still looked so handsome and charming, and his height of about six feet was even more appealing on the stage. His sandy brown hair looked even more charming in the light that shone upon them.

His sharp jawline could cut through diamonds, and the stubble gave him a manly look. His blue eyes stared at the woman he was dancing with as if he was whispering something to her.

The two looked so dazzling on the dancefloor and were the center of attention. Many women were admiring Oliver as he majestically moved on the dancefloor, wishing it were them he was dancing with.

It looked like a scene from a fairytale movie where a Princess meets her Prince.

Claire’s heart squeezed with pain when she recognized the woman in her boyfriend’s arms. It was none other than Jessica Hart, the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the City and Oliver’s admirer.

Claire’s heart clenched as a rush of jealousy flared through her. Did she miss something?

Several guests watched in awe as Oliver Ford and Jessica Hart graced the dancefloor, their bodies swaying to the music, each step sending pangs of pain to Claire’s heart.

She couldn’t help but listen to the whispers that went around the hall.

“They look so good together, Mr Ford has made the right choice.”

“That’s right, Miss Hart matches his social status. She’s the only one who can stand side by side with him.”

“Do you think he will be announcing their engagement tonight? I hear he’s about to take over the CEO position from his father.”

Claire couldn’t believe her ears. What was all this?

She felt confused, however, only Oliver could answer her questions. She also couldn’t just assume things. What if it was just an innocent dance?

Regardless, she couldn’t shake off the bad feeling that had settled in the pits of her stomach.

It didn’t take long for the song to end and Oliver and Jessica ended their dance. The crowd cheered and applause resonated around the hall.

Oliver’s eyes met Claire’s. His face was devoid of any emotion as he tore his gaze away without so much as a smile to her.

Claire’s stomach twisted and turned. ‘Did he just ignore me? What the hell is going on?’

Trying to swallow the lump that was slowly forming in her throat, Claire thought Oliver might have not seen her. After all, there were a lot of people.

Before Claire could step forward, someone suddenly asked Oliver, “Are you and Miss Hart a couple now, Mr Ford?”

The silence that fell upon the hall made Claire hold her breath.

Oliver didn’t respond but Jessica’s response made Claire’s heart sink.

“Yes, we are,” Jessica Hart replied with a smile.