Bruno was awestruck to see Claire. He couldn't hesitate swooping her for a tight hug, ignoring his staff and whoever was present in the restaurant. Moreover, some kind of respite was evident on his face upon beholding her healthy look, indicating safety."I was worried about you? Did you manage to get home without any trouble that day?" he asked, making Claire sigh at the memory. He frowned. "Why? Did something happen?" His voice was gentle and apprehensive."Well, it's a long story," Claire told him while taking a seat. "Are you going somewhere?" she asked, realizing that he was carrying a backpack as though ready for some trip."Um, not quite. I was about to go home when you arrived." Bruno slid the strap of his backpack off his shoulder."Oh, in that case, I can just drop some other time. I’ve come unannounced anyway," Claire said."Some other time, when? Don't be silly." Bruno took a seat, his grin impish. He was in khaki shorts and a white button-up shirt. Simple and handsome. "I

Just as Claire had anticipated, the job was finally hers. She started working for the construction company she'd once interned at. With that her life got somewhat busy and three weeks went by. All of her emotional baggage regarding her father was already water under the bridge.At least she hardly thought of the past since that trip, and it was good.Recalling that she'd missed a call from Bruno due to a tight headline, which had everyone in the office going nuts, Claire returned his call as soon as she arrived home. They were keeping in touch from time to time, apparently, and she was happy whenever they talked."Hi, beautiful," Bruno uttered sassily upon her simple hello."Hi, how are you?" Claire replied while dropping her bag on the bed, feeling beat."I'm good, I just miss you," he remarked coolly, his breath sound."Me, too." Claire flushed."Actually, I'll be over there tomorrow. Can we meet, just to see your face?" Bruno's voice was teasing as always, making her giggle like a

The kiss refused to leave Claire's lips. Amatory blushes kept flushing on her cheeks at the mere remembrance of Ryan's mouth taking charge of destroying her any possible resolution to keep herself sexually uninvolved as she'd been for the past few years.Oh no, this wasn't healthy! Claire shook her head to do these thoughts away."Ryan is just an alluring little beast who's nothing but one hell terrific kisser who wants you to fall for his stupid charms that's not going to work," she was mumbling to herself, her thoughts over Ryan restless."What's not going to work?" A voice snapped her from her trance. She nearly jumped from her seat, feeling busted."Bruno!" she scolded and his playful grin was what regarded her bewilderment.He took a seat. "Well, I heard you talking to yourself about something that's not going to work and I got curious. Having problems?" he quizzed, a slight concern on his face.A problem? No. It was more of a situation where she had to immediately snap out of it

Work became Claire’s great companion. Slowly she was getting a hang of it despite doing some sleazy tasks for her taste. Designing was her dream, her passion, and she couldn't wait to live it to the fullest. But for now preparing for an important presentation was the only thing on her plate.On Saturday afternoon, however, she dropped by at Gena's for an escape.Gena wasn't happy, for her foster parents wanted her back home as they were on a vacation. She loved freedom and the city; going to their country house served a great deal of torture."So, what are you going to do?" Claire asked worriedly, staring compassionately at her.Gena sighed heavily. "I'll just have to seriously find a job! If I have something to do they don't bug me," she said."Great idea. If you want I can ask Jorge if there's an opening in the company," Claire suggested, ready to help in any way she can. Her life without Gena would be a terrible disaster.No, she needed her best friend."Oh, Claire, you're a saint

"I heard you received a huge sum of money. Why wasn't I informed about it?" Selma snarled at Claire the second she walked home from the office. "I knew you're a selfish brat but I didn't expect you to be this conniving!""Am I?" Claire huffed, masking her anger with a laugh. "Look, I don't wanna argue with you tonight so please get out of my way."Selma crunched her face menacingly, blocking Claire's path. "You think I'm an easy target . . . don't you, girl?" She was fastening her silky, floor length nightdress.Claire took back her step down the stairs, sighing heavily. She was exhausted and the only thing she desired was getting some sleep. Just not under these circumstances where it's all noisy, however."Let's see," she uttered in a low voice, staring at the angry woman before her eyes. "What else do you want, huh? To take everything my father has left? To leave me with absolutely nothing after ripping off all of his properties? I know you married him for money but haven't you had