Bastard! She could no longer repress her tears.It was mid-summer but Claire was surprisingly feeling a terrible chill. She fastened the sides of her jacket and enveloped herself tightly while walking speedily on a foot-walk lane, oblivious of anything and anyone around her.She wanted to be at home as soon as possible, but there was no sign of any taxi, nor of any bus. What a Deja vu! She suddenly remembered the rainy day in Montesby and how it led to that fateful encounter with him.How was she going to be home quickly now? She sniffed, watching the cars moving fast, the sky dark. And her stepbrother crossed her mind, quite unusual. She gave him a call. She couldn't care less of looking vulnerable. She just did it."I'll be right there, and calm down please," Jorge said."Okay, please hurry."She was now sitting in a convenient store, her shoes off her legs. The heels had her legs tired, hurt even, and it occurred to her that she might need to use flats for a few days until the blis

Mr. Stevens regarded Claire with a very bright smile. "Come in," he urged, standing up to warmly pull her into a hug.Claire strode over, relenting to his wish. "Hi, Mr. Stevens. I hope you're doing fine." She was in his arms, and he seemed pleased to have her over."I am. But I told you to call me—""Grandfather!" Claire finished for him, flushing. They both laughed. "I better practice more often," she teased, trying hard to refrain herself from looking at Ryan."Yes, silly girl," Mr. Stevens remarked. "Thank you for coming tonight. I know you don't have any obligation toward this old fella but you've come anyway; and you look beautiful." He smiled at her."No, it's nothing. In fact I'm very grateful for the invitation . . . And for the compliment, too," Claire said calmly, and that's when her gaze shifted toward the other audience in the living room.She received a wriggle of fingers and a plastic smile from Doris, who was seated cross-legged on the couch, holding a glass of red wine

Claire bid Mr. Stevens good night, ready to leave."There's no way I'm letting you leave at this hour while we have enough rooms for everyone in this house," Mr. Stevens said."See? I told you he won't agree," Bruno whispered in her ear."Now I understand where your grandsons have got this obstinacy from. I think it's strictly genetic," Claire said with a smile. The two gentlemen laughed delightfully. "Okay, I guess I don't have a choice." She chose to stay.The rest of the evening went uneventfully, and by the time Claire had retired to her respective room, Ryan wasn't home yet. She got up abruptly, feeling upset, and stood up by the large window. It had the perfect view of anyone who went in and out of the mansion.Claire hadn't any clue on what upset her more. Was it the fact that he wasn't home yet?Or that he'd left with Doris?Or maybe both?She kept pacing hence and forth inside that huge Victorian-style bedroom, that according to Bruno, it used to be their mother's.For a momen

"Wow!" Jorge gasped aloud. "Is something going on in the office today? Because you look awesome!""Oh please, don't make my head burst so early in the morning," Claire replied, blushing. It was Monday morning, and she was ready for work when she bumped into her stepbrother."But I'm pretty serious," Jorge insisted, gazing at her fondly. "You look amazing. Well, you always do, but you've pushed beyond ordinary today."They headed outside as Claire replied, "Thank you. I have an important presentation today."Indeed she was looking her best, dressed in a tight, milky white dress and burgundy scarpin heels that matched the shade on her lips. She'd tied up her hair into a professional bun, and her neck was encircled with a simple gold necklace that came in handy with its matching watch and little earrings."Hop in, I'll give you a ride." Jorge offered when they reached outside."Thank you," Claire replied and drifted into his dark-grey Ford SUV that he seemed to have much loyalty with cons

Claire was feeling giddy as she exited the building. Her eyes met Ryan's right away. He was leaning casually against his black Mercedes. He beamed boyishly when she rushed his way, and then he chuckled when she catapulted into his arms while smiling like a schoolgirl."God, I missed you," she whispered, her lips on his at the same time, hungry and longing."Me more, baby." Ryan kissed her back, holding her waist possessively."Oh no, we're at my workplace." Giggling, Claire pulled back, apprehensive of her surroundings.Ryan smiled. "The things you make me do, Claire," he said, for he was never acquainted with this public display of affection, either. She flushed, and his eyes were staring at her with daze. "You are still looking lovely even at night.""So are you," Claire replied, smiling with content at the mere sight of him.But suddenly Ryan's face contorted. "Why do you look uncomfortable with the shoes?" He lowered his gaze down to her heels.Oh boy! Time to get scolded. Claire