Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 1 - Chapitre 10

Victor’s in Amsterdam for two whole weeks,” Bonnie said with a big grin as we moved through the crowded warehouse party. “No big brother watching us. We’re finally free, Claire.”I smiled, but inside, I felt a rush of relief. Victor Cavendish was twenty-nine — ten years older than me and Bonnie, who were both nineteen. I had called him Uncle Victor for years, even though he wasn’t related to me. He was much older, cold, and handsome in a way that made my stomach flip. Intense grey eyes, deep voice that makes me quiet whenever he is speaking. He hated me because he thought I was a bad influence on his sister. But no matter how much he glared at me or tried to keep us apart, I couldn’t stop liking him. I’ve been crushing on Victor for years, but he saw me as trash.Bonnie danced in front of me, laughing, her curls bouncing under the flashing lights. She looked so alive. She came from a wealthy family and a big house. I came from a small apartment with my dad, who worked tirelessly just

Claire, let’s go home,” Dad said softly.I shook my head. “I won’t go. It’s Bonnie’s funeral. How could I just leave?”The rain soaked my black dress and ran down my face. Dad looked tired and sick, but he stayed right next to me.“Even if it’s outside in the rain, I’ll wait. I have to be here for her.”Dad didn’t argue. He just put his arm around me. “If you’re staying, then I’m staying.”I smiled a little through the tears. He was always like that. We stood there shivering together.When it was over, people started coming out. I saw Victor first. He looked broken in his black suit. Tyler walked next to him, holding an umbrella over his head. Victor took off his dark shades, and his eyes met mine. They were so cold it felt like they could shoot right through me. I stepped back.Victor stopped. “What are you still doing here?”Tyler put a hand on his arm. “Victor, calm down. Claire is grieving too. She lost her best friend.”Victor’s voice was hard. “More like she killed her best frie

Victor.Five years, and Bonnie’s room at home is still empty.Some mornings, I woke up expecting to hear music blaring from her room. Then reality hit. She wasn’t here anymore.The headaches never really left. Sometimes dizziness came with it, or moments where my mind went foggy and I forgot things I should remember. The strong meds helped, but they didn’t fix everything. I still felt responsible. If I had been stricter, if I had protected her better, maybe she would still be here.I sat in my office staring out at the city. This building, this company — it was my father’s legacy. I had taken it and made it bigger than he ever dreamed. I had changed the world. But Dad wasn’t here to see it. Mom wasn’t. And the one that hurt most was Bonnie.I rubbed my temple and tried to push the thoughts away. Today wasn’t the day for that. Today, I was going to propose to Jasmine.I looked at the ring on my desk. It sparkled under the light. She lived in Amsterdam for her job as a senior investment

One Lie, One Second Chance Claire. "I'm his girlfriend? Doctor, what are you talking about?" The doctor smiled gently at me. “Don’t be shy. I know Victor had been keeping you a secret from the entire public. I won’t tell anyone. I’m happy he has someone like you who can take care of him properly.” He reached into a small bag and brought out an engagement ring. “We found this in his pocket. Along with his watch. Keep the ring safe. It’s yours, after all.” He set it in my hand. I held the ring in my hand. It felt heavy. Victor was really about to propose to someone else. He had gone to buy a ring. The thought burned in my chest. Who was she? Who was he in love with? Victor looked at the ring. Then at me. "She's my girlfriend?" The doctor nodded. "Yes. You told me you loved her very much. You said you were proposing today." Victor's eyes moved over my face. From my hair to my eyes and my trembling hands. I couldn't believe what was happening. For a moment, it felt good.

Let's Go HomeClaireA gentle smile curved his lips, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “I thought you left me,” he murmured, the words low and laced with quiet relief.Something deep in my chest fluttered and ached all at once. I moved closer without thinking, my steps hesitant on the floor. “No… I didn’t leave. I told you I was just going to the bathroom. I’m right here.”His gaze held mine, steady and searching, as if memorizing every detail of my face. “Is everything okay out there?”“Yes,” I lied softly, my voice catching. The guilt gnawed at me, but his expression—open, trusting, made it impossible to shatter the moment.Tyler cleared his throat loudly from the doorway. “Can you at least pretend to notice me?"I was startled. “Sorry—this is Tyler. Your best friend.”Victor offered a polite reply. “Hi, Tyler.”Tyler clutched his heart again, staggering back a step in exaggerated betrayal. “Victor, really? ‘Hi, Tyler’? After twenty-five years of friendship? That’s it?”Victor bli