Jim And Claire Novels & Stories

Like it was echoing through every nerve in my body. I knew this peace was too good to last. For four years, I built a life here. A quiet, lovely life. One where I wasn’t Lucas Blackwell’s wife. Just Claire. Just me. And now he was coming to my town. Or worse—he was already here. I looked toward Aiden’s room. The door was cracked open just enough to see the edge of his Cars-themed nightlight. He was still sleeping peacefully. Blissfully unaware of the storm that might be heading our way.

She had been through enough. As we’re leaving, I see a familiar face and by Claire’s husband’s reaction - it was an unwelcome face. I remember Jordan from Claire’s college days. They were always very close and he wasn’t a bad guy. I don’t know what’s happened but by the way Claire walked up to him and the nature of their bodies as they spoke - it couldn’t have been good. I watch as Claire returns and we walked to the car. We get in and I bring up the topic.

Gabriel would see me as basic and advise Justin to go for the more classy and fabulous girls that were always throwing themselves at him. I rang the bell to the apartment on the left on the sixth floor as my heart raced faster than it should and when the door opened, it wasn't Justin, standing before me was a shirtless man with joggers pants and his feet were bare. His shoulders were broad and his eyes were hazel green, one of the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, his hair was tinted black with a few curls on the top. His lips were moist; why was I looking at his lips? He was smiling at me, his smile melting every fiber of fear I had in me as I smiled back at him. "Claire," he called out

“Jared, you said you were bringing your wife. You didn’t say you were bringing a goddamn goddess.” I smiled politely. “It’s nice to meet you.” “The pleasure,” Raymond said, taking my hand and holding it a beat longer than a handshake required, “is absolutely mine. Jared, how did you manage this?” “Raymond.” The woman at the table said his name in a flat tone that had clearly been worn down by years of use. “I’m just saying…” “You’re always just saying.” She stood and extended her hand to me properly. “I’m Claire. Please ignore him. We’ve been trying to for years and it hasn’t worked, but the effort is ongoing.”

Josh asked with a forced smile. Claire was stunned by the question. How could the news have spread so quickly, when just yesterday it was only the two of them by the shore of Trillium Lake, enjoying the beauty of the autumn scenery? Or maybe she’d been too caught up in her own world to realize that one of her friends had been there too? “How did they find out?” Claire muttered. “Maybe because they’ve seen how close you two are in so many places. So, is it true? Do you really… love him?” Josh pressed, looking worried.

CLAIRE Four years had passed since my world had shattered. Claire Darlington—the woman who had been humiliated, betrayed, and discarded—was gone. In her place stood Clara Everson, CEO of Erebos Pharmaceutical. Sharp, focused, unyielding. Every scar, every sleepless night, every moment of pain had carved her into someone who could survive… and even thrive. My company had grown from a modest lab into a powerhouse, and every achievement reminded me that I could exist on my own terms. That I could command my life, and no one could take that away.

“That’ll never happen, Tony. I will never think anyone else is better for me than you are.” “You don’t know that, Blake. Believe me, there are much better people than I am out there. And when you spend a couple weeks with them, you’ll realize that you only just pitied me and that it was never love.” Before I could counter than statement and put a stop to his doubts, the kitchen door swung open and Claire walked in, all red hair and happy smile. “Hey guys,” she greeted offhandedly without even looking at either of us. “I have figured out a way to deal with Crystal Pearce without making the public see you two as a couple. Am I a genius or what?”

“Help me ask her—if business partners kiss like…” Before he could finish, Jane clamped her hand over his mouth, her cheeks burning. “Sorry to interrupt. Everyone, please get back to work!” The staff chuckled, amused by their obvious chemistry. Claire followed behind like an excited kitten, carrying bags and bouncing on her heels, that was how they forgot to go to court .... The drive back home was silent. Too silent. Claire, who hated anything boring, squirmed in her seat before finally bursting out, “It’s so obvious you both like each other. What’s taking so long?”

"Admit it. Your origin is something. What about your parents?" "They're back home in Philly." Jenise said with a little twinkle in her eyes. "I wonder if I would ever get to meet them." Claire sighed wistfully. Jenise took her hand. "Don't worry. Working with Axel will take you to so many places. Who knows, maybe even there." Claire widened her eyes. "Right? Oh I can't wait." They giggled and began eating. Someone walked up behind Claire and poked her ribs. Claire whirled around in alarm. When she saw who it was, she slapped a hand over her chest.