Present Time
Ryker's POV
"Happy Birthday, sis!"
On this day, an important day is upon us—a celebration of my beloved sister's birth. She is 19 years old and hasn't changed much. Our parents considered going out to eat to celebrate because everyone has been so busy these past few months. Since that fateful night four years prior, my entire world has changed, yet time has stood still for her. The arrow of Cupid found its mark, and now every aspect of her being resonates within me with heightened sensitivity.
Claire embraced Russell. Later, she also hugged my mom and dad. She came up to me just as she was about to embrace me. But it was as if time had stopped for a second. I never had a chance to talk to or see her much because I hadn't caught up with her at school when I picked up Russell. Sometimes she's on her way home when she visits the house after I arrive. Henceforth, a curious sensation of nervousness and excitement overtakes me whenever she directs her gaze toward me. I'm ready to feel her warm skin and the hug I last felt four years ago, but Russell stops her.
"Please take a seat here." Russell gently guided Claire to sit beside me, settling in closely on her other side.
She changed a lot! I won't be surprised at how many fights I've started due to them.
"Hi." With a subtle movement of her head, Claire directed her gaze towards me, her lips curling upward in a gentle smile. "You look good now, like you've gotten over your ex."
"Yes, it's been a long time. Four years had passed since that moment," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"That's a good thing," Claire said. "Hmmm, I see another playboy coming."
My eyes flickered towards the restaurant's entrance, and there I beheld Daniel making his way inside.
"Happy birthday!"
Upon receiving the flower bouquet from Daniel, Russell's face fell into a frown. Without hesitation, Daniel took a seat right beside me. "Dude, you make it," I said.
"Of course," uttered Daniel, his gaze fixed on Claire. "Hello, my dear. How are you doing?"
Claire gave a smile. "Do not succumb to my charms," she quipped.
"It is impossible; I am enamored with another," Daniel confessed.
"I thought it was just the family. Why is there an outsider?" Russell was annoyed.
"Daniel is not an outsider, hija. He's part of the family," my father said.
Russell whispered, "I will never accept him as a family member."
Upon hearing Russell's words, my gaze shifted toward Daniel. Russell's utterances failed to leave a lasting impression on Daniel. Perhaps he had grown accustomed to it, much like myself. The evening meal transpired without incident. As we regaled each other with tales and humorous anecdotes, Russell's countenance remained solemn, mainly when Daniel spoke. Our parents also noticed this behavior.
"Dad," she exclaimed, "such a statement cannot possibly be true. Even if it snows here in the country, I won't forgive him. He ruined my prom," said Russell. "Like Claire, she has a special memory from prom. Envy and remorse consumed me as I pondered my decision to select Daniel as my companion for the evening. Hmph!"
My gaze briefly shifted towards Claire, but she seemed to be either avoiding eye contact or giving me only fleeting glances. After the passage of four long years, I first heard of the indelible impression left on her by that fateful prom night. Is it because she got her first kiss that night?
When Daniel's phone rang, he stood up and apologized to us. He then walked away and stood near the bathroom because it was raining outside.
"Is it true that prom night was memorable to you?" I asked Claire.
"Indeed," Claire replied, her lips curling upward into a smile. "Do you recall Fabio?"
A furrow formed between my brows. The name sounds familiar.
"Because of your anger, I could not dance with him that night," Claire said.
"Is Big B angry with Fabio?" Surprised, Russell asked, "Did you hit Fabio, and he suddenly avoided me as if I had a virus?"
A soft, melodious giggle escaped Claire's lips. "It is not because of that. He found out about your scene with Ryan on the side of the hall, so he knows he has no hope for you."
"Ah, that's why you got his attention. Like exchanging messages and calls," Russell uttered.
I frowned at the conversation between the two. "Tell me, is Fabio trying to get close to you?" Russell asked. "Is he courting you?"
A soft chuckle escaped Claire's lips. The memory of that gentleman has resurfaced within me. I should have punched him before.
"I excuse myself to the washroom," Russell said. She rose from her seat and turned her gaze towards Claire. "Would you come with me?"
Claire shook her head. "Nope, I'm still enjoying souffle."
"Very well," Russell uttered. She then turned her back on us and walked to the washroom, where Daniel was on his phone.
"Is that man pursuing you now?" I asked Claire.
Her gaze met mine, but only for a fleeting moment. "Why are you curious?"
"I am merely asking," I stated. "You know I'm looking out for you like I do for my sister. You're like a sister to me, remember?"
The smile on Claire's lips seemed to disappear after I said that. To speak candidly, I must confess that expressing such sentiments was a mistake, as they do not align with my genuine emotions. The haunting scenario has plagued my sleep since that fateful night, leaving me restless and uneasy. Even to this day, at the mere sight of Claire, that vivid recollection resurfaces within me. That's why I should avoid her and pretend she's my sister.
"I do not recall," said Claire. "Yes, he's trying to get close to me. Why not? He's handsome, from a good family, smart, has a great body, and..."
"Oh, and what?" Anxiety coursed through me as I awaited her following words. Has this man kissed her? Has any other man kissed her lips?
"Tall." A soft giggle escaped Claire's lips.
A sigh of relief escaped my lips upon hearing her words. There was a palpable silence between Claire and me, neither of us uttering a single word. Afterward, Daniel returned to our seats. He said he must depart, for they had received a summons and must arrive at the designated location promptly lest they face retribution. Tonight is not the first time we have been in the middle of the fun when Daniel took a call and left, even in the middle of the night. When he was having fun, he would summon it suddenly. Occasionally, I wondered whether he derived contentment from his job.
-
Daniel left the restaurant earlier than we did. I found out that Claire just took a taxi to the restaurant, and my dad told me to take Claire to her house while they went home.
The sluggish pace of the traffic impeded our journey. The traffic made it possible for me to be with Claire longer, just the two of us. My gaze shifted towards Claire, who was engrossed in her phone, flashing an occasional smile.
"Is that Fabio?" I asked to dispel the uncomfortable stillness within the vehicle.
She smiled, "He sends me the most endearing quotes." Claire showed it to me. "What's with that reaction?"
"What's the problem with my reaction?"
"Jeez, you have no idea what sweet means. I can imagine how Fabio looked as he said this. He's looking into my eyes, and his face is close to mine. His minty-fresh breath touches my face, and..."
Claire fell silent as I leaned over her to retrieve the seatbelt she forgot to fasten. With deft hands, I grasped the thing and deftly moved it to secure the opposing end of the lock. Our faces are close, nearly touching. My gaze settled on her eyes and then drifted down to her lips. I have savored that delicacy previously and can proudly claim to be its inaugural taster. Can I have another taste of her lips now? Isn't it still the same as before?
When a horn sounded, I saw a car approaching behind us. The green light glowed while the cars trailing behind us blared their horns. As Claire emitted a lighthearted chuckle, a sense of shame washed over me. With a swift motion, I distanced myself from Claire and seized hold of the steering wheel. I ignited the engine without delay, punctuating the action with a resounding horn blast.
-
Claire's POV
"Now, are you still hoping my brother will notice you? He only treated you like a sister."
"Ouch, that hurts."
"That guy is a player. Even if he's my brother, he has dated so many women. Maybe he has an STD, and he didn't tell us."
"You're so mean to your brother. Ryker is smart and sweet. Besides, I'm sure Ryker doesn't have an STD."
Russell frowned and then put her hand over her mouth. "No, no, no. You're thinking wrongly. Last time, I saw a package of condoms in his car. So this only means he was careful."
"What if he didn't even use it? It's just for a display?"
"It's impossible. The box is already open."
"Don't tell me..." Russell's eyes widen.
"Yes, I did count the items. The box said there were 12 pieces, but when I counted them, I only found 5." I giggled. "I even took one. Do you think he will know?"
"Oh my god, you are buried with your feelings for my brother."
"You, too, are with Daniel, right? You probably thought I didn't notice how you were looking at him. You're thrilled."
"Excuse me. I only had a crush on Daniel, but that was a long time ago. I only feel annoyed and angry toward him."
"Fine, I still don't believe it." I chuckled.
Russell told me about what happened last night when Daniel called her phone in the middle of the night, and she even heard a gunshot in the background.
I raised my shoulders in a nonchalant gesture. "We don't know, but thinking about it, why would Daniel call you in the middle of a war?"
"Maybe he wants me to be worried."
I smiled and then looked at Russell with a frown. "And he made it?"
"W-what?"
I started teasing her. "Were you worried when you heard gunshots? You were worried about him."
Russell frowned. "Oh, well, you can't blame me. I just woke up, and I heard that. So how do you think I should feel?"
"Couldn't you have fallen in love with him because you hated him so much? I mean, the more you hate someone,
"Even more, I swear. Please stop talking nonsense. I don't like Daniel. I told you I'd never fall in love with a man older than me. A man like him can't understand young people like us. Ryker, you know what he thinks. No, he doesn't understand what I want and insists on what he wants, even though it's out of style and no longer trendy."
"If you don't like him, that's fine, but please don't get in the way of my relationship with your brother. He's my perfect guy, and I'll do anything to keep us together."
Russell grimaced at me. "Don't blame me for making you cry because of Ryker."
I smiled at her like something was tickling me.
Claire's POV"I know you already know what she can do, Russell..."As the day drew close, Patricia and the rest of her group joined us. She guided us to the ladies' room. Russell explained to Patricia that being present at her birthday celebration was unfeasible. Not because we don't want to, but because we don't want any trouble. Patricia's reputation precedes her, and crossing her is akin to entering a blazing inferno."Am I so important that you don't want me to attend your party?" Russell asked."Well, our families are well-known and wealthy, and we look out for each other.""What do you want from me?"With a sly grin, Patricia turned her gaze toward us. "I'd like for you to come to my party. Fear not. I only invited a few people to my birthday party. And you're my lucky choice.""Seriously? Lucky?" I asked."Oh, bring a gift," Patricia said. "Let's go, guys."Patricia averted her gaze from us, and her companions trailed behind her. My gaze was fixed on Russell."Are you going?"I
Ryker's POV"Let's go. I'm excited..."Daniel had his car, and I had mine. The bar I mentioned was far from where I worked. It consumed half an hour of our time, accounting for the time we spent traveling through the jam-packed thoroughfare. The establishment exuded an air of refinement, with a handful of vehicles occupying the nearby lot. As the building loomed nearer, a chuckle escaped Daniel's lips."Think we'll like where we're going?" Daniel asked me."My employee told me that most of them are usually here," I said with a smile.Without delay, the guard scanned the area for our identification documents. I hastily produced my driver's license and presented it to the guard for inspection. When he saw my identification, he promptly stepped aside and unlatched the entrance.The interior of the pub exudes a superb and nostalgic ambiance. The bustling atmosphere of the bar took us aback, rendering it quite noisy. As music filled the air, we wasted no time scouring the surroundings for
Ryker’s POV'Jeez, why is it taking so long now?′Restlessness consumed me throughout the meeting. As I sat in the meeting, I couldn’t help but think of Daniel and the two women who had already arrived at the resort. I imagined them basking in the sun, sipping on tropical drinks, and enjoying the luxurious amenities. Meanwhile, I was stuck in the boardroom, listening to endless presentations and envious of their carefree escape. The present encounter marks the fourth time I have convened with my esteemed investors on this day. My finger incessantly tapped against the wooden surface of the table. The passage of time decelerates to a crawl during my meetings, such that I scarcely noticed it in the past, perhaps due to familiarity. However, it is a tedious affair that leaves much to be desired. The desire to hasten the passage of time consumed me as if I held the power to manipulate the very fabric of the universe.My thoughts are preoccupied with Claire, distracting me from my current f
Ryker's POV"What're you doing, Claire?"The sensation of Claire's warm breath on my neck was palpable as I drew her nearer to the cabin. Inadvertently, her lips grazed my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. The interplay of the cool ocean breeze and the heat emanating from our bodies, imbued with the effects of beer, elicited a delightful tingling sensation that coursed through my entire being."I am not doing anything." Claire giggled.I release a measured breath, allowing the air to escape my lungs and, with it, my heightened state of agitation. "It is nice to have a sibling," Claire whispered."If I can get rid of Russell, I'll give her to you." I chuckled.With a light and carefree laugh, Claire expressed her amusement. "What if I want a brother just like you?""I do not wish you to be my sibling," I said.'I would be a sinful man if Claire became my sister. I'm happily secretly in love with her.' I thought.Claire lapsed into silence, refraining from uttering a single word. At
Claire's POV'Damn, Claire, you are weak.'The sudden cessation of Ryker's kisses left me taken aback, and as I gazed upon his face, I noticed a perplexed expression. The enigmatic nature of his thoughts and emotions left me with no choice but to release my grip and close my eyes. Little did I know that Ryker's departure was imminent.Resting my forearm on my head, I let out a deep sigh. I pressed my teeth into my lower lip. Alas, have I committed a mistake? Is it not sufficient? Perhaps, he harbors no emotions towards me, not even a hint of infatuation or reverence. With a pout, I lowered myself onto the soft mattress."Oh!" I cradled my head in my hands. "It hurts!" I collided with the pillow upon which I reclined. The annoyance factor cannot be denied. Annoyance coursed through my veins.I don't understand. Am I being too modest? I ought to have exerted myself further to entice him. Flirting with him could have led to his disinterest. The feeling of disdain overwhelms me. Tonight i
Claire's POV'Haist, if this Ryker weren't so cute, I would have made his face bleed a while ago. But his handsome face will get stained, so I can't.' I thought.My gaze shifted to Ryker, who waved to Daniel, bidding him farewell. Daniel bid us farewell and set off towards the bustling metropolis, leaving the three of us in his wake. Russell sprinted towards us. Once more, the green-eyed monster had taken hold of me, and Russell was the focus of my envy. Inhaling deeply, I furrowed my brow and reclined on the sofa bed.'Maybe Ryker doesn't like me because my body isn't as good as Russell's." Perhaps it was my body shape that failed to meet his expectations.' I thought."Are you coming on the jet ski with me?" After glancing in my direction, Ryker turned to Russell and posed a question."I don't want to," I said. "So I'll stay here.""Are you sure?" Russell posed a question to me."Yes, it is way too hot. I don't want to get sunburned." I said.Ryker's gaze met mine, yet I didn't care.
Claire's POV"I really couldn't believe that Patricia had apologized to you earlier. Why did she do it, exactly? Did a good spirit take control of her?" I uttered it softly, my voice barely above a whisper.Russell and I strolled towards the parking lot, where Ryan patiently awaited our arrival in his vehicle. Ryan invited us out."I was surprised, but I think something happened that we don't know about," Russell said. "We know her, and she is not that kind of person. Then something must have made her change her mind.""I think you're right. And Pat's behavior makes it even stranger.""I wonder who was mad enough to scare her. This person deserves our gratitude."Ryan came into our view and waved in our direction with a friendly gesture. "What on earth is he doing here?" Russell asked. Daniel stood beside his car, his hands tucked away in his pockets, his gaze fixed upon us.With a sudden burst of energy, Ryan hastened towards us and seized Russell's wrist. However, others held her be
Ryker's POV"Are you all right?"We were the subject of nonstop photography when we went onto the red carpet. I felt Claire's surprise a bit. She gave me a slight glance."Yeah, I'm fine," Claire whispered. She was surprised when I put my arm around her waist and pulled her closer, making her hold my shoulder. Her forehead was almost as high as my lips, so she looked up at me. I just stared at her."I told you I needed heels when I was with you."I stared at her. "Your height is perfect." I looked down at her lips. "A perfect height for a sweet, passionate kiss." Claire was a bit surprised."Are you teasing me, or will you seriously do it?" she asked.If I didn't like Claire, I would have responded to her flirting with me, but I knew she was kidding, so I had to stop myself, even though her jokes and teasing made me feel drawn to her."I would love to, but I have a stubborn sister, and you have a stubborn best friend who needs our help tonight, so we have to go find her." I smiled.Cl