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 drew a long, slow breath and cast a fleeting gaze toward Russell.
-
Ryker's POV
After meeting with the client, I reclined on the sofa in my office. Exhaustion and a throbbing headache assail me because I didn't get enough sleep. The family doctor has also given me a prescription for medicine, but I haven't bought it yet. Time eludes me, and the desire is absent. I want you to get a good night's sleep. My phone rang just as I closed my eyes for a moment. It rang several times before I answered, and I didn't even look to see who was calling.
"Hey, man, are you at work?"
My gaze shifted towards the illuminated screen as a voice emanated from the other end of the line. Daniel's name made me grin too.
"Dude, you're still alive! I'm at my office. Are you going to haunt me here, too?" I joked.
"I'll see you there," Daniel said, his voice muffled by the bustling background noise.
A smile graced my lips. Finally, I have someone to talk to. Daniel's absence left me feeling exceedingly bored. Four years ago, my nights were filled with adventures to bars and dating women, but that is a chapter of my life that has since closed. Frequenting social gatherings has become a less typical pastime for me recently. Daniel and I occasionally find ourselves as the sole imbibers and partners. Yet, we refrain from indulging to the extent of our past and avoid winding up at the domicile with sexual activities.
I inhaled deeply and directed my gaze toward my cell phone. Upon opening I*******m, my attention was immediately drawn to Claire's latest post. She stood atop the railings of the school building, gazing intently at the setting sun as its warm rays caressed her stunning face. The caption read, "I wish you were here," and was topped off by a heart emoji. I softly clicked the heart icon beneath the picture before closing my eyes.
-
"Sir, wake up!"
As I stirred from my sleep, a sensation akin to a gentle caress roused me from my dreams. I opened my eyes and saw my secretary standing in front of me.
"Sir, are you okay?"
I rose from my position and cradled my weary eyes. "Damn, I fell asleep. How many minutes did I sleep?"
"Well, you've been asleep for over two hours."
"What?" I glanced down at my wristwatch. "Damn. Where is Daniel?"
"Oh, he's not here yet, sir," said Tess. "Would you care for a cup of coffee, sir? Or do you feel sick? Would you care for some medicine?"
"Nay, only coffee. I'll call Daniel." I uttered it softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Without delay, Tess left, and I got my phone from the couch. I dialed Daniel's number. And he answered before the three rings.
"Where have you been, man?" I asked Daniel on the other line.
"I'm on my way, and I'm sure you'll be happy with what I'm going to say."
"Really? Be quick." I uttered. "I want to know what your gossip is about."
Daniel didn't say anything. With a satisfied grin, I ended the call.
-
Daniel arrived at my office to visit me. Initially, an invitation for coffee was extended by him, but due to my impending departure in a few hours, I declined. Consequently, Daniel made his way to my office.
"What? Did she say that?" I was stunned. Daniel recounted his encounter with Alice, a former flame with whom I had lost touch following our breakup. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of her amidst the bustling halls of the university, where she holds the esteemed position of professor. However, our paths never cross in conversation, and I need to make more effort to initiate such an encounter. Our gazes sometimes meet, yet she is often the first to avert her eyes.
"Is she still mad at me to this day? Maybe that's why Alice doesn't show up when I pick up Russell from school." A chuckle escaped my lips.
"You probably haven't moved on just yet." Daniel brought the warm ceramic mug to his lips with a delicate touch and took a small sip of the rich, aromatic coffee.
Daniel and I stood facing each other in the lounge of my office. "I have moved on, and you know it," I said.
With a contented sip of my coffee, I cast a warm smile in Daniel's direction. I'm curious if Daniel thinks I've moved on from Alice. I refrain from divulging any information regarding my peculiar sentiments towards Claire to him.
"Oh, by the way, Russell told me. She said you woke her up and scared her last night. Is it true?" I asked.
"Unfortunately, I accidentally dialed her number while shooting at the syndicates. And I mistakenly put my phone in my pocket. I don't know what happened, and I didn't do it intentionally. You know me, Ryks, when I'm in a situation like that, I don't do anything or get anyone involved." Daniel told me what had happened. A chuckle escaped my lips, for the reasoning behind his explanation eluded me.
"She was upset and told me that the next day while I was driving her to school. She was mad at you even though you worried about her." I said.
As Daniel was poised to sip his coffee, my sudden comment caught him off guard. I could see confusion and surprise on Daniel's face.
"You're both hilarious. When you argue, it's like being in a relationship." I said. With a steaming cup of coffee, I gazed intently at Daniel. "Did Russell admit it to you?"
A furrow formed between Daniel's brows as he scowled. "Confess what?"
I inhaled deeply. "Nothing. Let's go to a bar after. For several days, I have been plagued by an unrelenting sense of stress that refuses to dissipate."
Daniel laughed at me. "Stress about what? Business? You know how to run your business so well that you can do it even if you close your eyes. Or maybe about not having "release." Damn, I'm using "maryang palad" so that I can "release" even from behind the trees." Daniel said.
"There's a new "fleshlight" now, so you don't need to callus your palm just for that. Also, my stress isn't about the "release."
"Is Fleshlight better?"
A chuckle escaped my lips. "Yeah, it feels like the real thing."
"Damn it, I should have that," Daniel said. "Shall we go later?" his voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty.
A smirk graced my lips. "I'm looking for something different. Do you know about a new pub?"
"No. You know I spend more time working in the field than hanging out."
"In that case, one of my employees told me about it. They say they go to a bar where there are a lot of attractive women. We will get there later." I curved my lips upward and uttered.
"You're good at doing surveys. Why didn't you become a policeman? We could work together." chuckled Daniel.
"Haist, if I became a police officer, I'd be a headache at the academy. "You" is sufficient. I'd rather be in business than take a bullet every day." I said.
Daniel shook his head in disbelief.
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
Claire's POV"So what? Are you nervous or excited?"The day went by very quickly. It is Russell and Daniel's wedding day, and everyone is busy. It is not a church wedding. They only invited very close family and friends."You can back off, Rus," I told her. "Don't do this if you're uncomfortable and unsure about it."Russell said with irritation, "If I don't continue with this, I will ruin Daniel's life, and I can't let him go to jail and lose his job because I'm to blame.""It's Patricia's fault if she doesn't bother you.""I agreed with her. We both know that I'm to blame. I underestimated Daniel too much without knowing that everything would not be this complicated." Russell said. "And besides, our marriage is a lie. I can go home whenever I want.""What's about later? You're obliged to give him the night. After the wedding, you'll stay at his house for your honeymoon." I asked. "Are you going to give this night to him?""No! I won't. Our wedding is a fake, so why would there be a