Chapter 7

7

The cameras flashed just as Claire crossed the gate and came to this side to meet the waiting crowd of journalists. 

"Mrs. MacIntyre or Miss Argent? Which one do you prefer?" 

Irritated by the question, Claire forced her lips to curve. Her grin carried a hint of mockery as she faced the cameras before holding the gaze of the journalist who asked her the question.

"What should I call you- a journalist or a woman with impaired eyesight? Or rather... a brainless journalist with impaired eyesight? Which one do you prefer?"

Her Savage reply made the woman chuckle sheepishly in embarrassment. The others stared at Claire with an impressed glance as she never spoke like this before.

It seemed that the kitten had transformed her claws finally.

"Do you see this sparkling big diamond? This shows that I am married. Hence I will prefer Mrs. MacIntyre now and for the rest of my life." Someone from the mass of journalists clapped in amusement. 

The lady mouthed a small apology while another person who was impressed by savage Claire asked. 

"Mrs. MacIntyre, the world is pitying you for what happened yesterday. We clearly saw your husband walking on you with his first love. I won't ask you to share what you feel, however, everyone is eager to know what will be your decision now?" 

The question obviously shook the ground under Claire's feet. She hated being pitied. It makes one feel weak and useless.

This pity was the second reason to not think about divorce and hold onto her marriage.

Otherwise the world would laugh at her for not being satisfying enough to her husband— despite having a hot body— that he had to bring a substitute. 

"Decision? What kind of decision?" 

"Decision concerning your marriage, Mrs. MacIntyre. What will be your decision towards your marriage after yesterday's incident?" 

Claire drew out the goggles she was wearing and gave a disinterested roll to her eyes, "There are many bitches out there whoring around and trying to steal unfaithful married men from their wives. But neither Zara is a whore nor my husband is unfaithful. Stop making assumptions. We are happily together." 

"But your statement contradicts with your husband's actions, Mrs. MacIntyre. He openly kissed Zara Levine yesterday. How will you justify that?" Another journalist asked. 

"For your information, Zara is a widowed woman. Her husband passed away recently. Since she's my Hunter's ex-girlfriend, and keeping in mind how much he loved her before they separated, he got a little carried away when he saw her for the first time after two years." Claire reasoned with a careless shrug. 

She purposely spoke about Zara's marital status. So that the users on social media can create rumors and roll them around to her excitement. 

"It's not like I'm not hurt. But it was just a heated moment. My husband confessed to me and we're good now." 

Claire was about to excuse herself and leave when one last question was thrown at her. 

"Last question before you leave, Mrs MacIntyre!" 

"Okay, bring it on." 

"It was your wedding anniversary yesterday and you seemed pretty hurt after your husband left you. Is there going to be another celebration or..." 

"We rescheduled our anniversary celebration. You will get the images to see on our social media handle."

After that, she ensconced inside the cab she called and drove away.

If Claire was satisfied with lying to the journalist as a way to get back at Hunter for making her cry yesterday, here in his penthouse Hunter murdered his burrito in a tight hold.

He was watching TV with Zara when she shuffled the channels. She instantly stopped watching Claire being shown on a news channel. 

"Hunter," Zara's meek voice made him turn his head.

As his eyes observed her scared facial features, his face softened. He left the messed up burrito on the plate and turned to her.

Zara was in tears. It was pretty obvious that Claire's harsh words hit her.

"Your wife loves you so much. Why are you doing this to her because of me?" Zara sobbed like a baby.

Every sob that she expelled sent an electric shockwave through Hunter's body. He put an arm around her shoulder before twining his fingers with her hair. He joined their foreheads. Hunter refused to let go. He reveled in the soothing sensation he felt by being around Zara.

"Hunter," She touched his cheek. "Don't destroy your marriage because of me. Remember, I am the girl who left you heartbroken and married another man? I didn't even see you before leaving."

"Shhh, don't say anything." Hunter was about to kiss her on the lips that she pulled away.

Her act made his knuckles turn white and mouth twist. His blazing eyes held her immobile in her spot. 

"Go back to your wife, Hunter. I'm not worthy of your love." 

"Zara," Unable to see her trembling helplessly, Hunter engulfed her in his arms. 

She struggled to get out when he pinched her chin upwards to look in her eyes. Her innocent baby blue eyes caused his heart to skip a beat. 

"You didn't leave me, okay? You had a responsibility to fulfill as a daughter. I'm proud of you that you chose your parents over me." 

"But the world won't look at it that way, Hunter. Claire told the journalists that I'm a widow. Now they will see me as a homewrecker who's targeting her husband after killing hers."

Hunter tilted her face and smashed his lips with hers. Zara almost swooned for his kiss was dizzying. He sucked her lips passionately before pulling her closer until there was no gap between them. 

"I waited for you like a madman, Zara Levine. I'm not letting you go now I have met you. You are mine to claim." 

Zara sobbed, "It's wrong, Hunter."

"It is not." He kissed her again. "What's scaring you, baby? I am here with you." 

"I have seen a lot of things in my two years of marriage. The last thing I want to see is being called a whore who's stealing someone's husband." 

Hunter cuddled with her for a while before he decided to leave. Zara walked him to the elevator, in which, a finely built man was standing at attention, when the doors slid open. 

"See to it that Madam doesn't leave this penthouse." He ordered, causing Zara to gasp. 

"You can't keep me here locked up forever, Hunter. I have to go back to my In-laws." Hunter paused in the middle of entering the elevator to shoot spears of fury towards her. 

Zara lowered her head apprehensively, "They have no one but me." 

"You are not to leave this property, Zara Levine. I'm not letting you go this time. My words are final." Hunter spoke indignantly. 

Having entered inside the elevator, he instructed the guard to watch after Zara. 

Then before the doors closed shut, he assured her, "I will divorce Claire soon. Have faith in me."

Zara remorsefully heaved in response to his words. However, as the elevator closed and descended, she turned around with an ominous smirk cracking on her lips. She entered the kitchen to pick an apple while the security guard plopped in a chair situated near the elevator. 

Taking a bite, she laughed inwardly, 'He's still into me like a love sick puppy! You're very smart that you chose to come back to Bloomcrest, Zara. A luxurious life with a man who's wrapped around your pinky finger is waiting for you.'

Tbc...

No wonder Zara has to be like this. Why wouldn't she be after all she chose their wedding anniversary date to return 😓😓