(Claire’s pov)“I hope you weren't busy, when I asked for this meetup” I spoke.Laura stared at the twins, her eyes never leaving them. “They are adorable,” she finally said.“Oh, am sorry, I brought them along, I couldn't just leave them alone, you don't mind,” I asked.I could see the annoyance on her face but she said nothing, picking up her drink she took a sip.“Why am I here?” Laura questioned, getting impatient.“Well, I just thought we might catch up, since we will be working together with my boyfriend it will be a good idea to get to know each other better don't you think so” I trailed in leaving her short of words.Laura's brows arched as she stared at me, I know she must be wondering why now of all time but I was curious too, why now? Why was she in Chicago of all places?“Well I wouldn't mind, since I am new here it won't hurt to make new friends” she responded giving me a forceful smile.“I never knew you had kids, you keep surprising me all the time” I smiled back, rubb

Claire’s pov“I can't believe you brought her here to my children's birthday party Matthew” I spoke, watching him.“She is our new business partner and aren't you two getting along” he questioned.Does he not know or see how much I wanted nothing to do with her, she was a snake to be weary of.I sighed, “We aren't that close Mathew, of all people should know I don't make friends that easily, I just find her strange,” I told himMathew turned and stared at Laura, who sat in the garden watching the kids. She has been quiet ever since she spoke to Jonathan. I wonder what he might have told her.I excused myself from Mathew and walked towards where she sat, taking a seat next to her.“Aren't they adorable,” she asked, her gaze not leaving them.“They are” I manage to say.“Ryan would have been 7 by now, running and playing too, calling me mommy” she added, I could see the tears gathered in her eyes.Something inside of me shifted, she sobbed, what happened, what did Jonathan say to her, I

(Claire’s pov)Walking down the sidewalk with Mia on our way to the cafeteria, I confided in her, carefully articulating my thoughts."I saw something that made me suspicious, but then I worried that maybe I overreacted and jumped to conclusions," I admitted, my voice trailing off uncertainty.Mia turned to look at me, her curiosity piqued. "So, do you regret suspecting him?" she inquired.I fell silent, contemplating Mia's question, and stopped walking altogether.“Why should I feel bad for trying to ensure I'm not dating a cheat, or for trying to prevent a potentially harmful situation?” I responded, grappling with my feelings.Mia let out a sigh and placed her hand on my shoulder. “Claire, when it comes to that aspect, I don't think Matthew fits the bill,” she reassured me.Perplexed, I raised an eyebrow at her remark. "What do you mean?" I asked as we reached the cafeteria entrance.Choosing not to elaborate further, Mia entered the cafeteria and went straight to the counter to or

(Mathew’s Pov)“And what if she does matter, will you do the needful, by getting rid of her” Laura askedI could feel the smell of alcohol and warm breath on my skin, as she spoke, her eyes held mine as if searching for the right answer.“That's up to me to decide Laura” I responded.Laura giggled. “Why are you getting angry over nothing, getting rid of her is our main target, so why are you getting pissed off” she questioned.Trying to get her arms off me, her grip tightened, and my eyes sparkled mischievously as she smiled.“Laura, you must hate me badly,” I asked.Her eyes widened, too stunned to speak, slowly she loosened her grip, moving backward as she staggered, grabbing hold of the table beside her.“Hate? That's a strong word and the wrong way to put it, I don't hate you, I wished it was your body lying in that grave not Ryan” she choked on her words, her eyes teary.Walking closer, I tried to touch her but she brushed my hands off.“I still wonder, if things would have been