On what should have been the happiest day of her life, Claire Williams,worried her groom hadn't showed up, walked to the grand entrance made for her. Her heart was pounding as the seconds ticked by. But when the car finally arrived, it wasn't her groom, Kendrick, but her pregnant best friend, Anna, who walked with a triumphant smile, revealing Kendrick's betrayal. In an instant she felt her feet sinking into the ground as she struggled to breathe, how would she ever trust again? And most of all how could she rebuild her life from this unexpected ruin?
Chapter 1 The invitation
the invitation
The soft hum of traffic outside was the only sound in the luxurious penthouse where Anna and Claire sat facing each other. Anna's extravagant lifestyle was a visible contrast to Claire's modest one. The room was filled with the scent of fresh flowers, and the golden glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Claire's focus was solely on her best friend, Anna, who was busy trying to convince her to attend the party of the year.
Claire, you have to come with me tonight, Anna insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She tossed a lock of her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder, a gesture that seemed to emphasize the difference between them. Everyone who's anyone is going to be there.
Claire shook her head, frowning. Anna, you know I'm not comfortable at those kinds of events. I wouldn't fit in. I'd be mistaken for a maid..
Anna sighed dramatically. Nonsense! You're beautiful, Claire, and you have more grace and charm than half the people who'll be at that party. Besides, she leaned in closer, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, it's for Kendrick Harold. You know, the Kendrick Harold? His father is the Harold Enterprises' magnate.
The party is to welcome him back after years of traveling. This is a huge deal. Remember you promised to attend the party with me, Anna raised a brow supporting her statement.
Claire felt a pang of discomfort. Kendrick Harold was a name she had only seen in tabloids and business magazines. The son of one of the wealthiest men in the country, he was the epitome of everything she felt she was not. Claire was a photographer who abandoned her dreams for the sake of keeping her only family business running, leading a quiet, simple life. The thought of mingling with the elite was terrifying.
I don't think I can do it, Anna,Claire said softly. I appreciate the offer, but it's just not my kind of place. I promise to make it to a more simpler event . Claire bow her head hoping Anna would wave it off.
Anna wasn't ready to give up. She stood up abruptly, pulling Claire to her feet and dragging her towards the bedroom. You're coming, and that's final! I won't take no for an answer.
Before Claire could protest, Anna had already started rummaging through her closet, pulling out dresses that looked as if they belonged on runways rather than in a wardrobe. Claire watched helplessly as Anna held up gown after gown, each more dazzling than the last.
This one! Anna finally said, holding up a stunning emerald green dress. It was a floor-length satin gown with a plunging neckline and a slit that ran daringly high up one leg. This will be perfect on you, Claire. It will bring out the color of your eyes.
Claire stared at the dress, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. Anna, I can't wear that! It's way too... sophisticated.
Anna grinned, shaking her head.
You can, and you will. Just trust me. She said and lay down the dress gently on the bed.
An hour later, Claire found herself standing in front of a full-length mirror, unable to recognize the woman staring back at her.
The emerald dress fit her like a glove, accentuating her curves in all the right places. Anna had styled her hair into loose waves that cascaded down her shoulders, and her makeup was soft yet elegant. The finishing touch was a set of diamond earrings and a matching necklace pieces that Claire knew must have cost a fortune.
Anna, I can't wear this jewelry, this is too much, Claire whispered, her fingers lightly touching the necklace.
It's not too much; it's perfect, Anna replied, smiling warmly. You look like a goddess.
Despite the compliments, Claire still felt out of place. She wasn't used to wearing such expensive things, and she feared that everyone at the party would see her as a an imposter. But Anna was determined, and soon, they were on their way to the grand ballroom where the event was being held.
The venue was breathtaking. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Waiters in tuxedos carried trays of champagne, and the air was filled with the murmur of polite conversation and the soft notes of a live orchestra.
Claire clung to Anna's arm as they made their way inside, her heart racing with nerves. The weather was chill but Claire could feel sweats trickling down from her temple.
As they walked through the crowd, Claire could feel eyes on her. She was aware of the weight of the necklace around her neck and the way the gown seemed to flow with every step she took. Anna led her confidently through the sea of people, greeting various guests with ease. Claire tried to smile and nod along, but her mind was elsewhere.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw him, Kendrick Harold. He was even more handsome in person, with dark hair slicked back and a chiseled jawline. His suit was perfectly tailored, and he had an air of confidence about him that was impossible to ignore. Claire felt her stomach do a flip as their eyes met across the room.
To her surprise, Kendrick excused himself from the group he was talking to and started making his way toward her. Anna noticed too, and nudged Claire playfully. There comes the almighty temptation, she whispered.
Claire's throat went dry as Kendrick approached. He smiled warmly, his eyes fixed on her. She could see him in a closer range and she noticed his striking blue eyes.
Good evening ladies! he said, his voice senorous. He hugged Anna giving her a warm smile.
"I don't believe we've met. His eyes on Claire. I'm Kendrick.
Claire, she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Claire. You look stunning tonight.
Thank you, she managed to say, feeling her cheeks flush. She glanced at Anna, who gave a warm smile and a nudge.
Kendrick didn't seem to notice the exchange. He was entirely focused on Claire, asking her questions about herself, and seeming genuinely interested in her answers. Claire found herself relaxing, and for the first time that night, she began to enjoy herself.
As they chatted, neither of them noticed the older woman watching them from across the room.
Mrs Harold, Kendrick's mother, had been observing the entire interaction with great interest. She was a woman of sharp instincts, and she could tell when someone was genuine and when they weren't. But there was something about Claire that intrigued her, something that made her want to know more.