Chapter 3 PRETENSE IS MY MIDDLE NAME

"I didn't know you were this feisty Mrs. Gold," he muttered. "Claire," I corrected. "I don't associate myself with you," I reminded.

"Fine, pretend with me for a month and I will have the company back to you," he agreed.

"I will have the contract prepared tomorrow," I said, now standing up. "I have one last thing to do," I muttered, standing up and calling May to hold a press conference.

"You said you won't announce the divorce," he warned at the entrance. "I did, but this conference has nothing to do with you," I muttered, pushing his hands off mine.

As I walk out, I grin at my sister, whose curious eyes glare at me. The redness of her cheek made me feel fulfilled.

"I should have slapped her more," I mutter. But I paused, realizing I didn't know how to drive but the old Claire did.

"Kelvin, you will be my chauffeur for the day please," I stated. "Why don't you drive yourself," Ivan called out.

"Thanks to the accident you caused, I am too scared to drive," I lied. He didn't say a word, he just watched me leave with Kelvin.

"If you want I can get you a driver ma," Kelvin said when we got in, his eyes always glancing at me from time to time.

"To my office," I mumbled, resting on my back. "I want good food," I mumbled, enjoying a five-star steak, or making dinner and sipping red wine.

"We are here," Kelvin announced, his voice waking me up. Somehow I had dosed off while thinking about food.

"Thank you, I won't waste time," I mumbled, going out to meet May, who was already waiting for me. The press conference was ready, with their cameras flashing and the media watching.

Standing on the podium, I looked into the eyes of everyone. Most of them probably hated me, thinking I wasn't deserving of her marriage with Ivan.

But now, I plan on being the villain I was painted as. "From this moment, I disown my family," I announced.

"I refuse to go by Claire Reed and refuse to associate myself with them, I am also cutting off their expenses and anyone who does business with them, in hopes of linking with me, stands alone," I further announced.

In the past, the old Claire's father was involved with illegal trade and had begged his daughter to take the fall, going ahead to blame her company without her permission. This made her lose everything, there is no way I am letting that happen to me.

The flashes increase, as they draw close to me, demanding questions. Luckily, Kelvin was there, clearing the road for me to pass.

I sighed in relief once I entered the car. "To the mall please, I need to go grocery shopping," I announced with him nodding.

He followed me into the mall, for reasons I didn't know. Using this opportunity, I took a lot of expensive red wine, raw beef and chicken, minced meat, caviar, black truffle, and a lot of expensive stuff, a lot of fruits and berries, and lastly added cup noodles, flour, and other baking things I would be needing.

My tray was full, it was the first time I was shopping without a budget. All I had to do was swipe my card, be treated as a VIP client in the mall, and be helped to carry my item to the car while I watched.

"Thank you for today, Kelvin," I warmly greeted once he brought the last thing inside. "You feel different," he noticed.

"I feel free," I corrected, handing him a glass. "Can't drink, I would be driving," he declined. "Maybe next time," he muttered to which I nodded.

I quickly began to make dinner. The sizzling noise of the steak made me happy. I also get to enjoy red wine while I cook.

Making creamy mashed potatoes to go with the medium-rare steak, while I play loud music.

I was too busy with my meal, I didn't notice the intruder until he was standing face-to-face with me. His grin as he finally got my attention and I couldn't help but scream.

"Calm down Claire," he says but then laughs. "What the hell?" I exclaimed. "You can't knock," I snapped.

"I did ring the doorbell a few times, but the music didn't make you hear it," he explained.

"And you think you are welcome to my house, If I didn't hear the doorbell you should have waited outside or probably didn't come because, in the first place, you are not welcome here," I yelled.

"You hate me that much," he muttered in disappointment. Ivan was standing in front of me, with his eyes filled with disappointment.

"Oh stop your acting, it's not like you care whether I hate you or not, which leads me to why are you here?" I demanded.

"I don't understand, we are married, can't I be here?" He asked. A little chuckle escaped my lips.

Turning off the gas, I head to my door and open it. "If you are going to say that crap, then get the fuck out of my building," I warn, pointing to the door for him to leave.

"You have changed," he muttered. "But am here for something more serious," He said, taking his seat.

"I don't remember me allowing you to seat, after all the first day we got married, you didn't let give me a bed, you made me stand till the next day in the sitting room,"

"You want to repay that?" He asked, utterly astonished. "Am not as evil or heartless as you," I replied, closing my door and heading back to the kitchen, to serve my food.

Because he was around I was forced to serve food to him, not because of anything but I remember Mia's words of always sharing, regardless of who the person is to you.

"This is beautiful," He muttered, once he had a bite. "Well I was supposed to be offered a scholarship in culinary school before I found out I had cancer, I was a good cook and always will be, irrespective of the body.

"Thank you but I didn't need your approval," I grumbled. "Why are you here, don't make me ask you again?" I said, taking a bit of my juicy steak.

"You might have to move in with me," he says, as I stare at him. "And why?" I questioned.