Fire and Ice

"What! Why would you want to do that to your own sister for crying out loud. What did she ever do to you Claudia? All she's ever done is love you and treat you like a princess and this is your idea of 'thank you'? Christ you're one heartless human being." Nick yelled out Claudia.

"Umm hello Nick, whose side are you on? Need I remind you am your girlfriend here not my sister. And you're making it sound like I said I wanted to kill her, chop her into a thousand pieces and flush her down the toilet jeez!" Claudia snorted.

Nick stood there completely fazed by what his girlfriend just said. He wondered why she had so much hatred, jealousy and envy for her own blood sister, her only sister who loved more than life itself.

Claudia and Miranda Cooper were just like any typical sisters growing up but things started to change when they grew older. Claudia started being hostile towards her sister. Their parents did really take it to heart until Claudia almost burnt her sister alive when she was only ten years old.

Claudia was a beautiful girl with beautiful brownish gold short hair that glowed under the sunlight and beautiful brown eyes with thick lushes.Mostly people said her hair looked like flames of fire.

Miranda was not any less better looking than her sister. She had beautiful long dark hair that complimented her bright blue eyes. Her eyes were so clear that looking into them made one feel as if they could see Miranda's soul! Miranda had a pair of long beautiful slender legs that made her look like a super model.

Despite the fact that Claudia was three years younger than Miranda, she was very hot tempered and feisty. Most times Miranda went crying to her parents because her sister beat her up or tried to strangle her. She was mostly at a disadvantage because of her calm and loving nature,she could never bring herself to hurt her little sister but Claudia felt otherwise.

Because of Miranda's good nature she automatically became liked by everyone around her. She was a very smart child hence life was much easier for her compared to her sister who got in trouble every chance she got.

There parents hoped that Claudia would change but she only got worse so they decided to separate them by sending them to different boarding schools.

Miranda being the older one,graduated from high school first and went straight into university and started studying Accounts because she was very good at mathematics.

When Miranda was in her second year of university, Claudia graduated from high school but decided that she wanted to start a business instead of wasting her time in university like her sister. Her parents did not object her and told her that they would give her some capital to start with as soon as she told them what she wanted to venture into.

After four years Miranda graduated from university as the top student in her class so finding a job was very easy for her. A month after graduating she was offered a job by Venus company as the head of accounts and she accepted the offer.

Meanwhile, Claudia was running her own fashion store.Though it wasn't really big it was enough to give her a comfortable life.

When Claudia learnt that her sister was back she didn't like it at all. So she vowed to make her sister suffer until she left her life for good!

"Oh my little baby sister is here! How are Clauds? I missed you so much." Miranda ran to hug her sister when she entered their parents' house where they were having a reunion dinner but Claudia just pushed her away and started yelling at her " Aah hello haven't you ever heard of coronavirus? You do not where I have been neither do I know where you've been and I thought I told you to stop calling me Clauds that's a very stupid name. Plus don't ever call me little, ever! Am a twenty three year old lady ain't nothing little about me. Now if you'll excuse me 'sister' I have better things to do. Rubbish! "Claudia hissed at she walked away from her sister but Miranda held her hand and asked her what that was all about . Claudia yanked her hand out her sister's grip but Miranda pulled her back again and said" excuse me young lady am talking to you is that any way to treat your elder sister? What is wrong with you why do hate me so much? All I do is love you but all you do is hurt me. What did I ever do to you? What!? "

" Well madam if must know I can talk to you however I feel like you're not the boss of me no one is! And if really want to know why I hate you I will gladly tell you why. You have always had it better than me first our parents have always loved you more, you went to the best school while I was sent to that hellhole as if that is not enough everyone in the family always praises you for being all so holy are humble but I am always being labeled as the black sheep of the family. Everyone compares me to you and tells me how I should like you well newsflash sister I don't ever want to be like you, so why don't you go shove that goody attitude up your 'perfect' ass because I don't give a shit about it. Now move! " Claudia growled at her sister who just stood there completely dumbstruck.

Miranda decided to leave the house so she went to say goodbye to her parents"mom, dad I am afraid I have to leave, something came up at work. I'll see you later." But before she could leave her mother broke out tears "why can't I just have both my daughters with me at the same time? All I wanted was for us to have a peaceful dinner like old times but looks like that will only be a distant memory." "Oh mom please don't start, you know my schedule is very tight and I promise to come visit you guys as soon as I get some free time." Miranda told her mom who was now weeping bitterly.

Their father said to Miranda "sweetie why do want to go, I mean you just got here and don't you want to spend more time with your little sister you guys haven't met in four whole years. Please sweetie reconsider.

"Fine dad I will stay but not for long and mom you can stop crying now okay." Miranda replied.

"Thanks honey now let's all sit down and eat before the food gets cold" their mother said happily though still hiccuping.

They all sat down and eat and chatted happily, all except of course Claudia who barely touched her food. After eating the girls cleared the table and helped wash the dishes. After that, Claudia said she had to go see a friend who wanted to buy some clothes from her. So Claudia said goodbye to her mom and dad but completely ignored her sister like she wasn't even there

After Claudia left their father asked Miranda if they were fighting again. "Dad you know very well that I don't like fighting with my sister but looks like she enjoys doing it. I don't know what to do anymore because am getting tired of her attitude towards me. I don't know why she hates me so much. I thought things would get better when we grew up but things just got worse aaah! I don't know what I ever did to her" Miranda said helplessly.

Her mother said" don't worry love everything will be alright she's just immature. Don't let her worry you."

" Okay mom and dad I'll run along now see you later." Miranda kissed her parents goodbye and drove off to her apartment.

When she got home she decided to check on her best friend Becky so she picked up her phone and called her.

" Hey Becky girl how are you doing I didn't see you at work today what happened?" Miranda said. " Hey love unfortunately I woke up with a terrible headache so I couldn't come to work today. How about we meet at a restaurant so we can talk more and you can tell me what happened today at work." Becky replied from the other end of the line.

" Okay text me the address and I'll be there in 30 minutes.see you later bye" Miranda hung up and started getting ready to go and meet her friend.

At 7:30pm Miranda was standing outside their favorite restaurant, Lu's Chinese restaurant. She couldn't help but smile. Becky and her both always loved Chinese food and ever since they came across Lu's Chinese restaurant when they were only eighteen,they vowed to always go there for there Chinese food.

" Over hear!" Becky waved at her friend. "I have already ordered the food, kung Pao chicken and fried rice for me and dumplings and Hot pot for you so sit down and tell me what I missed.

" Well nothing really happened at work but something happened at my parents house. It was Claudia. "

" What did your maniac sister do this time around? "Becky asked.

" Hey she's not a maniac don't say that about my sister. She's just a bit immature and stubborn but not crazy. And she didn't do anything outrageous she told me that she hates me and that I should go to hell. " Miranda said.

Becky said" okay but that is nothing new I mean she's been telling you all her life that she hates you and proved her hatred on several occasions. "I know but I ! her head low.

"Oh please don't tell me you want to start crying because of your sister again. Girl, don't let her get to you okay. Tell you what I think you should start putting her in her place because I think she behaves like that towards you because she knows you're a saint and won't retaliate. But I think it's time you showed her who is older between you guys for God's sake she's three years younger than you yet you act like the younger one. You need to step up and demand the respect you deserve" Becky said." Whatever Becky let's just enjoy our food. "Miranda replied.

After that the two ladies drove to there respective homes.

Claudia stood in front of the door not sure whether to knock or to just budge in without knocking. She settled for the former.

After two knocks the door was opened by a tall handsome man,he had hazel eyes and blonde hair that was neatly trimmed. His beard was also smartly trimmed giving him a more manly look. His shoulders were broad and his chest was wide and mascular.His arms were thick that his white tee looked like it was about get ripped. He had a mischievous grin that exposed part of his perfect white teeth.

"Hey babe, missed you so much." Nick said as he pulled Claudia in for a hug,his voice deep and low.

"I missed you too and why are all dressed up?" "I wanted to go out with the Ken and Eric but now that you're here I think they'll have to go without me" Nick said and kissed Claudia passionately until they were both out of breath. Claudia felt weak in her kness so Nick carried her like a princess and lay her gently on the couch in the living room.

"What would like to eat or drink?" He asked after laying her down. "I want some fries and pizza with a coke. " Claudia replied

"Okay then let just order that right away."Nick said and quickly ordered a larger pizza,a liter of coke and two packs of fries .

" So um babe what brings you here this time you rarely visit me after 8pm." He asked . "Well, my sister is back and I needed to get her filthy image out of my head . The Lord knows how much I hate her. Anyway am not here to talk about her. I just want to spend time with you, thinking about nothing but you." She replied. " Um okay if you say so baby. Now how about I help you relax" Nick said in his seductive voice and kisses rained down on Claudia's body. After there passionate moment, Claudia and Nick ate there food and went to bed afterwards.

Early the next morning, Claudia went to her apartment and called her assistant"Hello, Lucy are you already at work?" "No ma'am but am on my way there I just got stuck in traffic." Lucy replied humbly ." Okay, just wanted to tell you that am not coming to the store today so take care of everything and send me a report when you knock off." "Alright ma'am I will do that." After hunging up Claudia went to take a bath. After that she decided to pay her sister a surprise visit and of course to make trouble.

When she arrived at Venus she demanded to see her sister but was not allowed to go in because she did not have an appointment and Miranda was in a meeting but she just walked past the secretary and went straight into Miranda's office without knocking. "Miranda I have to talk to you now!" Claudia demanded." "Claudia!am in a meeting please, can't it wait? Just give me an hour and we will discuss whatever it is you want to talk about please." Miranda pleaded " Fine since you're busy I will just make things easier for you. I want some money five thousand dollars to be exact. Send it to me now then you can go back to your lame meeting."Claudia said."How about I give you ten thousand dollars as soon as am done with this meeting just please leave." "Fine a minute late and you double the amount, bye!" Claudia said and banged the door behind her.

"Miss Cooper what was that.Do you not know where to sort out your family issues?" one of the board members shouted angrily

Miranda shrieked in her chair" ple... please sir forgive me I had no idea that my sister was going to come here am really sorry" she said with embarrassement written all over her face.

The meeting continued but because of the disturbance,the meeting ended later than it was suppose to. After the meeting Miranda went to her office, completely frustrated. The company almost lost a big contract because of her sister." Knock knock, Miranda are you okay?" Becky asked her. " Becky I don't know what am going to do with my sister anymore, she keeps making me more and more frustrated." " That is because you tolerate her I told to put her in her rightful place or she will just keep walking all over you trust me." "Whatever, let me just send her the money she asked for before all hell breaks loose." "But that is alot of money she asked for what will you use this month?"Becky asked. " I will just have to manage Becky. Plus am sure she needs it more than me." Miranda said.

Later at night Miranda went to visit her sister and ask her why she had created a scene at her workplace. When she arrived at Miranda's apartment the lights were off and the house was awfully quiet so she thought her sister was still at her shop and decided to wait for her. After a few minutes Claudia drove in and parked her car in the garage, completely ignoring Miranda who was now standing outside her car. Claudia walked past her sister, unlocked her front door and went inside her house. Miranda went in after her and sat down in the living room as she awaited her sister who was now taking a shower. After an hour Claudia came down from her bedroom. "What do you want Miranda?" She asked lazily. "Really! You're not even going to say 'thank you'? Anyway that is not why am here. Why did you do that today? Do you know that we almost lost a huge contract because of your craziness. This should be the very first and last time you ever do something like that. Whenever you get into your psycho state and feel like vexing me then you should wait for at my place. Then when I get there you can throw your tautrums and exhibit your madness but please don't ever bring it to my workplace. Am running low on patience, SISTER!" Miranda warned." Oh is that a threat? You are threatening me? Hahaha this is a big joke. I thought you didn't crack jokes but looks like I was wrong. Now listen to me you piece of trash, I will do what I want whenever and wherever,if you have a problem with it then go bury yourself! Hahaha. Now get the hell out my house before I murder you, Bitch!" Claudia said fiercely. Miranda stood up and said" don't say I did not warn you Claudia."

After her sister left, Claudia was a bit fazed by her sister's reaction." When did she start to grow wings? I cannot believe she actually threatened me, in my own bloody house. Damn! This is not good at all I need to do something I cannot let her feel superior, I will not let her walk all over me. I should be the one to trample all over her not the other way around. I know Miranda too well, she could have never had the courage to show up here unless, someone is pushing her to do it!" Claudia hissed

After two years Miranda had saved enough money and opened her own private insurance company. Because of her knowledge in this type of business, she easily found good investors and within six months her company was among the top five insurance companies in the California!

Claudia's shop wasn't doing bad either, she even managed to open another branch San Diego. Miranda's success made Claudia hate her even more than before because of envy and jealous. On Thanksgiving, Miranda invited her family and friends to have a Thanksgiving dinner at her new mansion.

"Thank you all for coming here today. I really appreciate all your help in the past months. You all were there for me through all my ups and downs I am really grateful for everything. Mom and dad thank you for your support all this time I love you both . And Claudia my only precious sister, even though we barely get along I want you to know that I love you so much and I hope one day we will be the best of friends. And of course Becky, my best friend, you're like a sister to me and really thankful for all the times you pushed me beyond my limits I love you girl. Now let us all toast to long life good health and happiness!"Miranda said happily. "Cheers " everyone shouted happily. At this point Claudia was burning with fury so she left before the dinner was over. Miranda went outside and sat down near the pool. Her mother came to her and said " baby girl are you alright?" "Yes Mom I am okay I am just getting some fresh air." "Dear, I have been meaning to ask you something I hope you won't get upset though" her mother said calmly. " I won't I promise what is it" she replied." Dear you have a successful company a happy family and I was thinking maybe it is time you found yourself a good man and start your own family. Need I remind you love,you are not getting any younger and I want to see my grandbabies." "Oh mom don't worry you will see your grand kids I promise you that okay." Miranda said and hugged her mom tightly. Claudia went to see Nick and when she arrived at his house they had a few drinks. Claudia asked Nick if he loved her as much as she did." Why are you even asking me that baby you know I love you more than the air I breathe." Nick said softly. " It's just that I feel like you're the only one who I have in this whole world. My parents have always loved my sister more than me and sometimes I just feel alone." Claudia said with tears in her eyes. Nick hugged her tightly and they stayed like that for a long time then Claudia jerked up and said " I got it, yes, I got it!" " What is it ?" Nick asked confused." I know how to bring my bitch sister down and get everything she has." Claudia said with an evil smirk. "What! Why? how? Nick asked completely shocked. " I am going to get everything Miranda is so proud of because I am the one who deserves it and all that she has is mine since we are sisters.So am just getting was is rightfully mine, just in advance ." Claudia said proudly." Really? How exactly are going to do that? You think your sister will hand you everything she worked very hard for on a silver plate all in the name of family and why do you want to ruin your sister? It is not like she offended you or something plus she has what she has today because she worked hard for it all. Why do you want to reap someone else's fruits of hard labour? Claudia why would you ever want to do that to your own sister for crying out loud? What has she ever done to you. All she has ever done is love you and this is your idea of 'thank you'? Christ you're one heartless human being. "

" Shut up Nick I don't what one of your stupid lectures right now and whose side are you on? Need I remind you you are my boyfriend not my sister's okay. And you are making it seem like like l said I wanted to kill her,chop her into a thousand pieces and flush her down the toilet jeez. Claudia snorted. Nick stood there completely dumbstruck. Then he said" so you think your sister will just give you everything just like that. " No she will not but I have a plan." Claudia said.

Three weeks after the Thanksgiving dinner, Mrs Cooper died of a heart attack. Miranda was completely devastated. She cried so much until her eyes were swollen to an extent where her vision was blurry. She felt bad that she did not keep the promise she made to her mother. Her mother died without having the chance to see her grandchildren. Her dad tried to comfort her but she still wept bitterly. Claudia was equally broken but was even more hurt by the fact that their father consoled Miranda more than her. But the truth was that Miranda needed him more than her because she was more attached to her mother than Claudia ever was. Claudia blinded by hatred and jealousy vowed to make her sister suffer until she begged for death.

A month after the death of their mother both ladies went back to there normal lives even though they were not really over the death of their mother. One morning, when Miranda was busy signing documents her assistant Clara came in and told her that some one wanted to see her. "Who is it Clara?" "I do not know president,but he said it was important" " He?" Miranda asked " yes president" Clara answered . " Okay let him in." A few moments later,a tall handsome English man entered her office. His hazel eyes were very mesmerizing and his blonde hair was smartly trimmed. His lips were full and inviting. His skin was tanned and smooth. His body was thick and mascular. There was only one word for him, heavenly.

"Good morning president Cooper," he said in his seductive British accent and kissed the top of her hand. "My name is Nickolas Michelson." "You're welcome Mr Michelson please take a sit. How can I help you sir?" Miranda asked.

" Thank you and please just call me Nick the formalities make me feel unwelcome. And am actually here to help us both, I want to invest in your company president." He said .

" Which company are you from Mr... um Nick?" " Am from QT cooperation." He responded. Miranda slightly frowned " QT cooperation huh, I don't believe I have heard of it,where is it located?" Nick smiled and said" well it is in England so maybe that is why you do not know it. You can look it up if you are having doubts." Miranda smiled lightly and said " Alright let me just gather some information about you and then I will discuss your proposal with the board members I will get back to you tomorrow morning. Now just give me your contact details and I communicate with you as soon as I can."

Nick wrote down his contact information and address and as he stood up to leave he said" I am looking forward to working with you miss beautiful." As soon as he walked out of her office Miranda smiled to herself and let out a deep breath. She somehow found her self thinking about Mr Nickolas Michelson . She imagined how kissing him or being carried in his strong arms would feel like. "I bet it feels like paradise" she mumbled to herself. She snapped out of her daydream and started to look him up. QT was indeed a company in England but she could not find his name anywhere in the company's information and was still wondering why he came all the way from England to invest i her particular company. So she decided to give him a call.

When Nick saw her name pop up on his screen he smiled knowing why she was calling. He decided to pretend like he did not know who was on the other side of the line." Hello who is this please?" " Good evening Mr Michelson, it's Miranda I wanted to ask you a few questions about your company. Is it fine if we meet somewhere?" Miranda said. " Oh miss Cooper sorry for not recognizing your number and I don't mind meeting with you but currently am home and am not feeling too well I think I might have migraines. So I don't know if you can come over at my house and we can talk here." Nick said in a calm but serious tone. Miranda was a bit uncomfortable with the idea of being in a man's house but she convicted herself that she was doing this for her baby ( that is what she called her company) "Alright then I will be there at seven pm." After hanging up the phone she went back to what she was doing. At six pm Miranda knocked off from work.

After putting Nick's address into the GPS of her car she drove off. When she arrived at his outside his house, she packed her car on the street and went to his door and knocked. " Please come in!" Nick yelled from inside. Miranda slowly opened the door and let herself in. She sat down on the couch and waited for Nick. He came down buttoning his shirt and Miranda got to see half of his broad chest she found herself staring at him with her mouth open. He stopped buttoning his shirt when he saw Miranda mouth watering over his body. Miranda closed her eyes and tried to stabilize her breathing. Nick came down and sat opposite her, giving her a front role view to his amazing body. Miranda cursed inside. "So miss Coop..." Miranda please." She quickly cut him. Nick smiled and said" Alright, so what do you want to know, Miranda?" Obviously stressing ' Miranda'. " Um I... I well I wanted to know why your name is not among the company's information and." Miranda struggled to talk." Oh yes, sorry I forgot to mention that I am new in the company so that is why you could not find my name there . But I can assure you that by the end of this month my name will be there." Nick said apologetically. " Alright then one more thing, how much do you want to want to invest in my company and why did you come all the way here to invest in my company. " I want to invest a million dollars and because you are beautiful." Miranda's cheeks burnt red " What? You want to invest all that money in my company because of me?" Nick stood up from his seat and leaned down closer to Miranda, so close that if any of them moved then there lips would collide and whispered in a low deep husky voice " Yes, why are you so surprised?" Miranda subconsciously licked her lips. Nick growled at the gesture and said " please don't do that again it's driving me crazy." Miranda covered her face with her hands. Nick stood up straight and said " Sorry miss Cooper, I am behaving unprofessional right now and I didn't even ask you if you wanted anything. Damn, these migraines are driving me nuts.

Miranda quickly stood up and said "I have to go now thank for your time Mr Michelson I will keep in touch." Afterwards she walked out of the house without waiting for a response.

When she got into her car she took some deep breaths. " What is wrong with me why am I behaving like this. This is not good I need to stop this before it affects my decision making." Claudia said while looking in the mirror. She still could not understand why she was acting like that. After five to ten minutes, Miranda drove home and as soon as she arrived she went straight into the bathroom and afterwards went to sleep