Too Close to Be Yours

Claire -

Love, pain, and then again love. Life revolves around different phrases but mine is stuck in between them. I always believed in love but after what happened with Scarlet, I never imagined that I can, too, ever fall in love.

Ryan -

Life is nothing but memories, beautiful, sad, peaceful, exciting, and terrifying memories, see... It's all about memories. So instead of dwelling on them like crazy, let's make those memories full of memories for as long as you can so you don't have any regret in the end that you didn't live up enough.

Markus -

They said Love is the reason behind unbeatable courage and is an unknown power to conquer the world. I said to add in this quote that it is the reason behind many sins as well.

Scarlett -

Love is a feeling, an emotion that fleets forever, lighting up our world, something everyone, for sure, experiences. But I fell in love with him so deep, that he never let me stand back and see the light.

Alana -

Live life to the fullest extent that they can't recognize you when you're being all elegant and professional, leaving them wondering over and over again that how you got this high. Keep two sides, one professional and the other one crazy, and the latter should be the reserved one.

Rowan -

Except for my favourite people, I pretty much prefer fun and myself rather than stuck my ass somewhere, where I probably shouldn't be until she came and priorities changed.

Claire's father -

Balance is the most important expect of life. Once you lose your balance, it can never get back whether it's about body or life. You will be devastated for the rest of your life if you won't try to get it back.

*************

Extended Description:

Everyone has scars, past and things they are fighting for deep down within themselves. But the pain is never enough, especially when the past keeps you trapped in your soul. But life is unexpected. No one can ever know what will happen next. Any change of events can end you with a person or fate you can never imagine yourself to be with. But fate is not always blissful.

Claire was a hopeless girl, fighting and punishing herself for the sins she didn't do, meanwhile searching and avoiding love at the same time but at that moment fate decided to shower her with love and her epic love story started with Ryan being 20 minutes late.

Claire didn't know why Ryan kept on barging in her personal space, giving her comfort unknowingly but little did she had imagined the plans of her heart when the spark of love ignited between them. In their journey of life which was filled with countless damages, continuous failures and consistent trying, they finally found love which was always waiting for them to reach it.

But the more they fell for each other, the more Claire discovered life and herself and opened up to Ryan, who let her feel the love she did believe but never thought could experience. But the happiness didn't last long, the past, the outcomes came rushing in a way she never imagined them to.

It's a story of two completely different personalities, two completely different souls which were hunting the stages of emotions, bickering, painful pasts and confessions only to make themselves crave for each other. A story that continuously held them too near to each other yet so far from each other.

But will Claire ever be able to love somebody after Scarlet and Markus? Can she even face Ryan with her truth? What that truth even actually was that Ryan didn't know? But the real question was that how much could Ryan actually take?

Let's read together to find out!

*****************

Claire's P.O.V.

Later in the twenty-first year of life, ready to start twenty-second, some people would probably be studying hard to get good grades, and some people would probably be doing part-time jobs to pay their bills, hanging out with friends, having parties like crazy, experiencing different types of love relations or if you're rich, then throwing parties for your friends.

But these things were like a perk, perk which I never had. Graduating from college at 19 with two majors, business and art, because of being the daughter of the richest man in the city and officially taking over the business right after that, never made me experience those perks.

But maybe that was just an excuse to satisfy myself. Or was I really satisfied? Maybe I was lying to myself, maybe the real reason is that I never wanted that... because I always buried myself in one thing, which was revenge. Only one thing that I wanted. To find Markus, the person who killed my sister, Scarlet, in front of me and then killing him with my own hands.

But even after six years of trying, I still had no clue where he was. It seemed like he had been wiped out from the face of the earth. But I decided the opposite. I was not ready to accept the fact of him dying because no one other than me could kill him, not even he himself. I didn't wait for this long to just find him dead.

And if we talk about business, our company is related to interior designing, something that I love and proud of. I put my every inch of strength in it. This was something I was proud of and enjoyed doing but right now my investor was making me doubt this thing because I hadn't been able to convince him to not withdraw his money from the project we had been working on for five months just because he suddenly decided that working with his best friend was a better idea. And I was really about to lose my shit at him.

"Do you really think that this is some kind of joke?" I said through gritted teeth.

"I am really sorry Claire but I am going back to Italy on tomorrow's flight." Mr. Callan said, not really looking guilty over this matter at all.

"Do you think it's simple? You can't withdraw the money without giving any legal notice beforehand." I stated, barely holding any anger within me. He had been our investor for five years and was one of the most trusted people known by us but his sudden action left all of us shocked.

He stood up, his giant figure of 5'9 towering over me, too much tall for the person who was in his mid-fifties, --always wearing a suit with wrinkles prominent on his forehead and a true definition of sophistication, doing his cufflinks he said calmly;

"That's why I am compensating your loss by giving you a half amount of money invested in this hotel project." He looked at his wristwatch. "It's getting late. So now if you'll excuse me, I hope you will do great as usual in maintaining your business."

"Maintaining my business? Huh? --" I paused and chuckled humorously. "You have got to be kidding me. I can freaking sue you for this as your bribing isn't working on me." I added angrily.

He sighed loudly and said; "You are a smart individual Claire. You know nothing will happen in legal ways when I am ready to compensate for the loss. You should know by now that this is how business works Claire, isn't it?" He paused as a corner of his mouth lifted upwards.

"You are one of the best of your age in business matters Claire, --or in everything. I have never seen someone even giving a presentation with the confidence you have and sometimes it is hard to believe that you are running this huge empire of interior designing." He said as the little specks of sincerity sparkled in his eyes.

I said nothing and after that I kept quiet. This was something he had said to me on my first presentation which I gave when he signed the contract with us. He said he can't believe that I was going to be the new CEO. "Well as I am getting late and have got a lot of packing to do. I should go now. Take care." He said, ready to leave.

"Hope to see you again." He said patting my shoulder lightly and got out of my office. I sat there, watching his retreating figure until it got smaller and smaller as he got farther and then faded behind the doors of the elevator.

I sighed deeply and closed my eyes for a bit, thinking about the possibilities to save my hard work from going downhill but nothing came to mind, and just like that two weeks had already passed in utter uselessness because I still couldn't come to any decision. He owned 40 percent of the shares but even after the compensation, the loss was still there. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize Alana entering my office.

"Claire...are you okay?" Alana shouted at me with her fingers snapping in front of me.

"What...?" I asked, looking at her, dumbfounded.

"I have been calling your name for the last five minutes and you have been spaced out. Everything's okay?" She asked with concern evident on her face. I took a deep breath.

"I don't know Alana. The company is facing so many crises that I don't know what to do in this situation. I can't take a loan because it would be a long procedure after the project is finished but I also don't want to take anyone's job because I don't know what is right to do in this situation. It's quite confusing and stressful." I said rubbing my temples lightly, trying to get rid of the headache.

"Well... you don't have to worry because I guess I have a solution for your confusing state." She said, a smug smile plastered on her face. "What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"Well,... you see, Ryan Hernandez. CEO of Hernandez Enterprises seems to be interested in your company. He said if it's alright with us, we can come over to their office for a meeting." She said as she crossed her arms in front of her chest casually like having the sanest conversation. It took me a moment to digest the information she gave until the only word that could come out of my mouth was disbelief no.

I shook my head at her and only she could do was giggle. After a moment I asked suspiciously, "I mean why would a billionaire like him, wants to invest in our company?"

"Well, you see there are tabloids about him saying that he often invests in companies which go bankrupt because he loves challenging work and loves to work with different people in different areas. So, a few nights ago I happen to meet his assistant in a bar, who was awfully desperate to buy me a drink, and I told him about Callan and his deeds. He said he would talk to his boss so we exchanged numbers and last night he asked for my email address where I found a very formal letter with the vocabulary I didn't know existed in English language. So here we are. Tell me when to go." Alana finished.

I was silent again, deep in thought so she spoke again, "This will be good for the company Claire. You do know that any company would go to the fullest extent just to sign a contract with them. Even arranging a meeting with them is difficult. They freaking rank in the top 5. So I think you should definitely go for it," She said with genuine expressions on her face.

I took a deep breath. "You are a business savior, Alana Williams."

She laughed and went out saying she would arrange the meeting according to her wish and that I should now focus on the presentation to get them to sign the contract. I laughed at her hastiness. Alana has always been like that, she was my childhood friend, the only one besides dad who truly knew me, who always supported me and helped me in every matter. She was the complete opposite version of me. More outgoing, a little rebellious, always cheery and on party mode but always organized. She was the same height as me with the same chocolate hair but with grey eyes.

I closed my eyes and sighed. If they agree to invest in our company, it would be a huge turning point for my company and my career but little did I know that it would be a turning point for my life.

Slipping out of my heels, I placed my bag on the counter and poured myself a glass of water. The house was dead silent and dark, just the way I always liked my surroundings and the only source of light was the bulb in the far corner.

"You seem... different." Dad's voice echoed in the house from behind me. I turned around to face him, "How so?"

"You seem relaxed and easy."

"Well, there might be a solution to save your company after all because someone called us for a meeting," I said shrugging.

"And who that solution someone might be?" He asked leaning against the doorway of the kitchen.

"Ryan Hernandez. Alana met his assistant a few days ago and explained everything to him and then the rest happened." I explained everything to him, leaving the part where she told everything in her drunk state. His face lit up and a smile graced his lips, making wrinkles around his eyes.

"I am so proud of you two. You both are amazing." He said. His expressions were genuine and happiness evident in his eyes. There was a little pause between us until I spoke.

"Thank you, -- for everything, and also for always trusting me and supporting me. I am really, really thankful. Please know that." His eyes flickered with something unknown to me, a hint of gratefulness and guilt, which irked me. His lips were tight as he sighed.

"I know Claire. You tell me every day." He replied gently. "Now why don't you go and freshen up then help me with dinner, hm?" He waved off the topic.

"Okay. I will be right back." I said and put the glass back on the island. I grabbed my purse and heels and trudged towards my room.

********

Ryan P.O.V.

Waking up in the mornings was the thing I hated the most and that also with the massive hangover. I groaned as the loud sound of ringing started echoing in the room making me awake. I felt like my head was going to explode anytime because of the heaviness but unfortunately that stupid sound was coming from my own phone. I was laying on my stomach with one leg dangling down in the air. I shifted on my bed and groaning, I took the phone in my hands and without seeing who was at the other end, I said "Hello." groggily.

"Good Morning, Mr. Hernandez," Rowan said at the other side with sarcasm and amusement dripping in his voice.

"Why am I detecting sarcasm and amusement in your voice this early in the morning?" I asked sleepily with my eyes still closed. "Well –for amusement, I should inform you that mom would be waiting for you at breakfast with the information of you being drunk last night." He told making me groan in annoyance.

"And as for sarcasm, your good morning is not good anymore as it's 9:40. So get your ass here in 20 minutes for the meeting with Andersons. Ring any bell?" He added making me shot up from my bed.

"Yeah of course I remember the meeting. I am on my way. Be prepared." I said and hung up, not wanting him to laugh at my lie and have the satisfaction of being always right. I ran towards the bathroom to take the quickest shower, stumbling in between the blanket on my way. After the shower, I got dressed in a pair of blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. Spraying some perfume on myself, I made my way towards the main door as I combed my hair with my fingers, trying to make myself look presentable and as I was about to get near the main door, I heard my mom yelling at me;

"Ryan. Get yourself back here and eat your breakfast."

"Mom. I am getting late." I shouted back at her, whining.

"So, it's not my fault that you came home late last night –drunk." She said, emphasizing the word drunk as she wiped her hands with the tissue paper and leaned on the doorway of the kitchen, crossing her arms and glaring at me, making her look more beautiful with attitude than she already was.

"Why did that dipshit Rowan even thought of coming here? I will kill him." I said groaning as I was getting late and my headache was being more aggressive on me.

"Watch your words, young man. Don't call him that. Next time you better watch yourself before getting drunk but for now, just eat your breakfast to help with your hangover and you will be free to go." She said making me roll my eyes at her as she took Rowan's side as always. But the look on her face told me that she wouldn't budge unless I listen to her. I huffed in annoyance and took long strides towards the kitchen.

French toasts, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, casserole, and few more things were all set on the table but I grabbed the glass of orange juice and drank it all in big gulps, then I picked a sandwich and ran out of the house but not before kissing my mom on her cheeks and hearing a chuckle from my dad who was busy reading the newspaper on the table, not bothered by our bickering.

My mom was the best person in my life. Humble, generous, caring, kind, patient, and on the top, intimidating, even with her smile. She was my role model. I grew up wanting to be like her, and she made me the person I am today, and according to her, Dad handing over the business to me was the best thing that happened to me as it would keep me from dating, as she always quoted, bimbo girls.

Getting out of the house, I jumped on my bike, wore the helmet, and sped off to my office. My office was not far from my parent's house; it was just a 15 minutes ride so I didn't feel like taking a car for such a short ride and I also needed some fresh air to get rid of my hangover.

After exactly 15 minutes, I was in front of my office. Getting off of my bike, I tossed my bike keys towards my guard and ran towards the conference room. On my way my employees greeted me but I was too late to even greet them back. Upon reaching the room, the door was already open so I got inside without making a noise.

There I saw Rowan sitting on the chair and looking intensely at the girl who was rolling her eyes at him, sitting opposite to him. Another girl was sitting beside her, looking outside the window while her fingers were lightly tapping against the glass table. From her back I could only see her hair which was of chocolate color--almost the color of black, shining brightly under the sunlight coming from the window but I could also sense the authoritative vibes radiating off her.

There was a strange silence in the room and no one seemed to notice me so I cleared my throat to make my presence obvious. Everyone turned to me and then all stood up.

"Ryan, she is Miss Claire Anderson and her assistant Alana Williams." Rowan introduced us as we shook hands.

"So good to finally have you here Mr. Hernandez. We were waiting for you." Claire commented, too calmly but the sarcasm was obvious in her tone. She was staring at me with anger-filled eyes and her demeanor looked so authoritative, radiating murderous vibes off her. 'Why she is so angry? I am just 20 minutes late'. I thought to myself.

"It's nice to meet you too. Shall we start?" I asked, smiling hesitantly.

"Of Course." She said with a smile too large to be real.

"Ok. Then let's get started" I said while taking a seat on my chair as she started opening her files and started presented her ideas.

During the meeting, I was truly amazed by her. Her ideas, her passion, her style of representing everything was just screaming elegance. She was not nervous, not even the slightest but was so confident of everything she was saying. Explaining and clearing every point as a professional confirming that it was right of me to decide to invest in their work, and by investing I will be the 55 percent owner of the shareholders. And her voice, -- it was flat but demanding attention, -- soft like cotton but authoritative and intimidating at the same time.

The meeting was about an old hotel which she bought and wanted to renovate in vintage style with a modern architect. She showed different styles to decorate the hotel in slides with the addition of restaurants and casinos in different sections. The rest of the meeting went well and at last it finally the time to sign the contract.

"Are you sure you want to sign the contract in the first meeting?" Claire asked cautiously.

"Yes. We already know about your company, we have listened to your presentation and I really like the ideas you gave. So why waste another week when we know we are going to sign eventually." I replied while going through the papers, signing them at last, and putting them towards her. She looked at me strangely before looking back at the papers and sighed deeply before signing them.

"Congratulations. I will have Rowan delivered a soft copy of this contract at your office by tomorrow." I said.

She nodded. "I have been working on this project for five months and it's halfway. So don't you think we should start our work early, the better?" She suggested.

"Anytime is good with me. Next week I guess -- and I assume I will have my room ready in your office, no?" I asked cocking my head to the side. "Yes, I will have your office arranged there." She answered with no emotions on her face at all. She looked at her wristwatch and looked back at me. "Well... Now, I should get going. It's getting late." She said while getting up from her chair.

"It was nice meeting you, Ms. Anderson. I really look forward to this project being a success." I said with a smile and shook hands with her.

"Yeah, me too, and thank you for your cooperation." She said and after giving me a brief nod she went out of the room while I stared at her retreating figure.

"I didn't really expect you to sign the contract this soon. I mean you are practically the new owner of her company now and she was really cool about it." I heard Rowan commenting from beside me. "You listened to her presentation, right? That was great, and I can tell that this work will be blown up, and as for buying the shares, her company was going at loss completely, and the condition is up for her, she can repurchase her shares when the company is stable as long she let me have at least 25 percent." I replied.

"You are really planning on getting in the different business lines as well," he stated. I nodded "That's the plan but we will see how it goes."

He bobbed his head in understanding but then I suddenly remembered something. I looked at him with my eyes narrowed. "Well, you tell me. Why did you bring me to parent's house when you knew I was drunk?" I asked calmly to which he had the audacity to smirk at me.

"You know it was payback time for telling mom about Rosalie. I had to deal with her wedding excitement for a week until I lied about breaking up and then again had to listen to her tantrums for not getting married." He replied as his smirk turned into a scowl making me laugh but his glare was enough to make me put my hands up in surrender.

"I am going. Got a ton of work to do unlike you, lazy dimwit." He huffed and walked out of the room.

I sat there for some time, looking at the busy roads of New York until I got myself together and got up to go finish the paperwork. Little did I know and this meeting would not leave my life the same. It will bring both the worst and best out of me. 'So let's just wait for the next week.' I whispered to myself.

********