chapter 1

Clara Staring at my reflection, I admired the blue gown that hugged my body. Today is one of the happiest days of my life. My dad is getting married again. Ever since I lost my mum, my dad has become engrossed in his work at the office, he hardly ever paid me any attention. I don't blame him. That is his way of grieving my mum's death. He didn't come for my high school graduation, my college graduation or any other school function. So standing there, knowing that there was actually someone who brought a smile to my dad's face again made me happy. In the next few hours, I will be blessed with a new mum and a stepsister and I am really looking forward to that. I was brought out of my inner thoughts by my step-sister Juliana. "The ceremony is about to start". She stared at me through the mirror. " You look beautiful, by the way". "Thank you. You look good yourself", I replied with a smile dancing on my lips. Taking a final look at myself in the mirror, I left with Juliana. I am two years older than Juliana, but most times we behave like twins. People hardly believe that I am almost twenty-three due to my dress code. For your information, I am a shy, timid girl. I spend most of my time inside reading. But my sister Juliana, with the few days she spent at our place, I realized that she is the opposite of me, with a great fashion sense. She actually selected my clothes for this occasion because she believes that I make bad choices when it comes to clothing. Let's talk about business. I took over my father's intelligence in business. I knew every hard core in business even before the age of twenty, and am currently working for my father in his multi-million dollar company. Juliana is not so bright in business, but she is willing to learn. Dad placed her under me so that I can personally see her through in any area she finds difficult. Shaking my head to bring back my thoughts, I focused on the ceremony at hand. I watched my dad exchange vows with Katherine while I squirmed in my seat out of blatant discomfort. As much as it's my dad's wedding, I never really enjoyed parties or occasions because the only ones that Ive ever attended are just business functions where I am left alone to mingle and discuss with people who wear obvious dislikes on their faces. As if noticing my discomfort, Juliana placed her hands on mine and gave me a small squeeze. I in return gave her a small smile. A few hours later, everybody mingled and chattered in the reception hall. When I finished my speech to my dad, I sat down quietly on my seat, observing everyone. I saw my sister approach me with a handsome looking guy. Remember I told you that I am a shy girl, so when I saw the guy approaching with my sister, I decided to admire my shoes at that particular time. Even when it was pretty obvious that they were standing in front of me, I did not make any effort to raise my head. Some people call it being rude, not that I really care. "Clara, I want to introduce you to someone" my sister called out. I had no other option but to raise my head. I stood up and acknowledged them with a small smile. "This is Jake Carter my friend" she said, pointing towards the young man, "and this is my sister Clara". Jake stretched forth his hand for a handshake. " It's a pleasure to meet you Clara." Shaking his hand, I mumbled a thank you. "I must say you look more beautiful than the camera portrays." My ears and cheeks turned crimson red "thank you Jake". My sister, being a match maker, excused herself. He asked me for a dance, which I happily accepted and from that moment, I enjoyed the party to the fullest without any moment of boredom. My dad left for his honeymoon the next day with the instruction that I fill his space till he gets back. That is why I am still at the office at 9pm still trying to sort some files out. I must confess my dad is not the best when it comes to organizing his files. Okay, he's not even close to being the second best, so that makes it hard to find a particular file. The door to my office opened and Juliana walked in. "I didn't know you were still in the building". I wondered aloud "Why will I leave when you are still here?" I smiled at her. Reaching forward, I grabbed my cup of coffee to take a sip but I realized that I was out of coffee. "can you help me out with a cup of coffee pleaseee?" I pleaded with a slight pout on my lips "Sure, no problem. At least I get to help you out with something". She returned a few minutes later with two cups of hot coffee. "So what do you think about Jake?" She asked. Shrugging, "well he is handsome, funny and nice". She wiggled her brows "just that?" Now she is fishing for something else. " Yes, just that". She let out a little laughter, sitting on the empty seat close to my desk; she slowly nursed her cup of coffee. "You know he is having his birthday party next week and he told me to bring you along". I was already refuting the idea in my head " I am not in the mood for another party. Besides, Papa isn't around, so someone needs to be here to keep the business going". She peered at me from the rim of her cup "it's on a Sunday". "So?" "You don't go to work on Sunday duh" I dropped my pen, giving her my full attention. "I don't go to work on Sunday because Papa does, but he isn't around, so I am working on Sunday". She huffed "you do know that you aren't the CEO yet, right? Jesus Christ!!! This girl is a pain in my ass. " Fine, I'll go but I won't stay long". She gave me a small victory dance. I get to dress you up". I peered down at my clothes. "What is wrong with my clothing?" She rolled her eyes "your clothing sucks. She stood up and looked out the window; we should leave. It is getting dark". I concur, my eyes are already heavy and I can feel a headache slowly creeping in "sure, I'll see you at home".