The phone was vibrating silently on the bedside table and Emily Clarke saw the caller and picked it up.
“The fish is out and is heading towards your house, you better be careful. I am trying to send reinforcement as soon as possible.” After that, the call was disconnected.Emily’s body shivered but she felt a warm hand encircle around her and she heaved a sigh of relief.
“Is everything all right?” Richard Clarke whispered.“He knows everything. And has already arrived outside, we are covered from everywhere.” Emily whispered.“Hey, don’t worry everything is going to be all right. I am going to cover up outside, till the reinforcement arrives. You go and take care of Callie.” He said and he hugged her tightly as if it was their last hug. And both walked in a separate direction.
***************************************************“Callie…” she heard her mother whisper her name and she woke up from her sleep. Her mother carried her to her bedroom and made her sit on the bed and whispered.
“Callie , honey come along, we will play the game of hide and seek and you will have to hide behind the secret chamber that I had shown you that day. You are not supposed to come out till mommy comes and gets you, okay.” Her mother said excitedly.
she was fully awake now and was excited about the game, as she loved hiding when her mom and she played the hide and seek game, on the weekends and the secret chamber was a secret between her mom and herself but the main reason was, she could see everything from the peephole inside it and no one would be able to see her from outside.
“But mommy, you know I am hiding here so you will find me in no time. It will be so boring” She said unhappily.
Her mother smiled at her lovingly and hugged her, “That’s the fun for today as we will both hide and daddy will look for us. So how do you think the game is interesting?’“la la la la la, ………..that would be great” Callie sang happily. “But where is daddy?” Callie asked her mother.
“He will be with us any moment. Now quickly go and hide and don’t come out till you are told.” Her mother instructed her and made her go inside and the secret chamber and tied a gold chain around her neck. And kissed her forehead and said. “Just remember this Callie, mommy and daddy love you and Jayden and you should always listen to your brother, okay?”“Okay mommy, I will always listen to my big brother but when will he come back,” Callie said innocently.
“He will be back soon, love. Now quickly hide and don’t come out till we call you.”
Callie was excited as daddy would be searching for them. It was so much fun. It was late at night and she was surprised that mommy wanted to play a game before they slept.
She sat comfortably and looked out through the peephole on the cabinet door to see if her daddy was looking for her but she couldn’t see anything as the room’s light was very dim. She was giggling thinking he must be looking around the house for her but was not being able to find her.
The rays of the moon fell from the night sky and entered the secret chamber and it looked bright inside.
She was bored to death and thought of giving a hint to her dad about her hiding place and was about to open the door of the secret chamber when she heard a loud noise.She quickly peeped from the hole and saw that her mother was lying on the bed and she thought daddy had caught mommy and now he will find her and so she stood there quietly and looked outside eagerly.
Callie saw that her mom was lying on the bed and a man who did not look like her dad was naked and was approaching her mom. She panicked, as she saw him slapping her mom, she opened her mouth to protest but no voice came out. Then she tried to open the door, but it could not be opened. She looked at that man who was forcing himself on her mom, as she struggled fiercely not allowing him to touch her.
Then she saw her dad coming in and grabbing that man and they started fighting, hitting each other. she tried to see the face of the man but failed miserably as it was dark.
Then she saw the strange man pointing something at her dad and he staggered back and fell, she could see her mom struggling and trying to hit that man but all of a sudden even she collapsed back. She was shocked and puzzled as to what was happening and tried to shout but no voice came out of her mouth. She stared at her mom, motionless in her place.
And then she fainted.
When she woke up, she was lying on the bed and her granny and brother were sitting beside her. Jayden hugged her tightly but no sound came out of her mouth.
*********************************************************
Authors POVFourteen years later……
Hudson Ford managed a perfunctory grunt, but his gaze stayed riveted on the specs for the Clarke project and his mind was fixed in it. He glanced at his watch, as he had to go to the board room for a meeting with Jayden Clarke the CEO of Clarke group in less than ten minutes and he wanted everything fresh in his mind.
He had worked day and night putting ideas for this project, aware that it would be a great milestone for and Associates' Architecture to get a good go-ahead.
And it would be an even bigger coup for him personally to be asked to head up the team. He had done a lot of work. Using his ideas. Hudson had spent the last two months putting together plans and the public space layout for the Clarke project. High-rise hospital and condo buildings. And last week while he had been to San Francisco working on another major project, he received a call from Jayden telling him to come back as they needed to start the project soon.
Hudson’s POVJayden had left a message on my mobile phone last night while he had been flying back from San Francisco to say that he will be coming to meet me the next day to discuss the project.Which meant, I thought with a quickening excitement that they had surely won the Clarke project, as he said he wanted to discuss.He had spent long hours working up a design for the forty-story hospital building and a park for the kids to play. It would also have shops, offices and living space for the staff on the other end. And he had gone and met Jayden personally and told him about his ideas, as he wanted to be the head of architecture for the project. So he tried to keep improving and revising the general plans, as this project was started by Jayden’s Parents but had to be drooped, as they died and the project was just lying there and as soon a Jayden took over his dad’s company he proposed the idea of starting the project, it was his parent’s dream project.He sighed and went towards the window and looked at the view outside, as a chopper just passed through his window noisily. He wanted to take a break and go hiking but work had been a bigger and more tempting mountain to climb. And there had always been more peaks, bigger peaks, tougher ones. And he had realized the challenge, determined to prove himself. And to make his fortune to go with it.His family had a fortune, of course. The hotel empire that his father oversaw guaranteed that. In another family, that fortune and those connections could have paved the way for a struggling architect. But he had refused to associate with him and had his own name. In fact, he doubted whether his father even knew what he did for a living, much less had ever wanted to encourage him.His father did not even care. As he owned buildings, he did not create them. And he had no interest in my desire too.Author's P.O.VThe one time they had discussed his future, when he was eighteen Leo had said, “we can start you in the Los Angeles project I think.”And Hudson had said, “what ?”“You need to get a taste of whole business from the ground up, for when you come to work for us.” he had said as if it were given to him freely.When Hudson had said. “I am not interested.” Leo had raised his brows and given his eldest son a long disapproving stare when turned on his heels and walked out of the room.End of the discussion.Hudson would have said it was the end of the relationship, except they had not had much of one before that, either.At least Leo’s indifference had provided a wonderful incentive to do things in his way and to make his mark.Hudson’s P.O.VI was standing in my office, feeling the cool spare elegance of the surrounding, admiring the spectacular view which also happened to include over thirty buildings, my company has been responsible for creating it and I felt that surge of determination all over.I opened my portfolio and began laying out the sketches, I had done so we could jump right into things and the door burst open and my assistant informed me that Jayden’s car had already arrived downstairs. I thanked her and stood up from my place to go to the conference room.As I entered the conference room, I was met by strange indifferent glances around me, as this was my company’s conference room but many people who were involved in this project have been invited by Jayden as his base was in Budapest and he had just come here to finish up the project. So he had been using my office as a base.I acknowledged everyone as I went and took my seat.After a while my secretary walked in with Jayden Clarke and everyone looked at him with awe, as he was an extremely good-looking guy, with blue eyes, I saw my secretary looking at him with interest and I don’t blame her because Jayden was handsome.He smiled at me and after acknowledging everyone, came and sat beside me.Everyone was nervous, as they wanted to know who would be the chief architect for the Clarke project and were waiting for Jayden eagerly.Jayden looked across everyone and then spoke very clearly. “ Gentleman, as we have gathered here to officially start up the Project, which my parents had started. I would like to congratulate Mr. Hudson Ford, as I have decided to hand over the whole project to him.” He said and turned towards me and held on to my hand, before congratulating me.I was elated as this was my dream project. I could see the people around me trying to forcefully smile at me and I was least bothered, as I had worked really hard for it.“But Mr. Clarke who would be the chief architect of this project? As it a collaborated project we would like to know, with whom will we be working?” Said Mr. Mark Dawson. Who was the chairman of the F.W.N enterprise? He was a very shrewd man and was not happy with Jayden’s decision and it was evident in his face.“Well, Mr. Dawson, I was about to go there and gentleman I request you to please cooperate with each other as it is a very important project for me and I don’t want any sort of animosity amongst all of you.”Having made his point clear he continued. “This project is very close to my heart, so I have already decided that the chief architect for it will be, Callie Clarke. You must have heard about her. She is an upcoming, top-rated architect around the world and has won many awards internationally. And of course, not to mention that she is my younger sister.” He concluded proudly.“You mean to say the “Callie Clarke”, who recently won RIBA International award.” One of the board members asked curiously.“Yeah, that’s her,” Jayden confirmed. “Please wait a moment, she will come any moment, you can meet her personally and she will give you a demo of whatever she has planned.”I was a little disappointed but was happy that I had gotten the project in my pocket and it doesn’t matter who will be in charge. I had heard about Callie Clarke and was curious to meet her, as I was googling about her but there were no pictures available.Suddenly I heard the heels cracking on the floor, as someone entered the conference room. I looked up and saw those beautiful eyes and I was awestruck and shocked. I had always dreamt about this day of meeting her again but did not expect that I would meet her in these circumstances.“ Ivy !” I exclaimed softly.Authors POV As Callie Clarke entered the conference room, She walked very gracefully and all the men seated around the table turned their heads and admired her beautiful features. She had brunette hair. And she was looking very sexy in her way. She was wearing a tight-fitting knee-length skirt and a white top and had matched it with high heels. She had a perfectly shaped body. Her eyes were blue in colour and she applied red Matte lipstick, which highlighted her voluptuous lips. She smiled at everyone as she walked in and moved towards the place, where her bother was seated, only to be confronted with the deep piercing eyes of Hudson Ford, as he stared at her with astonishment. Callie Clarke's POV I was nervous when my brother told me that I had to meet the board members in the morning but I had prepared thoroughly, as I needed to finish up my parent's dream project. Jayden wanted me to head the project and I had readily agreed as I wanted to fulfill my mother's dream. As I walked
It was very late when I reached back to the hotel, where we were staying. It is one of the finest hotels in Seattle and the suite that we were staying in, was located on the topmost floor, so we had a good view of the city.My brother was very furious that I ran off from the office without informing him. Scarlett was with me, so I gestured for her to explain and ran off to my room as I knew I would be lectured again. But he was still shouting behind me.My brother is four years older than me and is very possessive about me, mainly because I cannot speak. I had that problem since I was a child. And now I am used to it.But he gets worried when I go off without informing him, as he thinks something bad might happen to me and I don’t blame him because we lost our parents when we were very young and we just had each other.I sighed heavily and slumped on the bed, as I was very tired and tried to relax, but I
Callie’s POV I was watching “The Simpsons” on N*****x and was so engrossed in it that I did not see that my phone was blinking and after an hour or so when I felt sleepy I went and snuggled under the quilt and checked my phone. I saw a new text from an unknown number. I was curious and I opened the inbox and saw that it was sent by none other than Hudson Ford. “Why are you ignoring me, Ivy? I want to meet you tomorrow; you better decide a time and venue and message me. And no, I will not hear no for an answer as we really need to talk if we must work together as a team.” Hudson had written. I read it twice and did not know what to say but I couldn’t meet him alone, as after today’s confrontation I knew I don’t have any control over my feelings whenever he’s around and I behave like a love-sick teenager. I thought for a while and decided to text him in the morning and keeping my phone aside I closed my eyes but sleep was far away, it was not coming any nearer and I tossed and turned
Harry Williams walked with quick strides and within seconds, we reached the campus dispensary where he laid me down on the bed as per doctors’ instruction and went out while the doctor checked on me. I looked at his back as he went out of the room, as I was very nervous. But when the doctor was examining me he touched my knee and I simply screamed with pain. “What happened doc?” Harry Williams came inside and asked the doctor with concern. “Oh, nothing young man, she has a slight muscle tear, so when I touched it must have been painful for her to bear. So, that’s why.” The doctor smiled, while he looked at me and spoke. “your girlfriend screamed out of her senses. I looked at the doctor helplessly, gesturing to him that I was not his girlfriend. “Is there anything serious doc?” Harry asked when he saw the painful expression on my face. “Nothing much to worry about, I am giving her some medicine, she will be fine by tomorrow and the pain will subside but she needs to come for phys
“Her bruises are looking better today but when my assistant touched her leg while doing her physiotherapy, I could see that she had a slight pain. Give it some time it will heal young man. You need to take care of your girlfriend, as she cannot give pressure on her leg. ” Dr. Jonas was instructing Harry, as If he was my boyfriend.I really needed to clear that or it would spread around the university. I finished with my physiotherapy and walked inside smiling at them.Harry looked at me and frowned and said. “Don’t worry doc, I will take care of her and bring her to your clinic every day, till she recovers. Thank you for your time. We should be leaving.” He turned towards me and held my hand.I gulped my saliva nervously and wrote on the pad that I was carrying and showed it to Harry.“I want to talk to the doctor about something important can you give me just five minutes.”He looked at me
Frozen at the spot I watched him disappear. What exactly did happen? Did Harry Williams just kiss me or Was I just hallucinating? I sighed deeply and prepared the coffee to check my senses, as my heart was hammering against my chest because of his kisses.I had been a silent observer of Harry Williams, since the time he had come to do his masters last year and this year being my last year of college, we had shifted to the senior block, where I get to see him every day, as our classes are on the same floor.I shook myself and after preparing the coffee, I limped and sat down on the sofa comfortably and relaxed.I tried to enjoy the brew and distracted myself from all the emotional turmoil that was going on in my mind. But basically I was just punishing myself with a strong cup of coffee, which was getting on my nerves and I choked.Just then Scarlett entered the flat and was horrified to find me choking and immediately grabbed a c
I was speechless and just smiled at him nervously.He started the car and we drove to the clinic.After I was done with my physiotherapy the doctor gave me a thumbs up and said I can go for my classes but I should not dance around as I have just recovered.We thanked the doctor and I don't know for some reason he held my arm in a firm grip, while we walked towards his car.I knew it would be futile to fight with him as he was looking very determined.He made me sit inside the car and started driving but after a while, I noticed that we were near the university gate.I looked at him for answers but he was ignoring me.I grabbed his arm and shook him violently, urging him to drive me back to my apartment.“Can you chill for some time; I am just taking you for late lunch, as I was feeling hungry but I am very disappointed in you. You are so ungrateful; you don’t want to accompany for a simple lunc
We were driving back to the university both of us engrossed in our world. I was too shy and scared to be all alone with him but he was so dominating that I couldn't refuse him. I watched him very closely while he was driving. His hand on the steering wheel. He was focused on his driving so I got plenty of time to observe him. He was a very good-looking man his figure-hugging t-shirt showed off his excellent figure and his whole body exuded unattainability. All of a sudden the car jerked and I observed that we had reached my apartment. I was about to get down but one hand caught me and pulled me towards him holding me prisoner. He was looking at me intensely. “Kiss your boyfriend goodnight.” He whispered. I looked at him with confusion and his forceful lips landed on mine and kissed me ruthlessly. He took my face into his hands and looking into my eyes for a second he closed his lips over mine. Nobody had ever kissed me like that before, nobody but him. I was so weak that I coul