Clara's perspective:
I remembered the story of Cinderella. It has always been my favorite since I was a child. Little did I know that it would soon become my reality. However, unlike Cinderella, my story does not seem to have a happy ending anytime soon.
The main difference between Cinderella and me is that I am fully aware of the reasons behind my suffering. Moreover, we are a wealthy family, for which I am grateful. I do not have to perform all the household tasks. But is this life any easier than what I am currently enduring? Living here without any dignity is a struggle that I face every single day.
"Sister, did Grandma scold you again?" Paxton inquired, holding my hand. He is remarkably mature for his age. One of the reasons I endure everything here is because of my brother. He is too precious to me and I can do anything to save him from these people.
"She can keep trying, but I will not give her the satisfaction of breaking me," I reassured Paxton, planting a kiss on his forehead as he shyly smiled. He truly is adorable.
“Why don’t you share this with Father? I am sure he will teach her a good lesson.” Paxton said in a sad tone.
Father's love for me was undeniably doubtful. However, his question about why I didn't share everything with him brought back painful memories. The day when I lost my lovable father forever.
Flashback
Long before Paxton entered my life, a traumatic incident occurred.
"Dad, I'm telling the truth. Grandma did it on purpose," I sobbed as I showed him the burn marks on my legs. I was barely 6 years old at that time.
"Master, I didn't do this. I promise. Baby Clara fell on her own. I tried to save her and even injured my hands," Elena, the elderly head housekeeper, spoke with fear evident in her trembling voice. However, she would occasionally glare at me, sending shivers down my spine.
"Dad, she's lying." I received a scorching slap across my face. My father, who had always been the best dad in the world to me, not only believed that I was lying but also punished me for something I did not know of. I felt utterly betrayed.
"I can see that you've started lying to me. All of this is because of your mother," my father screamed and my mom intervened to defend me. But I could not take my eyes off my dad, unable to comprehend what had just happened. While my mom embraced me, I no longer shed tears. I witnessed the lady's victorious smile.
Was it her plan all along? But was it really her fault? Not at all. It was my mistake to trust my dad.
The flashback came to an end.
That marked the final day I referred to him as my father. However, in the days that followed, I limited my conversations with him to only necessary matters. I refuse to dwell on the countless events that led to the disintegration of my family. I have no desire to shed tears over the past. My focus has always been on creating a brighter future. I am well aware of the steps I need to take in order to distance myself from these individuals.
"Remember, power and status are the only means by which we can protect ourselves from malevolent individuals. Learn while you are young, and apply that knowledge when the time is right." I consistently impart these teachings to Paxton. Although he is still young, I do not wish for him to remain small forever. I want him to grow strong swiftly.
I descended from the room, eager to escape this torment even if only for a brief respite.
"Clara, have your breakfast, my dear," I am accustomed to this charade. I glanced at the familiar elderly woman.
"No, I am not hungry," I replied, determined to leave the premises as soon as possible. I feel suffocated in this environment.
"Do not direct your anger towards the food, my dear," Elena said with a smile, while Ron Taylor, my father glared at me with fury. He despises it whenever I show disrespect to anyone within this family.
"They have prepared food for you as well. Do not create a scene every day," Mr. Taylor shouted at me. His tone made me recoil, but I silently approached the table and took a seat.
"You always enjoy pasta, don't you?" Elena served me a steaming plate of pasta. I took a slow bite, fully aware that this woman took pleasure in seeing me distressed. It was excessively spicy. I swallowed it down without a word of complaint. I took another bite, followed by a third. Damn it, tears welled up in my eyes as Elena smirked at me.
“Are you feeling all right, my dear?” Bella Taylor, Elena's daughter, is approaching. Now everyone will be aware of Elena's intentions for that day. Undoubtedly, she planned to make her daughter Mrs. Taylor by getting rid of me and my mother. However, I am still here as my mother passed away a long time ago.
"I have a crucial meeting," I muttered. I got up and left my food untouched. I didn't want to listen to Mr. Taylor's shouting.
I ran into another obstacle early in the morning. Oh, what a day and what a mood.
"Hello, dipstick. Everyone has eyes, but I can't seem to find them in you," Elsa, my step-sister who is just a year and a half younger than me, said with a cunning smile. She always enjoys taunting me.
"Just like everyone has a brain, I hope you find yours," I didn't stick around to hear her response. I always retaliate with words. However, I know that each time, my response will only make matters worse. She will complain to her grandmother, who will then conspire against me.
Didn't I mention that I am like Cinderella in the first part? Well, she doesn't fight back or respond. But my mouth always gets me into trouble. I can't just sit back like a damsel in distress. My own words are my worst enemy.
"Did you enjoy the spiciest pasta? It was for flirting with my friend to impress him," Elsa said, reminding me of the conversation with her friend, James. However, it was he who was flirting with me. Regardless, Elsa always finds ways to torment me. I don't understand why she holds so much animosity towards me.
"I absolutely loved it. Tell your grandmother to put in a bit more effort. It's becoming quite dull around here," Once again, my mouth got the best of me. My mouth was already on fire, and I couldn't control my words. These people will only make things worse. Should I just give in to them?
I departed from the location to avoid escalating the situation any further. Upon arriving at my residence, I reflected on the significance of My Shopaholics, my fashion house, and my mother's fashion house. The only request I made to Mr. Taylor was the only instance where I compromised my self-respect and engaged in conversation with that individual.
"Ma'am, Miss. Florida is offering a higher amount for you to consider," Jenny exclaimed as I entered the office.
"Jenny, I am not driven by business or money in this endeavour. It's my passion, and I will select my projects. I have no interest in working with Florida. I do not wish to design for her daughter's wedding," I stated softly. Her daughter was my classmate and Elsa's friend, and that was the end of the matter.
"Do not disturb me. I am going to rest now," I declared, reclining on my couch. It was my favorite spot. The weight of my daily routine burdened my heart. Why must I endure this?
Whenever I lay on this couch, I feel as though I am sleeping on my mother's lap. Tears welled up in my eyes involuntarily.
"I miss you, Mom," I whispered as tears streamed down my face. I longed for her presence. Perhaps she would appear like the fairy godmother in Cinderella and grant me any wish.
***********
In a renowned restaurant:
A reporter grinned as he prepared to capture an exclusive picture, having received a tip that the great Alexandar is dating a model and they are about to meet there. Victoria, a famous diva in the modelling world, entered the restaurant with a smile. She noticed the reporter and smiled even more, seemingly aware of what was about to unfold. She simply wanted to be featured in a news column with Alex to get closer to him.
"I have arrived," Victoria stated in a phone call.
"Just ten more minutes," the person on the other end replied abruptly before hanging up, much to Victoria's annoyance.
After ten minutes, someone approached and sat in front of her. The reporter snapped a picture instantly, only to have his expression fall when he realized who had arrived.
"Hello, Miss Victoria. We are pleased to collaborate with you on the upcoming project. Here are the agreement details for your consideration," Mac, Alex's secretary, said with a smile as Victoria glared at him with a stoic expression.
"I was expecting Alex to be here," Victoria expressed in a disappointed tone.
"He can't personally meet every model, can he?" Mac emphasized the word 'model' loudly enough for the reporter to exit the premises disheartened, leaving Victoria feeling embarrassed. She was just another model to him.
"I sincerely hope that you refrain from engaging in such deceitful actions in the future. And please remember, his name is Mr. Fernandez, not Alex," Mac cautioned her with a stern tone.
"He will not show any leniency if this happens again." With that, Mac departed, leaving Victoria to clench her teeth in frustration.
Inside the car, Alex glanced at her through his window and tightened his fist. The audacity of this girl.
"Dad really needs to put an end to this," Alex muttered, grasping the situation perfectly. No girl would possess the courage to confront Alex unless she had someone supporting her, and that someone could only be Frank Fernandez.
Alex received a notification and a smile formed on his face as he read the contents.
"Life is too short. Make mistakes and learn from them. If someone disagrees with you, give them a high five to their face." Alex chuckled heartily as he read the quote.
He had recently stumbled upon this blog and was captivated by its quotes. Nothing had ever caught his attention like this before, except for this mysterious stranger.
"Fascinating. Who is she?" Alex pondered aloud as he observed her signature, a stylish S with a C.
In Shopaholics
Clara closed her blog. It's her only solace. She has no readers but she feels happy to pen down her emotions like this. Her signature was composed of her letter and her mother’s name, Stella.
Hi friends, this story is getting into my favorites works till now. The leads transformations and their slow chemistry would make you love them more. Don't miss future episodes.
Clara's point of view:After a long day, I got into my car to get back home. Why does the day end so soon? I remembered the morning banter with Elsa. What will the old lady do now? She has punished me in every way possible. Now she can only repeat those. Maybe I have an advantage of experience. My eyes teared up thinking about those. I should cry now so that I can face everything with a straight face. I love to cherish how that lady's face lost its colour every time I stood there unaffected. That was my sole strength. But her punishments and tortures are so damn severe that no one would have given them even to their enemies. I remember the day. She locked me inside a room for a whole day when I was only eight years old. I always shiver uncontrollably whenever this old lady is around. I stood in front of my home which looked not like mine anymore.A loud laughter filled the hall as I entered the hall. There were so many people sitting there. Suddenly everyone turned to look at me. An
Third person's point of view Finally, she designed her dress with her mom's fabric. It looked too classy. It was beautiful. Clara's eyes teared up, touching the red fabric in that white gown. She will wear this dress on her birthday. She will be leaving this house that day. The thought made her so happy. Her mobile started ringing breaking her thoughts She answered the call with a smile. The person calling is the only person for her since childhood. "Jason," Clara mumbled. "Hey, Cherry, I am back from Scotland," Jason screamed over the call. How she wishes he never went there. It's been a whole year without him, and it was hell for her. "Let's meet in our cafe," Jason said as he sensed her silence. She might have so many things to share. She took her purse in reflex. She can't wait even a single second to see him.***** "Did you enjoy my gift?" Xavier asked as Ron sat across him with a beer glass and a sly smile. "Than ever," Ron replied as she caressed his lips. They are frien
"We are glad to finally be a part of your family" Ron spoke with so much happiness. Of course, to have a family relationship with Fernandez is a blessing. They are wonderful people in addition to being number one in business. "Don't feel burdened as I am helping you in your new branch restaurant. It's purely business that I plan to invest in there. Don't ever think that we are proposing this marriage for business" Frank wanted to be clear on this. They liked Ron's family a lot. Being at the top, they managed to raise beautiful children. Frank loved Clara Alina and Elsa. So when Grace was sad that Clara denied the proposal, she became happy when Ron proposes it to Elsa and snd Alex. "This is our family tradition." Grace Fernandez, mother of Frank eyed Alex to make the bride wear the pearl set. Alex took the pearl necklace and that's when he raised his eyes to look at his bride. He walked to them and knew that Alina is not the girl they are proposing to him. But not sure of his brid
¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ 'There is a way you can get my mom's property' Xavier was sure of the plan. His words made Ron smile. Is there even a chance for his fortune? "But 25% is mine" He knew to deal with profit alone. "25% plus my recommendation for your club membership to my VIP members" That's a big deal for Xavier. He smiled sheepishly. As for Ron, the value of shares belonging to Clara is huge to bet on them. Now he could grab that fortune for himself. So he is willing to do anything. "In the will, it's mentioned that when Clara turns 23, she will be the only guardian of all the properties. If she is married, it will be inherited by Hasley's kids" The moment he spoke, Ron widened his eyes in surprise. Damn, how can fortune knock on his door like this? "Paxton?" Ron asked, shocked. He knew what he should do after that. So, indirectly Ron would be the guardian as Paxton is a minor. So all he should do is make Clara marry. "Your both sisters are my lucky charm. '' Ron speaks shamelessly.
Clara sat there as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Her dad talked to her after years and what he asked? Is this why he is keeping her in his house? So that someday she can help him with anything? The thought was so hurtful that her hand shivered a little. "You are my hero. You should never get scared of anyone. Be smart and always do what you like. Don't get influenced by this love" Her mom's words on her death bed made her stiffen her position. Right. She can't be emotional now. She doesn't care if they punish her even severely. But she can't marry anyone with their threat. Marriage and love have no value in her life. "Let's run away" Jason spoke as he got scared by the atmosphere. He knew that Elsa won't come back and they would blackmail Clara for sure. "Let them do whatever they want. Today I will show them that I was not silent because of fear. I was enduring them because I wanted to." Clara spoke as she wiped her tears. She felt somewhat light to have spoken like tha
Alex asked the driver to stop as they reached Clara's place. Alex was watching her intently. Clara didnt give even a sible expression. She was too silent and steady. She walked to the entrance. Alex couldnt stop glaring at her. "Welcome," Bella greeted everyone. Alex, Clara and Rose entered the home. "You told me we will enjoy it as Elsa will be out" The loud voice startled everyone as Alex saw a little boy who might be around ten years old. What did he tell just now? Alex looked at Clara, who shrugged off her shoulders. What was wrong with that? If he married Elsa, she would be damn happy without her. "Paxton," Clara ran to hug her brother, But he turned his face showing that he was not in the mood for any hugs. She stood and left her room. She knew Paxton was one tough nut to crack when he became grumpy. "Pass me the remote" Alex turned backside to see whom Paxton was asking and found none. "Mr Six Feet. Can you pass me the remote?" the nerve of the little boy. Alex gaped at hi
Alex entered the room after three hours, and Clara was already sleeping on the bed. He changed himself and sat on the right side of the bed. That was indeed a long day. Did he marry her? He looked at Clara. She looked like a doll. Her doll face matched all aspects of her face, and he found no reason to look away. Her phone screen beeped with a message. Alex couldn't help but see that. It flashed in front of his eyes, and how could he ignore them when the message was about Alex? "If Alexander was trying to do anything, just give him a hard kick below his abdomen. Or else slap him first and call me right away. I am just outside your home," Alex widened his eyes, reading the content. He looked at the id named Jason. Who the hell was he? Another message beeped."Did you have dinner?" Isn't he getting too worried about his wife? Alex hasn't seen her eat anything since their marriage. Is she fine? "Please take care" The last message beeped, and Alex could see worry in that statement. He m
"I should have left her a message, at least" Jenny felt sad about the mishap. But she was threatened by Elsa not to reveal anything so that Elsa could have fun seeing his face lose its colour.Elsa walked to the private cabin that was soundproof. But she chose not to close the curtains, and Clara could watch her doing everything."This is the final design. It will suit our top model Racheal to lead the fashion show." Elsa was damn excited to see Clara outside, who was too shocked to move an inch. Elsa was swaying the long bridal gown happily that was designed by Clara. The clients were pretty happy as they discussed more about the show and the meeting ended exactly after half an hour. Clara didn't even blink. That can't be possible. Jenny looked at Clara with pity."Thank you." Elsa shook hands with the client and came out with so much attitude."Didn't you leave the place?" Elsa asked as Clara looked at her blankly. Elsa enjoyed every bit of Clara's expression."Oh, I forgot. We don't