Broken Mirrors

Chapter Ten

Clair's Perspective

I stepped inside, bidding a hasty goodbye to Elisa. She looked surprised at my early exit, but I quickly lied, claiming I was tired. Inside, I was seething. The irritation bubbled beneath my skin; I wanted to slap him for a multitude of reasons—chief among them was his obnoxious behavior that morning and, of course, the fact that he hadn't informed me about this event. It felt like I was working for him rather than the other way around.

As I approached the waiting limo, I felt a hand grasp my elbow. I turned to see him standing there, a smug expression plastered on his face.

"Let go of me, please," I said, keeping my voice low and firm.

"Please don't make a scene, Clair. The event isn't finished," he replied, his tone almost condescending.

I laughed bitterly. "Didn't you start it without me? Finish it without me. It should be easy for you." With that, I brushed off his hands and climbed into the vehicle.

Back at the hotel, I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I had to admit, there was a spark between us when we danced. He had a softer side that intrigued me, but it was evident he only saw me as new staff. I wrapped myself in my blanket, still wearing my gown, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up early, took a long bath, and stepped out of my room. I leaned against the door, closing my eyes, just waiting for him to leave. I could hear him closing his laptop, and when I opened my eyes, he was heading to the fridge for a beer. I closed my eyes again, hoping he would disappear from my sight.

"Are you just going to stand there?" he asked, taking a sip of his beer.

"Are you going to keep me updated with plans and stop acting like an ass?" I shot back, trying to keep my composure.

I heard him chuckle. When I opened my eyes, he was standing closer, leaning his weight against me, staring into my eyes. My heart raced, that familiar tingling sensation creeping up my skin again. I wanted to say something cutting, but instead, I found myself captivated by his perfect green eyes.

"You see, Clair, I don't need to keep you up to date with anything, babe. We're just acquaintances." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "You didn't sign those papers, and until you do, I'll do what I want. Got that?"

My lips went dry. I had completely forgotten about the paperwork. Feeling foolish, I wet my lips and followed his gaze, only to feel that fluttering sensation again. He leaned closer, and just as I opened my mouth to speak, there was a knock at the door. He stepped back and shoved his hands in his pockets. I exhaled, making my way to the door, trying to appear calm.

Opening it, I was greeted by a florist holding a bouquet of red roses. I glanced back at Sinn, but he groaned and retreated to his room.

"Are you Mrs. Hart?" the florist asked.

"Yes, I am," I replied.

"These are for you, ma'am." She handed me the roses and gestured for me to sign a receipt.

After signing, she left, and I inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers, resting them on the kitchen counter. I noticed a white envelope hidden beneath the roses and opened it.

Dear Clair,
I hope to see you again when you return to Paris. It was nice meeting you.
Yours Truly,
Raphael Durand.

I felt my cheeks flush. I had completely forgotten about him after fleeing from Sinn the previous night. I picked up the roses again, savoring their fragrance.

That day, I immersed myself in my favorite book, trying to avoid the living room where Sinn was. I was still at a loss for words, frustrated that he hadn't bothered to inform me about the plans.