18+| Warning: Explicit sexual contents and mature language.
All that Claire needs is an adventure of a lifetime. Being a Rapunzel in the castle, surrounded with all lavish one could possibly need, she was still deprived of something very essential;...
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Joining the design team was the best thing that could happen to Claire as far as her new career was concerned. She'd been working with them for a whole week and her mind had never been more creative. While some of her colleagues adored her talent and zeal, some hated her guts.
But it's okay, Claire reminded herself constantly.
It was Friday afternoon when Jorge invited her to lunch. Claire was skeptical at first, but when she thought about the favor he had done her by getting Gena a job and a few good moments shared, she realized he somehow had her back.
"I was around the area and I thought we could have lunch together," Jorge said gently once they both settled inside a chic restaurant near Starlight.
"Well, I'm glad," Claire replied with a small smile. "I should've invited you first. I wanted to thank you for hiring Gena; it means a lot to me."
"No biggie," Jorge remarked while grabbing the menu from the table. "She has great credentials, and there was an open position, so I thought why not?" He gazed modestly at her.
Claire's smile reappeared. "Either way, thank you," she insisted and a small silence stretched between them until the waiter took their order. "So how is work?" she finally asked, unsure what else to say.
Things were still awkward between them but not as bad as before. Baby steps.
"Good. We're managing. But you know what would be awesome?" Jorge said, his tone a bit more cheerful than usual. Claire raised an eyebrow, curious. "You joining us. Come in, Claire! It's our family legacy so why would you work anywhere else but there?"
Claire had no perfect quip. If it were back in those years when her dad was alive, she would've been honored to do it. But now—now all she could think of was her worst enemy. Her stepmom. She wanted to start her own legacy and someday she would but not with Selma in the picture breathing at every decision she could make.
However, on the other hand, Jorge's proposal warmed her heart. He cared.
"I'm at a better place emotionally, Jorge. It's all that I need for my career journey at the moment, and I hope you understand," Claire replied calmly, talking about her new position on the design team and the big project at hand. "I'm sure you can manage the company without me—you already have." She meant it.
Although half-heartedly, Jorge understood her.
A simple conversation followed, accompanying their lunch. It was the first time for them to hang out and share a meal outside the house like normal siblings should. It felt strange somehow, but maybe things were getting better for good this time, Claire wanted to believe.
"Remind me to come with you next time if we're gonna have this delicious food," Claire uttered after emptying her plate of chicken paella.
"Well, hold that thought." Jorge stood up, ready to clear the cheque.
