Chapter 24 A Lifetime

Colin's POV:

I sat on the open terrace atop the Kingdom Hotel, the cigarette in my fingers nearly burnt out. The distant sea surface shimmered, seagulls spiraled in the sky, and white sails dotted the view; it was stunningly beautiful.

My phone on the table vibrated with a buzz. It was a transfer notification of three thousand dollars.

Kevin was taking care of tribal affairs; he exchanged a knowing smile with Dennis and said while laughing, "Alpha Colin, you really are a lucky man! Not only is Claire beautiful but she's also generous with her money!"

"Is this the first time you've spent a woman's money? Feels pretty good, doesn’t it?"

I glanced at Kevin, silently returning the phone to its place. Though I said nothing, a warmth surged through my heart. I never expected Claire to really transfer the money; I had calculated, and that was all she had in her bank account.

I pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray, my gaze drifting to the horizon, my eyes and brows revealing a complex emotion. I wondered how long Claire would keep up her charade.

"By the way, Alpha Colin," Dennis whispered, "Kevin couldn't intervene, so I looked into the company where your wife works. Sarah's a mid-level executive there, arrogant because her uncle's a shareholder. Plus, she's..."

He halted, possibly contemplating whether to tell me the rest. My expression darkened. "Go on."

"She's Peter's girlfriend," Dennis managed to say. "As for Peter, he's Claire's department supervisor, her senior from university. He pursued her."

My hand on the table clenched tightly. Dennis coughed lightly, "Alpha Colin, it's all just student-era stuff, nothing serious."

"Mhm," I lifted my eyes, "Did I say anything?"

Dennis couldn't help but laugh silently. "You didn't say anything, but it's more serious than if you had."

"Continue." I demanded, sharply.

"Sarah constantly targets Claire in the company; that's why Claire didn't close a single deal in her first month."

I was only now realizing everything that Claire had to endure, at work, every day. It made my mood darken further.

"Hey, what's the big deal!" Kevin exclaimed with a wave of his hand, "Alpha Colin, want me to deal with this Sarah? Leave it to me! I'll take care of Peter too!" Dennis coughed vigorously.

"That won't be necessary." Colin raised his hand slightly, "They're just trifles. Causing a scene in such a small company only draws undue attention. Let Claire handle it herself; don't meddle."

"Yeah, right," Dennis chimed in, "I get what Alpha Colin is saying, no need to waste energy on the likes of Sarah and Peter. Worst case scenario, we can just have Claire quit her job. It’s not like Alpha Colin can’t take care of her anyway."

I grunted in agreement, pouring myself a cup of coffee. After a moment of silence, I felt that Dennis's idea wasn't bad; maybe he could help.

"Claire went out for client meetings today," I said nonchalantly.

Kevin stared at me, dumbfounded, while Dennis, the clever one, quickly grasped the significance of my words.

"What's going on?" Kevin's mouth gaped open. "Alpha Colin never makes himself clear!"

Dennis just smiled, nudged Kevin’s dropping jaw closed, and instructed softly, "Go check it out!"

"Check what?"

"Find out which clients Claire visited today, you blockhead!"

Kevin was confused. "I thought we were supposed to let her mind her own business?"

Dennis rolled his eyes several times over. Talking to this guy was truly exhausting!

I returned home, Claire hadn't yet come back. I checked the watch; there was still some time before she finished work. I took a look around. Even though Claire had been busy with work lately, the home was still spotless and everything in the kitchen was in perfect order.

A small smile played on my lips. Claire was so busy, yet she worked tirelessly and without complaint, she still took responsibility for maintaining the home and expenses. It appeared that Claire's heartfelt declaration, her intent to spend a lifetime with him, was genuine.

A lifetime... Could I give her a lifetime? My brows knotted slightly, lost in thought for a while before I turned and entered the bathroom.

Whether or not a lifetime was possible, I should at least make our current lives better. I recalled Claire saying that this home belongs to both of us, and as her husband, I should also do my part in the household chores.

I glanced at the laundry basket; clothes from the past couple of days were still piled in there, unwashed. I decided to do them first. Claire would be happy to see this when she returns. So, I tackled the laundry with renewed vigor, emptying the basket.

A small white item caught my eye as it tumbled out. Bending down, I picked it up. The softness of the pure cotton, and the faint scent that lingered on it, sent a sudden rush through me.

It was Claire's underwear, a simple basic piece. Holding it in my palm, my thumb caressed the cup, wondering how it must feel, hugging her body so snugly. I couldn’t help but begin to smile.

It looked to be C cup? Contrary to her slim, petite frame, this was an aspect of Claire that was decidedly not small.

My lips moistened; my throat suddenly dry. As I came back to my senses, ready to stuff the laundry into the washer, a sound at the door was followed by Claire's voice from outside.

"Colin, are you at home? I drank too much water this afternoon; I'm dying to use the restroom…"