19 reviews for chapter 3. I know I asked for them but you guys are amazing! I was originally planning on updating on NYE but you guys brought me around. So I knocked this out for you early.
I am replying to reviews now ... apart from those of you who are guests (I can't reply to your reviews sadly but I'll attempt to now) and those who have PMs blocked.
Special shout out to my Guest reviewer 'Shauna' your review was so sweet and I really wished I could reply to your review but alas. It was very sweet and I'm glad you're enjoying it so much.
Toni - I'm not giving up this fic was a request by FrenchBenzo and because I promised it to her I am updating more quickly than I usually would.
Yukina - I'm glad you find it fascinating it's definitely fascinating to write.
So lots of Jace in this chapter and some explanations that you've all been asking for.
I go back to my office and carry on with my day as if it never happened. We don't cross paths again for the rest of the day. I don't lose the sick feeling in my stomach though but I know better than to go look for her. If I was her I would decapitate me. I was so crude with her. I have never been like that with a woman before and it makes me feel uneasy. What had gotten into me?
How am I going to work with her now? I wouldn't want to be in the same room as me if I was her. And what if she tells my Mother. I sigh and hold my head in my hands. I'll certainly have a lot of explaining to do then that's if she lets me. My Mother would most likely kill me on the spot. But the thing that worries me the most is how much it would hurt her and how disappointed and ashamed of me she would be. She's in no shape right now for any stress. Not at all. And that worries me more than anything else.
I push the thoughts out of my head. It's too late now. I can't take it back. I definitely went too far. I know the shock of finding about Mother hasn't fully worked its way out of my system yet. Of what she was asking me for. I was so angry that she didn't tell me. I was in such a blind rage that I quit my job and went home. My Father just about managed to sit me down to reason with me but I wasn't having any of it. I packed and took the next available flight out.
And then I saw her. Lying in her bed looking so weak and frail. Nothing like the picture of health she was when I saw her last a few months earlier. Did I miss something? Were there signs I should have seen? I was so angry at myself for not being able to see it. I took it out on her. I was shouting and I don't even remember what I said. But she just listened she didn't say a word as I screamed bloody murder and then. Then I was apologising to her telling her that I was sorry for not being there, being the son I should a have been. For not looking after her and she shushed me. She pulled me into her arms and for the first time in so many years. I cried. She just held me and stroked my hair soothingly until I was done. I felt like a little boy in her arms again. Before my parents divorced. So loved and so safe.
Once I calmed down she explained the situation to me. She told me about her health and that she was getting treatment and that it would take some time to work. She told me she needed my help.
And then she told me about her. Clary. Her eyes lit up when she spoke about her. The way her voice was so proud. Her pride and joy. The more I listened the more wary I became. She sounded too good to be true. My Mother was hiding something about her I could tell. Protecting her. I knew something wasn't quite right. And I also knew my mother was far too close to her. Closer than she'd ever been with an employee. My mind went into overdrive painting the scenarios in which my poor defenceless mother had been duped by this witch.
I had heard her name in passing when my mother visited and took calls but I didn't know the extent of it. She spoke of her like a proud mother and it hit me right where it hurt. That should be the way she talks about me. I told myself. But what had I done to make her proud of me? And that was when I decided. Clarissa Fray was going down.
Now that I think about it. She's nothing like I expected her to be at all. She was stunning yet so cold and calculated. But I knew in business you had to be and I had treated her so badly it's not as if it didn't warrant it. But it wasn't over yet. There was definitely more to her then met the eye and I was going to find it all out. If she was genuine I would find out and if she wasn't I would send her packing.
What she had said about my Mother giving up. I don't understand. Was she just saying it to hurt me? She sounded genuine but after her stellar performance this morning I can't believe a word she says. She is quite the actress. She played me so well. It's doesn't matter anymore. All that mattered was getting her back on side.
I wasn't sure how to do it before the news reached my Mother. I wasn't looking forward to that conversation. Having to explain my actions because right now I didn't wholly understand them myself. I had gone further than I intended to but she just got under my skin so damn much.
I needed to regroup so I don't seek her out just yet. I need to just get on with my day and hopefully I'll come up with something. I know my mind isn't at its best at the moment but I need to relax before I can figure out my next move. I bury myself back under the pile of paperwork in front of me. Anything to distract me.
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Its late evening and I yawn getting up. It's time to call it a day. I decide I'll take my chances and look for her. I can't think of what to do expect talk to her and try to get her back on side. To call a truce but I know she might not be so ready to accept. I will have to work for it.
The light is on in her office and I knock. It's quiet and there's no answer so I take my chances and peek inside. I can see she's pulled her heels off and her coat and bag is ready on the desk. She must be getting ready to leave.
I look down the hall and see the meeting room light is on. The door is half open. It's the only other source of light in the corridor so I head towards it.
I can hear voices and when I get to the door I peek in from a concealed angle. I see her sitting at the head chair in front of the conference call phone. She is barefoot and her hair is piled up high on her head with a pencil holding it in place. I have a good view of the side of her face and I can clearly hear her every word.
"So that's what happened in Paris. I hope you'll be pleased with the outcome." She says in a soft voice I haven't heard her use. It's almost childlike in its innocence. I wonder who she's talking to.
"I'm sure it will be fine. You know this all like the back of your hand. You're stalling Clarissa Fray I know you. Tell me ...how bad was it?" I hear my Mother's voice say. I groan inwardly. Here it comes.
"What do you mean?" She asks sighing and burying her head in her hands. She is clearly playing dumb.
"You met my Jace today and you haven't mentioned him once. What did he do? I told him to be on his best behaviour." My Mother asks in a worried tone. Clary first take her hands away from her face until she takes a deep breath. I see the tension leave her body and she sits up straight.
"He was. We met briefly this morning and it was good he attended my meeting this morning on Paris and..." She starts, "Well we were both so busy we didn't get to meet for lunch as planned, it's my fault I've been away for a week so I was frantic. I promise I'll make a better effort with him tomorrow." She says each white lie in such a convincing tone that even I'm impressed.
"So why didn't you say that before I asked?" Mother asks not missing a beat.
"I didn't want to say ... We'll because I knew you would be disappointed in me." She says sighing. I don't get why she's covering for me. Is she planning to blackmail me? I shudder at the thought.
"Don't lie to me Clary. If he was awful to you just tell me. I'll straighten him out." My mother says firmly and I flinch at the words, "I won't have anybody disrespecting you especially not my son." God I am so dead.
"He was a gentlemen. I wouldn't expect anything less of someone you raised." She says in a small voice, "He told me you always wanted a daughter." Her frame turns rigid again. It's almost as if she's waiting for my Mother to call her out on her bullshit.
I hear my mum sigh in relief. And I see her body relax and then I get it. She's protecting her. Protecting her from what she knows she doesn't want to hear. It shocks me so completely that I almost don't hear the next words my mother says.
"I did. And I got you in her place. Whatever wind brought you into my office that day ... I know you haven't had it easy but I'm so proud of you dear." My mother says her voice full of pride. This time it doesn't irk me as much as before. That surprises me too.
"Celine...please..." Clary says quietly.
"And I know no one can think I'm treating you favourably because you've worked so hard you've earned this all." Mother continues.
"That's not entirely true..." She says quietly.
"Don't think for one minute that you don't. I can hear uncertainty in your voice. It's not like you. I don't understand." My Mother says sounding worried again.
I see a solitary tear run down the side of her face. And I want to reach out and wipe it away. I push the feeling down. She seemed so strong this morning until I pushed her and right now she seems so fragile. Like a doll made of porcelain as if the slightest touch could shatter her into a million pieces.
"It must be the jet lag I'm so tired today." She mumbles yawning. Again so convincing.
"You are going to run yourself ragged my sweet girl. Go home and rest." My Mother says clucking in disapproval.
"We have a presentation tomorrow I have a few more slides to complete." Clary says wiping her face with the back of her hands.
"Which presentation?" My mother asks confused.
"To the Roche Group." Clary says quietly.
"Jace is taking that." My Mother says her voice full of surety. But I'm not. I know nothing about it although the name does sound familiar. Then it clicks they're one of our high profile investor groups. They have a bi-annual meeting to keep them up to date and if the notes I read in the file are correct. This one will be to sign their new contract. It's worth millions. But I know nothing about a meeting or a presentation.
"Camille forgot to send him the details...She messed up." Clary explains without any judgement. I hear my Mother sigh in frustration on the other side.
"Maybe it wasn't a good idea making Camille Jace's assistant. That woman I don't know how you put up with her sometimes. Well if you're prepped that's probably better and Francois certainly does appreciate your presence." She says relenting.
"I'm almost done. If staring at my breasts makes him spend another few million with us I'm willing to take one for the team." Clary says cringing. I think of the things she said before about men having bad intentions for her. I feel a twinge of sadness for her.
"Wear something low cut tomorrow he won't even be listening." Mother says laughing. That doesn't sit well with me. It's like she's trying to whore her out. I never expected it of my Mother. But then I realise that I sometimes forget she's just as ruthless as my Father when it comes to business. If the ends justify the means.
"He'll just sign the new contract and dream of me." Clary says sighing.
"Make sure to wear Red. He likes you in Red." Mother says firmly.
"Ugh he's such a ... A necessary evil." Clary says groaning and rolling her eyes.
"Indeed. But Camille... That silly woman. Probably too busy gawking at Jace." Mother says thoughtfully, "This is important he needs to learn. Call him, send him the files, he works well under pressure and he might be able to add some valuable input. Trust me." My Mother knows me well enough to know that I've been dropped in at the deep end on many things when working with my Father. It's either sink or swim and I learnt to swim.
"It's 10pm I'm almost done. The meeting is at 9am it's not right to drop it on him so last minute." Clary says firmly, "Don't worry I will have it ready. I won't let you down. I'll make sure he's fully briefed for the next major client meeting personally if that's what you want." I don't know why she's defending me or if it's just because she can't stand the idea of talking to me right now that she'll say anything to get out of it.
"Okay fine. And no you shouldn't have to, next time you let him clean up his own mistakes. He should know his own diary. Don't coddle him." My Mother snaps. And I flinch. She's right I should have known. I've only been her for a week but the least I should know is my diary.
"I promise I won't." She says nodding. And I'm sure she won't. Right now she has every reason to throw me to wolves but she doesn't not yet at least anyway.
"Francois is disgusting I know that, if the firm weren't so integral to what we do I wouldn't ask this of you Clarissa," Mother says her tone apologetic, "If he invites you out for drinks make sure you go."
"I will." She says sighing and closes her eyes, "If that's what you want me to do." I'm starting to think my Mother is the one with Clary wrapped around her little finger. She is clearly uncomfortable with this.
"So really no issues with Jace so far?" Mother asks in a surprised tone, "I'm surprised... He usually says something chauvinistic but the ladies don't seem to mind. They're too busy staring at him. He's been spending too much time with his Father but that's my own fault. He's not perfect Clary I know that much." The words makes my stomach drop. She knows me too well. This is Clary's chance to drop me in it. I wonder what she will say next.
Clary cracks a smile and tips her head to one side thoughtfully. It certainly catches my attention. She's silent not saying a word.
"Go on tell me." Mother says impatiently. I'm in for it now. I just know it.
"He thought I was an intern." She says biting her lip stifling a laugh, "He asked me to make him coffee." I'm surprised that she's making light of the situation. Has she calmed down? Will she forgive me? The thoughts coursing through my brain confuse me. Suddenly I want nothing more than for her to forgive me.
"No ..." Mother says gasping incredulously, "I'm surprised he's still alive. What did you do to him? Tell me..." She has that right. I'm surprised I'm still alive too. I'm intrigued to see what she says next.
"I made him coffee." She says nonchalantly. I almost burst out laughing at that. I bite my lip and to stifle it. God I hope she can't hear me.
"No you didn't ..." My Mother accuses in an amused tone, "You did something more interesting than that." Oh she did. She definitely did something more interesting than that.
"I gave it to him in our meeting I swear." she says giggling. She sounds so young and so alive. The sound of her laughter is so sweet I can't help but smile. She's telling the truth but it's with a twist. She certainly is a clever girl. Too clever.
"Okay don't tell me but did you get him back... You're protecting my motherly instincts I get it." Mother teases. If only she knew.
"Something like that." Clary says her tone light-hearted.
"Would I be proud of it?" Mother asks her expectantly.
"Very." Clary says smiling again.
"That's my girl." Mother says proudly but her voice is suddenly worried again, "So you're sure you're both okay?"
"We're getting there. He's wary of me but I guess I'm wary of him too." Clary admits sighing. I wonder if she actually means it.
"He's a good boy Clarissa. I promise you." My Mother says and I can hear the pride in her voice. She believes it. She genuinely believes it and it makes my heart ache. How I've behaved it definitely isn't what she would expect of me. She would never believe it to be true.
"I believe you." Clary says quietly. I can't tell if she actually means it.
"You were right to ask me for help. I wouldn't have called him otherwise. I didn't want to bother him with my illness and it gave me the push to finally tell him. God I was so afraid to tell him." My Mother says tiredly. I think of my Mother so alone and afraid and it breaks my heart. Then I realise she wasn't alone. She had Clary. But I still feel awful. I should have been there. Why didn't she let me in.
"This is your family business. I couldn't ... And I have no formal business training I would have burnt your company into the ground in a month." Clary says shaking her head. She's too hard on herself I can see that now.
"Clarissa!" My Mother says incredulously.
"Okay fine 6 weeks ..." She relents.
"Jace has no interest in what I do Clary. His Father has him primed to take over his business when he retires." My mother explains. It's true enough. I'm very proud of what my Mother has achieved but I don't think I've shown it. I'm a terrible son if she thinks I have no interest in her or what she does.
"I think it's nice that you'll get to spend some time together." Clary says skilfully changing the subject.
"It will be." My Mother says and I can hear the happiness in her tone. It makes me smile too.
"Until you're back on your feet." She clarifies. And there it is. The one thing that scares me the most. Will my Mother even be able to recover from this? Will she survive? I just don't know
"Clary ... You know what the prognosis is ... Don't give yourself false hope." My Mother says sighing warily. She wasn't lying. It hits me hard that my Mother can be honest with her and not me. It hurts so much and I close my eyes trying to pull myself out of the dark hole I'm descending it. I can't it's too much.
"I'm praying for you. You're the strongest person I know. If anyone can make it it's you Celine." She says encouragingly. Her voice is so full of hope. It calms me instantly and I don't know what it is about her and the words she's saying but they fill me with hope too.
"Okay my dear." My Mother says relenting, "I'll hold on a little longer for you and for my boy." For her and for me. That's what she's holding on for. For me. It comforts me in an inexplicable way.
"That's all I ask." Clary says nodding. She's so good with her. So calm and so caring. I can see why everyone is drawn in by her now. Underneath her hard icy exterior is an apparent heart of gold.
"So did you like the look of him? I bet you did." Mother says teasingly changing the subject completely. The question piques my interest. She was completely disgusted by me. I wonder what she will say to my Mother.
"Celine!" She exclaims and her cheeks turn a delicious shade of pink. God she looks so cute.
"He's a good looking boy. You have eyes don't you." My mother asks her accusingly.
"Yes." Clary says quietly. She won't expand and I want her to say more.
"And?" Mother prompts her.
She pauses for a moment and bites her lip.
"He is good looking but he knows it too well." She says quietly. And there it is. It's a backhanded compliment if anything but a compliment nonetheless. I'll take it.
"Hmm… Only good looking?" My Mother asks laughing incredulously, "My boy is amazingly attractive. You're a difficult customer Clary."
Clary just stays quiet and stares at the phone.
"You know when Jace is up to scratch you could take some time off. I worry about you. A pretty girl like you should be dating. You're working too hard." Mother says worried. I wonder how true that is. She can't be alone from what I've heard she has men falling at her feet. Someone as strong stunning as her can't be needing dating advice from my mother. It makes no sense.
"I'll be fine. If I needed time off I would take it." Clary says dismissively. She really is all work and no play.
"Liar." Mother accuses light-heartedly, "The world won't collapse if you switch off for one day."
"You're a fine one to talk." Clary says smiling, "I have to complete these slides. Then I'll upload them to the server and sleep I promise. You need to rest too you should sleep you need it more than I do." Clary says in a worried tone. She cares about my Mother I can see that much. I can't help but think how wrong I was about her. So completely wrong. It sinks in now and a hollow feeling develops in the pit of my stomach.
"Okay my girl. Good night." Mother says in a resigned tone. She's tired I can hear the sleepiness in her voice now.
"Good night Celine." She says tiredly.
She switches off the call and sits up straighter and carries on typing away on her laptop. I step away from the door and watch her for another minute before walking back to my office.
I feel awful. I really did judge her wrongly. And I was so cruel. I sit in my office and think carefully. An idea pops into my head and I smile.
I hear her leave around 10:30 and go into the meeting room thankfully she has left the laptop and I log in and open up the presentation.
God, this is going to be a long night.
But redemption doesn't come easy and I will redeem myself in her eyes. If it's the last thing I do.
So thoughts on what just happened?
Should Clary forgive Jace? Will they be able to see eye to eye?
What do you think Jace should do to earn her forgiveness?
Unfortunately for Clary, thing's going wrong in her life aren't completely over yet. Not sure if it will be in this chapter or the next. But I'm warning in advance. Because it's not pretty.
Please review. I'm still quite sick so it really makes my day when I read them and I love replying to them.
Oh and I wrote the smutty chapter for 'It's Christmas' ... It's a bit of a mess so I'm still working on it. It will be up soon though. Aiming for NYE I hope.
Much love x
