CHASING MY SUBSTITUTE BRIDE

CHAPTER3

CLARA

“Mama, are we there yet?”

I glanced away drom my laptop to the little girl sitting beside me, her nose practically pressed against the airplane window. “We've only been on air for three hours, McKenzie.”

She frowned, a small pout appearing in her lips. “That's a very long time.” I couldn't help but laugh at how cute she looked.

“Good morning, Miss Hayes, Little miss,” the voice from the captain cut through our little moment and I could see McKenzie's face light up. She knew what it meant. “Please prepare for touchdown. Welcome back home.”

As soon as my foot touched get tarmac, a nostalgic feeling washed over me. It's been two years since I left the country and four years after waling out of the Blackwood mansion and disowned my family for good.

I didn't know what the years I would spend after would look like but after struggling to take care of my daughter and myself, we finally had the chance to leave to expand my business. Deep down, it was just because I found it hard to keep McKenzie from prying eyes. But I couldn't keep her away forever.

“Are we going to stay here for long, mama?” McKenzie asked me, running her hands through my hair, which she loved doing whenever she was in my arms.

“We'll be staying for a while.” I responded, heading towards the sleek black car already waiting for us with the chauffeur holding the door open.

“Does that mean I get to see the big house?” She asked, the sparkles in her eyes shining brighter. “The tall one.”

“My office isn't a house, McKenzie.” I laughed, placing her securely in her car seat. Sine she knew we would be returning, she had been asking questions nonstop. Ot was the first time I had brought her back since leaving and although I had tried to make it seem like an extraordinarily long business trip, I strangely missed my old home.

The driver headed towards the center of the city at high speed and it was only a matter of time before the car stood in front of a tall skyscraper. The front of the building was bustling with workers heading in and out of the building.

I gently took McKenzie out of her seat before stepping out of the car. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she stared up at the building, leaning back in an exaggerated manner. My eyes were also fixed on the CH Interiors written in silver letters, running down the side of the building.

The sunlight bouncing off the silver letters drew my attention again before the employees streaming through the revolving doors while clients came and went, some pausing to admire the showroom displayed through the floor to ceiling windows.

“Nice work, Kayla.” I said to my assistant who was already waiting for us to step out. “The design looks even more beautiful in person.”

“Thank you, Ms. Hayes. Welcome back.” Kayla said with a slight bow before glancing down at McKenzie who was also staring back at her with a sly smirk. “I didn't expect you to brink McKenzie over.”

“Why?” McKenzie asked with a feisty tone. Whoever didn't know they two would think they were sworn enemies but I knew they both loved each other. It's funny how an adult would have a beef with a three year old.

I couldn't help but chuckle while Kayla just ignored her, turning to lead me into the building. “We have a lot to catch up on here, Ms. Hayes.”

The elevator chimed softly before the doors slid open. Every morning during my trip, I walked down a similat hallway, yet I still found myself slowing down.

The walls were lined with framed photographs of our completed projects. Luxury penthouses, five-star hotels, private villas, corporate headquarters. Beneath every photograph sat a small gold plaque engraved with two simple words. CH Interiors.

“The Carter Group confirmed this morning's meeting.” My steps paused only for a fraction of seconds.

“Daniel is already here?” I asked.

“He arrived ten minutes ago.”

“Well, then, let's not keep him waiting.” We walked down the double glass door at the end of the hallway. The frosted logo of CH Interiors was etched across them. As they slid open, the familiar bustle of the executive floor greeted me. Designers gathered around mood boards discussing colour palettes. Samples of marbles, wood and fabrics were spread across large tables. Phones rang almost nonstop while clients chatted with consultants in the waiting lounge.

I returned every greeting before making my way to my office. “Take McKenzie to the nanny, Kayla.”

Kayla nodded before taking McKenzie from me. They both exchanged smug look befor walling away. “Mama, bye.”

A smile spread across my face as I gave her a small wave before walking to my office. It had the exact same layout as I had left it right from the beginning.

A familiar figure stood by the floor to ceiling windows, one hand tucked into the pocket of his charcoal suit while the other held a roll of blueprints.

Daniel Carter. One of the city's most sought-after architects. When I got back to the design company, he'd been the first person to take a chance on a struggling freelance interior designer with nothing but a portfolio and determination. One collaboration had become another until somewhere along the line we'd become trusted partners, even closer friends.

He turned at the sound of my footsteps, the corners of his lips lifting into the same easy smile I'd grown used to over the years.

“I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me. Welcome back, Clara.”

I laughed softly, setting my handbag on the desk. “You've known me since I started my company, Daniel. You should know by now I don't forget meetings.”

“No,” he teased. “You just make people wait.”

“I call it building anticipation.” I responded, gently leaning against my table as he walked towards me.

Over the years, countless magazines had labelled Daniel Carter the most eligible bachelor in the architecture industry. To me, though, he was simply Daniel, the man who never stopped believing in my talent, even when I didn't. Unlike everyone else, Daniel had never once asked about the woman I'd been before we met.

He chuckled before placing the blueprints across my desk. “The Harrington Hotel finally approved the proposal.” My brows lifted.

“They loved your redesign for the presidential suites.” He tapped one of the drawings. “Construction begins next month. Carter Architects will oversee the structural work while CH Interiors handles the interior renovation.”

I scanned through the plans, unable to hide my smile. “This is our biggest collaboration yet.”

"At this rate, I'll have to start competing with you.”

“I'll pretend I didn't hear that flattery.” I smirked and for a moment, we both burst into laughter.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Kayla walked in with a cream colored envelope on her iPad. “Sorry to interrupt, Ms. Hayes. This just arrived for you.”

I accepted the envelope and noticed the elegant wax seal before opening it. My eyes scanned the invitation. The Annual Kingston Business Excellence Gala.

A smile tugged at my lips. “They're inviting CH Interiors as one of this year's honoured companies.”

Daniel leaned back in his chair. “Looks like we'll be seeing each other again tonight. I received mine yesterday. Half the country's CEOs will be there.” He paused. “Including Blackwood Holdings.”

I didn't say a word and just took it in. That meant one thing. Adrian.

It's been over four years since anything involved the both of us. I folded the invitation

gently, handing it back to Kayla. “Tell the organizers CH Interiors will be attending.”