PRIDE AND HIS HEART

Chapter 1

The windows were wide open, cool air drifted in from the trees outside, lifting the curtains and bringing a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Vases of flowers were placed on the neat tiled floor and at that moment Kiara was on the couch munching on chips when the business partner, also one-time Kiara's closest friend, David strode into the office confidently.

"Enjoy yourself while young." He said, pulling a seat from the table to sit. His formal ensemble was sharp, he was tall and neat in his suit

"Back to business, I'm tired." She replied with a stern look. "Don't come here teasing me again. I'm done with you"

He shrugged "How long will you keep doing this? Kiara!" Her eyes narrowed.

"Not your business David." She replied, her face stern. Her jaw tightened, and her fingers gripped the chips packet harder than necessary.

And even with the years of friendship and memories, everything shattered in a moment just from one sentence. That one sentence still echoed in her mind, sharp and unforgiving. She hadn't expected it, not from David. Never from him, her best friend.

As the first daughter of a wealthy father her ego was over everything. Getting more money was the priority but there was something tangled in her head which was her feelings. Her feelings were her weakness which she never showed to anyone. David and Kiara have been good friends right from Grade 1 ever since they were kids. They were the school's cute kid couples and the friendship their peers envy. Their friendship was more like an elder sister to a younger brother before living like a hero and a villain.

David's smile turned mischievous. “Okay.” He snapped, shifting some documents to Kiara. “Sign the contract.”

Almost aggressively she put her pen on the papers. David smiled looking at her eyes and long lashes with her red lip gloss. Her lips were like a rose petal, her eyes big and beautifully modified.

His smile suddenly faded away as Kiara raised her head not smiling. He knew she wouldn't take it lightly. "Thanks.” He said and left.

Kiara resumed munching her chips then raised her legs and placed them on the table.

Life felt unusual, the two friends drifted away and had to choose their path. With Kiara, the money was there but it felt like something was missing. Back in those days, David lost his dad making their family of just two; him and his mum broke as the father was the family's only hope. His mum started cleaning and had to work the night shift for survival.

But then Kiara's dad stepped in, sponsored him through his education to become an engineer making him successful.

Along the line Kiara and David became closer from the school friends they used to be. As time passed something began to be a mystery between the two until one day David decided to spill out the tea but ended up almost losing the friendship due to Kiara's ego.

She would stand on the balcony alone deeply lost in thought. She stood, quiet, standing just still like a statue but then she heard the sound of heels walking majestically. Kiara almost looked back but then held on to see who it may be. Probably her mum or one of the staff. But then it was Clara, who lit up the atmosphere.

“Hey I'm back…” Kiara looked back and was surprised at who she saw, Clara, her long time college friend, just returned from Italy after years of staying in Italy for business. The two have been good friends since their college days. But being from a wealthy family she flew out of the country after college. They both shared lots of memories from class to hostel to clubbing and hanging out with Clara's boyfriend. Even though David was Kiara’s best friend, Clara was the female friend who also stood by her.

Joy, hugs and kisses filled the air as the two friends couldn't hold back their joy. “O dear, how have you been? I miss you so much.” The two ladies sat on a couch in the living room. It was neat, quiet and well furnished speaking luxury.

“Even I miss you darling, you look sweet and better now. Money isn't really good.” Clara said with a bright smile showcasing her white coloured teeth with her purple lipstick, all obvious.

They began talking and all they talked about was money, beauty, life and love. “Guess what?” Clara snapped, making Kiara's face lit up. “Somebody’s son proposed to me.” Showcasing her white teeth and her left fingers with a diamond ring. Kiara was stunned, her mouth open wide in surprise. “Your's is next my dear.”

Scenarios ran through in her head

‘like why would I need a man? I'm only twenty six. There are a lot of things to achieve, life to live and freedom to enjoy.’ She thought.

Getting married or engaged seems to be an imprisonment. Besides, she was not interested in any man. Her smile suddenly faded without a single word. Clara noticed and waved her hand to her face, bringing her to reality.

“What are you thinking about?” Clara asked, in a caring voice. Kiara smiled.

“Nothing much, I'm just thinking about your last statement.”

“What was that?” Clara asked, lowering herself and crossing her arms on her lap with her glass of juice.

“You said mine will be the next, I'm happy for you that you are happy but for me I don't have plans for that maybe for now.”

Clara's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and amusement dancing in her gaze as she took in Kiara’s determined expression. Her lips parted in a silent “what?”

She continued, “Girl you are twenty six and no longer getting younger, at least you should have a boyfriend.”

Kiara sitting there ordered the cook to make a meal for the both but asked the cook to bring a drink first. “Sorry I didn't offer you anything, my excitement didn't let me.” Kiara apologized to Clara.

She only remembers when the conversation seemed boring because of the topic. At that point, she began showing no interest in the discussion.

“Nevermind if I had wanted something to eat I would have called the cook myself.” Clara replied then paused, “Your issue is concerning, you can't continue being single. A beautiful girl like you, honestly it's not nice. Look for a guy!” Her voice almost started rising.

“I’m cool and calm, don't raise your voice. I need to get something clear, I just signed a contract with David and I'm not sure of it. I mean David will be around now.”

“Hmm what of David, sorry I didn't ask earlier?” Clara asked sharply, dropping the glass of juice with her on the table. And just then the door cracked open. Kiara didn't need to turn, she already knew who it was. David.