The Clarity of Love (Montereal series #2)

01

"Oh? What are you doing here? Invited ka? Tsk." My step-sister immediately blocked my path. This witch is really getting on my nerves. I took a deep breath, trying to remain composed despite the irritation bubbling inside me. It was always like this whenever we crossed paths – her snide remarks and passive-aggressive attitude never failed to annoy me.

And hello? Who did she think she was, acting like this at a party that wasn't even hers? It was so annoying and eww! But despite my anger, I reminded myself that this wasn't my party, and I had no right to cause a scene or make a scene. I had no intention of ruining someone else's event just because of my step-sister's bad behavior. Taking a deep breath, I tried my best to ignore her.

My Mom is not around, as usual. She doesn't really need to come here anymore because she's not a Lozano anymore.

So as I was saying earlier I have a step sister. Good thing, I only have one step-sister. Having one step-sister was already challenging enough for me, and I couldn't imagine dealing with the drama and tension that could come with having two or three of them. Thankfully, I only had one witchy step-sister, and even that was more than enough to handle. From the moment she entered our lives, it felt like a constant battle of wills. We couldn't see eye to eye on anything, and her attitude was always one of superiority and condescension. It was as if she had taken it upon herself to make my life difficult, and it often felt like I was walking on eggshells around her.

The reason why I have a stepsister is because my Dad got married again. My Dad and Mom's relationship didn't work out, and I don't really know the reasons behind their decision, but perhaps it was for the best that they separated. If they hadn't, they would have both been miserable, right?

If things won't work out, it's better not to force it. Accepting that reality can be tough, and it's natural to feel sadness and disappointment. After all, who would ever want their parents to separate? It's a difficult and emotional experience to go through.

When my Dad introduced his new wife to us, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – curiosity, apprehension, and a hint of sadness. It was strange to see him with someone new after all those years with my Mom. But as time passed, I realized that life was about moving forward and finding happiness, even after facing difficult decisions.

We're here at Dad's friend's party. He always brings me along to his gatherings, and of course, I'm his daughter, so I need to be there for him since Beatrice isn't his real child. Oh look, even her name sounds like it belongs to a snob.

"Clara!" I heard my name. I turned around and I saw my bestfriend, Mila. She looked as radiant as ever, her eyes sparkling with excitement and her warm demeanor enveloping me in comfort.

"Good thing you're here. I'm bored already. I don't really know many people here," she said, expressing her discomfort and feeling out of place among the crowd. I realized that I couldn't stay any longer; this environment just didn't resonate with me. The only person I truly felt connected to was Mila, my ever-loyal best friend who understood me amidst the unfamiliar faces.

I decided to come up with an excuse to leave; I really didn't want to stay here, but I was only here because of Dad.

Suddenly, my Dad called me. He said he wanted to introduced me to his friend's family.

"Iha, you're so beautiful." my Dad's friend said. "Anyway, this is my son, Ryder Axel Montereal." As I stood there, the realization dawned on me – they were the Montereal family. The name rang a bell in my memory, and I suddenly understood why it sounded so familiar. Their surname was well-known, thanks to their successful business ventures and the impact they had.

As our eyes met, I couldn't deny that Ryder was undeniably handsome. His striking features and captivating gaze seemed to draw people in effortlessly, and it was evident why he was a magnet for admirers, especially girls. However, as I stood there, I couldn't help but admit to myself that I didn't share the same feelings as those who were drawn to him. I had never been interested in guys romantically, and the idea of having a boyfriend just wasn't something that appealed to me.

Throughout the entire party, my step-sister couldn't seem to contain her excitement and fascination with the Montereal family, especially with Ryder. It was as if she had suddenly developed an infatuation, and her feelings were so evident that it was impossible not to notice. From the moment she laid eyes on Ryder, her gaze seemed to be fixated on him, and she would often find ways to be near him or engage him in conversation. Her efforts to impress him and catch his attention were apparent, and it was clear that she wanted to stand out and be noticed by him.

I got bored at the party last night and ended up staying up way past my usual bedtime. Dad took so long; he said we'd go home together.

As I made my way to school, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The events of the previous night were behind me, and I was ready to embrace the familiarity of my school routine. Despite not living with my step-sister, it seemed that fate had its own way of keeping us connected, as we attended the same school. Mas gusto ko kaisng tumira kung nasaan si Mom. Living with Mom has always been my preference. I found comfort and solace in her presence, and the atmosphere at her home felt warm and inviting. However, due to my parents' separation, While Dad's house was familiar and filled with memories of my childhood, the presence of my step-sister, the "itchy bitchy witch" as I secretly called her in my mind, made it a less than ideal place to reside. Her constant drama and attention-seeking behavior created a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere that I couldn't escape.

"Oh? Are you looking at something?" I noticed that this girl had been staring at me for a while now. I don't know her, and I don't want to know her. I'm not fond of weird girls. Well, I have other friends besides Mila. But they're just friends. Friends in the sense of being acquaintances. My relationship with Mila is different. She's my best friend, the one I'm always with. Mila is not just a friend; she's my confidante, my partner in crime, and my pillar of strength. We've been inseparable since high school, and our bond has only grown stronger over the years. There's a level of trust and understanding between us that I've never had with anyone else. While I have other friends, they don't hold the same special place in my heart as Mila does.

"Let's go! There's a fight happening over there!" And most of the students started running towards where the commotion was. I also joined them; it seemed exciting. I saw two girls laughing, and next to them was a nerdy girl. I was shocked when I saw how dirty she looked, and there was something spilled on her clothes. So eww! I just can't believe that this kind of scene is still a thing.

"Hey! You two! You know what? You're the low-class, trying-hard-to-be-snobs, and besides, you're not strong enough no matter what you do because if you were really strong, you would have faced me instead. But sorry, I won't stoop down to your level. That's cheap. So, what are you still doing here? Go ahead and clean up this mess!" As I spoke, I could sense the room plunging into a heavy silence. The tension was palpable, and the stunned expressions on the faces of the two girls I addressed said it all. My outburst had caught everyone off guard, including myself.

"Oh? Are you waiting for the school head to punish you? Move! Remember, I'm Mr. Lozano's daughter. I can do whatever I want. If I want you kicked out of this school, I can!" I was about to leave when someone grabbed my wrist.

"T-thank you," it was the nerdy girl. I had mistaken her for the two snobbish girls earlier.

"It's okay. No need to thank me," I replied, and she seemed like she was going to hug me or give me a kiss on the cheek.

"Oops! I'm sorry, but I don't do hugs, and besides, we're not friends. Just go ahead and change," I said as the time came for me to leave. I turned to the nerdy girl and gave her a smile. "Goodbye," I waved, trying to be friendly.

As I headed to my classroom, I saw my best friend, Mila, waiting for me with a bright smile. Her presence always brought comfort and joy. I felt lucky to have her by my side. "Clara, guess what? They included you in the performers for, wait! What do you call it? Ah, theater-like that. You're one of the leads there," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I looked at my best friend with a bored expression as Mila continued to express excitement about the theater production. "So what's so exciting about that? I used to be the drama queen or the actress in those things, even though it went against my preferences," I remarked, adding a touch of sarcasm to my tone.

She suddenly let out a loud and exhilarated scream, catching me completely off guard. Her high-pitched shriek echoed through the room, causing heads to turn and curious glances to be directed our way. Instinctively, I raised my hand and gently slapped her on the arm, hoping to calm her down and bring her back to reality.

"Ryder will be your partner," Mila exclaimed."What? Ryder is going to be my partner?" I exclaimed, my voice reflecting both shock and nervousness.

Mila nodded with a mischievous grin. "Yes, Clara! Isn't that exciting? You'll get to hold his hand, hug him, and there's even a chance for a kissing scene!" The thought of being paired with Ryder for intimate scenes on stage sent a shiver down my spine. My mind raced with a mixture of emotions - excitement, nerves, and a hint of reluctance.

"You're so gross! Why would I kiss that man? It's just a play, Mila. No kissing, no touching, no hugs! I'm okay with him being my partner, but I have a rule!" I exclaimed, emphasizing my stance. Mila stood up from her seat in surprise.

"What?! No touching and no hugs? Come on, Clara, it's just a play!" Mila responded, accepting in the end that Ryder would be my partner.

As Mila and I were about to leave, a guy suddenly approached us, causing us to sit back down on our seats. And to my surprise, it was none other than Ryder Montereal himself. He had an air of cool confidence about him, and I couldn't deny that he looked undeniably handsome. I rolled my eyes at the thought, reminding myself that his looks were not enough to impress me.

"Hi, Clarisse raegan lozano!" As I heard my full name roll off his tongue, Ryder raised an eyebrow playfully, a smirk dancing across his lips. I couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and annoyance at his cocky demeanor. It seemed like he was enjoying the effect he had on me, and I refused to let him see how flustered he made me.

The tension in the air seemed to escalate as the words slipped out of my mouth. I couldn't help but retort, "You don't have to mention my full name, and why are you here? We're not friends! We're not even close! So back off, Ryder Axel Montereal!"

Good thing I have a good memory. Naalala ko ang full name niya.

"Let's go! We need to talk." I raised a brow.

"Why would I talk to you? My mom said, 'Don't talk to strangers like you!'" He smirked even more. What's with this guy?

"Do you have anything else to say?" I asked him. He just shrugged. "Then leave!" I signaled to Mila that we should go.

We stood up to leave, but this guy was being too intrusive. We couldn't leave because of him! My heart raced as Ryder's grip tightened around my wrist, pulling me towards an unknown destination. I tried to break free, but his hold was firm, and I couldn't escape his grasp. I felt a mix of fear and anger building inside me. What was he up to now?

I struggled to break free from Ryder's grip as he continued to lead me through the crowd, ignoring my protests. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and frustration surging through me. "Get off your hands from me! Where are we going?!" I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of panic and anger.