Protecting Her

Claire's jaw clenched as she fought to keep her emotions in check. She knew that replying to Mia's comments would only escalate the situation further, and everyone would blame her for fighting with her sick stepsister. 

Claire felt her patience wearing thin. She clenched her hands, her nails digging into her palms, as she struggled to maintain her composure. 

Heaving a huge sigh, she tried to suppress her anger, and turned around when suddenly Mia got angrier and stepped forward towards her. 

Smack…

Mia's hand flew through the air, hitting Claire across the cheek with a powerful smack.

The sound rang through the store, drawing shocked gasps from people watching. Claire stumbled backward, her hand flying to her burning cheek as she stumbled from the blow. Anger boiled within her, rising to the surface like a volcano ready to explode.

But before Claire could let out her anger, Joshua rushed onto the scene, his eyes blazing with anger. He stormed towards Claire, his protective reflexes kicking into gear as he wrapped his arms around her, shielding her from further danger.

"What's the meaning of this?" Joshua thundered, his voice booming through the store like a clap of thunder. "How dare you allow someone to assault my wife?"

 He didn't bother to say anything to the girl who caused the scene instead he let his anger out on all the shopkeepers standing there now.

The shopkeepers rushed to reply; their faces paled with fear as they stammered out apologies. Though Joshua's gaze stayed locked on Mia, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

Mia, who had been brimming with confidence just moments before, now found herself shrinking under Joshua's glare. His towering presence and unshakable wrath left her feeling small and trivial in comparison.

"I demand an explanation," Joshua continued, his voice ice-cold as he turned his attention back to the shops. "And I expect appropriate action to be taken."

Mia stepped back, her confidence vanishing in an instant. She casted a fearful glance at Joshua, her heart beating with dread as she realised the extent of her stupidity.

Joshua's look softened as he turned to Claire, worry etched into his features.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softer now as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face.

Claire nodded in shock as she looked at him. It was the first time someone stepped forward to protect her like this. She felt a rush of warmth go through her entire body.

Just then, the manager of the shop rushed in and started yelling, "What is going on here? Do you think this is a place for you all to come and make a scene whenever you want?" 

His eyes fell on Mia, and he gave her a hard glare. Then his eyes went to the man standing opposite her, with a girl wrapped around his arms. Immediately, his gaze softened, and he hurried towards him. "Sir! Sir! How are you? What are you doing here? You should have told us in advance; we would have come to your service right away." 

Seeing the manager talking like this with Joshua, Mia knew she was doomed and immediately started thinking of a plan. 

"Ohh my! You are Joshua? Joshua Cane? I have heard a lot about you." Mia spoke, and her voice dripped sweetness.

Claire felt disgusted at her exchange of expressions and rolled her eyes. 

Mia took some steps towards Joshua and was about to come near him when he glared at her hard, making her stop in her tracks right there, and she shivered. 

Mia's mask of sweetness disappeared as she shuddered from Joshua's piercing stare, her confidence dispersing like mist in the wind. She took a timid step back, her eyes wide with fear, as she realised the situation she was in.

Under Joshua's keen scrutiny, the manager shrieked, his face pale with fear. "I'm terribly sorry, sir," he stammered, his voice trembling. "We will take immediate action to rectify the situation."

But Joshua's patience had run thin, his temper flaring as he glared at the boss. "Immediate action is not enough," he replied, his voice filled with disdain. "You have allowed my wife to be attacked in your store. Do you understand the situation?"

The manager swallowed hard, understanding the seriousness of the circumstances. "I assure you, sir, we will do everything in our power to make amends," he promised, his voice shaking.

But before he could say anything further, Joshua's look went icy as he addressed the shopkeepers. "And as for you," he snapped, his voice cutting like a knife. "You have allowed this woman," he pointed toward Mia with contempt, "to disrupt the peace of your business. She should be thrown out immediately."

Mia's face contorted with anger as she cried, "You can't treat me like this! I'm a VIP customer!"

But the shopkeepers, motivated by Joshua's power, stood firm. "Mr. Cane is the owner of this entire mall," one of them stated, his voice dripping with scorn. "And if he says you're prohibited from entering ever again, then that's final."

Mia's protests fell on deaf ears as the shopkeepers escorted her out of the store, her face flushed with shame and loss.

As the ruckus settled, Joshua turned to Claire, his face softening with worry. "Let's go back," he stated, his voice gentle as he reached out to her.

Claire nodded, feeling a rush of relief wash over her, but before they could step out, Joshua noticed the small smile that appeared on Claire's lips. 

He realised what he had been doing and immediately let go of Claire. "Don't think that I have a soft corner for you. At that moment, I was doing what a husband should for his wife. You are mine... Joshua Cane's wife now, and you should not let yourself be insulted by these mere people." 

Claire rolled her eyes at his words, 'Of course! How can he take care of me? He was just maintaining his own reputation.'