Chapter 5

A bitter smile barely managed to escape her face as she applied the lipstick with caution in her lips. She felt a bit sad knowing that girls her age normally knew how to do their own makeup.

On the other hand, she was anxious about putting it on because she didn't know how to.

'It's just lipstick Clare... Your hands shouldn't be this shaky. You just have to swipe--'

The lipstick smudged outside the lining of her lip. Panic could be seen from her face as she immediately searched for a paper towel to wipe it off with. Instead of coming off from her skin, it got messier but the pigment was still there.

Clare decided to take some wet wipes and it finally came off.

The lipstick became the target of her glare.

So that was what the word Matte stood for...

The expression on her face loosened from the sudden realization and a chuckle escaped from her lips.

Who knew that being a girl was so fun?

A quick reminder was etched into her mind. Next time, she should read what labels meant for makeup.

'Maybe, I could ask Stella for some advice.'

Having an idea from her previous mistake, she proceeded to dab a little bit of product to her lips meticulously. A little was even applied to her cheeks to add a little bit of flush to make her look less anemic.

Seemingly satisfied with how her face turned out, she gave herself a last look in the mirror and surveyed herself from head to toe. The peach coloured blouse and cream trousers which she wore made her look like her age. It was basic but it suited her well. Partnered with a pair of beige heels, the look that she was going for was fulfilled.

With this, Clare was ready to go down the first floor where the opening will take place.

As she descended the stairs, a lone figure of a small child awaited her. The child had the biggest smile plastered on her face.

Clare was taken aback slightly. Most of the time, this six year old girl showcased a grumpy expression on her small face. However, the munchkin seemed genuinely happy.

A sudden urge to tease the little girl tickled Clare's mind. She held herself back, afraid that she would ruin the little devil's mood. to relieve the urge she glanced sideways and grinned to suppress her laughter.

This reaction wasn't left unnoticed by the child, and the beam she had seconds ago turned into an accusing stare. one of her barely-seen brows arched as the lips started to tilt into a downward direction.

'Oh no...'

"Kate, my cute little sister, you look absolutely pleasant today."

Clare smiled sweetly at the kid.

The latter only flashed an 'I-know-right'-look on her face.

Clare stifled a smile and she drew in closer immediately swooping the small child into her arms. The child's amber eyes brightened for a moment which Clare failed to take notice of.

"Are you here to congratulate your older sis?"

Kate's cheeks reflected a hint of redness as her older sister tucked some of the long brown silky hair that partially covered her face while mumbling those words to tease her.

Of course, she was right! But in no way will she admit that to her oldeer sister!

Her head shook as she looked away from her sister's beautiful amber eyes. She felt so embarrassed that she could barely open her mouth.

"If I didnt know you, I would've thought you were a young mom, Clare..."

Both the little girl and Clare's attention were caught by a female voice.

Clare rolled her eyes as she turned towards the source of the voice.

What greeted her was a beautiful blonde woman, who resembled the grin Kate had a few minutes ago.

The blonde's lips landed on her cheek which sent her into an immediate panic. she was about to open her mouth when the former shut her up with her response.

"Its transfer proof!"

She felt relief and wiped her cheek just to check if the woman was lying.

"How dare you Clarie! Don't you believe me?!"

" I do, Stella... How could I not?I mean, I would never not believe you!"

Clare made sure to mimic Stella's dramatic tone and the pitch of her voice.

Stella looked hurt by her sarcasm and she frowned. her eyes squinted and her facial expression was replaced with anger.

However, five seconds hadn't even passed and the two suddenly burst out laughing.

" You should just become an actress, Stella. You're really good at this."

"Well, It works well with the business."

Stella gave her a wink after saying that.

Clare realized that they were also in the presence of someone who was significantly younger than them. Immediately, the girl in her arms was put down.

The girl was sulking and glared at Stella.

The latter beamed at the child and took out something from her expensive purse.

"Hi, Clarie jr. I have something for you."

It was a little doll.

The girl's face loosened and she took the doll before saying her thanks and running off.

"She's really a mini version of you Clarie. are you sure that's not your daughter?"

" When did I suddenly turn into the Virgin Mary, Stella?"

"Ooop–"

Clare smirked.

That wasn't even possible for someone like her who hasn't ever gotten a boyfriend and a first kiss! And six years ago was like the time she was 16!

"Anyways congratulations Clarie, you deserve this! Dont forget me when youre rich, okay?"

" Are you being serious right now? you might be the one who does the forgetting not me."

"Oh? You're flattering me too much. How can I get rich when my only talent is being broke!" Stella said and laughed.

Claire fought the urge to roll her eyes.

" Just kidding! Of course, I'm never going broke. I'm too pretty for that."

They both smiled at each other and continued joking around. Claire felt enthusiasm as she told her friend everything she has done in preparation for her business. Stella was happy to listen and cheered her on.

As they finished their conversation, Claire felt a gaze directed upon her. she quickly glanced at the lone figure who was quietly shedding tears on the corner of the restaurant.

What was going on?

Did something happen again?

She started walking towards the man.

"Papa! Is everything alright? What's wrong? Why are you crying?", she said, trying to coax her crying father.

" No. I'm just..."

" I just couldn't believe it. I'm very happy..."

"Then why..."

Claire had mixed emotions. Her father was only like this whenever he remembers...

He wasn't the type to...

"I'm just so proud of you. My oldest..."

...say those words.