It was a beautiful day at the country club, with the elite mingling to play golf, tennis, and relax by the shimmering pool. Adrian Belfort struggled to focus on his tennis match, his concentration constantly wavering. His opponent, his own step-niece, Clara Miller, moved with an effortless grace, her every step highlighting her curves. The way her miniskirt revealed her toned, long legs and the wind occasionally helped him see some more skin made it impossible for him to keep his eyes—and his thoughts—pure. As they volleyed back and forth, Adrian's mind was a whirlwind of admiration and desire, his focus on the game slipping further away with each passing moment.
Clara moved gracefully across the tennis court, her movements precise and confident. She was an excellent player, her skill evident as she defeated Adrian round after round. Despite her growing suspicion that he might be letting her win, the sheer enjoyment of the game and the company kept her spirits high.
After another intense round, Adrian called for a break. "How about we take a break?" he suggested, breathing heavily but smiling.
Clara nodded, wiping the sweat from her brow. "Yes, that sounds good."
They made their way to a table with a stunning seaside view, the sun beginning its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. Adrian removed his sunglasses, his eyes reflecting the beauty of the setting sun as he looked at Clara.
"So," Adrian began as they settled into their seats, "you’re really good at this. Why did you quit playing tennis?"
Clara’s expression grew a bit somber. She took a sip of water, gathering her thoughts. "My mom left my club membership paid until I turned sixteen," she explained softly. "But after that, my dad couldn’t afford it anymore. I tried to keep playing on my own, in other clubs, but it wasn’t the same. A lot of things weren’t the same."
Adrian looked at Clara with a mix of sympathy and admiration. "I’m really sorry about your mother, Clara. Even though it’s been over fifteen years, I know that kind of loss never really goes away."
Clara nodded, her eyes reflecting a hint of lingering sadness. "Thank you, Adrian. It means a lot."
Adrian's expression softened further. "You know, Clara, I’d like to pay for your membership at the club now. You shouldn't have to give up something you love."
Clara's eyes widened in surprise. "Adrian, that's incredibly generous, but the club’s yearly fee is over a million dollars. I can’t accept that."
Adrian shook his head, smiling warmly. "Don't worry about it, Clara. It's the least I can do. You deserve to keep doing what you love."
Clara felt a rush of gratitude and disbelief. She smiled, her heart full. "Thank you, Adrian. Really, thank you so much."
Adrian drove Clara back home. As they pulled up to the Miller residence, Clara felt a mix of contentment from the day spent with Adrian and nervousness about facing her father.
Stepping out of the car, Clara saw her father, Richard, waiting by the front door, his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face. "I don't remember anyone asking permission to get my daughter out of this house," Richard said sarcastically as they approached.
Adrian rolled his eyes, clearly unfazed by Richard's tone. "I texted you about it," he replied calmly.
Clara quickly interjected, hoping to diffuse the tension. "Dad, we just went to the club to play tennis. That's all."
Richard's eyes flicked between Clara and Adrian, his displeasure evident, but he chose not to pursue the matter further. He sighed, the anger in his eyes simmering but contained. "Alright," he said gruffly, his voice strained with an unspoken reprimand.
Adrian turned to Clara, his expression softening. "Goodbye, Clara. Take care," he said warmly.
Clara smiled, feeling a pang of regret as she watched him leave. "Goodbye, Adrian. Thank you again for today."
Adrian nodded, giving her a reassuring smile before turning and walking back to his car. Clara watched as he drove away, a sense of gratitude and warmth lingering in her heart despite the awkward encounter with her father.
Clara, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension after Adrian's departure, turned to her father Richard who stood with a stern expression. "Dad, is everything okay?" she inquired tentatively.
Richard nodded with a sigh. "Yes, despite your little escapade today," he replied, his tone softened slightly by a hint of concern.
Trying to lighten the mood, Clara grinned. "Well, I had fun at least," she remarked, though her father's expression remained serious.
He then continued, "You know, you'll be graduating from high school later this year. We should start thinking about your future."
Clara's laughter subsided, replaced by curiosity. "I already thought about it well enough, thank you," she said confidently. "You know I'm going to Princeton. And, I don’t know, maybe I’ll get back into playing tennis."
Richard nodded thoughtfully but then added, "That's good, Clara, but I'm thinking about something more steady and solid. Something that might be the key to getting the family’s business back."
Confused, Clara furrowed her brow. "Like what?" she asked, her interest piqued.
Richard hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Marriage, Clara. I’m talking about marriage."