Chapter 24: Like a Real FamilyArthur’s P.O.VI sat in the dining area, my whole body jolting to a pause as Kathleen’s hand touched mine. Even though the contact was brief, I couldn’t help the tingles that shot up my arm, momentarily rendering me speechless.Forgetting what I was about to do, I moved my hand away quickly, and tried not to meet her gaze even though I could feel her eyes on mine.Did she feel it too? That jolt of electricity? Or was it just a part of my imagination?I took the glass from beside me and took a sip of water, not knowing why I suddenly felt nervous."Wow! It’s like we are eating like a real family."I was mid-sip when Hayley made her announcement, and a mouthful of water went down the wrong pipe as I let out a shocked gasp."Are you okay?" Hayley
Chapter 25: Convincing Kathleen’s P.O.V Hayley peered at me expectantly, as I sat hunched in my seat, my emotions all over the place as I tried to comprehend what just happened. I could feel my stomach in knots as I looked from her to her father. But even looking at Arthur proved fruitless as he too seemed to be deep in thought. I knew that if I agreed, he would definitely pay me extra…but in this case…payment wasn’t the actual problem…was it? "Well," I said, unable to think of a better excuse. "I would need to get my mother's permission before making a big decision like this, Hayley." Hayley was quick to respond, her eyes wide with surprise. "You need your mother's permission? But…you’re an adult!" "Yes, I do," I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed at having a child point that out to me. "I
Chapter 26: Convincing the Parents Kathleen's P.O.V I had a long day at work, credit to Hayley. And usually, I was eager to get home and crash onto my bed. In fact, I was so tired that I didn’t even want to change out of my clothes. But this time, I strode from the bus stop to our house with mixed feelings and uncertainty. I could feel the knot in my stomach as I walked towards the door. My mother would be excited to hear this, but not my father. This was news that could change everything. Knowing how much my father frowned at all forms of indiscipline and unethical behavior, it wouldn't surprise me if he asked me to quit the job and come back to the restaurant. Somehow, I knew it would get to this. But I didn't suppose it would be this soon. I'd been waiting for this moment for what felt like foreve
Chapter 27: Sincere ApologiesKathleen’s P.O.VEverything was going to be different now that I was going to live in the Dalton mansion. Aside from the fact that I would have to see Arthur more often, I would also have to be near Hayley a lot more so that she wouldn’t be lonely or sad. Especially since she had nightmares quite often.That morning, I was up before three in the morning as I began packing my stuff to move. I slowly packed my belongings, savoring each moment in the familiar room that I grew up in since childhood. It was time to move on, and welcome a new chapter of my life. I had mixed feelings, especially now that my mom wasn’t well.On the one hand, I was thrilled at the prospect of staying close to the man that intrigued and infuriated me at the same time, even though I hated to admit it. I hated his arrogance; how he was always unapologetic about things he did and didn’t even feel remorse for his actions. But at the same time…I couldn’t help but feel drawn to him.May
Chapter 28: Build a SnowmanKathleen’s P.O.VI couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, even as I felt a pang of disappointment. Arthur and I might have held hands by accident, but the physical contact had left us both feeling things we weren’t supposed to feel.Or at the very least…I wasn’t supposed to feel for my employer.I knew that if Hayley hadn't interrupted us, things might have gone in a direction that I wasn't ready for. Still, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to see where this could’ve led us.I could still remember the feeling in my chest when our eyes had locked for a fraction of a second. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, and I relived how I felt completely drawn in by his gaze. I tried to play it cool, but inside I was a jumble of emotions.I could feel my cheeks flushing with color as my h
Chapter 29: First Kiss…Tasted like SnowArthur’s P.O.VAs I sat by the window, my laptop on my lap as I continued to work even as I tried to keep my eyes on my daughter and Kathleen…I could feel her eyes on me. I didn't turn to look at her, but I knew she was there, looking at the window from outside. The thought of meeting her gaze made my heart skip a beat, and my mind raced with memories of this morning when she had mistakenly touched my hand. The memory alone made a shiver run down my spine with uncertainty, so I stayed still and kept my eyes fixed on my computer, not knowing how to react in a situation like this. Despite the fact that I always wanted solitude while working, I decided to work in the living room window seat from where I could keep my eyes on both of them. Hayley was playing with her nanny on the snowy grounds outside, and as long as she was with Kathleen, I was sure that she wouldn’t let any harm come to my baby girl.I was itching to look up and rest my gaze at
Chapter 30: Crossing the LinesKathleen’s P.O.VI never intended to kiss him. It was a moment of impulse, a sudden decision that I didn't fully understand. It felt like the only way to calm him down, the only thing that would stop him from talking non-stop about Hayley’s safety like she hadn't just scraped her knee but returned from a war.And as soon as my lips touched his, I had felt a jolt of electricity coursing through my veins. It was accompanied by a rush of emotions, a jumble of happiness, fear, and uncertainty. But most of all, I felt a sense of connection, a spark that I had never felt before.Butterflies erupted in the pit of my stomach, flying wildly as if they were being chased around by a bigger predator. And right then, as I pulled away from him, I couldn’t even look into his eyes because I could already feel my cheeks redden from embarrassment.So I did the only rational thing I could think of…I dashed into the room and slammed the door shut on his face as I leaned my
Chapter 31: This is How you KissKathleen’s P.O.VAs I entered Arthur's office, I caught sight of him standing by his desk, his back to the door, and the sight of his broad shoulders and his broad back itself was enough for me to lose my breath.He was leaning against the table, his head bowed, his shoulders tense. But for some reason, my mind was filled with all kinds of dirty images…Him on top of me…me scratching that back as my nails dug into that porcelain white skin…his lips on my throat…I had to visibly shake myself out of the sudden burst of images running through my mind and I didn’t know what had come over me that I had just imagined something so…vivid…The force of that daydream took me by surprise and I was left asking myself if I was even sane to be thinking about something like that when I was probably about to get fired for crossing certain lines?I didn’t even ask for his consent…I had just kissed him. If the roles were reversed…this would’ve been a huge issue, and ju
Chapter 81: Happily Ever AfterKathleen’s P.O.V I stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing out the delicate lace of my white gown. It’s a stunning dress, simple yet elegant, and it made me feel like a princess.The reflection staring back at me looked like a stranger. Not because of the dress or the elegant hairstyle, but because of the happiness that radiated from my face. It had been a long journey to get here, but standing here now, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace and joy.My mother stood behind me, helping me with the final touches. She adjusts the veil and steps back to admire her work."Kat, you look absolutely beautiful," she says, her voice thick with emotion. She wipes away a tear that escapes down her cheek. “I didn’t think I would see you in such a wonderful wedding dress!”"Mom, don't cry," I say, though my own voice is unsteady. I turn to face her, feeling the wave of the moment settle over me. "You always said you wanted to see me settle down w
Chapter 80: Christmas ProposalKathleen’s P.O.V Christmas had been a lonely time for me these past few years. I had usually spent the holidays working or at the hospital, during my mother’s treatment. But this year, everything changed when I met Arthur and his little girl, Hayley.Today, Hayley turned to me with a big smile as we all gathered around the Christmas tree after dinner to exchange gifts. "Miss Kat, remember when I asked Santa for a mommy this Christmas?"I couldn’t help but laugh. "Oh, Hayley, of course I remember!"Hayley’s smile was enough to light up the whole room, "I think he already fulfilled my wish by giving me you."Arthur and I exchanged a look, and I felt my heart skip a beat. We had only just announced our relationship, but I knew that he was the one, the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And maybe, Hayley was right. Santa may have just granted her wish.Arthur's mother took my hand in her with a gentle smile. “Hayley is right. Welcome to the
Chapter 79: Clearing the MisunderstandingsKathleen’s P.O.V “Where have you been Arthur?” Georgina immediately snaps at her son, her expression dark as she looks from me to Arthur and then at Savannah. “We were about to have the announcement, but then we realized that the couple were missing! How can you abandon your own party like that?”“Mother,” Arthur spoke softly, trying to calm her down. “There is something you must know first, before anything is announced. So please, listen to Savannah.”All eyes turned towards Savannah immediately and she shrunk away under the scrutiny of their combined gazes, her eyes darting towards Arthur and me as I could see her face visibly pale from fright."We’re here for you," I say softly, moving to her other side and giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.Savannah took a deep breath and finally, turned to her parents. "Mom, Dad, there’s something I need to tell you. Something I’ve been hiding for a long time." Her voice trembled with fear, but s
Chapter 78: The Truth about SavannahKathleen’s P.O.V I took a deep breath. "It's a long story," I began, unsure of where to start. But I knew I had to tell him everything."Remember when I went to Target to buy the tree for Hayley’s room?" I asked, remembering the time I had finally learned why Arthur hated Christmas so much. Arthur nodded, still looking puzzled. "Well, while I was there, I bumped into this stunning woman. She was tall, elegant, the kind of person you can't miss. It was Korina, the supermodel."Arthur's eyes widened. "Korina? What was she doing at Target?""That's what I wondered too," I said with a small laugh. "She was looking for a tree just like me. We started talking, and surprisingly, she seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. At first, I didn't understand why someone like her would want to be friends with someone like me. I mean, I'm just an ordinary person, right?"Arthur nodded, urging me to continue. "So, we exchanged numbers and started hangin
Chapter 77: Untangled WebsKathleen’s P.O.V I stood there, frozen, as Arthur kissed me. For a moment, everything else faded away. All that mattered was the feeling of his lips on mine, the way his hand wrapped around me in a blanket of warmth and comfort.Till now, the scrutiny of our neighbors, the whispers and the gossip had become too much to handle, until Uncle Thompson finally broke the silence and asked me, point blank, what had been on everyone’s mind. It had taken me aback to the point where I didn’t have any idea how to respond.But then I had turned and watched Arthur march towards me with determination…and now, as his lips moved against mine, I couldn’t help but feel a immense amount of relief wash over me.Then, reality crashed back in, and I realized that everyone in the restaurant was staring at us. My heart sank when I noticed my parents among the onlookers, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.I pulled away from Arthur, my face burning with embarrassment. B
Chapter 76: Can’t Wait Any LongerArthur’s P.O.V When I walked out of the room, I wasn't expecting to see Hayley standing there, tears streaming down her cheeks. Immediately, my heart clenched with concern. I knelt down beside her, gathering her into my arms gently."What's wrong, sweetheart?" I asked softly, my voice filled with worry.Hayley sniffled, her eyes red and puffy. "Daddy, did Miss Kathleen leave because I was bad? Because she doesn't love me anymore?"My heart sank even further. Kat was Hayley's beloved nanny, their relationship going even further than just the bonds of duty. They were inseparable…and now that Kathleen wasn’t here, she must be heartbroken. I rubbed Hayley's back soothingly, trying to find the right words to comfort her."No, no, Hayley," I said gently, "Kathleen loves you very much. She didn't leave because of anything you did. Sometimes, people need their own space, but that doesn't mean she doesn't love you."Hayley looked up at me with her big, watery
Chapter 75: Eve of ChangeArthur’s P.O.V I stood at the edge of the party on Christmas Eve, the music thumping through the floor and the chatter of people swirling around me. The office had transformed into a wonderful Christmas wonderland with all the necessary decors and even a gigantic Christmas tree to go along with the theme.However, it wasn’t just an ordinary Christmas party that was usually held by our company for the employees every year. This party was different.I glanced at Savannah, who was smiling tightly as she talked with some of the guests. Neither of us wanted to be here, announcing our engagement in front of everyone. It wasn't our idea. Our parents had planned this without our knowledge, springing it on us like an unwanted surprise.As I watched Savannah, my mind drifted back to the conversation I had with my mother earlier in the day. I had confronted her in the living room, where she was arranging flowers with a meticulousness that belied the chaos she had creat
Chapter 74: Unreciprocated FeelingsKathleen’s P.O.V I hadn't spoken to Cole since that incident in front of the restaurant. Seeing him now, standing awkwardly in front of me…I had no idea how to start a conversation, let alone tell him my deepest thoughts.The memory of that day was still fresh in my mind—his confession, my shocked silence, and the way everything changed in an instant. If Arthur hadn't been there that evening…I don’t think I could’ve had the courage to deal with him alone. But now, here he was, my former best friend…In all honesty, I didn’t even know if I could still call him my friend. We had too many unresolved issues between us. But as he took a seat on the edge of my bed, keeping as much distance between us as possible, I could see the worry etched on his face as he turned to face me."Kat," he says softly, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I’ve been worried about you. No matter what happened between us, I still care. I wish we could just forget that day and
Chapter 73: Comforting A FriendKathleen’s P.O.V Memories of Hayley and Arthur floated in my mind, making me feel like a heavy burden was pressing down on my chest. I had loved them both in my own way, but they were never really mine to begin with. It was time to let them go and try to move on. I needed a distraction, something to take my mind off the past.Usually, at times like this, the only person who provided me with any form of comfort was my best friend, Cole. But with the recent developments in our relationship, everything I once knew had come crashing down around me, and I knew that I could never have that connection that I once shared with Cole.When everything else failed, I decided to reach out to my new friend.I picked up my phone and dialed Korina's number. She always had a way of making me feel better, and I hoped talking to her would help. The phone rang a few times before she picked up."Hello?" Korina's voice was shaky, and I could hear sniffling in the background.