Chapter 7

Svarga was seen intimately wrapping his arm around Arsila's waist, with Keenan following behind them carrying several shopping bags. They seemed close, their carefree faces only intensifying the turmoil in Catherine's chest.

"Let's go, Dhira," Catherine urged.

"Aren't you curious?"

Catherine turned away, not wanting to let her thoughts tangle, and her heart was unsettled just to see two people who had hurt her. She was now laughing happily with someone she trusted.

"Svarga seems very close with Arsila," Dhira commented.

"They're business partners," Catherine replied.

Dhira felt awkward and sped up the car without saying another word.

The pounding in Catherine's heart slowly subsided, but her eyes were still teary after seeing Keenan and all the memories they had shared.

They had once adored each other, professing love and expressing affection every day. Keenan, who rarely showed warmth, had been very attentive to her. He had made her fall in love for years without realizing that happiness would eventually lead her to suffering.

Catherine asked to stop at a bookstore to calm herself by reading some self-help and business idea books because, as Noel had mentioned last night, her father wanted to recruit her as a director.

Dhira didn't join her; instead, she headed home to prepare for Catherine's tasks for the next day.

The bookstore wasn't too crowded; it was a quiet place with warm, yellowish lighting that was easy on the eyes, and the soothing scent of lavender aromatherapy filled the room.

"Cath?" Liam's voice interrupted. They stared at each other, both surprised.

"Liam, what are you doing here?!"

"I'm looking for some references for the next model project. What are you doing here?"

Catherine was a bit confused. "Nothing, just browsing."

Liam nodded, and they continued looking for their respective books. Catherine was sure Liam wasn't here by chance. He must have followed her from the office.

"Cath, may I ask you something?" Liam interrupted.

Catherine's instinct was right; Liam had a specific purpose.

"I know it's very bold of me to ask, but I've heard rumors about your arranged marriage with Svarga."

"That's not true," Catherine replied.

"So, you're rejecting it?"

"I haven't responded to anything about the arrangement. So, I haven't answered anything."

Liam sighed. "I don't know much about what happened to you in the past. I was also shocked by what happened between you and Keenan, especially when I found out that Arsila was the cause of your marriage falling apart."

Catherine closed her eyes, feeling weak in the knees. She then sat in one of the chairs in several corners of the room. Liam sat next to her, looking at Catherine with concern.

"I don't like being pitied, Liam. My wounds haven't healed, but I can stand on two feet. I'm not a weak woman—"

"But you look weak, Cath," Liam interjected.

Catherine wasn't angry; she admitted deep down that she was suffering from holding back her disappointment alone. She pretended to be the strongest and unbeatable, even though it was true, but she couldn't deny that she also needed a hug and other support.

"Why don't you accept the arranged marriage with Svarga?" Liam asked skeptically.

"I can't."

"It's not about can or can't; you have no choice but to accept. I have another suggestion you might consider if you're against the arrangement."

Catherine turned. "What do you mean?"

"You can propose a marriage with an agreement, and the marriage ends once all agreements are fulfilled," Liam explained.

Catherine was slightly surprised, but she couldn't deny that Liam's idea was brilliant. However, Catherine was afraid of getting caught in her own game. She respected Svarga as a senior at work and valued their long-standing friendship.

Catherine was hesitant; if she agreed with Liam's suggestion, she worried she might betray their friendship someday. Svarga and Liam had been very kind in helping her at the first step towards Keenan and Arsila's downfall.

"I'll think about it later." Catherine got up from the chair, put down the book she had been holding, and left the bookstore.

Her phone rang. Catherine looked at the screen and read a message in the notification bar.

Svarga Oweis: I just met Arsila and Keenan. I'm at your house now, but you're not here. Let me know where you are, and I'll pick you up.

Catherine sighed. It seemed she would have to avoid Svarga once again.

***

Gistara Inc.'s skincare brand sales soared dramatically after Catherine's live-streaming appearance. This success led to the company's employees handling the product being required to work late into the night.

This reality did not please Arsila. Instead, she felt that Catherine posed a significant threat, especially after her rival's veiled threats during the charity event in Paris.

"I need to convince Svarga that Catherine can work effectively," Arsila said.

"Is she bothering you?" Keenan asked.

"No, she's not my match. I'll never lose to her."

"Then you have nothing to worry about, darling. She may come from the Chandra family, but that might just be a ploy to intimidate us."

"What do you mean?"

Keenan recounted that when he married Catherine, she was just a marketing staff member at a small company. Keenan met her because she handled advertisements for product launches.

Keenan had no initial feelings for Catherine, but their close collaboration eventually sparked something more, leading to a more serious relationship.

"She was alone; she didn't bring her family to the wedding. I felt sorry for her because she helped me a lot and was lovely…"

"…but as you know, beauty alone can't make me kneel. I need a woman who's more than just a marketing staff."

Keenan gently kissed Arsila's lips. "That's why I chose you."

Arsila blushed and returned Keenan's kiss more boldly. The kiss transformed into a natural desire. Their clothes were discarded individually, and Arsila climbed onto Keenan's lap, merging their bodies.

They are still as passionate as a newlywed couple. However, their activities were interrupted by a loud and rapid knock on the door, prompting them to put their clothes back on quickly.

"SHIT!"

Keenan cursed in frustration, standing up while buttoning his pants and walking towards the door to open it.

"Good evening, Mr. Keenan," greeted a disheveled man who had been working since morning till late at night.

"Have you seen the latest news?" the man asked, showing a viral news update on social media.