KATERINA
Tears burned in my eyes as I stared at David holding a suitcase in his hand. I suck when it comes to goodbyes but it seemed like I didn't have that much of a choice. As much as I hated goodbyes, I had to say it. I wished he could stay for a while but…we both knew that wasn't a good idea. He needed to go back to Elysium city to take care of the company.David has been good company for the two days that I have spent with him in Aurelian city. I showed him around the city and he seemed to love it. I took him to one of my favourite restaurants and we had lunch. I wanted to show him around my city the same way he showed me around Aurelian city.“ I can't believe you're leaving. I’m going to miss you.”I choked out, my voice barely audible but loud enough for him to hear. The corner of his lips curved into a smirk when he heard my words.“ You know I can stay if you ask nicely.” He winked and I couldn't help it but roll my eyes. We both know that wasn't possible evLUCAS A FEW DAYS LATER Standing before the full-length mirror, I stared at my reflection, a nervous breath escaping my lips. I was clad in a grey tuxedo with a white shirt underneath. I couldn’t remember when was the last time I had been this nervous about looking good because I had lost track of time. I brushed the dark hair, fixing the edges. I picked the cologne and put it on for the second time? I couldn't tell. I wanted to look representable. I hope I haven't overdone it. “You look good, going somewhere?” Monalisa’s voice came from behind me. We locked eyes in the mirror and she gave me a questionable look. “ Damn it!” I cursed under my breath. I wasn’t in for an argument. All I wanted was to have peace of mind. However, it seemed as though that wasn’t going to happen, not when Monalisa was around. She always finds a reason to cause trouble when it’s all good. Heaving a deep sigh, I turned around to look at her, t
KATERINA I composed myself instantly because I didn’t want jade to realise that I was uncomfortable upon the mention of the name. I wanted to look professional even though the name made me feel a little bit uncomfortable. I cleared my throat. “Mr. Thompson?” I asked, making sure I didn’t hear her wrong. I wished she could tell me that she was just joking. If it was some sort of joke, it would be the worst joke in history. However, my heart sank deep in my stomach when she shook her head in denial, her face serious and I could tell that she wasn't joking. My heart pounded wildly when it dawned on me that… “Yes ma’am, Mrs. Thompson.” She confirmed my doubts. I swallowed the lump down my throat but it didn’t budge and I hated the feeling of it. God, someone please remind me again why I came back in Aurelian.“I think you made a wrong appointment.I…don’t recall confirming the appointment. Can you please cancel the appointment? I have something important
KATERINAThe feeling of being in his arms again felt familiar. The feeling that I have been trying so fucking hard to forget…“Are you okay? “Lucas asked in concern, looking down at me, worry written all over his face. Our faces were inches away from each other and I could feel his mint breath on cheeks, warm and gentle, caressing my cheeks.“ Yes, I’m okay.” I said in assurance. I wriggled from his arms, the closeness of our faces making me feel a little bit uncomfortable.Lucas helped me to sit back on the chair, ignoring my actions, being gentle as though I was made of glass. He walked to the sleek, built-in hydration station, fetching a glass of water for me.“ Here, this will help a little bit.” He said, his voice polite. He looked at me with care and I swallowed, taking the glass of water and sipped on it. “ I think you should go see the doctor. We can reschedule the appointment if you want. The appointment can wait, but not your health. Let me take yo
KATERINA What is inside the box? I couldn’t help but question myself, curiosity getting the better of me. Lucas walked to me, my heart pounding wildly against my ribcage with each step that I took. I frowned when he handed me the box. “What is inside?” I inquired, looking at him doubtfully.“What about…you check it for yourself?” He asked, the corner of his lips curving into a smirk. I didn’t like the look on his face, he always wore that look whenever he was up to no good. That look reminded me of how he used to tease me, and every time, I fell for it. I had this feeling that he was playing some twisted game on me, and I would be so stupid if I fall for it. I have fallen for many of his games in the past, not this time. I’m not the same Katerina who could be tricked easily. The corner of my lips curved into a smile when the thought popped in my head. “Thank you. However, I don’t think I’m the one you
KATERINA Touching the necklace on my neck, my lips curved into a smile. I closed my eyes, savouring the precious moment. Still, I couldn't believe that Lucas had brought me the most valuable thing that I have been searching for, for the last four years. It felt like a dream to me. A dream that I didn't want to wake up from. Wearing the necklace made me feel connected to my mother in some twisted way that I couldn't explain. I felt his presence and it gave me the motivation to keep on fighting. It reminded me of what made me come back to Aurelian city. “ Andrew never stopped thinking of you for the past four years.” Luca's words rang in my mind over and over again, like a music put on repeat. Me too. I never forgot about him for the past four years. He crossed my mind every other day, asking the heavens to protect him for me. I might have said that I let the past go. However, the truth was, there are some past that was hard to let go. Like my mother's precious necklace and…Andrew.
KATERINA “What are you doing here? Have you been following me?” she asked through gritted teeth and I couldn’t help it but roll my eyes, finding her question ridiculous. “Come on, don’t think high of yourself, Stephanie. Why in the world would I follow you when I have a thousand things to do?” I asked with a raised eyebrow, the corner of my lips curving into a smirk. “Long time no see, don’t pretend you didn’t miss me.” I said sarcastically, the smirk on my lips broadening. Her jaw twitched when she heard my words, making me feel good. “To be honest, I kind of missed you, mother. You were always on my mind, every single day.” I pretended to be emotional, playing around with her mind. It was true she has been on my mind for the past four years. Stephanie rolled her eyes upon hearing my words, not believing me. The truth is, she crossed my mind often and each time her face flashed in my mind, my heart clenched painfully. Heaving a slow deep sigh, I discarded the thoughts, focusing
KATERINA I laid on my bed, the sheets cold against my skin and the sleep far from my eyes. I have tried all tricks, willing myself to fall asleep but none worked. I was still wide awake in the middle of the night, chain of thoughts buzzing my mind. FLASHBACK The day passed in a blur. However, I didn't enjoy it to the fullest the way I had envisioned it. Well, that is to be expected when that witch Stephanie is around. Despite everything, I tried my best not to let her words get to me. She wanted to slap me like old days but I held her hand mid-air before it came in contact with my cheeks, my grip tightening and she let out a groan in pain. There was no way I was going to allow the witch to have her away. Not this time! My bodyguards stepped between us to protect me from Stephanie but I asked them not to intervene because I wanted to deal with her personally. Even though I didn't want to cause any scene, Stephanie couldn't stop shouting, attracting the attention of the shop a
Chapter 032 LUCAS “ Kate, wait…” She hung up without giving me a chance to speak. It was clear she didn't want to talk to me anymore. Well, at least I heard her voice. That was an assurance that she was doing okay. Even though it hurt a little bit that she had hung up on me and asked me to never call her again. I’m glad that she was doing alright. The memories of how she almost fell on the concrete floor flashed in my mind, making my heart jump in my throat as though it was happening at the moment. I don’t know how it happened but…I found myself on my feet because of the Adrenaline rush, holding her in my arms so tightly and never wanting to let her go. My heart pounded wildly against my ribcage as though it would escape from my chest in the next second. I couldn’t recall when was the last time that I was that scared of losing someone. Watching as Katerina’s life flashed in front of my eyes was far worse than a nightmare. I couldn’t imagine losing her. The mere thought of
Chapter 048LUCAS“I can't allow Katerina to take advantage of my mother. You know how much our son loves his grandma. If Katerina sends her to jail, Liam would be the one who would be the most affected. We need to protect our son, Lucas.”I ran my fingers through my hair when Monalisa's words echoed in my head over and over again. It's true Liam loves his grandma so much and there's no doubt that if she goes to jail, he would be affected so much.“I would like you to testify in my favour because you were there with me. You know what really happened.” Katerina’s words re-played in my mind and I couldn't help it but release a frustrated sigh. I recalled the tears in those brown hazel eyes as Katerina fought hard to hold it back. I could see the raw pain that she has been harbouring for years through her eyes.How does someone deal with a situation like this? I have never been caught in such a difficult situation.I have been thinking for hours but…I haven
AUTHORS POVKaterina was expecting Lucas to give other compliments. However, she never expected him to say what he had just said.Taking a deep sigh, she composed herself, a faint smile touching her lips.“Who knows, maybe.” She shrugged nonchalantly, her lips twisting. Katerina turned her hand to check the time on the wrist watch.“I think…we have talked a lot more than I intended. I have an important meeting in the next ten minutes. I need time to prepare since it's a design presentation…”She said politely, reaching for the file.Lucas looked at Katerina for a while then nodded in understanding, playing along. He knows fucking well that Katerina was avoiding the conversation. That's how good he knows her. As much as he wanted to talk more, he tried his best to hold the words back. He didn't want to push harder and complicate things.“I guess…I’ll get going.” He said, raising up from the high-backed chair. Katerina nodded since she didn't have anything more to te
AUTHOR'S POVKaterina’s breath caught in her throat when she heard Luca's words. To be honest, she wasn't expecting him to trust her that easily, not even in her wildest dream.Why the change of heart? Why did he believe her without asking questions like he always did? Katerina couldn't help it but wonder, many questions buzzing in her mind.“You…believe me?” She asked hesitantly, not sure if she had heard it right or if her ear was playing a damn game on her. You can't blame Katerina for acting that way because…it was hard for Lucas to believe her in the past, since Monalisa walked in her once peaceful life where they were no doubts. Kate wasn't expecting the conversation to be this smooth either. She was prepared to face the difficulty that was ahead of her. She was ready to accept the fact that Lucas wouldn't believe…The smile on Luca's face broadened when he saw her reaction. He knew damn well that she would act that way when he heard his words.“Yes I
KATERINA “Mr Thompsons, I politely ask you to follow me. You're not allowed to enter this building without Madam boss's permission.” Evan said politely.I swallowed hard when I heard his words. It's true that I had asked them never to allow Lucas, Monalisa, Stephanie or anybody to enter the company without my permission for security purposes.Lucas ignored the security guards words, his eyes were on me as he looked at me worriedly.“It's okay Evan,” I said, the corner of my lips curving into a small smile. Everyone turned their heads to look at me as if I was an alien, never expecting my reply.Jade,my secretary, was surprised too when she heard my reply. I had asked her never to make another appointment with Lucas Thompson ever again.“ Okay ma’am.” Evan nodded in understanding, leaving immediately to give us some privacy.“I’ll go through the document later t
LUCAS“Sure, on my way.” I hung up the phone, shoved it in my pant’s pocket then turned around and walked away.“ Lucas, where are you going? You can't leave the meeting just like that. You know how important this meeting is to the company.” I heard Adam's laboured voice come from behind me. I could tell that he was running to catch-up.It's true the meeting was important to the company and it was our last hope. The investors had agreed to increase the investment in the company. Well, what made me walk away from the meeting imposed too…Adams finally caught up with me and stepped in front of me, blocking my way. I heaved a deep sigh, trying my best not to kick him out of the way.“What's wrong with you man? Don't tell me you're going to cast away all the efforts that we made to convince the investor to increase their investment. What's more important than this meeting?” He asked, clearly pissed off with my behavio
KATERINA It has already been three days since the lawyer visited my house to inform me about the case. He's updating me on the proceedings and everything in between. The first hearing would be about my Dad's death, then followed by the inheritance case a week after.My lawyer told me that…we need to find a way to prove to the court that Stephanie has violent behaviours. I have tried to think of ways to do it but…nothing comes to mind.Stephanie treated me rudely countless times. However, I don't have any solid evidence that proves it. If she didn't sell my home, it would be easy to have access to most of the clips from the CCTV but…she sold my home. I’m pretty sure she did it on purpose to destroy all the evidence that I could use against her. She's so wicked.I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration when I gave it thought. I hated the fact that I felt helpless. I hated even more when the thought of Steph
AUTHOR'S POV Leaning on the balcony’s railings, Stephanie darted her eyes around softly, enjoying the beautiful view of Aurelian city from her penthouse balcony. She was holding a glass of amber liquid in her left hand, slowly sipping on it as the cold breeze brushed through her hair, making the feeling more compelling. She took another sip, closing her eyes gently as the cold liquid hit her guts. ‘Heaven, it feels so good.’ She thought, the corner of her lips curving into a smile. What was there to worry about when life was this good? She has everything that she has ever wished for. She can buy the most expensive wine that is decades old. Buy the most expensive clothes, cars and live in the most expensive apartment in Aurelian city. The current apartment that she’s currently residing in is the most expensive apartment in the city. It's built using rare gemstones and both interior an
KATERINA Standing on the balcony at my apartment, I stared at the tall building which was miles away. It was illuminated dimly under the moonlight. My family's company, now owned by none other than Stephanie. My heart ached inside my chest when I gave it a thought. I recalled how my dad sacrificed everything to build the company. Those late nights that he used to spend in the study room, carefully crafting ways to improve the company's performance so that it could thrive even more. Those early meetings, sacrificing sleep to make sure that the company was doing well, exhausting business trips around the world, sleepless nights, blood and tears had gone to waste.I couldn't believe the once famous company was now struggling, on the verge of bankruptcy. All thanks to Stephanie and her greedy nature. I checked the time on my phone and that's when I noticed missed calls from Lucas. He has been calling me nonstop but I didn't receive any of his calls. I sent the video t
AUTHOR’S POV Lucas listened to the clip for the hundredth time, and each time it replayed, he got more furious. The voices were clear, and he could hear Monalisa threatening Katerina. Katerina sent the video to Lucas with the caption “You need to control your wife because she seems out of control. The threats she made are serious and I can sue her for it” it read. The words were in capital and it was clear that Katerina was mad about it. If Lucas didn't have the recording, he would say that Katerina was lying. However, the recording in his hand proved otherwise. His jaw twitched as anger boiled in his veins, the hold around his phone tightening until the screen cracked. “ You can have him all for yourself because I don't care about him!” The words were like ice shards which pierced Luca's heart into a million pieces, leaving it cold and numb. Lucas knows damn well that Katerina let the past go. However , there was this stupid part of him that thought maybe…just maybe, there was a