Kayra's POV I took a deep breath. "I know, Lia. But I have no other choice. Kate must be kept away from Darwis, and this is the only way I see." Lia looked at me sympathetically. "Okay, I'll start looking for information. Give me a few days to collect data. We have to do it very carefully." I nodded, feeling a little calmer. "Thank you, Lia. I really appreciate your help." We both stood up, and I hugged him warmly. "Thanks again, Lia. I know I can count on you." Lia smiled. "Always, Kayra. I'll contact you as soon as I get the information we need." I left the cafe with mixed feelings. I know what I'm doing is risky, but I can't let Kate destroy my relationship with Darwis. I must protect what is mine, whatever it takes. Hopefully this step can keep Kate away from Darwis forever. After meeting Lia, my mind was still full of plans and worries. I decided to go to the mall to divert my attention and relieve the stress that was hitting me. Shopping has always been the bes
Darwis's POV I stood in the living room, looking at the view of the apartment full of shopping bags and Kayra's new clothes. I had mixed feelings, I felt like I had failed to keep Kayra calm and I was worried about the increasingly complicated situation. Kate's true identity continues to haunt my mind, adding to the already existing burden. I regret my anger towards Kayra earlier. She's just trying to find a way to deal with her feelings, even if her way isn't ideal. But, how can I focus on our relationship when there are so many things I have to think about? Our shaky finances, the condition of the company which depended on cooperation with Kate, and the fact that Kate was the daughter of the owner of the Cosmetic GM Group. All of this makes me feel unsteady and confused. I walked to the window, looking out at the darkening cityscape. Thoughts about Kate kept running through my head. I had to make a deal with Kate, ensuring that our relationship remained professional for t
Darwis's POV There was a pause on the other end of the phone before Kate answered in a softer but firm tone, "Darwis, this isn't about jealousy. This is about reality. You have to learn to see who the person next to you really is. But that's your business, not mine." I was silent for a moment, holding myself back from exploding in anger. "Kate, you talk as if you know everything. Why do you always think you're right?" Kate laughed a little, her tone full of sarcasm. "Because I see further than what's on the surface, Darwis. I know the type of person Kayra is. She's just using you." "Utilise?" I could barely contain myself any longer. "Kayra loves me, and she has shown that in many ways. You're just jealous because I've found happiness that you couldn't give me." There was a gasp from the other side of the phone. "Maybe I can't give you the happiness you want, Darwis. But at least I'm not pretending to be someone I don't know. Kayra only wants the benefits of your relationsh
Kate's POV Erlan seemed enthusiastic about what I had just told him. "Okay. Do you have any ideas how to do it?" Erlan asked, his voice full of support. I pondered for a moment. "I will ensure that the collaboration with Darwis' company goes according to plan, but I will emphasize that any mistakes will be borne by Darwis personally. If he cannot maintain professionalism and control his feelings, then his company will suffer the consequences." "Kate, that's a good idea. But make sure you do it carefully. We don't want to completely ruin this collaboration," suggested Erlan. "I know, Erlan. I will be careful. But I also have to be firm. Darwis has to learn that he can't keep making wrong decisions without considering the consequences," I answered. "Okay. I will fully support you in this. You always know best," Erlan said confidently. "Thank you, Erlan. I know I can rely on you," I answered sincerely. After hanging up the phone, I felt a little calmer. I know what I have to d
Kate's POV I opened my laptop and started writing a personal statement. I knew that this was an opportunity to show that I was more than just the daughter of a conglomerate that disappeared without a trace. I have to prove that I am a leader who is able to face challenges. When I finish writing, I send the draft to the PR team for review. I know that this is an important first step. I have to face my past and show the world that I will not run away from my responsibilities. That afternoon, we held a press conference. I stood in front of the camera with Erlan beside me. I could feel the camera glares and the curious gazes of journalists. I took a deep breath and started talking. "Good afternoon. I'm Kate, President Director of Branch Group. Today, I want to explain a few things regarding the article that recently spread in the media," I said in a firm voice. "I am aware that there has been much speculation about my past and my role as leader of this company. I would like t
Kate's POV Erlan raised the plastic bag in his hand, "I brought pizza and beer. I thought you needed something fun after a long day." I chuckled and opened the door, letting him in. "You always know how to make me feel better. Come on in." Erlan entered and immediately headed to the kitchen, placing the pizza on the table. "I think we could use tonight to relax. What do you think?" I nodded and sat down on the sofa, feeling relief at his presence. Erlan always had a way of making me feel better, without ever asking too much. He just listened, gave me the support I needed. We opened cans of beer and started small talk about small things. The atmosphere became more relaxed as we started joking about funny incidents in the past. "Do you remember when we went to the beach and you almost drowned trying to save a child's toy?" Erlan asked while laughing. I laughed too, remembering the incident clearly. "Yeah, I remember. And you came like a hero with a giant float that ended u
Kayra's POV When I opened my cell phone screen this morning, a piece of news appeared in front of me that made me shocked and angry at the same time. The headline is striking: "President Director of Branch Group, Kate, Is it Really the Ex-Wife of Darwis, President Director of Dawson Group?". I don't believe it. How could everyone know about Kate and Darwis's past? Only a few people know about their relationship, and I'm sure one of them is Lia. Angrily, I immediately called Lia, waiting a few seconds before she finally picked up the phone. "Hello, Kayra," Lia's voice sounded cheerful on the phone. "Don't 'hello' me like it's nothing, Lia," I said sharply. "What are you doing? Why is there news about Kate being Darwis' ex-wife?" There was silence for a moment before Lia answered in a confused voice. "What do you mean? I don't know about that news." I gritted my teeth. "Don't pretend you don't know, Lia. Only a few people know about their past, and you are one of them. Ho
Kate's POV That morning, I woke up with mixed feelings. I feel proud and satisfied with the progress I have made at Branch Group, but the shadows of the past continue to haunt me. I tidied myself up and got ready to go to the office, trying to get rid of all negative thoughts. When I was about to leave the apartment, my cell phone rang. Erlan's name appeared on the screen, making me smile broadly. "Erlan? He called early in the morning, what's wrong?" I asked in a cheerful tone. "Good morning, Kate. I was thinking of picking you up today. How about it?" his voice sounded warm and caring. I smiled wider. "Sure, Erlan. I would be very happy. You know, sometimes the trip to the office feels boring." "I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Get ready," he said teasingly. "Okay, I'll be ready," I answered with a laugh. After hanging up the phone, I felt my heart a little lighter. Erlan always knows how to make me feel better. He was a friend who always supported me, and my feelin