[3rd Person’s POV]
Hunter eyed her from head to foot. For the nth time, he was convinced with his instinct.
“You’re not lost,” he said.
Katalina bit her lower lip. Hunter Collin’s voice arouses something inside her. “W-What?” she asked, feigning innocence.
The billionaire walked closer to her. Flashing his infamous charming smile that made her cheeks blush. “The whole finding the restroom thing, it was a charade.”
She fell silent.
Like Hunter’s admirers, Katalina understood why they can’t stop staring at him.
He is a work of art.
Hunter’s innate handsomeness and oozing sex appeal precede before his name.
Katalina scoffed. “Alright,” she raised her hands in the air. “You got me.”
“I knew it,” he smirked.
She opened her purse and gave him a fake calling card. With her name, contact details and address of her so-called business.
“I’m Amanda Bynes. A real estate agent,” she offered her hand. Katalina lied about her identity.
The billionaire seemed confused. So, she added a tiny bit information of about herself. "You probably don't remember me, but I am your schoolmate in high school back then."
Hunter stared at it before looking back at her. “So?” he chuckled softly.
Katalina cursed inside her head. What a dick!
“So, I wanted to work with you,” she demanded.
He yawned. “That’s not how negotiations work, hun.”
Did he just call me hun? I will kick his balls— “I’m not up for a negotiation either.”
Hunter was taken aback. He scratched his beard and shrugged his shoulders. “What made you think that I will work with you?”
Although he was asking nicely, Katalina took it as if Hunter was boasting.
Her jaw clenched. “First, I’m not one of the girls who are so into you,” she snapped her fingers in front of him.
“I don’t give a shit about love. I’d have orgasms through money and success. Not flowers and dicks—”
Hunter laughed.
“And lastly,” she eyed him from head to foot. Just like what Hunter did. “I don’t want to have sex with you.”
It made the billionaire freeze in shock, leaving his mouth open.
She raised her chin high. Shit! I think I said more than enough!
Hunter slowly bobbed his head. “Damn… that was….” He trailed off.
Katalina panicked. “A-About the last one—”
“Well, I’m in!” he smiled at her.
Her forehead creased. “What I’m in?”
Hunter took her hand. “My personal assistant position has been filled. You’ll work with me tomorrow.”
Katalina did not see it coming. “Uh, thanks? But I did not apply to be your p.a—”
“I will email the full details later on. For now, I have to get dressed and entertain the people who want to have sex with me,” Hunter winked at her.
Katalina watched the hunk man walk away from her. Hunter’s back was facing her while finding clothes to wear.
She gasped when the towel slid off from his waist.
Hunter had a rounded butt which she wishes hers was.
Right before the billionaire could see her gawking at his bum, Katalina left the party.
--
A new day has begun.
The rays of sun peeked through the blind curtains of her window.
She was unbothered. Not pissed either that the rays of the sun were caressing her face.
Katalina was up all night. Holding her phone above her chest.
“Finding dirt,” she spoke through the air. She has several factors inside her head about what Hunter’s dirt might be.
Such as drug addict, ex-con, human trafficker, alcoholic, maniac—and even a mafia boss—which the waiter told her.
Katalina snapped from her thoughts. An eardrum-shattering of car honks originated in her front yard.
“What the hell!?” she peeked through the window. Her brows furrowed. “Who the hell parks a black SUV in front of my apartment?”
With heavy feet, she went outside and knocked on the car’s window. She stepped back when it pulls down. “Excuse me, Sir. But would you mind not honking—”
“Are you Ms Amanda?” the driver asked.
She raised an eyebrow. “Alive and just woke up, yes?”
“I was sent by Mister Collins here to pick you up,” he paused and glanced at his watch. “Five minutes ago.”
“What!? What time is it now?”
“Five minutes passed seven.”
“Oh, geez!” Katalina ran back inside her house. As quick as a ray of thunder, she took a bath and get dressed.
Katalina locked the front door and ran barefoot towards the car. “Sorry for keeping you waiting.”
The driver opened the car’s door for her and couldn’t help but notice that she carried her heels and did not wear them.
As she sat in the backseat of the car, Katalina fixed her overall appearance. She wears makeup with a light eyeshadow and puts on her shoes.
“I’m sorry for being rude a while ago,” she broke the silence.
The driver looked at her in the front mirror. “You’re not rude.”
She felt relieved.
“I assume you forgot what time I should pick you up,” the driver added.
He was right. Katalina was drowned with thoughts on how she would dig dirt on her boss.
Being Hunter’s personal assistant was never in her plan. But it seemed that it would be her new plan.
She intends to lure him. But it didn’t work.
Katalina smiled in response. She rested her head in the car’s window.
And admired the view outside the car.
[3rd Person’s POV] The car stopped moving. Katalina snapped from her thoughts. She looked at the driver in the mirror. Their gazes met. “We’re here,” he informed. Katalina nodded. She picked up her handbag and glanced at her. She smiled. “What’s your name?” “Ian.” “Nice to meet you, Ian,” Katalina descended from the car. She waved goodbye at him before entering the company. It was her nature to be kind. Even if her origins were dark, Katalina’s heart was pure. As she entered the building, she was observing the workplace. Katalina can’t say anything negative about it. For a starter in business, he hit the beginner’s luck! Katalina said at the back of her head. She stopped at the front desk. “Excuse me, miss?” she caught the attention of the lady with a pony tail. “Hi! Good morning, miss. Anything I can help with?” she asked with a smile on her face. Katalina read the name template on her uniform. “Cara, right?” “Yes.” “I’m Hunter’s newly hired personal assistant,” Katalina
[3rd Person’s POV] Hunter took a break from his computer. Admiring how diligent his new personal assistant was. A smile crept through his face. Paparazzi's would die just to capture Hunter’s image, smiling genuinely. Katalina felt eyes on her. She searched where it originated. Her gaze met his boss’. She gasped. “W-What?” The handsome billionaire shook his head. “You’re efficient.” “Because I’m getting paid,” she cackled. Hunter bobbed his head. “Hey, Amanda,” he chuckled. “If you’re tired, you can rest.” Katalina closed the folder. She placed it on top of another pile. “I’m nearly finished. What else should I do?” The billionaire expected Katalina to finish it by the end of the day. He was astonished by how quick she was in organizing. “What should we have for lunch?” he picked up his phone and dialled his favorite local restaurant. She lifted her gaze at him. “You want me to buy something?” He shook his head. “I’ll order for us.” She watched Hunter talking over the phone
[3rd Person’s POV] “Shit!” Katalina hurriedly gets inside a cab. She pointed to her boss’ car in front of them. “Please, follow that car.” “I’m on a break,” the driver munched the burger. “Please, h-he’s cheating on me!” she lied. Katalina faked crying. The driver seemed to convince. “That bastard!” he turned on the car’s engine and tailed behind Hunter’s car. “Thank you,” she said carefully which came out as a whisper. She took out her phone. And proceed to videotape the actual scene. Katalina also took pictures. Her heart was in her throat. She believed that this will lead her to the tip of the iceberg. The one that she wishes to discover to tarnish Hunter’s reputation. “I’m sick of those news tabloids,” she said. Katalina thought she said it to herself. The driver glanced at her. “What’s with the tabloid?” Katalina snapped her head. She sniffled. “Those cheating husbands.” Her mind was too quick to come up with some things. Thoughts are flowing inside her head. Determin
[3rd Person’s POV] Hunter held her hand. They entered the room. Katalina could not explain how nervous she was. Her heart can jump out from her chest. She swallowed a lump on her throat. Watching his boss looking at her. “How did you know I was here?” “I-I asked.” “Who?” “People around the street,” Katalina pursed her lips. He stared intently into her eyes. Hunter could tell that Katalina was nervous. He was not mad. He was just trying to decipher if she was telling the truth or not. “Are you sure?” he asked. Katalina nodded her head. “Yes, boss.” “I find it hard to believe. My schedules were written on my laptop,” Hunter said. She paled. The colors of her face drained. “Fine,” she closed her eyes. “You hack into my laptop—” “No! I asked the reporters about where you could have been,” she looked at her foot. Trying to hide the doubt on her face. The deafening silence fell upon them. Hunter was about to speak. But the woman who was with him approached him. "Who is she?"
[katalina] In this field of work, conscience shouldn’t grow. I’m not a liar. Never was. But in life, there are things we should sacrifice. Sacrifice in exchange for the greater good. And the greater good I am talking about encompasses my career and name. I glanced at my boss. If he was picture-perfect in every magazine, tabloid and social media advertisement, I don’t know the extent adjective of perfection. Tan skin, poreless face, well-trimmed beard, the man was a total package. No wonder why girls and gays are drooling over him. Hunter looked at me. He caught that I was staring at him. I shifted my gaze. Fixing it on the road. It was too late. But I tried to save myself from embarrassment. “Amanda,” he called me. I swallowed a lump in my throat. Why does he sound so sexy? I never was a fan of deep voices. But Hunter’s was an exception. Feels like I could listen to it all day. Even if he yelled at me, I would say thank you. Wild dream. Wild imagination. One that could po
[katalina] The guards were holding both my arms. Guiding me towards the living room. Where I supposed, Hunter was there. His mansion was superb. More than spacious. As I stepped foot inside the living room, his cologne greeted me. I looked all over. But he wasn’t there yet. His natural scent wafted in the air. I hate to admit this. But I can sniff it all day and have no complaints at all. I don’t want to sound like I am obsessed with Hunter. Clearly not. I’m setting the boundary that I am not his friend. Nor ever will be. My mission is important. This undercover thing means a lot to me. My career and future is at stake. They threw me in the couch. I glared sharply at them. A smirk was their response. It didn’t take long before I heard steps approaching us. My heart raced fast when the steps became clearer and clearer. He was wearing a black robe with gold stitches to it. Messy hair and a tired look on his face. Poor Hunter. Shit! “Who tried to sneak in?” he asked the bodyg
[katalina] I woke up with a pillow behind my head and a comfortable blanket wrapped around my body. The smell of crispy bacon, toasted bread, fried omelet and strong black coffee wafted in the air. I opened my eyes and looked around. Hunter was nowhere beside me. I’m alone in the couch. The clock ticks at 9 am. “Oh shoot!” I sat on the couch. “Good morning,” I recognized Hunter’s voice originating from the kitchen. He was shirtless. Wearing black boxers and white apron. He was frying sausages in the pan. “G-Good morning too,” my voice sounded hoarse. I cleared my throat. Folded the blanket and dragged my feet to where my boss was."Sorry I woke up late." He flipped the sausage and looked at me. "No problem," he winked at me. My face heated. Hunter chuckled after seeing me blush.I rolled my eyes at him. "How about you arrange the table while I finish this, okay?" I did what I was told. Hunter and I sat across the table. His maids were cleaning the house. While we are eati
[katalina] I lost count about how many meetings we had today. It’s late afternoon afternoon and my feet were sore already. Wearing heels are fun during the first thirty minutes. Further than that, it’s hell for me. Hunter provided me a laptop. Saying it is more convenient that writing on a pad. Keeping track of their meeting and their wordings are difficult. Only business owners can understand. For a commoner like me, I find it difficult. Nonetheless, I was doing my job for him so far. In the middle of the meeting, my phone vibrated. It was my editor. I glanced at Hunter. He was invested with the speaker in front. So, I exited from the conference room. I went inside the restroom and answered the phone call. “Hello, Sir?” I kept my voice low. “Hey. How’s it going there?” I can here keyboard clicks on his background. I sighed. “Well, the exposé I thought was a false alarm.” Jerry didn’t speak. “But you did dig some dirt on him?” “Not yet.” “What!?” Jerry scoffed. “You’ve
[3rd Person’s POV] “Please, Katalina. I love you! Don’t listen to Amanda. The video was just edited to tear us apart! Don’t let her win.” The wedding was a mess. Katalina thought that it would be the best day of her life. But it turned out that it was one of the nightmares that she's trying to avoid. It seems like unfortunate events were tied to her name. Preston tried to revive their marriage. He begged her. And said and did multiple ways of apologizing. But it was too late. She made up her mind already. They left Preston. Katalina was determined to raise the baby alone. She doesn’t want anymore drama and conflict to her life. Jerry resigned at his job. He couldn’t keep lying on Katalina anymore. The night of her wedding, he texted Katalina the truth. And it checks out all of the things that Amanda said during the wedding. It was painful for her. She wanted to die that day. But then, she remembered her son. And that’s the only reason why he keeps on fighting. Everything was goi
[3rd Person’s POV]A week passed by in a blink of an eye. Preston was very happy that Katalina and Hunter Jr. was with him all the time during work hours.Indeed. true to his words progressed and find his shop to be more efficient when the two most valuable people in his life were present.Preston excused himself to proceed to the restroom. his office has a built in restroom. he locked the door and stared at his reflection in the mirror.“I have to do things right. I know I must. and this is the perfect opportunity for me to express how serious I am into leveling up our relationship,” Preston said to himself.Washing his hands at the lavatory, she glanced once more at his reflection. Preston love to see the genuine smile appearing on his face. It was as if it has been a long time since he felt so good about certain things that inspires his heart to do good and to be more efficient.As he left the comfort room, he saw Katalina. Talking and rocking the baby in her arms. it was the most
[3rd Person’s POV]“We’re here, Mistress.” The driver announced.She grinned, wearing her expensive Michael Kors sunglasses as she descend from her newly bought Tesla car.Amanda was headed to the mall. Specifically to the grocery area where she’d make her plans come to life. People stare at her in amusement. Fascinated by how elegant and eloquent appearance.“Good morning, mam,” the guard of the mall greeted her.“Morning too,” she blow a kiss and softly giggled, causing the man to blush hard. Amanda chuckled and headed to where she’s supposed to be.It wasn’t hard to find Katalina. The poor lady was buying groceries and diapers for her son. Amanda walked towards her. Katalina did not notice her presence. So, she made her presence noticeable.Amanda cleared her throat. “Ahem!”Katalina lifted her gaze. Her jaw opened. She know who she is. And she was terrified that Amanda would make a scene to ridicule her.She slowly walked backwards, pulling the cart with her. Amanda smirked and t
[3rd Person’s POV]“Who’s excited to visit the park? Yes, you! My handsome son,” Preston cooed at the baby. Kissing both his cheek while carrying him.It’s Sunday. And they decided to spend the day in the park. To unwind, revitalized, and to inhale the fresh oxygen from the trees. Katalina smiled from ear to ear, watching the sight of her boyfriend and her son.As always, Ivan drove the car carefully until they arrived at the park. Hunter Jr. couldn’t resist to giggle every now and then. Seeing the people around him smiling and cheering him, enables the baby to laugh.The smile on Katalina’s face faded. “There are… families. A lot of them,” she whispered in the air.Preston heard her. He locked their fingers. “Hey. No one is going to hurt you, okay? I’ll be there to protect you. and if I have to use my arm and fists just to shut them up, I would do it without hesitation. Besides, two is better than one. We have Ivan to back us up with this one. Right, Ivan?”Ivan looked at them throug
[3rd Person’s POV]END OF FLASHBACK “Well,” Jerry sighed. “It’s not easy on your part to narrate it all but thank you for reminding me everything. And telling to me what happened behind the curtains,” he smiled.Katalina chuckled. “You made it sound terrible when you said what happened behind the curtains,” she wiped her dried tears. “It’s not that bad. I mean, it’s chaotic and slows down my process of moving on but it is what it is. And I think it is my karma that I find it difficult to forget my past,” she said.Jerry heaved a sigh and finished his food. “I don’t agree with the karma part. But I think, and what you should be thinking also is that it is a lesson that we can’t forget. Karma sounds like you’re a terrible person,” he scoffed.She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know, Jerry. Am I a terrible person? I mean, why would I even ask that question when it is so obvious that I destroyed Hunter’s reputation and my exposé caused the downfall of his legacy.”He snorted. “You keep
FLASHBACK [3rd Person’s POV]“Kat, look,” Jerry heaved a sigh. He held her hand. “I know this whole situation upsets you. I get it. But you have to think thoroughly. Yes. The intention was there. I mean that you wanted to save what’s left of Hunter’s reputation. But have you asked yourself?” Jerry said.Katalina shook her head. “Ask myself what?”“That aren’t you too late for this? Okay, let’s say that you did a press conference. Okay. But what’s the essence? Your exposé came out first than your press con? And the people would not just hate you as well. But also, it will undermine all your credibility not just as a writer or a researcher. But as a human being,” he smiled sadly.Jerry shrugged his shoulders. “It’s too late, okay. But the idea was good. I know it is. Yet, it’s useless if in case you would do it. And trust me, it would hurt Hunter more than it would hurt you. The press conference that you’re thinking would just add more fuel to the fire. It’s not worth it. And that is n
FLASHBACK[3rd Person’s POV]She was awake the whole night. Staring outside her window. Crying alone in the dark. Regretting she accepted the job offer. No matter how much remorse she felt, it’s useless. Time can’t be rewound.Katalina was lying on the kitchen floor. Dried tears around her eyes. Spacing out for hours. If it her stomach didn’t churn up, she wouldn’t be back in her rightful senses.A loud gasp escaped from her mouth. Echoing in the kitchen. Gently as she rose, somehow, in spite of lacking energy, she prepared a breakfast.Eating silently, it’s just know that she didn’t appreciate the silence. It was terrifying. Soul-tearing. Makes her desperate. Drowning her even more. She lifted her head. Hearing a sudden knock on the door. It was seven in the morning. She did not expect any visitors to arrive. Pushing the chair and walked to the front door.A line etched on her forehead. Her hand were latched on the knob. But she stopped opening it as she heard clattering outside h
[3rd Person’s POV]Katalina fell asleep on the cold floor. A snot drips down from her nose. Eyes swollen from excessive crying. And she couldn’t feel any energy anymore.It was dark outside. eleven hours passed after the exposé got released from mainstream media. Her phone vibrated on the carpet. The vibrations awakened her.Fluttering her eyes open, Katalina’s forehead creased. She soon then felt severe headache. She groaned. “Argh,” she sat on the floor and gently massaged her temples.For a moment, her head was clear. Amidst the raging headache, Katalina forgets about the whole drama. The drama that ties her name even though she didn’t release the exposé.The phone call caught her attention. With trembling hands, Katalina answered it. “H-Hello?” her voice was hoarse. She didn’t locate the caller’s name.“Katalina? Are you crying?”She recognized the voice. It was her boss. Jerry. She sighed. “I-I messed up,” she muttered. Remorse is audible on her voice. Her brows crossed when Jerr
[3rd Person’s POV]Katalina heaved a sigh. Ready to hear Jerry’s question. She have a feeling that the question would be related to her past. Something that she felt to say. To anyone. That would ask her. And the circumstances concludes Jerry to be the person.“How?” he asked softly. It was hard for Jerry to ask. He sees Katalina as her friend. Best friend. A sister from another womb. He respects her. And he felt the need to check up on her. All the things she said was a response in general. Addressing no topic. And pertaining a safe answer.Her upper lip trembled. “W-What do you mean how?” a stiffened laugh escaped from her lips. She swallowed her own saliva. There are tons of questions going into her head.“How did you end up with Preston?” Jerry finally asked.She fell silent. Katalina couldn’t move. The question hit her so hard. To the extent that it made her question herself. Katalina glanced at the ceiling. Heaving a sigh. A melancholic smile appeared on his face. “A-A lot has h