[katalina]I clicked my tongue. Ian's voice is now audible. He has been singing non-stop for a while now. It's not soothing, more likely Ian's voice breaks eardrums.I sprinkled the boiling water inside the pot with salt and the exact amount of oil. Don't judge me. This is how I cook lasagna pasta.This is Hunter's request. He told me that he craved . Well, it's tiring if I argue. Or even ask him why he wants me to cooks this.I will look nosey in that part.I put the lasagna pasta inside the pot and covered it using the lid. In ten minutes it can be cooked While I was waiting for the pasta to cook, I started with the main dish.Since the two boys had no requests, I didn't want to make the dishes complicated. The more complicated, the more work needs to be done.So, I will prepare fish fillet for them. The only sauce I would use for this is hollandaise sauce. And I will also make a seafood boil — the popular on social media today that vloggers used to making content for mukbang.I hav
[katalina]While Hunter was still in the shower, I took his phone. Answering his daughter’s call wasn’t enough. I need more. There must be more.Knowing Hunter based on how I see him right now, he's good with hiding secrets. Knowing about his family is just the tip of the iceberg, I guess.Hunter has many more hidden secrets. And I will find it no matter what it takes. When I open the phone, it requires a passcode."Shit," I muttered. There are numerous — more likely endless ideas of coming up with a passcode. A whole day of brainstorming Hunter's phone's possible pin wasn't enough.I glared at the bathroom door when I heard it creaking. Oh, maybe Hunter just bumped on it. He doesn't go quickly or take a long time after taking a bath.I sighed in frustration. If only I could sync his phone data to my computer. Or even have access to his cloud storage that would be beneficial.“Hunt?” I cleared my throat.He didn't respond. Guess he didn't hear me talking.Dragging my feet closer to th
[katalina]I stared at Hunter’s phone. D-Do I look like this? Miserable and like a hopeless romantic? Because that’s what I saw in my reflection in the phone.Maybe I am.Or maybe I wasn’t.Who would know that loving someone can be this hard? It’s like eating a chocolate with two flavors. The sweet one and the bitter one.Well, it would be futile to deny. He made me feel special too. Safe and worthy, But like every fairytale story, there’s always a plot twist.A twist that can break your heard and lose your mind. What the hell? Like me? Being a mistress? Homewrecker? Hah! Damn these men objectifying women as their sex toys.What matters now is that I have the key evidence in my hands. And unfortunately, it’s still unlocked. If tomorrow comes, Hunter would search for his phone.And the evidence I photographed using this would be expose in his eyes. Hunter would see me as being suspicious. Come on, girl. Think! You’re better than this.I sighed and shut my eyes. No matter how hard I thi
[katalina]I’m going to faint in a few seconds. But it all changed when a tiny laughter then later turned into irritating waves of huge chuckles resonated in the room.My eyes opened. Ian was laughing so hard. Hands on his stomach. “You should have seen your face,” Ian said. “Why are you pouting your lips?”Wait! Did I?“N-No. I-I didn’t!”My response just made Ian laugh even harder. I rolled my eyes in the air. And while he’s busy dealing with all the dopamine, it was the perfect timing for me to snuck Hunter’s phone in my pocket.I crossed my arms and sat on the swivel chair. Yeah. It would be useless to stop Ian from laughing. Even if I told him so, it’ll just make him go beyond.Ian wiped the tears of joy forming in his eyes. “Damn, Amanda,” he stood in front of me. “How did you get in here?” he asked.Well, I anticipated that already. If it wasn’t for the time he devoured by laughing, I couldn’t brainstorm enough excuses.“Just curiosity. Why has I never seen it before?”It made
[katalina]Even if how hard I try to squeeze any information fron Ian, it is very evident that his loyalty lies to Hunter and him alone. Hah! There’s nopoint in trying.But.I can use this opportunity to escape myself from an upcoming quagmire. I sighed. “Okay, fine. I won’t ask further questions. But can you just drive me home? Like right now?”“As in now?” Ian repeated.“Yep.”“Why? Any specific reason? Did you and boss have a fight or argument perhaps?”Argh! He’s too nosy. Sometimes I want to staple or seal his lips so that there’d be less noise on earth. Because Ian, his mouth is so big and his voice can be annoying all the time.I rolled my eyes at him. “What? Of course, not. Hunter is sleeping like a baby. And I came downstairs because I can’t sleep,” I said.Ian seemed to buy my alibi. “Fair enough. But why would you want to go home now and couldn’t it be just tomorrow?”I shook my head. “My uncle just visited me. And he is waiting outside my apartment.”He raised a brow at me
[katalina]Luckily, Ian is driving me home. I feel like I’m going to die when I take my left belongings in Hunter’s room. The thought of getting caught and he realizes that his phone was missing — oh fuck!It felt so good to enjoy silence. It was a miracle that Ian finally shut his mouth. His voice is sometimes irking me. He keeps asking silly questions, makes fun of me, and do unnecessary sounds.Why is Jerry not answering my phone? Yep. His complete name was Jerry Jared Jones. I know right. A lot of j’s going on. I couldn’t think of anyone else that could portray to be my uncle.And since, he was the first person that comes up in my mind, I don’t see any wrong about that. He’s old. And he looks like someone else’s uncle.He’ll save me from trouble and in exchange, I’ll build up the exposé that I have been wanting to finish for a long time. It’s my heart’s fault for overpowering my brain.—But fuck… it is… my fault.It is my fault that I yearn for love and affection. My fucking faul
[katalina]“You’re creeping me out,” I scoffed. Like whom wouldn’t? Silence fell upon us and then Ian was staring at me like some kind of psychopath who’s planning my murder merrily.He chortled. “Look, sorry for always making fun of you, Amanda,” Ian said out of nowhere.Huh? What’s gotten to his head.“Are you for real? Because this is so new of you.”Ian shrugged his shoulders. “It’s just that… Hunter — our boss, he’s like my brother. Trust me, we’ve been through worst together.”“Like a girlfriend and boyfriend worst?”“No—”“Eh?”“Like siblings,” a melancholic smile appeared on his face. “His heart is pure. And God blessed him because he witnessed Hunter’s battles. And I am thankful, that someone like you, loves him without being blinded by his wealth and fame.”It made me fell silent. “I loved Hunter for who he was,” I said. But how come he still portray that innocent man when he knew that he’s making me as his mistress?Let alone his bed warmer?“So, whatever you’re thinking. D
[katalina]I stood at my porch. Watching the car driving away. Did he know? Or he knew? It confuses me. And if so, why does Ian didn’t take any action to stop me?Is he doing this reverse psychology? To make me feel bad about myself than I already did. That’s… insane. Heaving a sigh and entered the apartment.Where the hell is Jerry? That son of a bitch didn’t come here tonight. Well, it’s clear to say that he’s still asleep. I tried calling his number, but it will just redirect me to his voicemail.My body shivered. Damn. And since when does my house get this cold? It felt like I am standing near a tall air conditioner. Which is totally uncomfortable.Dragging my feet to my bedroom and threw myself in my bed. “I’m tired,” I said to myself. I didn’t bother turning on the lights. It will be useless. Since I’ll be sleeping back any time soon.I opened my purse. And turned-on Hunter’s phone. It was then I just realized that his wallpaper. Was… me. A picture of me who’s sleeping in his ar
[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