[katalina]I was about to hop in shower. But my phone rang in the bed. It made me lay back there and answered my boss’ call.“Hello, Kat? Shit. I wasn’t able to answer your call last night. I always put it on do not disturb every midnight!” he explained abruptly.I sighed. “Nah. Everything is under control,” my response.“What are you supposed to tell me last night?” Jerry asked.So, I told him about how he should pretend at my uncle and wait at my porch. So, by the time I will arrive here — I mean we, Ian and I, Jerry would be the back up of my lies.He chuckled. “Damn you’re getting clever and wiser each day. Who are you again?” he jokingly asked.It made me chuckle. “Yeah. So, I got his phone. But I need a good technician that can unlock this.”“I happened to know one.”“Great! Because one last mistake of passcode input, all of his data in this phone will be wiped out,” I informed him, in case he wasn’t aware.Jerry gasped on the other line. “That’s… predictable. But no need to pan
[katalina]“Fine, I won’t,” I said.Relief suffused his expression. “Thank, God, Amanda—”“I’ll just tell the cops,” a grin appeared in my lips.Ian shrugged his shoulders. “Oh. Whatever. So long that you won’t tell it to our boss.”I raised a brow. “Excuse me?” I scoffed. “Have you heard what you’re saying? Ian, taking drugs is illegal. It is punishable by law.”“I’m not dumb. And besides, it’s just a one-time thing. Curiosity wise. And if you do tell the cops, I can bail my own self anytime,” he confidently responded.The thing about this man is that he can always find a loophole even if it’s as small as the needle’s hole. Ian can escape.“Okay, mister lawfully abiding citizen.”I left him at my couch. Hunter needs me to cook breakfast for him. And we still have work! I mean, I need to use all my resources right now. Because I can tell that I am close to finishing this.The exposé.I hurried myself to put on clothes. Just the usual corporate uniform that I always wear inside the com
[katalina]When we arrived at his office, Hunter sat on his swivel chair and open his laptop like he always does. While I, opened the tablet that contains his schedules for the day.Oh. Another meeting with the partners? What for? Ahh. Another business proposal. I mean, what’s new? Hunter is full of ideas. Every now and then, he’ll think of new ways to expound his fortune.I quietly sat on the couch across him. Even if how many times my gaze locks on his eyes, I still have this feeling that I can’t shake. In a good way of course. It always feels like the first time I saw him.I know right. Sounds nostalgic and unbelievable. But this wow factor that Hunter carries — it is unexplainable. How come he is built this way? Was he one of God’s favorite children?It is nearly impossible that I’d be immune in his charms. More likely, how can I survive a day without… near him or seeing him? That’s unfortunate.“What’s the frown for?” Hunter asked.The keyboard sounds resonated in the office.My
[katalina]I was left inside his office. Again. More likely, we both didn’t want it to happen. Why am I getting sudden dizziness? Dehydrated? No. I’m a water girl. I mean like I’m a fan of water. And sure, as hell, I consume more than eight glasses of water a day.This dizziness I felt — keeps me puking from time to time. Hunter was about to cancel his meeting with the board right now. After he knew my condition.Are you sure you’ll be okay here? I can still recall Hunter’s question. It keeps playing inside my head. The more I think about it, the more I feel emotional. What the hell is happening to me? Are my hormones uncontrollable?But why the sudden headache? There is no cause that I can point to this dilemma. The next thing I knew is that tears were falling from my eyes.“Fuck!” I cursed in the air. It confuses me. There’s no reason for me to cry. But my emotions make me. I wiped the tears in my eyes. Whatever the hell is happening to me right now, this is no good.I could tell.
[katalina]“What’s taking so long?”I couldn’t help but crack the silence that enveloped us. Jerry rolled his eyes at me and poured his cup with tea. “Be patience. You’re no technician to rush things.”I sighed and sat back on my chair. We’re at the island of my kitchen. Not that spacious. But this is the place where Adam was comfortable to do it. Adam was Jerry’s friend — technician friend.My tongue is itching to ask Adam if he’s a technician. Otherwise, why the hell is it taking eternity to open a damn phone?Adam wiped the sweats formed on his forehead. “This is a secured one,” he lifted his gaze at me. “Something or there are files here that is very crucial.”A nod was my response. “Right. So, how many minutes or hours left?” I slightly chuckled. But then Jerry clicked his tongue. “Stop pressuring him!” he said.I raised my hands in the air as if surrendering. “Fine. I’m just curious.”And impatient too.I can’t wait to take him down.It’s past 1 am. And my eyelids are getting he
[katalina]If the kettle didn’t whir, I’d still be spacing out. “Damn,” I turned off the electric stove and pour the boiling water in the thermos.I already transferred the necessary files I needed. Just a little bit and I’ll be done. Hunter’s phone is like a dictionary. Everything has a definition based on their usage.My perception of him has changed. Loyalty has a different meaning when it comes to Hunter. He doesn’t have one. And how could he, prioritize me when his daughter needed him more.The time when we spend at the beach, was the same time that the kid got a high fever that nearly sent him to the emergency room! She had dengue.He has all the money in the world. But can’t afford the right equipment and measurement to ensure his child’s safety. Irresponsible. That’s what he is.His phone was connected to my laptop while transferring. And I couldn’t stop feeling guilty every time I see the wallpaper of Hunter’s phone.Me.A stolen picture of me during the charity gala he once
[katalina]“Darn. I missed seeing your face,” Ian chuckled.I closed the door as I sat on the back seat. Ian was staring at me in the front mirror. With a wide smile on his face. Which never fails to irk me.A fake gasp eluded from my mouth. “How long haven’t we seen each other? A year? A decade?”Geez this man. It’s just three days. What was supposed to be a one-day trip got extended. Hunter and I kept exchanging messages that time.And so does my boss from where I originally work.Ian’s face saddened. “Why are you mean to me?” he pouted. I rolled my eyes at him. “What are you now? Mr. Sensitive?”He chuckled and twisted his head to look at me. “Damn, girl. Why so sour?” Ian said. “But you look blooming,” he faked a cough. “I mean, more blooming. Plus… you’re gaining some weight.”His words echoed in my head. I stared at my reflection in the car’s mirror. And I noticed that Ian was right. That explains why my upper clothing is hugging my body. And my boobs, they are quite bigger than
[katalina]The tension build up on his pants didn’t fade as we entered through his office. But for me, I’m tired as hell already. Even if the day hasn’t started yet.Slouching on the couch and watched Hunter stood in front of me. “What?” I chuckled. He sat next to me. And laid his head on my thigh.Our gazes met. “Ask me about how was the meeting.”I smiled and couldn’t help myself from rolling my eyes. “Alright, mister billionaire. What’s the cause of extending your business meeting?”Hunter sighed deeply. “Projects after projects and projects,” he chortled. “When you’re a businessman, you never ran out of ideas on how to generate money.”I nodded my head in agreement. “Right. Because that’s the end goal you’re all looking at,” I responded. Hunter shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. Sometimes, it’s beyond tedious, time-consuming, and… boring.”“Only rich people says that,” we both chuckled. I combed his soft silhouette black hair. “Why is your hair so shiny? What product are you u
[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