An intense silence enveloped us. I couldn't move my body because of the shame. It was as if I was filled with judgments. Hunter and I were still sitting next to each other. His eyes remained focused on the floor. She was still crying but there was no sound. I know he is afraid of the thought of me leaving him. I don't want to leave him either. But I know we will come to that point. I've only seen her so scared and crying so much. It's rare for a man to show emotion. Because when they make you cry, you know they are serious about you. I took a deep breath. I was suffocating in the silence between the two of us. Hunter looked up at me. I feel like I'm a very bad person. I didn't want to be trapped in this situation. I'm sorry, Hunter. I can understand if you hate me for the rest of your life. Even I was disgusted with myself. But I can't do anything. I guess I was destined to be a villain. "Amanda, you heard Sandra's voice. I-It checks out all my alibi. Please, don't leave me?" H
FLASHBACK [katalina] My body arched as Hunter's kisses trailed down my neck. My moans and soft moans echoed in his room. "H-Hunter," I called his name as I clung to his muscular arm. I felt his warm body on my nakedness. His bulging pet that poked my thigh gave a strange sensation that made my womanhood even more tender. Hunter's large hands found my breast. There he squeezed it like a stress ball. I almost fainted because of the feeling of him squeezing my breasts. "Does it feel good?" Hunter asked me sensually. I answered with a nod as my lips parted in the pleasure I felt. "I-It feels so good," I confessed to him. Hunter began sucking on my breast like a child thirsty for a mother's milk. I held his hair because I felt sensitive to what he was doing. It was slightly painful and tingly but the pleasure prevailed. Pain and pleasure mixed in what he was doing to my body. Hunter looked up at me and showed me how he licked the nub of my nipple. He looks very mischievous and his
[3rd Person's POV]Katalina is inside the mall. A year has passed but he still carries the bitter and sweet yesterday. All her persistesnce paid off.And the result of this in her life is positive and… negative. As she pushed the cart towards the frozen meat section of the mall, she couldn't help herself from feeling the judgmental gaze on her.Her mission was successful in destroying the billionaire's reputation. Because of that, she was able to maintain her position in her current workplace. Aside from that, her previous works are also recognized. It seems that the exposé she wrote for her ex-boyfriend served as a bridge to change the course of her life.Katalina never thought she would achieve her dream again. But in the wrong way. It's a wrong way that until now he doesn't sleep peacefully every night because of the conscience she feels.She was brought back to hrt senses when she hit someone else's cart. "What the hell!? Are you high on drugs? —” the man stopped speaking when he
[3rd Person's POV]Katalina is inside the car. This car is brand new. She just bought it recently. It took him over eight months to move and spend all the money she earned because of the exposé and reward from the company he worked for.She stared blankly into the air. Katalina still can't believe that the life she dreamed of before will now be hers. But in a way that torments her conscience.Se was brought back to reality when his car radio blared."Imagine, partner. Hunter has the guts to do these horrible things. All along, we thought he was a good guy!”"I know, right? Shame on me for having a crush on him — that was before. Now, I loathe him to death!”Katalina tried to transfer to another radio station. But every radio announcer is still discussing the same topic. A year has passed but people still can't move on from Hunter's issue.
[3rd Person’s POV]It was an exhausting day for Katalina. Moving on was never easy. Especially when the people around you keeps on reminding about the topic you wanted to forget.She drove the car she just bought. It was her decision to spend some time alone in the park. In the middle of lunch. As she arrived in the park, Katalina felt relieved.There was no visitor inside. Only the employers of the park. After she wrote her name in the log book, Katalina parked her car. And searched for a gazeebo that is in between near and far.She sat on the cement shaped like a chair. The breeze of the air massaging her skin and the scent of nature wafting in the air calms her senses.Katalina shuts her eyes. Allowing the nature to do its work. She almost fell asleep. But she heard footsteps coming near her. A gasp eluded from her lips. Much to her surprise, it was just a squirrel.The thought of a person approaching her right now makes her frantic. The issue kept on pressing her. Even though, she
[3rd Person’s POV]She parked her car in the garrage. Katalina couldn’t imagine how spacious the space was. Although, it wasn’t her property. Her boyfriend owns the place.He insisted that Katalina should move in with him to avoid further drama from spreading like a wildfire. “What took you so long?”She didn’t realize that her boyfriend opened the car’s door. Katalina pulled a hurried smile. Inhaling deeply as she collects her response. “T-the mall is… so crowded.”A nod was his response. “I got you.”Katalina watched her boyfriend opened the car’s trunk and carried her groceries. She was left alone. Now, she decided to follow him.“Where is Hunter?” she asked as soon as she stepped foot inside the house. Her boyfriend froze for a second. It makes him wonder why she named her son that way. Although, there are plenty of names she can come up with.He silently scoffed. “He’s asleep upstairs,” he unloaded the groceries and stack them inside the refrigerator. Katalina pulled a chair from
[3rd Person’s POV]Thursday morning came. Katalina was awake and the baby was still sleeping. She looked for Preston beside him. But he’s gone already. She thought that her boyfriend already headed for work.Katalina stared at the ceiling. Every day, when she wakes up, it was as if a habit to stare at the ceiling as long as she can. Hearing nothing but her sighs and deep thoughts.People judged her, thinking that her life is as easy as pie now. Considering the amount of fame and the payment she received from her work, it is admirable. But Katalina didn’t mind any of that.She snapped from her thoughts when the baby began crying. It’s her alarm clock to stop from remembering any of her past. Katalina jumped out of the bed. And greeted her son with a big smile. “Good morning too, handsome.”Katalina was about to carry the baby. But a foul odor irritated her nostrils. She softly chuckled and changed the baby’s diaper. “You’re naughty, Hunter,” she said.The smile on her face fades immedi
[3rd Person’s POV]Katalina woke up from sleeping. It was lunch already. She searched for Preston beside her. But he’s nowhere to be found. Jumping out of bed, realizing that her son might be hungry by now.She was relieved. But bewildered at the same time. That Hugo Jr. wasn’t crying at all. Times like this, he’s most likely crying because of hunger.Her eyes caught the empty baby bottle with residues. Preston already fed the baby when he woke up. Katalina searched for him.She went to the living room. Hoping she could find him there. But the television was off. And the place remains untouched. A line etched on her forehead. “Preston?”Her voice echoed.Katalina’s ears perked up. Sounds of laughter originated outside the villa. In the pool. She followed the noise. There, she saw Preston talking with a guy.She slides the sliding door. And walked closer to his boyfriend. The men in front of her seemed busy exchanging laughable conversation.Preston noticed her girlfriend through her p
[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