[3rd Person’s POV]She paused from working. Katalina stared at her reflection in the monitor. Then looked down to her phone. She is fighting the urge to contact Ivan.Preston ordered him to babysit the baby. She was frantic. Wanting to see her son every now and then. Although, the baby was inside the building. A specific nursery room built for Hunter Jr.Jerry noticed how agitated she was. He stopped typing as well. Clearing his throat to get Katalina’s attention. It was successful. “Is everything alright?” he sounded concern.She forced a smile. Tilting her head weakly. “I-I’m cool. W-why? D-do I look troubled?” Katalina stammered.He raised a brow. “I wouldn’t ask you if you were okay.”“Fine. I want to see my baby,” she sighed.Jerry scoffed. “Kat, you were just with him a minute ago. And besides, Ivan was watching over him, babysitting to be exact. Why are you so worried?”Both of them weren’t afraid anymore to speak their minds. Preston designated a special table for them two, fa
[3rd Person’s POV]Ivan drove the car. Heading straight to their home. Katalina carried the baby. They were at the back seat. Along with Preston. The ride was silent. And it was raining hard outside. The baby was casually sleeping in her arms.And Katalina focused her attention to the kid. Forgetting that her phone was missing. Not that there is a confidential file store in it. That can hurt her reputation or whatnot. Meanwhile, Preston stared outside the car’s window.Admiring the dull weather and fork rays of thunder. He couldn’t stop thinking. About the call. We need your answer tomorrow. He snapped from his thoughts. Paling as the car stopped suddenly. Causing them to almost fall from sitting.“What the hell, Ivan!” he yelled.The baby cried loudly. Katalina clicked her tongue. “Preston. Stop shouting,” she comforted the baby. Both her and her son were bewildered by the man’s voice.Ivan looked at them through the front mirror. “Sorry, boss. The road is too slippery,” he apologize
[3rd Person’s POV]Katalina gently placed the food tray on the table. The patio is majestic especially day time. The fresh air. Silent neighborhood. Chirping of birds. And the warm rays of the sun.She caught Ivan moving through her peripheral vision. Their gazes met. Ivan groaned. “Shit. Is my head breaking in two?” he asked.Katalina softly chortled. She sat on the rattan chair. Facing Ivan. “Must be hangover. Well,” she inhaled deeply. “Good morning to you too.”“Damn. I hate hangover,” Ivan cursed in the air. “G’morning, by the way,” he forced a smile amidst his throbbing head.A triumphant smile appeared on Preston’s lips. He finsihed washing his car. It was glistening and shining as the sun strikes on it. So clean and so bright that it can blind someone.Twisting his head to the patio. “Oh, look who woke up so late?” he raised a brow. Ivan paled. He stood up quickly. “B-Boss. S-sorry, I didn’t mean to—” he stammered. Frightened about his incompetence. Remembering that he pissed
[3rd Person’s POV]Preston noticed Katalina through his peripheral vision. He couldn’t help but wonder. “Hey. No one is going to steal your baby, okay?”Katalina’s brows crossed. “What?”He laughed. “You’ve been staring at the baby. Intently. Which, makes it appear creepy!” they both laughed. Preston has been meaning to ask her, regarding her decision about the job offer.Although, it was clear to him. That she will refuse the offer. He got it. But. Preston wanted to hear it directly from her mouth. It’s the only confirmation he needed.“Come on. Who couldn’t stop staring at him?” Katalina cooed at the baby. She chuckled as Preston agreed to her. “With those cheeks like a bun. I wanted to squeeze it. Maybe, even bite for it.”Ivan kept his gaze on the television. But his ears were magnetized on the couple. He laughed along the two.
[3rd Person’s POV]The baby was now in Ivan’s arms. He asked Katalina if he could carry the baby. She said yes. And was elated to see how happy it made Ivan.Preston dangled his arm on Katalina’s shoulder. Those sweet little moments means so much more for him.The sun was about to set. Ivan decided to walk the baby in their front yard. Savoring the remaining light before it gets dark outside.“Would it be okay if we walk not far from here?” asked Ivan.Preston and Katalina stared at each other before nodding their head in unison. ‘Sure. But don’t get far,” Katalina gave her approval.
[3rd Person’s POV]Ivan enjoyed carrying the baby, The smile on his fae was broad. Smiling from ear to ear as if he haven’t done it for eons. His life back then was neutral. Boring. Fun. Then boring again. He spent years, finding reasons to be happy.Addressing all the dilemmas of his confusion. But it all came down now. Things have gotten clearer. Crystal clear. There’s only two things that has been missing in his life. For so long.Ivan. And a baby.The fact that Katalina allows him to carry her child, it brings him closer to the answer that Ivan has been looking for.
[3rd Person’s POV]Katalina was headed to the company. Preston left an hour ago because there was an urgent meeting for the expansion of the company’s branch in Asia.She was carrying the baby in the backseat. Ivan drove them. He kept glancing back and forth through the front mirror. Couldn’t help but to adore the baby.He was very careful in driving. Doesn’t matter if it takes them thirty minutes to arrive, so long as the baby won’t cry or feel uncomfortable.“We’re here, baby,” Katalina gently pushed the tip of Hunter Jr.’s nose. Ivan followed them as they entered the office. They rode the elevator. And Ivan couldn’t stop himself from asking Katalina if he could pick up the baby.“M-May I?” he stammered, sounding nervous.She nodded her head. “He’s all yours ‘till lunch.”There was nothing new with her job. Doing edits. Indulging knowledge about a certain topic that revolves around being a mother.
[3rd Person’s POV]There was nothing new for her. As if her life was stagnant. Smooth sailing. And everything is falling into the right place. Jerry and her take a quick break from work.They are the office’s cafeteria. It was crowded. People talking while eating snacks. Katalina waited for Jerry to finish ordering food.Although, the food was free for all employees. And there are wide varieties of foods they can choose from. “Yes. Add some maple syrup on top of the muffin. A cup of cappuccino. And uh let’s see. I’m on a diet. But whatever. Two drumsticks of fried chicken.”Jerry looked behind. Smiling at Katalina as they wait for the waiter to put all his order. “Our regular spot has been occupied,” she shrugged her shoulders.Jerry looked at the last row, near the corner of the cafeteria. Indeed. There were interns. Enjoying their snacks too. And it was Katalina and Jerry’s favorite spot. Because it’s far from their workmates. And they can have deep conversations there.He sighed. “
[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