Time flew quickly.The sun was about to set.Preston and I sat on a wooden bench, watching the sunset.He and I were eating Caesar salad. I lost count of how many variants of dishes we ate together.For a moment, the angst I felt, vanished like bubbles in the air.Out of the blue, Preston burped. Our gazes met. We laughed in unison.And we don’t care about the people around us. As if they never existed. We just let our waves of laughter echo in the air.Preston stared deep into my eyes. He stopped laughing. His face projects a serious expression.“What?” I asked smiling.He smiled back in response. “You’re absolutely stunning up close,” he complimented.I chortled. “Am I ugly in far?”Preston cackled and shook his head. “Of course not.”My cheeks flushed when his eyes landed on my supple lips.Clearing my throat and averted his gaze from him. Preston did the same.“So,” he scratched his neck. “You’re working as his personal assistant now?”I nodded my head in response. “For nearly a m
[katalina]My body froze. Someone spoke behind me.Not just an ordinary one. But it was my boss. Hunter.His stares boring holes in my back.I swallowed a lump in my throat.“Amanda.”One word. Just him, uttering my name.It arouses and unlocked something inside me that I never felt in a long time.A new feeling.It makes me wish that the ground would open and swallow me alive.Preston effortlessly looked at him.I could see from my peripheral vision how Preston smirked. “Hello, Sir.”That’s my cue to look at my boss.Behind him was Ian. Smiling from ear to ear while eating a new batch of popcorn. “God, this is more interesting in real life than watching in cinemas!” he chortled.Hunter didn’t glance at anyone else.Nor does he have an interest to remove his stares from me.“I brought you here for a reason,” Hunter’s jaw clenched.My forehead began to sweat profusely.I don’t need a mirror to see how the color of my face drained.All of a sudden, Preston butted in. “It was me who insi
[katalina]I kept my eyes focused on Ian’s lips.The anticipation of knowing Hunter’s welfare makes me nervous.My world was in slow motion when I heard from Ian that Hunter might be sent to the hospital.“He’s locked himself inside. And he was burning hot last night when we arrive home,” Ian informed.“Did you give him some aspirins or ibuprofen?”Ian shook his head. “He’s a hard-headed. I’ve seen him once under the influence of fever. And it’s not good,” he shook his head. “Not good,” he emphasizes.“Take me to him.”I’ve never been this worried in my whole life.Ian drove the car as fast as he can.It didn’t take long before we arrived at Hunter’s mansion.It seemed like a usual sunny day. But as I stepped inside the mansion, I could feel something is wrong.Immediately, my feet led me to Hunter’s bedroom. Ian was behind me all along.I knocked on the door. “Hunter? Hunter? Are you awake? Open the door now,” I bombarded him with questions.Silence was the response.Leaning my ear c
[katalina]Ian closes the door.There was a moment of silence.I didn’t move or speak.The blanket slowly unfolds. Revealing a weak Hunter.As our gazes met, he clicked his tongue. “I told you to leave.”Annoyance is audible in his tone.I place the food tray on the night lamp.And sat next to him. “Good morning,” I greeted him with a smile.An eye roll was his response to me.Hunter was about to hide under the blankets… again.But I stopped him. “Wait!”He sighed in irk. “You’re getting on my nerves,” he said in a hoarse voice.I find it amusing. Even if he’s weak, he still manages to pull an attitude.I placed the back of my palm on his forehead.“You’re hot.”“Inborn, I guess.”I smiled.Slowly, the corners of his lips curved into a placid smile too.“I still don’t want you here,” Hunter made it clear.A nod was my response.“I know. But I want to be here.”“You left me the bleachers when I was horseback riding.”“You’re letting a girl snake in your arms as if that’s pleasing in my
[katalina]To my surprise, I fell asleep on Hunter’s body.His arm was my pillow.A bit hard.But his armpit’s scent wafted in my nostrils.It intoxicates me in a good way.By the time I open my eyes, Hunter was awake.Phone was in his hand.I kept staring at him.A lot of people have been wanting.To have a taste of a man like him.Broad shoulders.Pointed nose.Tan skin.Good physique.Handsome looks.And most of all, a man who’s talented in bed.In my opinion, Hunter has it all.A complete total package, to say the least.A soft gasp evaded from my lips.Hunter caught me staring at him.My cheeks blushed.“Hey. How’s your sleep?” he asked, smiling.“G-Good,” stammering as I responded.His aura is different now.Contrasting to how his aura was a while ago.I placed the back of my palm on his forehead.He wasn’t burning hot at all.“Did you take your meds?” I asked him.Hunter shook his head.And gaze at the food tray I prepared.It was untouched.It remained as is to how I prepared
[hunter]When the day begins.I couldn’t tear the smile on my face.She’s here.Sleeping with me.Hugging my body.And uses my arm as her pillow.Her snores are perfect.Like little lullabies hummed by the angels above.I’ve never felt this way before.A new ecstatic feeling.That neither closing a deal nor branching out another franchise can top up.I kissed Amanda’s forehead.If it was an ordinary day.Wherein I will wake up alone in bed.I would have been in the office an hour ago.But this time.It is different.Before, I always bury myself in work.Afraid of losing money every second and every hour.But now.So long as I am with her, I am certain that everything will be alright.She’s not just beauty.But she’s also brains.Amanda has made my job easier.If she didn’t come into my auction, we wouldn’t have met.And I wouldn’t be in this cycle.Which I am glad I did.We both did.I snapped out of my thought as I heard her yawn.Amanda fluttered her eyes open.She stared blankly at
[hunter]Funny how time passes us by in a blink of an eye.I glanced at the wall clock, I just realized that it has been four hours since I was creating a presentation.Swiftly, I stole a glance at the woman in front of me.She was serious.The loud clicking of the keyboard resonated in my office.She didn’t speak.Nor dare to look at me.Like she always does.My eyes rounded.And my heart skipped a beat.She caught me staring at her.I flashed a sheepish smile.And tried to brighten our day.But it was futile.She remained still and proceeds to do the task I told her to do.I sighed inwardly and finished my presentation.Tomorrow, I’ll have my future investors and business partners in the conference room.I have a presentation.Another business venture.Farming.Well, mainly, my goal is not to gain investors and tons of money.What I am trying to do is help the farmers as well as mother nature.We can help humanity and the world itself.By using biodegradable products and such.When
[hunter]My phone rang all of a sudden.The anticipation that I have been wanting, vanished in the air.I mentally cursed and pulled my head away from Amanda.She sighed and slightly shook her head.Then resumed doing her task.I walked back to my desk and sat on my swivel chair.As I answer the call, I recognized the voice already.“Mr. Suarez, yes,” I nodded my head.We are talking about the upcoming meeting this Wednesday.“Everything is set. Oh, no worries. I can handle it. Thank you,” I ended the call.I placed the phone back on my desk.Mr. Suarez called for an update.Somehow, I felt relieved, knowing that he was into this plan too.Like I thought, no one would care.But the business people that I’ve been with, they do not seem greedy at all.Well, at least, that’s what I thought.But I have no interest in dealing with their personal perception.So long as they can contribute to the greater good, that’s fine with me.Now, going back to Amanda.Damn.I missed the opportunity to
[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