[katalina]I’ve never felt so alive. But not in a good way.I sat on my bed and swallowed a lump in my throat.I have no reports or updates to tell him.Fuck!But I have no choice but to answer this phone call.Heaving a sigh before I speak. “Sir,” it was the only word that I could spit out from my mouth.I braced myself for the upcoming rage that I could feel from my boss.“Any updates?”I fell silent.I lost ways of how to cover up my incompetency.In short, I ran out of white lies to cover my ass.Glancing at the ceiling, hoping a complete sentence would fall out.But that would be impossible.Instead of punishing myself for thinking of ways to lie, this time, I decided to speak for the truth.Even if it means that I’ll receive yells and insults from Jerry.Because somehow, I deserve it.And I needed also it.Because I know to myself that I’m lost in the track.I already forgot what matters most. And I let my heart to lead over my brain.“I’m sorry, Sir. But I haven’t written a sin
Jerry spoke. Which made me forget about the white Cadillac. But at the back of my head, I'm quite certain that my eyes were laid on it once. I just forget the exact location. "But this doesn't mean that you should not speed up, Katalina." Jerry made it clear. I nodded my head as if he could see me right now. "I understand, Sir. And I apologize if I'm a bit late." "What's your excuse this time?" He asked. I bit my lower lip. "Sir, there is no excuse," I responded. "The reason why I haven't started writing shit about him is that I couldn't find one. And you know too well that written articles are best when they are supported with evidence," I sighed. Honestly speaking, this is how I stand with every article I make. The credibility of the words and information goes back to the writer or the author itself. Because if I were to create false narratives, people would surely recognized it easily. Now that Hunter is loved, adored, and cherished by the public. Our odds of tarnishing
[katalina]I found myself standing in front of a restaurant. I felt hungry all of a sudden. Although there are restaurants nearby. But my feet led me to the restaurant close to our office. As I entered, my gaze were fixed to a particular waiter. The same waiter that I talked at the horseback riding. His back was facing me. He was busy entertaining the customers in the table. I searched for a vacant table and suited myself. It's my second time that I have been in this restaurant. Spacious.Homey. Cozy.I definitely need something to eat. So I could think of something positive that will help my decision get clear.
I was dumbfounded when Preston sat across. My eyes widened in disbelief. "O-Oh. H-Hi?" Even without the cow boy dress up thing, Preston looked hot. Why have I never thought of this before? He flashed a charming smile. His dimples showed up. Making his looks more appealing. Preston chuckled. "So, what brings you here again? Are you looking for some scoop? Tea? Interview?" He chuckled. "Because I'm down for it," he added, followed by a wink. It made me laugh. "You're quite funny. But if your boss sees you sitting in front of me, wouldn't he or she yell at you? Either chances of getting fired?" Preston shrugged his shoulders. "Nah. Our boss is a busy guy too. In fact, he's kind. He treats his employee with respect. And tells us that we can rest so long as the customers are satisfied," he explained. I nodded my head. "Wow that's kind of impressive—" I stopped speaking when my stomach growled. My gazes met Preston's. He stood up. "I'll order something for you. I'll be right bac
I waited for twenty minutes before Preston arrived. He smiled from ear to ear. A goofy smile. "Here it is," Preston placed a dish in front of me. It makes me salivate. "This look so good!" I complimented. Preston winked at me. "It does taste good!" He sat in front of me. Preston's aura screams like winsome glow. It will make you smile with no reason at all. That's how his aura works like. Preston is the type of guy that you can stare at his face and not get bored at all. "Would you eat the food or eat me instead?" Preston smirked.
[hunter]I was about to go back to my room when my phone vibrated.At first, I tried to ignore it.Because it was s text message from an unknown number. I don’t know who it is.But I am guessing that it’s one of those people who wanted to get my attention.But too bad, my attention is fixed to Amanda only.So, I tried to ignore it.But just when I was about to put my phone in my pocket, I received a countless message alert.Led to curiosity, I opened them.And I was stunned for a moment.I couldn’t find the right words to say something.As if I swallowed my own tongue too. I can’t utter a single word.The next thing I knew is that I clenched my jaw tightly.I felt my blood boil in rage.And I also felt like killing someone.I have never felt this type of anger in my whole life.Just now.As I rewatch the images on my phone, keeping and swiping from left and right.It was Amanda.With a man.The same man that I saw in the horseback riding sesion.“That bastard!”In a blink of an eye, I
[katalina] The restaurant was empty already. There are no customer here except me and… Preston. Yep. He promised me that he will finish his shift early. But he couldn’t. Customers flooded right when he was about to leave. He asked if I could wait for a while. A few more minutes. I agreed and waited for Preston to finish his work. I was standing outside the restaurant. Watching Preston's broad shoulders while closing in on the restaurant. His rounded biceps are clear and shapely. Preston was wearing a white sleeveless undershirt and gray sweatpants. I observed his physical appearance. Until my eyes landed on his plump ass. My eyes widened in shock as Preston faced me. When he came forward, I stared at the middle part of his body. The bulge of his manhood. It was big. I was speechless. Preston cleared his throat like I was slapped with shame. When I looked at his face, he was grinning already. "You like it?" he offered. My eyes almost popped in shock at his question.
-- [hunter] After I commanded Ian to take Amanda to her apartment, I walked into the office. I can do it alone right now because there are not many reports to read and files to organize. But my work is really different when Amanda is there. My work flow becomes easy and smooth. That type is what I should prioritize and then I can finish it easily because of her help. I did not make the mistake of hiring her as my personal assistant who has become my secretary. Her job description is a bit confusing to me, but Amanda plays her role well in both of them. I took a deep breath and briefly closed my eyes. The aura of the office is different when I'm alone. Very quiet. It wasn't like when Amanda was here that I was teasing her and she was easily annoyed. Her smell is very fragrant. I don't know what cologne she uses but Amanda's smell stings my nose in a good way. And her beautiful face that is so good to look at. I don't know if she notices every time I steal a glance at her. He
[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