KATERINA I was too quiet, too overwhelmed with guilt, that I eventually slept off in the back of the car, my head filled with thoughts of how he was doing, praying deep within myself that nothing happened to him.I woke up the next morning in my bedroom, and the guilt hit me again. Harder, this time. I swallowed, resting my head against the headboard with different thoughts swirling in my head. I checked the table for my phone but did not see it.I recalled walking inside here but not too well, I recalled taking off my bloodied clothes and taking a hot shower where I scrubbed off the blood and dirt. Then I changed into soft, cotton pyjamas and retired to bed.All that seemed like a dream now, the only evidence being the PJs I had on me. The memories seemed like a blur, and I hadn't even been drunk."Where did they keep the backpack?" I asked no one in particular, looking around in search of it.I had wanted to call him, see if he was alright. I had no idea how work was even going too
VINCENT "I cannot believe you actually want to come out to this place. You never come to places like this. If I did not know you too well, I would say you were too religious for this place." James teased, sitting beside me in my car while I drove. I did not respond to him, keeping my eyes on the road instead. "What's eating you up, friend? I feel kind of betrayed that you would not share with me." He sulked, but I was barely in the mood for a chitchat. Almost two weeks had passed since the incident and I had met her once—two days ago—at a summit. She had eye-bags under her eyes and looked tired, like she was not getting enough rest or sleep. Katerina looked like she had lost a little weight too, and when she stared at me with those sad eyes and tried to smile at me but I turned away before she could finish the expression. I had barely been able to stay away. It was like she was doing everything to get close to me, but I kept avoiding her, moving away, because at least, if I wan
VINCENTWe both wore our masks and James sighed as he stared at his phone in his hand."My girl won't stop calling. Almost like she knows I am at the wrong place." He muttered, looking too guilty to even be in this building. I scoffed."You know you can go back if you want to, James. Your loyalty to me does not extend to my… extracurricular activities. Okay?" I told him, and he just slipped his phone into his pocket."I did not just come here for you, Vince. Sorry to actually burst your bubble. I'm here to cool off too, like you are. My relationship is on the rocky side too." He swallowed, looking like he wanted to say something but at the same time, could not bring himself to say it."But she has been calling you…" I started, then paused to think, "Meaning she was the one who fucked up, wasn't she?" I questioned and he just answered with a shrug, moving towards the curtains so we could pull it open and start watching the circus like we initially came here to do.I did not push it fur
KATERINAThe cool night air brushed against my face as I sat on the sand, legs pulled close to my chest, staring out at the dark water. The moonlight shimmered across the surface, casting a silvery glow that seemed to stretch infinitely into the horizon. I’d come here to clear my head, to escape the endless grind that had consumed me over the past few days. Work had taken over every part of me, and I hadn’t realized how badly I needed to breathe until I found myself here, at the edge of everything.I had spent the first few minutes on arrival on crying my eyes out. I missed Kelvin, no scratch that. I really, really missed Kelvin.His funeral held weeks ago and it was the saddest thing ever. Reina wasn't there. His sister, Whitney was not even there either. Actually, I did not want her to be there. I did not need negative energy at Kelvin's funeral; I mean, I could not be thinking of killing his sister at his funeral.So yeah, it was just me and a few of his colleagues at his funeral,
KATERINAThe sand shifted beneath my feet as I ran, breathless laughter escaping me with every step. The night air was cool against my skin, but the warmth of the chase made my heart race. I could hear Vincent’s footsteps behind me, steady and deliberate. He was playing with me while at it, letting me think I had a chance.The people at the beach watched us and some laughed heartily at our display, but all I could focus on was the sound of his pursuit. I glanced back—his dark silhouette cut against the horizon, broad and powerful. I turned back around before I could be distracted by his handsome physique, increasing my speed.“Keep running, Katerina,” Vincent called out, his voice smooth, but with an edge that sent a thrill down my spine.I pushed myself faster, even if the sand vehemently fought against me, slowing me down. My lungs burned, and my legs felt weak, but I couldn’t stop the grin that stretched across my face. I knew I couldn’t outrun him, not really. It was only a matter
KATERINAWe got home together and he fucked my brains out like he promised, but left my bed before I woke up.I walked to the mirror after brushing my teeth and taking my bath, staring directly in my eyes, recounting my newest plans.Da'ana was coming back to town tonight, and I planned to pull a string or two to embarrass her in front of everyone she had invited for her welcome party.I wanted to do a big reveal. She resented to know who I truly was now, didn't she? I did not tell Vincent about my plans because I did not know if emotions would try to fuck everything up.She had invited Vincent and I. Before I fell asleep, as if I knew that he was going to leave the next morning, I asked him if he was going to be there for his mother's welcome party. He promised to be there if I was.The little things…I smiled, walking down to my bed just as a knock resounded on my door. I turned around and started to walk towards it, wondering who it was since I had not requested for anything from m
VINCENTI arrived at the event hall, already regretting my decision to come. The hall itself was over the top—just like my mother. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, spilling light onto the gleaming marble floor. White and gold drapes cascaded from the walls, and tall floral arrangements, bursting with roses and lilies, lined the edges of the room. The centerpiece was an elaborate display of her name—Da'ana Powers—in gold letters, draped with ivy and soft twinkling lights. Her brand launch, which was disguised as a welcome party.Of course, it had to be something that screamed for attention.I made my way through the crowd, nodding mechanically as her friends—glossy, air-kissed women in designer gowns—swooped down on me with their greetings."Vincent! Darling, look at you!" One of them cooed, air-kissing both my cheeks like she’d known me my whole life."You’re so much like your mother!" another chimed in, her voice syrupy sweet.I forced a smile, nodding politely, though I co
VINCENTI sat beside Katerina and she took my hand in hers, still smiling. It was like she could not stop smiling, and I could not stop staring at her. That smile looked amazing on her face, her scary. What in the world was this woman up to now?The hall buzzed with anticipation, the kind of tension that builds right before a show starts. People milled around, sipping champagne and making small talk, glancing toward the stage where my mother was set to make her big entrance. The murmur of conversation filled the air, a mix of curiosity, gossip, and excitement. Katerina sat close enough that I could feel the warmth of her arm against mine even as I held her hand, though we hadn't said much since finding our seats. I glanced over at her after looking around for a couple of seconds—almost a minute—taking in the way she casually held her glass, looking serene while the room buzzed around us. But she also looked different. Good different or bad different? I had a feeling we were about to