Kathryn’s POVI blinked in surprise as I supported Charlize’s head on my shoulder. There was a beautiful boy with blonde hair, though darker than Charlize’s, who peered up from me. His hand holding the hem of my blouse. His eyes took my breath away, somehow reminding me of my own whenever I gazed into the mirror. I stared at the little boy for the longest time, feeling something achingly familiar when he tried to squeeze himself into my side. Crouching down, I patted his head gently. “What’s wrong, little one? Are you lost?”The boy excitedly shook his head. “No! But I’ve found it!”My brows knitted together. “You’ve found what, little one?”“You,” he grinned. “Mommy, I missed you!”I couldn’t help but smile, recalling the child I might have had if he had survived the delivery at the hospital that day. “You’re being silly!” I commented, but I still went along with it in order to not hurt his feelings. “Are you sure that I’m your mommy?”His tiny head nodded. “Yes. You look beautiful
Kathryn’s POVThe voice at the end of the line sounded like a man, and it had me at the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out where this nervousness was coming from when he began to speak. “Are you there?” “Oh, uhm, this is the person who found your son, and he’s here to speak to you…” I remembered the boy mentioning a certain “Mr. Iceberg” and “Bad Woman” he often encounters at home. I figured these were his nicknames for his parents. So, it’s safe to assume that the person I’m talking to now is likely his father. Ignoring the squeeze in my chest, I handed my phone over to the boy, who took it with a slight hesitation showing in his eyes. “Go on,” I appealed to him with a cheerful smile. “We’re just going to ask them if you could stay here for a while.”The boy seemed convinced enough when he nodded his head and placed the phone over his ear.“Hello? Oh…” he pouted and paused to listen to what his alleged father had to say. “What?” He suddenly yelled after a while. “No! I’m n
Kathryn’s POVAs I retreated, leaving the door ajar, I was startled to find my ex-husband standing before me. The surprise on his face mirrored my own, and we stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity.An array of emotions rushed through my mind; they were a tumultuous mix of the affection I once held for him and the resentment I harbored toward him and his family for their treatment of me during our marriage. These emotions often left me seeking solace in the confines of our bedroom, desperate to numb the pain that gnawed at my chest.But those days are behind me now, several years have passed since our divorce. I should have been fine by now.The two of us engaged in a mini-staredown, silently taking in each other's appearance after five years apart. Wilhelm’s features hadn’t changed a bit since the night I left home to raise our twins alone. His dark eyes, usually suspicious-looking, briefly softened as they met mine before returning to their cool demeanor.“My son,” he
Kathryn’s POVI watched in silence as Roland opened his arms wide for Charlize. My daughter looped her short arms around his neck while Roland lifted her and gave her kisses on either side of her cheeks.“How are you, lovely girl?” He had a grin on his face as he asked. “Were you good while I wasn’t around?”Charlize nodded her head slowly. “Daddy Roland, you know, I found a new playmate today,” she looked behind me, and Roland waved his hand toward a confused Grayson. “He told me that he wants to be my older brother, so I accepted it.”“Oh. And who might that be?” Roland grinned back as the two of them let out a laughter that echoed in the hallway.My heartbeat suddenly quickened when I remembered that Wilhelm was still there.I looked at him and found that his cold gaze was fixed on Roland.“That man,” he started, and I instantly had a bad feeling about what he was about to say. “Did you remarry?” his eyes were upon me in an instant. “Is he your husband now?”I turned pink at his ac
Wilhelm’s POV As soon as the elevator door opened, I confidently strode out of the building without glancing back. “Get him inside the car,” I instructed Jamie, declining his offer to open the door for me. I handed Grayson over to him and noticed a few tears still streaming down his eyes that were the exact color as that of Kathryn’s—maybe even brighter than hers when I had it compared a while ago. Speaking of… As I slammed the door shut and sank back into the car seat, my jaw tightened at the memory of Kathryn’s startled expression. Her hair was noticeably longer, but everything else about her seemed unchanged. She was as beautiful as the last time I saw her, and just as determined and passionate, now with a daughter of her own. The only question that remained was why the hell was she back? A dark thought crossed my mind as I recalled seeing her with my son a while ago. Did she perhaps learn of the truth of what I did? As I clenched my fist, the thought crossed my mind—was tha
Wilhelm’s POV We’re finally home after a long day. I held Grayson’s hand, and noticed that the closer we got to the villa’s main door, he was getting uneasier. It was almost as if he didn’t want to be here at all. I ignored whatever I was feeling, and continued walking with him toward the house. The child is probably just worried about the consequences of his actions. After a while, Grayson let go of my hand. The front door burst open. Rose greeted us with tear-streaked eyes and a relieved smile. I watched as she kneeled down on my son’s level, who remained stiff as her hands squeezed him in a tight embrace.Raising a child without a mother was a difficult task I had to face every day, and I acknowledge that as Grayson’s father, I had many misgivings. I couldn’t always be there for him due to my workload. During those times, Rose had been by my side, and all I could think about was giving Grayson the kind of mother he deserved. However, it didn’t occur to me that Grayson would be
Kathryn’s POV Charlize was in her floral pink pajamas as she lay in bed beside me. “Mommy…” I looked up from the storybook that I was reading to her. “Yes, baby?” “Do you think Grayson’s sleeping well tonight?” I shifted, surprised at her question. “Oh, I’m sure he is. Why do you ask?” I said, placing the book on the bedroom table next to me. Charlize shook her head slowly as she plopped herself on the pillow. “I don’t know. I just feel like he couldn’t sleep at all tonight.” My hand stroked her head. I hummed and smiled at her. “Maybe he’s thinking about the day he could play with you again.” My daughter’s eyes brightened. “Really? That must be the reason why I can’t sleep!”I stayed smiling. “Oh, I’m sure you will. Close your eyes and Mommy will stroke your head until you fall asleep.”She nodded slightly, her eyelids growing heavy until she drifted off to sleep. I felt her calm breathing as I lay on my back flat. Staring at the ceiling, I remembered the exact moment that I o
Kathryn’s POVI felt the pounding in my chest as I stood in front of the elaborate entrance of The Grand Plaza hotel. It was everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Ever since I was in college, I had always pictured myself working in one of the best hotel chains in the city, and among them was definitely this place. I think of the time when, as a young girl, I would study religiously to be one step closer to my dream job. But I didn’t know that the worst was yet to come. Instead of managing a five-star hotel, I ended up overseeing my own ex-husband’s home. It was far from the dream I had in mind. However, it no longer mattered, because I’m already here. I released the breath that I was holding. I know that I’m about to make the most of this experience, hired or not. But I came here for the latter. I was prepared for it, and not even a storm could stop me from having it my way. Stepping inside, a friendly guard greeted me. He pointed me toward the elevator, and I hopped inside as soon as
Kathryn’s POVI sneezed in the waiting area at Charlize’s new school. It was beginning to get colder now that we’re getting into the middle of October. I checked my phone, wondering where Wilhelm might be since he promised he’d be picking up our daughter and his son after class ends, but he was nowhere to be found. I sighed as I remembered our encounter with the strange doctor last week. I still wonder why Dr. Parkins had looked like she had seen a ghost when she saw Wilhelm, but I figured it must’ve been because of her health issues. She did appear quite ill, so I couldn’t help but worry about her safety. Maybe she was sicker than I had imagined, or maybe it had to do something with her past experiences? I removed the thought away when I heard the school’s bell ring, indicating that it was time for them to go home. I immediately went toward the door. I kept an eye on each student that came out from the hallway, but there was still no sign of Charlize and Grayson nearby. They were
Rose’s POVI kept a watchful eye as the woman left the grocery store in a hurry. Wilhelm looked like he had seen a ghost while Kathryn shrugged her shoulders and continued walking with the children. My gaze went back to Wilhelm. He looked as if he was in deep thought. “Darling? Is something wrong?” I tried to ask. Wilhelm shook his head in slowly. “I’m...fine.” “You don’t look like it though.”He turned his head to me and sighed. “It’s nothing,” he said, taking my hand as he dragged me to the cashier. He handed me his card and I swiped it over the machine. I took one good look at the woman who nervously stood in line behind a few people, and she was still looking pale and shaken up. I hummed. Something must’ve been wrong about her. Or maybe she knew more about my fiancee than I know myself. Whatever it was, I didn’t have an inkling feeling that it was anything normal. I need to find out more. Once I was done paying for the groceries, I gave Wilhelm back his card. “You can go ahe
Kathryn’s POV“Why are you here, doctor? I thought you were still based in Paris,” I said, out of breath, finding the situation odd now that we’ve come face-to-face again after several years of not being able to see each other. Dr. Parkin stared at me for awhile. Her lower lip quivered as she went back and forth between me and Charlize. “Is—Is that your daughter now?” “Oh, yes. She’s quite big now. Already in her kindergarten,” I smiled. “How are you nowadays?” “Good, I’m good.” “Are you still based in France?” “I wouldn’t be here if I was,” she answered curtly. I awkwardly laugh. “Uhm, yes. That—That actually makes sense! I was thinking that you’re perhaps having a vacation or something.” “I could’ve picked a better place than New York, don’t you agree?” I nodded. “Greece sounds nice.” The doctor smiled. “I’d take it into consideration.” After awhile, Dr. Parkins swallowed hard as she frantically looked around, as if searching for something. “Are you…alone?” My eyebrows sc
Kathryn’s POVWhy was Roland acting this way? He’s usually patient, and he listens very carefully to what I have to say. Now, it felt like he was about to dismiss everything that I needed to say. “That’s not it, Roland! Mrs. Brown believed in my ability, and I just wanted to not disappoint her! I also love my job more than you think,” I frowned. “Not everything is about Wilhelm. I dislike the fact that you, of all people, are associating every decision I make to him.” Roland opened and closed his mouth. He doesn’t look convinced with what I was trying to explain to him. “I’m not too sure about that…” “Not too sure—? Roland, do you even hear yourself?” I moved toward him. “Are we really going to argue over my decision? There are still plenty of capable people that could take on the job that you’re offering to me.” “You don’t understand, Kath,” he sighed. “You’re one in a million. There’s not a single woman in this world that could copy or replace you for that matter.” My eyebrows
Rose’s POVI stared at the door in front of me. “That—That bitch!” I screamed, my nails hurting the skin on my palm as I clenched my fist so hard. “She’s purposefully doing this! She’s trying to steal Wilhelm from me!” Anger rose in my chest as I ran back to the parking lot, nagging at the driver to take me home. While on the road, my phone rang. Annoyed, I still picked it up and placed it over on my ear. “What do you want?” “Hi! I’m the investigator you’ve hired.” I narrowed my eyes. “I paid you like half a million already. You better bring me some good news!” I barked. “Wait for me at my office. I’ll be home in five minutes.” The investigator sighed. “I’ll wait in the villa.” After less than three minutes, my driver was already parking in front of the villa. I practically threw my bag to that scumbag maid named Annie. “Wipe that frown on your ugly face,” I told her. She surprisingly ignored me and walked away with my branded bag that’s worth ten times her salary! Arrogant
Kathryn’s POVThe drive home felt shorter than I had anticipated it to be. We arrived at my place and Wilhelm parked his car right outside our building. I stood up, and was about to open the door, but Wilhelm beat me to it. He stood next to the door, opening it slowly while he took Charlize from me. “Oh, uhm, you didn’t need to do that,” I smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Reinhardt.” I must admit, it was weird calling him with the last name I once possessed when we were still married. Wilhelm remained silent as he softly closed the door behind me. Charlize, on the other hand, was incessant with bringing Grayson over. I was amazed how my daughter managed to speak continuously to Wilhelm until we reached the door to our apartment. It looked as if she wasn’t bored speaking to him at all!“Oh, no! We’re here already,” Charlize pouted. “I still haven’t heard you guys agree to transferring schools and playing with Grayson.” Wilhelm raised an eyebrow as he handed Charlize over. “Kathryn?” Two p
Kathryn’s POVWilhelm’s suggestion left me speechless for several reasons. Why was he doing this? “Mr. Reinhardt, I don’t think this is the place and time to talk about Charlize’s—” “REALLY?” Charlize grinned at him with renewed enthusiasm. “Do you really mean what you said, Mr. Iceberg?!”I gasped. “Charlize!” “Oh, I mean, Mr. Reinhardt! Are you enrolling me in the same school as Grayson?” My daughter giggled. “Sorry about calling you your nickname,” she covered her mouth. “I’m not supposed to say it out loud because it’s my and Grayson’s secret, so please don’t tell him!” Wilhelm, looking taken aback by Charlize’s reaction, scooped her in his arms. “Mr. Iceberg, huh?” My heart stopped beating as I gaped the scene before me. The image of them together had blown me away; it was only now that I have realized that they had a lot of similar features I can no longer deny. They shared the same nose and eye shape, and their smile resembled too much you’d mistake them for twins.I can’
Wilhelm’s POVA few nights ago... “Close the door, James.” “Wil! What are you doing?” Rose called as she hurried to the door, panic stuck in her eyes “Can’t I come in, too? I’m your fiancé, after all.” I clenched my jaw and turned away from her pleading eyes. “Please wait outside, Rose.” She was about to protest when James gently closed the door behind us, giving her no choice.“Tell me all about it,” I said, my voice firm and cold, as I walked to stand in front of him.James took a deep breath before speaking, his gaze shifting to the floor. “I’ve dug enough about the girl.” My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Kathryn’s daughter, Charlize, but I quickly composed. “Go ahead,” I encouraged him to continue, despite having a hint of what he was about to say. “I’m all ears.” James settled in the seat in front of my desk as I poured myself another glass of whiskey and drank it whole in one gulp. I sat behind my desk and waited patiently for him to speak, knowing that whatever it
Kathryn’s POV Vicky’s eyes went wide as I told her everything that happened over the weekend. “You mean to say that you were almost sent away?!”“Not so loud,” I whispered, glancing at Clarence, who was typing on his computer across from us. “Yes, I was.”“How come I never heard of it?” she whispered, her eyes going round. Clarence paused what he was doing and grinned from behind his monitor.“If this is some juicy gossip, you two better share it with me.” He wiggled his eyebrows.I sighed. “This isn’t something to talk about at work.”He chuckled. “Come on, Katy! In just a few days, you’ve managed to catch everyone’s attention.”“That doesn’t seem like a good thing.” Vicky frowned and shook her head disapprovingly. “It’s not like we’re going to make money by gossiping.”Clarence shrugged. “I guess you’re right. I mean, there are more important things to worry about than your love life, right, Katy girl?”Vicky’s cheeks turned pink as she tried to hide her smile from Clarence by let