WEB OF SECRETS

Chapter 2: WEB OF SECRETS

Catherine stood facing the mirror, adjusting the diamond necklace around her neck. Her reflection showed a poised, elegant woman, but her eyes betrayed her. They held a deep sadness, a longing for a life she would never have.

She thought of her lover and a subtle smile appeared on her face. They met at a charity gala, and their connection was instant, definition of love at first sight but theirs got deeper as they spoke. But their social differences made their love impossible.

Catherine knew her parents would never approve. They already arranged her marriage to Rico, securing their family's names and future. Catherine's feelings or wants are hers and hers alone.

As she descended the staircase, Catherine's mother, Victoria, greeted her with a critical gaze.

"Catherine, darling, you look stunning. Rico will be thrilled." She giggled upon sighting her daughter.

Catherine forced a smile. "Thank you, Mother."

Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Remember, Catherine, this marriage is crucial. Don't embarrass us."

Catherine nodded her heart heavy, but her smile heavier. She'd never confide in anyone about her lover, it was a topic she dreaded with the whole of her being, as one with no friends and an only child, she was often on her own.

Her lover's words echoed in her mind: "We can't be together, Catherine. Your parents will never allow it, but there is something we can do, meet me later at night"

Catherine's thoughts drifted back to Rico, oblivious to her secret. He was kind, but she couldn't love him. Not when her heart belonged to another.

As she entered the ballroom, Catherine spotted Rico, his eyes scanning the room. Their gazes met, and Catherine's mask slipped for a moment, revealing her sadness.

Rico's expression faltered, sensing something was wrong. But Catherine quickly recovered, smiling brightly, as though she was happy to be his bride.

"Mr. Blackwood," Catherine said, her voice dripping with artificial sweeteners.

Rico's hesitation was brief. "Call me Rico please, you look breathtaking."

Catherine's heart ached as he uttered those words. She was trapped in a life she didn't want, forced to marry a man she didn't love.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Catherine's thoughts strayed to her lover. Where was he now? Was he thinking of her? Was he already at their spot waiting for her?

The weight of her secret threatened to suffocate her.

As the night dragged on, Catherine's smile plastered on her face as she played the role of a dutiful fiancée. Rico's attempts at conversation felt forced, and Catherine's responses were laced with artificial sweeteners.

As the evening drew to a close, Catherine excused herself, citing fatigue. Rico's concerned expression was genuine, but Catherine knew she had to escape.

She slipped out of the mansion, into the cool night air. The gardens were deserted; the only sound was the soft rustling of leaves.

Catherine followed the winding path, her heart racing with anticipation. A figure waited in the shadows, his eyes locking onto hers.

Her lover...

They had chosen this secluded spot for their secret meetings, hidden from prying eyes.

"My love," he whispered, pulling her close.

Catherine melted into his arms, the tension of the evening disappeared.

"I can't do this, my love," Catherine whispered, tears threatening. "Marrying Rico feels like a prison, bondage that I would never recover from"

He tightened his grip a bit. "You have to, Catherine, at least for now. But our love doesn't have to end. We can keep seeing each other, in secret, like we always have"

Catherine's eyes widened with shock. "Oh No, I don't know..."

His voice dropped to a whisper. "I love you enough to wait, Catherine. We'll make this work."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Catherine, remember the house in Lake Como? The family's summer villa that they barely remember exists?"

Catherine nodded her heart pounding with fear.

As usual his whispered words sent shivers down her spine.

"If things go according to plan... we'll have everything we need, the freedom to be together, without fear."

Catherine's eyes locked onto his, her mind racing.

What did he mean? She thought

But his serious expression silenced her questions.

Catherine's nod sealed their understanding. His words ignited a spark within her, a determination to see their plan through.

As they parted ways, Catherine's mind whirled with calculations. Marrying Rico would secure her family's fortune and influence. But with her lover's plan, she could have both: power and passion.

Catherine's smile twisted her thoughts far from innocent. She would do whatever it takes to maintain her happiness and be the precious daughter her parent wants her to be.

Catherine retired to her room, her thoughts consumed by her lover's plan. She couldn't wait to put it into action but patience was a key to see this plan through.

As she drifted off to sleep, Catherine's dreams were filled with visions of power, wealth, and her lover's touch.

The next morning, Catherine received a discreet message from him.

"Meet me at the usual place. 5 pm."

Catherine's heart skipped a beat, their plan was unfolding gradually, it would take time but this was a good start, the earlier they begin, the faster their dream becomes a reality.

Rico paced around the office, frustration written boldly on his face. Justin, seated behind the desk, watched with concern.

"What's eating at you, Rico?" Justin asked.

Rico halted, running a hand through his hair. "It's Sophia. I love her Justin. But my parents... they'll never approve."

Justin's expression softened. "You know I'm here for you, buddy."

Rico's voice dropped to a whisper. "There's more to it, Justin. There is something that complicates everything."

Justin's eyes narrowed. "What is it, Rico?"

Rico's lips parted, the words trembling on the tip of his tongue. Sophia's pregnancy, But he restrained himself, unsure if he could trust even Justin.

"I'll do right by Sophia," Rico said finally, his jaw clenched. "But I'll marry Catherine. Try to make it work."

Justin's gaze turned thoughtful. "You're a good man, Rico. You'll figure it out."

Rico's smile was wry. "I wish it were that simple."

As they returned to work, Justin's expression seemed to hold a hidden understanding, but Rico didn't notice.

I should go do a few things Rico said as he walked out of the office, Justin lost a bit in thought.

Suddenly, the office door swung open.

"Justin Taylor," a smooth voice spoke.

Justin's head snapped up, his eyes locking onto a stunning woman.

Melissa Reynolds, his ex-fiancée.

All the thoughts in his head vanished.

Melissa's gaze pierced Justin's, her smile dripping with malice.

"We need to talk, Justin, about Rico and Sophia."

Justin's world tilted.

How does she Melissa always know?

Why are you so involved with other people’s business Melissa, get a life and stay in it, Justin said.

Melissa smiled "you're quite the talker Justin; I'll stay on this one but know I'm unto you Justin, for so many other thing, but you should look out for your friend.

Unto me for what Melissa?, you've always been a psychotic little bitch hiding under being a professional journalist, get the hell out of my office before I call the security. Justin said

Melissa's laughed “all right big boy, you should watch out for your friend though, some people do not mean well for him” she said

“And some people means you included I presume, get out Melissa” he said

"Anyway back to you, you have no idea what's coming, Justin, none, you broke my heart, I don’t do forgiveness” she said and walked out of the office.

Justin heaved a sigh of relief as she left his office, “Psychotic little bitch” he muttered