Alexander’s POV I push open my room door, the soft click echoing, the day’s turmoil had left me drained. Countless meetings and piles of document review; and that idiot Simon. I shoot an exasperated sigh, a figure greeting me immediately. Its Olivia, lounged on the leather sofa, her figure accentuated by her skimpy black satin robe, girded with a rope that advertised her curves. I was used to this routine, it happened every other night but for some reason, this night, my excitement was dull, my debacle with Simon earlier in the day sure had a lot to do with my dark mood. “Hello, Alexander," She purred, her voice dripping with the promise of mischief. “Olivia," I reply tersely, without my usual dose of fascination. She stood tantalizingly, her eyes locking onto mine. “I missed you;” She took a step closer, her red lips curling into a seductive smile. “And I couldn't stay away." I sigh, his patience already wearing thin. "Aren’t you being too obvious…I could have been anyone”
Catherine’s POV The sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the breakfast table. As usual, there was a mountain of breakfast on my table but my eyes were fixed, tracing the delicate patterns on the tablecloth as I stirred my coffee absentmindedly, boggled by the memory of the kiss; our first kiss, I could still feel him on my mouth, tingling me to my very tongue. The way he kissed me, the initial hesitation, the intensity, the urgency, the inability to let go, gave me the sense that it was not just our first kiss but his first kiss too. There he was, at the other side of the breakfast table, eyes fixed on his plate, his usual mix of arrogance and silence. His silence was heavy, an oppressive weight that settled over the table, the sips of his coffee the only sound that rustled in the dining room. “Good morning Alexander," I venture, my voice tentative, hoping to steal his eyes from his plate. “Good morning Catherine," He replied curtly, not looking
Alexander’s POV “Catherine?” I asked, taking up my cutlery, with my usual laxity, glancing over at the vacant chair across from me at the dinner table. Ophelia, setting down the evening’s roast answered. “She isn’t in her room sir,” Her voice trembling slightly. Simon leaned forward, concern evident in his eyes. “She should be somewhere around the house… Did you check the Patio?” Olivia, next to me, shoots an exasperated sigh; I glance over at her-- I could not be bothered face and shift my glance back to Ophelia. “She isn’t anywhere in the Manor sir” Ophelia answered. My brows knitted together in concern, fixing my gaze on Ophelia. “And when did you notice this?” “A couple of hours ago” Ophelia answered, downcast gaze. “And you didn’t think to tell me,” My fork clattered against my plate, the sound echoing in the dining room, making Olivia cringe. Subtly, sounding cautious with her words, Ophelia chipped in. “I’m sorry Alexander but I assumed you knew since you
Catherine’s POV I stir, slowly opening my eyes, blinking and to my surprise, again, it is Alexander at my bedside, watching me, every feature on his face etched with worry, he was missing his usual arrogant gleam and his eyes glinted with relief and care. My eyes flicker and I notice I am in his bedroom. “We need to talk,” His voice was gentle. Instantly my nerves start shivering, rehearsing all the things I said to him last night. I felt a pit in my stomach. I drew in a long breath to calm my raging nerves; Alexander Clifford wanted to talk, Shit! You are in trouble Catherine. Slowly I straighten up in the bed. “You said a lot of things last night,” He said, his eyes piercing mine. “I…was hurt,” I mutter His eyes escape and return. "So what was your plan, to freeze out in the cold?" “It made so much sense at the time.” His brows quirk, bewildered. Then they snap back into place. “And now? Would you rather freeze out in the cold than stay here with me?” Not when
Alexander’s POV “Scrambled eggs and toast," Catherine announced, her voice tinged with excitement, placing a plate in front of me. "As you know I make the best scrambled eggs." I chuckle, genuinely amused. "Ophelia…You put Catherine to work?” I cast a warm glance at her. “No, I’m sorry sir, she insisted…and you know her she’s a stubborn one.” Ophelia smiled towards her. That I knew too well, Catherine Kent was the definition of STUBBORN. “I am sure you will enjoy it Mr. Clifford.” Ophelia chipped in, their eyes hanging over me as if my only job at the table was merely to taste the food. “It’s delicious.” I say after I take one wholesome swallow; it has a distinct taste of peppers and honey. Catherine blushed slightly, a soft pink color rising to her cheeks. “See…I told you, I make the best scrambled eggs.” “Good morning Alexander," Olivia adorned in black, joins the table. “Morning Olivia,” I respond curtly. “Morning Olivia.” Catherine cast her a warm glance. I s
Catherine’s POV Ophelia’s eyes followed me as I walked back to the breakfast table, stretching up luxuriously, feeling a delightful tingle in my limbs, as I let out a happy sigh, my heart still fluttering with joy. Ophelia, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in my radiant appearance. “Hmm, Ms. Catherine….” Ophelia started, tone warm yet inquisitive. "You look might happy today, I take it you had a fine night.” I couldn't contain my excitement. I felt like a schoolgirl with a secret too delicious to keep. My cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and I bit my bottom lip to suppress a giggle. “Oh, Ophelia….” I began, practically skipping to the breakfast table. "You wouldn't believe the night I had!" Ophelia’s eyebrows shot up, curiosity piqued. She pulled out the seat opposite mine and settled in with a wide smile plastered on her face. “Come, let’s gossip, shall we?” She prompted, her stern facade melting into a conspiratorial smile. I strolled quickly and settled in my s
Catherine’s POV He steps into the room, my anger had saturated the atmosphere and welcomed him like a punch to the gut. My eyes shooting rage, my cheeks burning, my nose flaring, standing by the window, clutching pages of white papers in my trembling hand. “Fuck you, Alxander Clifford!” I yell, my words, shooting at him like scorching coals. “Hey! Watch your tone with me woman,” He shoots back, driving through the door with a seething glare and a loud thud of the door followed. “Explain this!” I threw the documents at him, my voice cracking with anger and hurt. His eyes trail the document, the letterhead, confirming payments, large and frequent, to Olivia Clarke. He jerks his head from the paper, channeling a fierce gaze at me. “I don’t have to explain myself to you!” He tosses the document to the bed. I continue, slicing through him like a knife. "You sign off on such insane amount of money to her…. I don't even get a quarter of that.” His eyes cross with exasperation.
Catherine’s POV I stepped out onto the patio and my heart skipped when I saw Simon, sitting there, basking under the afternoon glow of the sunlight, glistening in white and his perfectly relaxed hair, that was brushed completely off his face. He had been avoiding me since the so called RACE he had with Alexander and honestly as much as things had gravitated with Alexander, I did miss Simon and the warm friendship we shared. “Simon,” I call out softly, relieved when he turned towards me. “Catherine,” He stood, trying to make an escape. I approach him, bridging the gap of his escape. “You’re really going to walk away from me like that?” I say, my soft eyes peering up at him. He sighed, running a hand through his hair nervously. Brushing his hand softly, I add. “I miss you Simon.” He breaks contact. “Come on Catherine, I don’t want any troubles.” “Troubles…” I let out a dramatic chuckle. “You are my friend Simon…you cared about me when no one else did. Whenever I nee