[CATTLEYA]
I went out of the venue to get some air and at least steal time to rest.I really can’t stand Emily’s presence. She just always has something to say that makes the heat all of my body run quickly to my head, and makes me want to blow fire right to her face.“Aagh…” I breathe out. “So nice to be alone and get a rest from everyone…”It was a good thing that people are enjoying themselves, talking nonstop business, and having a buffet.Well, I don’t even know if I can call it sharing the food. Because as Emily said, it seems to be only Uncle Joe and my other neighbors eating and sharing the food together. Of course, I won’t stop them from what they’re doing. Those rich people don’t even move their plates. There would be so much food waste if not because of people like Uncle Joe. They should thank them. Actually.My knees are worn out and I could already feel my body screaming for bed because of how low my social battery is right now. Even if I charge it for three consecutive days it is impossible not to drain because of how people inside sapped all my energy.I have been standing for hours in our reception, talking to different people whom I don’t even really know, answering to their repetitive questions and such.“I mean, I don’t want to whine but it really is exhausting…” I murmured.One thing they always ask me is my background, what kind of business my family is at, and our net worth. Of course they all give me the same disappointed reactions every time I tell them the truth. But, what can I do for it really? I don't want to lie on that side as well. I am exhausted.I feel it is really suffocating when I am with a lot of people who don’t know the truth about us. Also, almost all the visitors there have never even seen me before or have any idea who I am. Manager Sol is even more known because of his business and how he is pretty much alike with their state in life.The reception venue was not only a short distance from the church so we arrived immediately. I didn’t didn’t even have a chance to eat because Isabella ran to me as soon as my feet touched the ground because she needed to change my dress which is more appropriate for reception. I actually noticed that it resembled the wedding dress I requested. Straight cut fitted white dress that has a low slit on the side which you can adjust because it has a zipper.Whenever there is a gathering or event like this, I can’t always eat right. Maybe this really is their secret and not by just having botox. I have been wondering how wealthy people can buy a lot of food with their money and yet they don’t get fat. Maybe this is, because their lifestyle is to socialize in gatherings like this. Unlike people like us who’s first agenda is to try a lot of food at parties. I feel like I already lost how many pounds just by socializing with people I don't really have the same social stand.As I was walking, I stumbled across a waiter with a tray of drinks.“Are those for the reception?” I asked him.The waiter immediately responded with a polite nod before approaching me.I picked up one glass of champagne as well as its bottle. I already had a few glasses of champagne while chatting with the guests. I already feel the alcohol hitting me too, but I am still fine. I can still think properly.“I guess, the bride still has the right to enjoy the night. Am I?” I talked to myself, holding one glass in my hand and the other one was for the bottle.“Perfect…” I mumbled as I found a perfect spot where I could sit and relax for a while.A smile drew on my lips feeling the soft couch on my bottom.Finally, I can now sit down without anyone trying to talk to me and ask how Jaxson and I have met.It is a long teak sofa design. There are glass doors opened for the balcony on the outside, the roofs are also made of glass allowing my eyes to gaze straight in the night sky full of stars.“This is just so perfect. Seems like you’ve been waiting for me, huh?” I giggled because I talked to the place like an insane woman.A cool breeze greeted me as my hair swiftly moved towards my back, following the direction of the wind.It’s fascinating that this spot is surrounded by brilliant yellow lights and green plants that add to its refreshing look even at night. It’s just so cozy and perfect for a bottle of champagne.It looks as though I’m the only newlywed bride who celebrates her reception alone.I couldn’t help but to let out a tiny laugh because of how my situation looks as I lay my back down on this big couch. My eyes met the stars in the sky as the cold wind continued to caress my face.I lost track of time and didn’t even feel that it got darker because of how busy I was inside trying to please people. Having a personal time like this is so rewarding to me.It suddenly occurred to me to make a call to my mother and say my hello to them. If I’m not wrong, it’s morning there because of the time difference that we have.I quickly took my phone out of my dress’s pocket where I had put it earlier. This dress is more convenient to me than I expected.My eyes remained staring at the sky, as my my hand moved gently to placed the phone on my ear, waiting for my mom to answer at the end of the call.[“He…llo..?”]My lips hang open as it slowly forms a big smile, hearing a very familiar voice.“Charles!!!” I exclaimed as I could no longer contain my excitement to hear his voice again. “I miss you…” I whispered as I kept looking at the stars.My breath quickened as my chest moved up to and down rapidly.[“Catcat?”] He asked in his shrill voice.I nodded even though he couldn't even see me right now.“Meow.” I murmured.[“Catcat! It’s you! It’s really you!”]To my great delight, tears spontaneously dripped from my eyes. I stifled myself from crying as I didn’t avert my eyes from looking up. I saw the stars the same as Charle’s eyes whenever he saw me and heard my voice.“Yes… It’s me, Charles. I’m glad that you’re finally awake. How are you feeling?”I gulped scarcely, trying my best to contain my emotions and remain calm to not give any pressure to him.[“Well, Catcat, I am good… But I felt my tummy aching after waking up. I also saw this large band aid that is covering my whole tummy. It hurts when I poke it. But I am really okay, I can handle it. I miss you too Catcat.”]“You are so brave Charles.” I whispered.I don’t know how he was able to cope at such a young age with what he was going through but I admire his courage because of how he was able to cope with the pain he is feeling.[“You are braver than me, Catcat. Also, I hope I can survive this pain in my stomach as quickly as I can so that we can already go home and see you. I haven’t seen you ever since that night and I miss playing with you. Mom is sleeping and I understand that she is also tired from taking care of me so we can’t really play here. I’m thinking, who are you playing with there? Are you not feeling lonely by yourself? Please tell me you’re not very sad there. Please?”]“As much as I don’t want you to worry Charles, I can’t hide it to you…” My tears can’t stop dripping on my cheeks as I listened to my brother’s voice. “I’m lonely, Charles… I really am so lonely… I wish I could hug you right now. I feel so lonely…”I felt a finger swiftly run on my cheek that distracted my attention from Charles.My vision was so blurred from tears accumulating in my eyes so I couldn’t really see who it was sitting next to me and wiping my tears.“Feeling lonely, doesn’t mean you’re alone…”As I heard his voice, I immediately recognized who it was.“Jaxson…”“What are you doing here?”“Joining my wife in his little party, I think?”I jolted from the couch, blown at how I didn’t realize Jaxson was here and he found me here in the balcony.“Well, you shouldn't be here!” I couldn’t help but to slightly raise my voice because I’m still in a state of shock.He answered by raising both his brows, pinning his eyes on me.“Come on, Jax. Look around! No people could possibly see us here. You can now drop the act, okay? Don’t push yourself too much.” I said with a tone of annoyance as I gently shoved his chest away from me.Jaxson shouldn’t pretend in front of me the way he does to others. He should be content at fooling other people and not include me.I know he’s been dying to mingle with Daniella at this time. Well, too bad for them because I don’t think that people are gonna leave any time soon now. “What do you mean pretending?”“Oh please,” My eyes rolled up as I turned my stance, so I won’t be facing him. [“Catcat? Hello? Who are you talkin
“You are seriously so immersed by your acting, aren't you?” I pushed Jaxson as hard as I could, giving all the strength left in my body making him stumble.“I am.” He said with a giggle. “Why are you being so cheeky to me suddenly?” Jaxson asked before moving next to my stance. We were only a few inches away from each other so I quickly moved back a little to catch my breath.I can’t answer Jaxson’s question directly right into his face. And I guess he pretty sure knew the reason why I am so distant to him ever since I saw Daniella in his office. I just don’t want myself to meddle with whatever it is that they are into. If they are still having an affair behind all of this marriage act that we are doing, sure they can. Who am I, really? Even if I completely dislike them for doing that, I don’t think I should care more.“What’s running through your mind?”I drew my eyes to Jaxson as he gently lay down next to me while I remained seated.“Come on, Cattleya. You can tell me.”My eyebrows
“Hey, Catt! Where are you going?” I heard Loren call to me as I just kept walking and passed them.I am pretty sure that I couldn’t afford to sleep and stay in one room with Jaxson because if that happens then I’ll be devoured by extreme embarrassment that might cause my death. I swiftly descended the stairs without even saying my goodbyes to the guest.I'd better spend the night in the apartment.“Mrs. Madrigal.” Simultaneously, men dressed in black uniforms called to me.I was a bit unused to what they called me.I’m assuming that these men belong to the Madrigal security. So without even uttering any words, I proceeded to the car parked in front of the hotel where the reception took place. I don’t know if the guests already noticed that I am gone. But if so, I’ll just explain to them that I am just tired and wanted to have a rest. Rather than covering up my stupidity.I began leaning my back on the car seat after telling the driver where my destination woulf be.“I am so crazy…”
"An absolutely insane person. Jaxson, you are getting on my nerves. I mean, not negatively, you know. But today was too much already, and-” He didn't let me finish and went inside the unit, passing me.The bright side is, the person who knocked on our door in the middle of the night was not a bad person, and I did not commit a heinous crime. However, the downside is that I came here because I don't want to spend the night with Jaxson. And now he is here."So, where can I put all this?" He asked as his eyes roamed the entire space of our house."There, there is a table in front of you." I said slowly and then the door was closed again."Oh, this is the table.""Wouldn't it be better if you went back there and rested at the hotel? You know you don't belong in this place Jax. This is a simple house which you never use. See, you'll just have a hard time-" I couldn't finish what I was going to say when I noticed that he wasn't listening to me and just started putting his things inside the p
"So, what do you think if I model your brand too?"Both my brows raised as I waited for what Jaxson would say because his eyes just stared straight at me."That's not the reason why I told you my mother's past.""I know, but don't you think I can do it? You don't trust me too?" I uttered as I held my laugh trying to pull a joke on him.I don't think that Jaxson caught my joke as he just stared back at me as if wanting to pull my soul out of my body."I see your potential and I trust you too much that it's making me afraid of allowing you to be out there."I was taken back by Jaxson's words. I did not expect those words to come out of his mouth. It even feels like the Jaxson I am spending the night with is not the real one."T-Then... If you trust me, why don't you just let me try? You know, you can actually say straight to me that I'm not the one you are looking for your brand and you need someone that has experience.""No." He answered me quickly without wasting any second. "You are a
This is the first night that I will sleep on the same bed with Jaxson beside me, and I don't know what just happened to my body that made me so stiff this much. This is also the first time that I’ll be laying in the same bed with some guy that’s not even my brother, Charles. I don't even remember how to breathe right now, all I can think of is that this man laying beside me, in my own little bed, is my husband and we are going to spend the night together.What will we do?The blanket almost tore because I was clinging to it so tightly to cover my entire body. My bed is so small that if I make a small movement our skin will touch together and when that happens, I don't know if my heart can handle it and if I will wake up in my right mind.I am breathing the hottest air in the entire planet as my body also feels the heat rising up from my feet.It is so quiet in my room that the only thing you can hear is my loud series of sighs and my heart beating as quickly as it can.I don’t know wh
Jaxson let out a feeble scoff. “You really look like my mother, Cattleya. Once we get home, I'll show you some pictures of her and you can tell by yourself whether you really resemble her.”“Uh, what do you mean… Once we get home? I am home.” I replied with a tinge of confusion flashed in my voice.Jaxson shut his eyes firmly, seemingly annoyed to me. “Cattleya. Why do you always have to ruin it? Why are you such a crabby?” he grumbled.“I am not.” I felt one of my brows rise up, looking intently at him. “This is the truth, Jaxson. I am home right now and you— are lying on my bed.”“Whatever you say, chippy.”My mouth fell open by the word he let out. “What did you just say to me?” I couldn’t stop myself from getting up because of how much he irritates me. “I am not being chippy, or grumpy, or whatever it is! Jaxson. I am home. And once we get back to your mansion, I will just temporarily be in your house together with your family. Not home.” I glared at him.“Hmm, sounds like I forg
“Oh, god! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” I whispered loudly and then I slowly got out of bed so as not to wake the sleeping Jaxson.I immediately ran to the comfort room to check my appearance in the mirror, and I was not mistaken. I look like a mess!I even smelled my mouth that smelled of bad saliva, I winced at the smell of my morning breath."It's a good thing that I woke up earlier than Jaxson. Oh gosh! He can't see me looking like this-""See you looking like what?"“AAAAAH!” I screeched loudly in my shrill voice as my hands flew to my face to cover it. "Get out of the room first!""What's wrong? What is going on with you now?” I heard him ask with a hint of surprise.I just shook my head while still not removing the cover from my face.It's impossible for him to see me as I look now. Even if I wanted to fix my hair I couldn't because I couldn't let go of my face. Even though I don't have lipstick, I didn't erase my make up last night because I am afraid that Jaxson will se
"You might think that I'm a creep, but I love how you look like whenever I kiss you." Liam stated straight.I felt my cheeks burning like hell because of what he said. My blood rose to my cheek and I felt it was on fire."You look like a baby, every time.""Oh, shut up." I tried to avert my gaze from him.He extended his hands at me and just simply grabbed my hand. I'm slowly getting used to always holding Liam's hand. If back then I almost died from being so nervous, now it's just a little bit.But I feel like I'm walking on clouds because of the lightness of my feet and the feeling that you're floating.I looked around. There are still many people here even after the sun has set, most of the people wandering around are tourists like us.I lift my eyes and I can't believe what I see. What I used to see in shows is now in front of my eyes.I stopped walking for a while to take a closer look at Namsan Tower. No wonder why so many people want to visit it, because it is really beautiful
“How can you be so sure? What if they won’t give you a call? What if… Uh… There would be an emergency and they can’t contact you?” I insisted on the question once again. Jaxson can’t stay here all day, because if that happens, then I have to stay all day in this bed too. He will eventually find out that I can’t walk. “— Also, you won’t stay here with me all day even if you don’t go to your office. I have a call from Miranda agency that we have costume fitting today.” It’s not entirely a lie because the agency called me early in the morning that I have to be there with Daniella.I am planning to go regardless of what she can do to me. And what I am thinking of, is to sneak out this house with the help of Richard. Besides, he won’t suspect that Daniella did it to me because it seems to be an accident when I fall off my shoes. It’s only me and her who knows exactly who did it to injure me. I can’t help but to worry about Lance’s and Daniella’s plan for Jaxson and I. They are harming
I struggled to get my body moving and hit the button on the bedside table."Good evening, Aunt Elsie? Are you there?" I politely called the other line and then waited for him to respond.It's excellent that Jaxson has been using advanced technology throughout this bedroom. Since it is so distant from our room, I wouldn't have been able to call Aunt Elsie if I wasn't strong enough to go down to the kitchen."Hello, Mrs. Madrigal. My mother isn't here, do you need anything?""Angel?" I asked with my brows colliding. "Why isn't Aunt Elsie there? Did she go somewhere?" I became worried because this is the first time that she is not the one who answered my call."Well, technically she's not here. But she's also not outside the house. I think she's taking care of Mr. Madrigal that just came home, ma'am. Would you like me to call her?" He calmly answered with his soft and airy voice."No, no, it's okay..."If you need anything Mrs. Madrigal, I can bring it to you right away."I nodded quietl
"You're giving me tickles, stop." he chuckles as he continuously leaned away from me.I giggled as I continued to tease him. "You're such a ticklish baby.""I am not." he tried to straighten his face and stop laughing but he couldn't stop it.When I got tired, I leaned on his chest again and then fiddled with the button of his polo shirt."When are we going back to New Jersey?" I asked.It's like... I don't want to go back and face his life. I just want to stay here next to Liam and hug him all night, make him laugh, and talk to him."We're not going back unless you ask me to." he uttered.I moved a little away from his chest to look him in the eyes. "Really?"His hand came up to the top of my head and ruffled my hair. "Really."I took a breath. "If it's possible, I'll claim you and never give you back."He laughed softly and then turned his attention back to the laptop in front of him when he received an email.I brought my lips to his ear again, but this time, to whisper."Liam is g
[THIRD PERSON POV]Maddison and Blade are now inside the car who have been restless with their hands on the steering wheel and gulps one after the other.Even though Maddison couldn't understand why she was letting someone she didn't know very well take her somewhere, her body seemed to be telling her that it was okay to go with the man next to her now.As well as the strange feeling he feels in his heart, which he never once felt with Liam.Even though Maddison and Liam have been in a relationship, it cannot be denied not to see the chemistry between the two of them.Maybe because from the beginning Maddison was forced by her father to know and love Liam.When Maddison and Liam are together, her father treats her well and smiles tenderly. But every time Maddison doesn't know the location, or if Liam does me, his father hurts him.At first he didn't understand his father's repeated beatings, but he still did what he wanted. Even though he doesn't like Liam, he insists on being friends
"I missed the breeze here..." Maddison muttered as Blade pushed his wheel chair towards the shore of the sea. "I avoid even thinking about this place because of painful memories." he smiled bitterly.When they got there, Blade stopped pushing and then he sat next to its wheel."Me, I'm always here to calm my mind. It's often on top of the rocks so I can see the entirety of the surroundings. I still remember that we always hang out there." he smiled as he reminisced their past.Maddison also seemed to smile as she looked up at the place where Blade was looking."I know... you told me before, I'm the only woman you'll bring there. Did you keep that promise?”Maddison turned to Blade who looked away and then pretended to be playing with the sand.Maddison let out a small laugh. "Don't tell me...""I brought Crystal there once." Blade uttered but he still couldn't look straight.Maddison only laughed harder that made Blade turn to him. "What's so funny? Aren't you angry?”His eyes rounded
I could hardly believe the words coming out of his mouth.How is it that the Vince that I just recently met who works for Steven's company, is the one they say is the youngest heir of the Celestials who was our batch when we were still studying at Harrison High?"B-But wait... If you're the Celestial I'm thinking of, does that mean you also went to university at the same time Steven and I?" I asked in surprise.As far as I remember, there was always talk about who the heir was. The only heir I knew at our school was Steven.“Yes, I attended Harrison High with you. Like I said, if you only knew how to look back, you would have recognized me. You couldn't even notice me or turn a blind eye because your eyes were too direct on that man."I bowed down because of what he said. Come to think of it, I only have one friend and that's Mavi. I was careful to get to know someone else because I was afraid that Steven would get jealous. Even with Mavi, I can't always give him time because Steven d
“Babe...”A soft voice woke me up from sleeping soundly. Even if I don't open my eyes, I knew well that this is Jaxson.I giggled when I felt his soft lips on my forehead, trying to wake me up. He never missed any morning to give me a sweet kiss as a morning gift. We really are a couple and I still couldn't believe.I scrunched my nose as I felt the pain on my foot as I slowly lift my body with the help of Jaxson supporting the back of my head.“Breakfast in bed.” My eyes slowly opened up as I was shock by the food in front of me. I couldn't help but be touched at what he did.“You are so sweet...” I muttered as I returned a gentle kiss on his forehead. “This is the very first time I'll experience something like this.” I honestly let out, feeling my eyes forming into doe because of the joy that the food brought me.This just came at the exact moment. I mean, I was planning last night to skip breakfast and pretend that I am not hungry just to wait for Jaxson to leave the house so I ca
I struggled to get my body moving and hit the button on the bedside table. “Good evening, Aunt Elsie? Are you there?” I politely called the other line and waited for her to respond. It's excellent that Jaxson has been using advanced technology throughout this bedroom. Since it is so distant from our room, I wouldn't have been able to call Aunt Elsie if I weren't strong enough to go down to the kitchen.“Good evening, Mrs. Madrigal. Are there any things you need, my mother is not around.”“Angel?” My brows furrowed as I questioned, “Why isn't Aunt Elsie there? She left— and where did she go?” As this was the first time someone other than she had taken my call, I started to get concerned. “Yes technically, she is not here. She isn't, however, in the yard either, ma’am. I believe she is taking after Mr. Madrigal who has just arrived home. Do you want me to call her for you?” In a serene tone, she responded, with her voice light and airy.“No, no, it's okay…”“If you need anything, Mrs