JamesI carefully lay Katniss down on the bed, making sure that her skin is not touched in the least. being gentle, considerate, and mindful of her every breath, treating her as though she were a queen. I hesitate for a second as her arms come apart from our embrace. "May I?" I inquire quietly as I keep my gaze on her still-perfectly-fitting clothing. Despite our intense yearning for one another, I couldn't take action without her consent.Katniss didn't respond directly. Instead, eager, urgent, her lips speaking a language of their own, she drew me in with her arm and brought me back into her kiss. "Katniss had no control over herself because the drug was taking hold of her more strongly than I had anticipated."I wondered for a moment if I should be happy or worried. What if she believed I was using her weakness, grabbing hold of a moment when her body and mind were no longer within her control? That was the dread that kept coming back to me. Damn it, though, I was also losing con
Katniss "Hmmm..." I groaned as the sunlight touched my face. Oddly, my alarm didn’t go off this morning—usually, it rings before the sunlight has a chance to sneak in, signaling the start of my morning routine. Luckily, I remembered today was a holiday, so I didn’t have to rush out of bed or race to the office. I rubbed my forehead; a throbbing ache pulsed in my head. What happened last night? Why does my head hurt so much? I tried to piece together memories, my eyes still closed, still drowsy, not ready to face the morning yet. But as I was trying to recall, something suddenly landed on my waist—a weight, warm and unmistakable. And then, I felt the gentle warmth of someone’s breath behind me. "Erhhmmm..." A deep sound, resonating—definitely not a woman’s voice. It was a man’s. My eyes shot open, wide and unblinking, my entire body freezing in place. My heart pounded furiously in my chest, a quick rhythm of confusion and panic. "L-Last night..." All the memories from
JamesI had a feeling Katniss would completely forget what had happened. It was disappointing because I genuinely wanted her to remember our night together.“Are you out of your mind? Why would you do that?! You have a wife, James!”“And our relationship is anything but okay! I came to hear you out, and you decided to use that against me?! You’re insane! Absolutely insane!”Katniss looked both embarrassed and furious at the same time. She quickly scrambled out of bed, the blanket twisting around her.“Ah! Ugh!”I jumped off the bed and rushed to her side as she stumbled.“Are you okay?” I asked, concern edging my voice.“It hurts,” she said, wincing.Her brow was knitted tight. “My... it hurts. My body feels like it’s been through a war,” she muttered, more to herself than to me.When she realized I was in front of her, she shoved me away again. Her face, which had calmed down, now flared with embarrassment. I knew what she meant by “it hurts.”“Sorry, I might’ve gotten a bit carried a
KatnissEven now, I still can’t forget what happened. My car is parked in the basement, and I’m driving again, lost in thought.“What did I say? Why does everything between us keep running through my head?”I check the rearview mirror, embarrassed when I see a red mark on my neck. I can’t go home like this. If Giselle sees, she’ll ask too many questions with that curious look of hers.“My phone! Where is it?!”I search around the dashboard, but it’s not here. Did I leave it in the hotel room? If so, James probably has it now.“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath.Being around James is already frustrating enough. We still have work to finish, and his jealous, crazy wife makes things worse.Then, a new worry hits me. 'Did he use protection?' I wasn’t using anything. 'What if I…?' My heart races. I can’t think straight the entire way home.When I finally get to my apartment, feeling exhausted, I open the door—and freeze.“Katniss, I’ve been waiting for you.”“Oh, God!” I gasp, my wide ey
Katniss“What? Is that true, Katniss?” Mr. Corleone’s voice was sharp, and his eyes were locked on me.My face burned with anger. James was lying. And he was enjoying every second. How could he do this? I had told him to forget everything. He was a married man, for heaven's sake! And now he was hinting that we’d shared a hotel room?“Katniss?” Mr. Corleone’s intense gaze dug into me, waiting for answers I didn’t know how to give.“It’s true,” James said, his voice smug. “Why ask again? Isn’t it obvious? I even have her phone.”“You two…” Mr. Corleone’s voice was cold, careful. “Are you in a secret relationship?”My breath caught, and I choked, barely able to respond.“You okay?” James reached out, touching my arm softly, his face pretending to look worried. I yanked my arm back, glaring at him, my eyes warning him to stop. But he didn’t care. Just as I tried to explain to Mr. Corleone, James jumped in.“No, sir. You’re just misunderstanding. James and I—”“And is that really any of yo
JamesNo. That’s my only answer.I refuse to let Mr. Corleone's words sway me. I’m sticking to my decision, and I won’t let what he wants happen.I’ll fight to get my family back.“Too bad,” I say, my voice cold. “What you’re saying means nothing to me.” He stops walking. I’m sure his hands, still in his pockets, are clenched into fists.I stroll over to him casually, and once I’m close, I lean toward his ear and whisper, “If you think you can have her, keep dreaming, sir. She’s mine. Remember that.”I start walking away, but he speaks up again.“All right, if that’s what you want,” he says, his tone sharp and solid as steel. “You’re declaring war, and I’ll gladly accept it.”A small smirk pulls at my lips.“Good. At least I know my rival isn’t a coward. You’re a worthy opponent.”And with that, I keep walking.“Well, this is going to be an interesting fight. But I don’t lose.”***Renata kept calling, so I decided not to go home. Now, I’m at the airport, ready to head back to my fath
KatnissI opened the drawer in my bedroom, the one where I kept pieces of my past locked away. I hadn't touched it in ages because every time I did, tears would come. A longing that I couldn't express, a kind of heartache that only tears could understand.Inside, I pulled out an old photo album, my hands trembling as I shut the drawer again. With a slow breath, I opened the first page, and there she was—the beautiful face I’d almost forgotten. She had the same hazel eyes as mine, full of warmth, and her long, slightly wavy brown hair framed her smile. She held me on her lap, and I was beaming, the joyful grin of a three-year-old who knew nothing but happiness.Those were the days. My childhood was truly beautiful. “Why did something so perfect have to end so soon, God?” The question echoed in my mind, knowing there was no way to turn back time.“Mama, I miss you. I really, really miss you.” That was my mother’s face in the photo, and these pages held so many memories of us together. Th
KatnissWith hands still wet from tears, I turned page after page. The photos seemed alive, pulling me back to the moments when Mom was still here. It was as if I could feel her beside me, even though reality kept hitting me hard.When I finally closed the album, exhaustion washed over me. Sadness had drained my energy, and the tears wouldn’t stop. Falling asleep with a head full of memories, I could no longer tell what was real and what was just a dream.Unconsciously, I lay down on the bed, the photo album resting beside me. My eyes slowly closed, and just before sleep completely claimed me, I felt a faint glimmer of hope in my heart. Maybe, in my dreams, I’d see Mom again, hear her voice, feel the warmth of her embrace that always made me feel safe.In a half-awake state, a soft voice echoed in my dream, "Katniss, my love. Don’t be sad; I am always here, in your heart." Her words felt like a promise, soothing me even though the sorrow still lingered.Finally, I drifted off, wrapped
Katniss “You don’t have to answer me now,” said Mr. Corleone realizing how hard I was struggling to be able to respond to his kind offer.“I know it’s not an easy choice Katniss.” Still, there was a soft note to his voice as he said, "Well then, do take your time—however long it requires.”"But..." He looked at me and stopped to speak, and I was just gulping for air waiting for more information. It’s like you know the longer you wait to address it, the worse it will only become. "That’s all I wanted to say,” he said with a calm but pointed tone.He glanced at the clock. "Work hours will start soon. If you would like to go home first or if you would like to come with me, that is your decision.”Without waiting for my reply, he walked out of his office, leaving me alone with my tangled thoughts. The weight of his proposal pressed heavily on my mind. Marrying him... It was something I’d never imagined in my wildest dreams.There was no way I could discuss this with James. Even though
Katniss This was no longer a personal matter. It had grown into something much more serious than that and it involved Mr. Corleone and the whole company into my problems. The weight of my choices continued to bear down on me like a heavy weight on my chest and back. Now there was nothing I could do about it – I had to pay the price whatever the state I was in. The investor had departed, and he had taken all his employees with him. The once very active meeting room was very silent, and it was only me and Mr. Corleone. He sat still; his back straight as he made a sharp breath. Sitting back in the chair, he tilted his head up to the ceiling with his eyes closed as if searching for solace in the midst of the storm I have stirred. “I deeply apologize, sir,” I began, my voice trembling. “You prepared everything so meticulously for this investor, but because of my carelessness—” “Do you think apologies will fix this, Katniss?” His voice cut through my words like a blade. He didn’t ev
Katniss "You don’t have to answer me now," said Mr. Corleone, sensing how difficult it was for me to respond to his offer of help."I understand it’s a tough decision, Katniss. So, take your time—however much you need," he added gently."But..." He paused, leaving me breathless, waiting for him to finish. "You know the longer you wait, the bigger the problem will grow. That’s all I wanted to say," he said with a calm but pointed tone.He glanced at the clock. "Work hours will start soon. Whether you go home first or come with me, it’s your choice."Then, he stood and offered, "We could have breakfast together."Without waiting for my reply, he walked out of his office, leaving me alone with my tangled thoughts. The weight of his proposal pressed heavily on my mind. Marrying him... It was something I’d never imagined in my wildest dreams.There was no way I could discuss this with James. Even though this might seem like a good idea, I was certain he’d reject it outright and do everyt
Katniss “Sit, please,” he said, his voice calm but with an edge of authority. I hesitated, my instincts warning me that nothing good would come from this conversation. The air around us felt suffocating, heavy with unspoken tension. “If you think you can fix this mess, then sit and listen carefully. I know this isn’t something you want to hear, but this is the price you must pay for what you’ve done,” he said, his tone sharp yet steady. The weight of his words made my chest tighten. Slowly, I sat on the sofa, feeling the cold leather beneath my hands. He returned to his chair, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, watching me like a hawk. “What should I do, sir?” I asked, my voice low but firm, masking the storm inside me. He tilted his head slightly, studying me with a faint smirk. “Why are you so desperate, Katniss? You’ve already agreed without even knowing the cost.” Mr. Corleone picked up his coffee cup, steam rising from the dark liquid, but his piercing gaze didn’t wave
Katniss"Stay in bed with her. Make sure she does not watch TV or sit to play on her phone or do anything with her social media account. Do you understand?" I said, my voice rising an octave, my stare daring her, looking directly into Nanny’s eyes.She agreed without any further questions. "Yes, ma’am,” she responded.I quietly smiled and nodded somewhat in agreement."I’m leaving now," I said, not waiting for her response.I was ready to go, though I hadn’t showered—just changed my clothes, brushed my teeth, and washed my face. Mr. Corleone had insisted on this meeting at his house, and though I didn’t understand what will he said, I couldn’t risk defying him. He said it was important, and I couldn’t afford to refuse.Before heading out, I quickly sent a message to the maid. I didn’t want Giselle to wake up to any bad news about her parents, especially anything negative about herself.The drive was long, but eventually, I found myself in front of the grand mansion, its towering struc
JamesSpit it out already! You know his name, don’t you? You know who that man is!” I demanded, my voice sharp and unyielding.Beads of sweat poured down his forehead, his face pale and trembling. Who could terrify him to this extent? Just how powerful was the person he was so afraid of?“I-I don’t know, sir,” he stammered.“Don’t give me that!” My voice thundered, drawing the attention of those nearby. Their heads turned in my direction, their curiosity evident, but one icy glare from me sent them scrambling to mind their own business.He flinched, his shoulders hunching further as he struggled to find the words.“T-They… I can’t say much, sir,” he mumbled, his voice shaking. “They… they threatened me.”I frowned, confusion briefly cutting through my rising anger. “Threatened you?” I asked, my tone low and dangerous.“Yes,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “They kidnapped me… took me to some place. They said if I didn’t give them the evidence, they’d…” He trailed off, swallowi
James “James!”Katniss tugged at my shirt, her urgency pulling me back from the brink of confrontation. Her voice trembled, carrying the weight of her fear.“I-I swear I didn’t see him leave, sir. B-But when he came in, I noticed him. He hasn’t exited yet,” the security guard stammered, his words tumbling out as his gaze darted nervously between us.I felt my patience snap. “Why didn’t you say that from the start?!” My voice was sharp, cutting through the heavy air. “Instead, you claimed you hadn’t seen anything! Be clear—give me proper answers!”“I’m sorry, sir,” he muttered, his head hanging low in shame.I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to rein in my temper. “Listen closely,” I said firmly, each word deliberate. “If you spot the man with the description Katniss gave, you detain him immediately. Do you understand me?”“Yes, sir,” he replied, his head nodding rapidly in nervous compliance.I turned to Katniss, whose face was a mixture of worry and determination. “That means he’s sti
Katniss"I don’t know how she found out, but she will let everyone believe whatever she wants. She’s trying to make it look like she’s the innocent one, like we’re the ones to blame for the divorce,” he explained.I don’t even want to say anything. The words catch in my throat."Uncle?" Giselle’s voice cuts through the thick silence, and without warning, our attention shifts to her. James stands up quickly, wiping away the hardness in his eyes. His expression softens, like he doesn’t want to worry her—doesn’t want her to see the cracks in his armor."Giselle!"She walks toward him and wraps her arms around him. She must’ve been holding it together for too long. For a moment, James freezes, then his arms close around her, tightly, as though he’s desperate for her warmth to steady him."Ah, Giselle. Thank you for hugging me," he mutters, his voice thick with something raw, something I’m not sure I want to understand.I can’t wait any longer. "Giselle, go to your room. There’s something
Katniss Just before James arrived at my house, my phone rang. It was a colleague.“Katniss, you’re the hot topic at work right now. Do you even realize what’s going on?”“I know,” I answered, trying to stay calm. “I’ve heard people whispering, but I still don’t understand what new rumor could be spreading now. I don’t know why I keep getting dragged into these scandals.” My voice betrayed the exhaustion I felt.“Katniss, it’s serious. This might turn into one of the biggest scandals of the year! The whole business world is buzzing!”My heart dropped. His words hit like a punch, leaving me breathless. Could it really be that bad?“What are you talking about? Please, just tell me,” I managed to say, my throat tight with anxiety.Ding…The doorbell rang, and I hurried to check who it was.“I’m sending you the article now,” my coworker said. I nodded, nerves knotting in my stomach as I went to open the door.I saw James on the monitor, looking shaken. His hair was disheveled, his eyes wi