Chapter 01

We've been married for four years. Four years of trying to be a wife that he will learn to love. Four years and we're still waiting for a child.

During the first two years of our marriage, we spent most of our time and attention on the company. When we entered our third year, we tried again but when I didn't conceive, we didn't give much thought to it. After all, we were always busy.

However, these past few weeks I noticed how he became distant. I was aware that he doesn't love me as much as I love him, but this time around, I can feel him slipping farther away from me.

I'm guessing that he's becoming impatient with waiting for our child, for his heir.

My thoughts were interrupted when Cadmus entered the kitchen. He glanced at me before proceeding to the fridge.

"Cadmus, where are you going?" I asked when I noticed that he was in a suit.

I wasn't aware that he's going somewhere today. Does he even plan to tell me?

"Business meeting," he flatly said.

My forehead creased as I think about what the meeting is for. I'm familiar with his schedule and I don't think there's anything about the company that needs to be discussed today.

"As far as I know, you don't have any. It's a Sunday, Cadmus. Don't you want to spend it with me?"

He closed the fridge door and faced me.

"Are you calling me a liar?" he was intently looking at me with his brows all furrowed.

"Then take me with you, I'm your wife and a shareholder."

"You really like calling yourself my wife, don't you?" he scoffed.

"What's wrong with that?"

"It's irritating," he looked away.

"Isn't it too early for you to be in a bad mood? Did something happen yesterday? A bad week? Do you want anything, you know something that can help you relax?" I kept calm even though I don't like the attitude he's displaying right now. I also want to be understanding, like how good wives are.

"How about a child, Katalina?"

I didn't expect his response, that's why I paused and stared at him. I didn't know what to reply to that. What does he even want me to do?

"I'll consult my doctor, then maybe we can try again." I refuse to believe that there's something wrong with me, maybe it's because I usually have an irregular period. But I don't think I'll be able to accept that I can't bear a child.

I was hurt by how he said it. He wasn't insensitive with his words before. Even the people around us, especially those who are close to us have noticed how he changed. Despite that, I still trust him, he won't leave me.

No one can replace me. His company needs me and I have been his partner in everything for the past five years. I also believe that he won't disrespect me by cheating on me. I adore and respect him for a reason.

I am Katalina Deveza Salazar, who would dare seduce my husband and be his mistress? Who would dare to think that they're better than me?

"Just prepare for the meeting on Monday. I'm leaving," he said before walking away.

I didn't stop him anymore, maybe he just needs time to cool off. I also know him well enough for me to know that he doesn't like it when someone pesters him.

He's been stressed about the competition in the business industry as well. Percival's company has been soaring ever since the seat was passed down to him. Although Cadmus' company is still ahead of his rival's, that might not be the case next year if we won't watch out for Percival.

Percival, Cadmus, and I went to the same school and the same university. Percival was my friend because he didn't stop bothering me until I consider him as one. However, when Cadmus and I got married, I lost contact with him.

His family and Cadmus' have long been rivals in the business world, they say it wasn't just about business too and the two families had some hidden history. But since my parents never discussed it with me nor did Cadmus have ever mentioned it, I never really paid attention to it. To me they were merely rumors and even if it's true, it doesn't really matter.

I already made a choice when I married Cadmus, it was to let my friendship with Percy go and choose my husband.

"Madam, your brother is in the living room," a maid informed me.

I glanced at her and nodded. I took my coffee with me and made my way to the living room. There I saw my older brother, Koen, sitting on one of our sofas. His eyes immediately settled on me when I walked in.

"What brings you here?" I asked.

"I have something to show you," he replied. " You know, right from the start, I was against you marrying Cadmus. Katalina, this time, I want you to leave him. The company doesn't need him or his family, you alone is already enough."

My forehead creased because I don't know where he's coming from. I know he didn't like the idea of my parents arranging my marriage for me and he never liked Cadmus. But why would he say something like that now? I thought we're already past that.

"I love my husband, Koen," I sighed.

"The more reason why you should leave him," he said before handing me a brown envelope.

I let out a breath and placed my cup on top of the center table. I took the envelope from him. I remained standing and glanced at him before opening it. He looks pretty upset, so I bet this holds something important.

For some reason, I already felt anxious even though I haven't seen what's inside. My brother cares for me a lot, I know he won't just tell me to leave someone I love over something petty.

The envelope contains pictures... it was pictures of Cadmus with Minty. She was once my best friend and Cadmus' ex-girlfriend. Our marriage was planned since we were little and I caught feelings for him even before he met Minty. I think it was in college when they got together, they kept it a secret but our families soon found out.

It seems that the pictures were taken recently, although it wasn't enough to make it look like he's cheating. I still felt betrayed because I didn't know that they were seeing each other. They seem to be very close in these pictures as well. Cadmus was even smiling in some.

"Katalina, you know about their relationship before. Have Cadmus ever told you that he loves you?”

"No, but he cares for me. He doesn't have to tell me, we've been together for four years. All I have to do is ask him about these, I’m sure it’s nothing," I said as I look at the pictures.

"You really think a cheater would just tell you the truth, huh? You're the smartest person I know, but your love for him has made you really stupid, Katalina." My brother has a sharp tongue, he got it from my mother.

"Why do you even have these?" I asked.

"Not everyone will turn a blind eye to the changes in your husband's behavior. Heck, he used to be beside you all the time, now, he's always too busy. In the last event you attended, he didn't just let you go on your own, he also didn't show up to take you home. You used to look like you had a happy marriage with your hands all over each other in public, but now it's obvious that your marriage wasn't based on love," he explained, his voice tinged with spite.

"He's just busy..."

"He was busy in the past too, the both of you were. And I know that you feel like something's wrong too because if not, you wouldn't listen to me like how you're listening to me right now."

"I'll deal with this. You might not like him, but he's not the type of man that will cheat. Cadmus respects me. The four years we spent together weren't for nothing. I'm his wife and I'll always be."

"What is really going on, Katalina? You might be good at masking your true feelings but, I can see right through that mask of yours. I'm your brother, I love you more than that man does." He stood up and placed his hands on my shoulder.

I looked away as my shoulders dropped. "It's just work. He's probably frustrated about that. And after four years, I still haven't got pregnant. I think a child would change everything. Maybe then he will show his affections more..."

"Katalina, that seems wrong to me. I don't like it. He should be treating you right even without a damn kid." He stepped away and shook his head.

"Koen, let me handle this. It's going to be alright. I'm not a little girl that needs protection."

"I know what you're capable of. But you're still my little sister, I don't want you to end up getting everything you desire yet unhappy. I trust you so if you need anything. I'll be around," he said.

My face softened before giving him a slight nod. He forced a smile before lifting his arms for a hug. I slowly moved towards him and let him embrace me. We bid our goodbyes after that.

I went straight to my office after my conversation with Koen. I don't have time to mope while I wait for my husband. Aside from the company that my husband manages. I will be inheriting my mother’s modeling agency too. This means I have to work extra hard now that my mother is planning to appoint me as CEO soon.

I dedicated my years to learning how to be a good wife to Cadmus and how to manage the agency. Ever since I was little, I had those two things drilled into my mind. I made myself perfect for the roles I wanted.

Hard work does pay off. I will finally have both soon.

I sat on my swivel chair and went through all the papers on my desk. I also emailed my secretary and told her to schedule an appointment with my doctor.

However, no matter how much I try to drown my mind with work. The pictures I saw earlier kept popping up in my head. I heaved a sigh before I placed the papers I'm holding on top of the desk.

I took out my phone and texted Cadmus to see when he'd be home. I returned to work while I waited, but an hour passed with no response from my husband.

After three hours in the office, I decided to give myself a break. I went to the kitchen to check what I can have for lunch. After resting and eating, I went back to my office because I didn't really have anything else to do today. It's supposed to be a day off of work but I don't feel like going out and resting only means my thoughts will be filled with Cadmus' connection with Minty.

When evening arrived, I texted Cadmus again. Business meetings don't take up one whole day, especially when it's not even important enough for me to know the details about it.

However, just like earlier, he did not respond. I only waited in our room after dinner passed. I felt uneasy, something I never felt before.

I was always confident that things will go my way. Questions don't linger long in my mind, but this time around I had tons and they're begging for answers.

What really happened? Why did he change?

What went wrong?

Was it really just because of work?

I'm starting to doubt the things I used to believe in.

It was late in the evening when he came home. By the time I saw him, my patience already ran out. He entered our room and only glanced at me before going inside his walk-in closet.

I waited for an explanation. But it seems that he won’t give me any. So, when he was about to leave the room, I called him.

“Where were you?” I asked.

He looked over his shoulder, seeming a little irritated. I saw how his shoulder went up then down before turning around. His face bared no emotions

“Do you need to know?” he shot back.

“I was waiting, Cadmus. I texted you twice, the least you could do was let me know that you were going to be late,” I said out of frustration. Even with so many emotions overcoming my heart, I kept my composure as I wait for his response.

“I never told you to wait, Katalina.”

I bit my lower lip and pressed my eyes shut before I nodded. I can sense that he’s really annoyed by our conversation right now. I won’t push it anymore, he has the freedom to enjoy himself too. I’m sure he just went out with friends.

Cadmus isn’t the type of guy to cheat. That’s beneath him. I have nothing to worry about when it comes to that topic.

He can be impatient, but I refuse to believe that he can be a cheater.

“Then where are you going now? Isn’t it time for bed?”

“I don’t plan to share the same bed with you tonight,” he said before leaving me alone in our room.