Chapter 02 [2/2]

   My face remained blank when I arrived at Salazar Corp. But I was beyond irritated. It was not a surprise that I was already late for the meeting. I didn’t bother attending anymore. I went straight to my office as I waited for Cadmus to be done with it. So, he can finally explain his decision to me.

I’m not even aware of the important matters he was talking about; Was it about his family? Why did he not just tell me instead of referring to them as ‘something important’.

Is he going to meet up with Minty?

I shook my head to dismiss the thought. He said it was important, but I'm pretty sure that girl isn't important enough for him to reschedule the meeting just so he can meet her.

My secretary entered my office as I was working on my laptop. I noticed how she avoided making eye contact when I looked at her.

“Uhm… Ma’am, the meeting is over,” she informed me.

I nodded and stood up. I was about to go see Cadmus when she spoke again.

“Ma’am, sir Cadmus left as soon as the meeting ended.”

“What?” I stared at her in disbelief. After a few moments, what she said slowly sunk into me.

I sat back in my swivel chair as I stared into space. I kept thinking about what's going on in Cadmus' mind right now. Why is he acting this way?

My conversation with Koen flashed through my mind, followed by the last time I saw Minty and how Cadmus has been treating me lately. My confidence in our marriage began to waver.

I do not like it when I am not in control of what’s happening in my life. For the first time, I felt a surge of anxiety in my heart and, I was finally mad at Cadmus for making me feel this way. I am done trying to be understanding; He needs to tell me what’s going on.

My chest felt tight that it caused me to breathe heavily for a few moments. I don’t think I can work today, especially when the thought of losing my marriage made its way into my mind.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath to pull myself together. This won’t work; I need some rest. I fixed my things and left my office. I also told my secretary that I will be going home. If there are any important papers for me to review or sign, she will bring them to me so, it is okay to head home early.

The employees were greeting me as I walked by but, I ignored all of them. I was not in the mood for any of that. They’re probably used to this attitude of mine anyway. I can be strict but, I don’t treat them poorly. Unless I’m in a bad mood so, they know well enough not to bother me.

The moment I got back home. I told the maids to have a warm bath ready for me. I tried to call Cadmus while I was on my way home, but he did not answer. His important matters were more important than his wife huh?

“Madam, your bath is ready,” the maid said with her head bowed.

“Inform me when Cadmus arrives,” I said before walking past her. I went straight to the bathroom, where the bathtub is.

This one is one of my favorite spots in the house. The round freestanding tub is surrounded by glass windows, which gave me a clear view of the scenery outside.

I took a quick rinse at the showers first before going into the bathtub. The maid that was to assist me made sure that my wine is within reach before leaving me alone.

I couldn’t stop thinking about what my brother said. Seeing Minty again just made me relive the pain I felt years ago. It was when I found out that they were dating. I realized then that between me and Cadmus, I was the only one who was excited about our wedding. I was the only one who’s in love.

When Cadmus married me, I thought that Minty was finally over. I won’t have to worry about her anymore. I guess I was wrong.

I took the glass of wine and sipped from it. It was frustrating to not have a solution. I usually come up with one right away. But this time, I couldn’t think of any. Maybe I really am stupid when it comes to love. Or, this isn’t a problem I can fix alone. Why won’t Cadmus cooperate?

“Ugh!” I hate this feeling, it’s the first time that something is going wrong in my life and I can’t do anything about it.

I’m not supposed to worry about some girl nor do I have to worry about my marriage falling apart. But all the changes Cadmus is showing are enough to shatter what I firmly believed in.

My eyebrows were almost touching each other. I was also gripping the glass in my hand tightly as I glare into the windows. Everything that’s happening is pissing me off and draining me.

Why should I even worry about Minty? I’m more successful than she is! Sure, her family is pretty well off too, but she’s not inheriting anything because first, I know she can’t handle their business, and second, she has older brothers.

What made Cadmus fall for her in the past? What was it! Was it something I don’t have?

All these thoughts infuriate me. I wanted to throw the glass that I was holding but luckily, I was still able to manage my emotions. They are just too overwhelming that I’m using every amount of energy to suppress them.

“Calm down, Katalina… It’s been years, Cadmus has moved on. What they had wasn’t even serious, at least that’s how I see it,” I spoke as I tried to get a hold of myself.

I can faintly see my reflection in the glass windows, my emotions were written all over my face. I looked exhausted.

I took a deep breath and drank my wine until the glass was empty. My eyes closed for a moment before I stared at my reflection again.

There, that’s more like it. I looked like my usual self again, someone who looks rather confident and hard to read. I’ll just talk to Cadmus again, until then, I shouldn’t let myself worry too much.

A solution will come to mind, I just have to control all the emotions that are clouding my head right now.

After about fifteen minutes, I decided to get out of the tub. I went straight to the master’s bedroom and wore a dress that I found comfortable. Then, I went to the kitchen to pour myself some more wine. I also took my laptop with me so I can work.

I wasn’t sure why I chose to stay in the kitchen rather than in my office. Maybe because this way, I’ll instantly know when Cadmus arrives.

I didn’t notice the time passing because my work had my full attention. My gaze automatically looked over the laptop when I heard the front door closing.

My eyes were settled on the way where I know Cadmus will be coming from. Our eyes immediately met when he stepped into the kitchen. He looked away before I could. He was loosening his tie as he walked towards the counter.

“Would you like some?” I asked, pertaining to the wine on the counter.

He glanced at me before answering, “sure.”

I closed my laptop first and placed it aside before I stood up. I grabbed a wineglass from the cupboard. He took a seat at the other side of the bar counter, so we’ll probably be facing each other when I go back to my seat.

I placed the glass in front of him and poured the wine into it. I remained standing as I drank. I’ve been drinking wine since the moment I got home, and I have already lost count of how many glasses I’ve finished.

Everything that happened today made me feel numb with a part of me asking for reassurance from him.

I stared at him with my drowsy eyes and finally asked, “have you ever loved me? It’s been four years, and I thought I knew the answer. But it turns out, I still don’t.”

He did not bother throwing a glance at me. He filled his glass with wine again and drank all of it in one go.

Is he planning to ignore my question? If so, then his answer is probably something that would upset me.

“Even just for a little? Don’t you have any feelings for me?” I asked again, a little desperate for an answer.

I tried reading him but I couldn’t. My brows furrowed because I thought I finally knew him well enough.

He lifted his gaze to meet my eyes.

I was disappointed, I was mad, I was hurt. He stared at me like he can see all the worries I have. For a second, I saw a hint of warmth in his eyes and, his expression softened.

Without spouting a word, he stood up and walked around the counter. My eyes followed him. When he moved towards me, I didn’t break our eye contact. I turned my back against the counter and leaned on it when he stood in front of me. There were only a few inches between us.

I was only hoping for an answer, but instead, he kissed me. I felt his arms brushing my waist, which I assumed that they’re now pushing against the counter to support his weight.

He was towering over me so, I had to arch my neck to reach his lips. The memories of the times he kissed me were engraved in my mind. I remember them all so vividly. This is why it’s easy to figure out that this kiss was different.

It held emotions that I’ve never sensed from him before. It's like he couldn’t get enough of my lips. He sucked on them and continued to taste every corner of my mouth.

My hands settled on his shoulders as he deepened the kiss. I felt one of his hands on my waist and as if drawing my body closer to his. When he closed the gap between us, I placed my arms around his neck.

The moment our lips parted, both he and I were already panting.

“Let’s go to our bedroom,” he whispered in a low tone.

I thought he would let me go, but he held my hand and made me follow him to our room.

When I closed the door behind me, he immediately pulled my dress over my head revealing my bare chest and underwear. His eyes settled on my chest and made their way down to the lower part of my body. Before I could even utter a word, he claimed my lips again.

He held my waist and almost lifted me as we made our way to the bed without breaking the kiss. As I lie on the bed with him on top of me, I got the chance to see his eyes. Maybe it was because of the moment, but they became easier for me to read. There was confusion in them.

Was he not sure of the answer yet? I guess that’s better than him not feeling anything for me. Aside from that, the way he’s touching me makes me feel as if he wants me too.

After we’re done, I hope he sees that right now, he’s showing a new side of him. A side of him that I’ve badly wanted to see.

“Cadmus…”

“Don’t talk,” he said as his lips started sucking on my neck.

I kept my mouth shut but, I couldn’t stop myself from whimpering when his lips reached my breasts.

“You’re only submissive in bed, huh?” he said before pulling my underwear down to my feet.

My back along with my neck arched when I felt him in between my legs and in me. He placed both my hands over my head and pinned them tightly...