Chapter 03 [1/2]

"Cadmus..." His name slipped out of my lips when I saw him lying on his stomach beside me. Cadmus already has a white shirt on. He used his arm as a pillow, while his head is facing me.

The sides of my lips slightly curved as I ran my fingers over his cheeks. I will hold onto the affections I've received from him last night. I just wish that he would show it more often.

My nightgown brushed against my skin as I sauntered toward the window-pane that was hidden behind the thin curtains.

My hand reached for the side of the curtain and pulled it to uncover the window. My eyes roamed the landscape before they went back to my husband who was still asleep in our bed. A soft smile crept to my face as I remembered how gentle his touches were.

Feeling him touch my bare skin made me realize how much I longed for it. Even my heart has felt the way he caressed every part of me.

The worries I had started to wither; At least the fear of losing him and marriage was.

Now that I feel more assured about our relationship, I am starting to think that I might've thought too much about his behavior. Perhaps thinking that we would fall apart was a bit extreme.

After how he made me feel last night, I guess it is safe to say that we're fine... again. I sure hope that everything goes back to normal.

I changed into another dress, one that I use only inside the house. I decided to help the maids prepare for our breakfast. I want it to be a little special.

"Can you do this one? How long will it take?" I asked the maid while pointing at the breakfast menu I found in the cookbook.

"Not too long, Madam. Just a little longer than your usual breakfast."

I nodded and handed the cookbook to her.

"Okay, go on."

I decided to do the coffee for both of us. We have work today so, I know he will wake up soon.

We've been married for a couple of years now, I know exactly how he likes his coffee. I paid attention to the things he likes and the things he dislikes. Ever since I laid my eyes on him, I wanted to make sure that he's going to be happy with me.

As soon as I'm done with the coffee and already had a cup for me, I heard footsteps and I was certain that it's him.

"Good morning," he greeted, his eyes were still sleepy.

"Good morning, Cadmus." I immediately took a cup of coffee for him and placed it on the bar counter. He sat on one of the barstools, and his hand instantly reached for the cup.

I took my coffee and sat next to him. He doesn't seem to mind and only continued sipping the coffee that I made.

Finally, we're back to how we usually were. The last few weeks exhausted me to the point that I don't even want to think about it anymore.

After what happened between me and Minty, I've never been hurt by anyone again. I used to think that Minty and I were made to be best friends, everyone avoided me but she didn't. She meant a lot to me until she betrayed me. Because I now know her true colors, my perception of her has completely changed.

She made a fool out of me. I always told her about my feelings for Cadmus and she cheered for me. Even though she knew that he was dating her.

"Are you going to the agency again today?" he asked. His eyes were still settled on his phone.

"Yes, but I'll come to the company after lunch."

"Should I drive you there?" He glanced at me.

My eyes grew slightly wider because of what he said. It was new and unexpected.

"If it fits your schedule, I'd love that."

He was the only one capable of hurting my feelings, I never thought he would do it again... it wasn't intentional, I know. That is why I decided to forgive him for how he acted as long as he won't treat me that way again.

He might've not apologized yet but, he's making up for it now, that counts as an apology for me. For him and for us, I'm willing to forgive to an extent.

"I have time to spare."

Feeling relieved, a smile made its way to my face as I nodded. I couldn't help but think that this was the answer that I've been waiting for, the change that I so badly want to see.

We moved to the dining table when the maids informed us that our breakfast was ready.

We ate in silence, but the air was light and warm. Or perhaps, it was only because I was in a good mood. He was still busy on his laptop. That's why we didn't speak much but we were used to it. Just sharing breakfast with him was enough for me.

After breakfast, I excused myself to take a bath and get dressed. I don't want Cadmus to have to wait too long for me later. I'd like to be ready before he is.

I didn't spend much time in the shower and had plenty of time to choose my outfit. I opted for a bodycon dress layered beneath a beige trench coat. Normally, my personal assistant would send my make-up artist. But today I decided to do my own make-up. I kept my make-up simple but still wore dark red lipstick.

Cadmus was already in the shower when I finished dressing up. I headed back to the kitchen to wait for him to get done.

As I sat on the barstool, I opened my laptop and went through all the work that I did yesterday to make sure that I'm satisfied with it. I had a lot on my mind at that time and I might've not done my work well.

Fortunately, everything seems to be fine. I'm satisfied with most of them and only revised a few parts. I also sent the emails that I wrote yesterday but wasn't too confident to send them yet. I want everything to be perfect. If I did not give my best to something, I'll make sure to redo it until I'm satisfied with the result.

"Katalina, should we get going?" Cadmus asked.

I didn't even notice him coming, I was too deep in my thoughts. So, I simply nodded to answer his question.

I stood up from my seat and began to walk. I can sense him following behind me. He even opened the front door for me.

As we were inside his car I suddenly remembered Minty and that she met up with my husband recently.

I did not want to ruin my mood or Cadmus', but issues are better settled sooner than prolonging them.

"Cadmus, have you..." I pressed my lips together before finishing my sentence, "met up with Minty recently?"

I received only a flicker of reaction from him, he just threw a quick glance at me, and his shoulder moved a little.

His eyes then settled on the road, and his face remained blank.

"Why'd you ask?" he asked.

I don't want him to know that my brother had someone to follow him. That would put the two in a more bitter relationship.

"Well, my brother saw you with Minty. I was just curious. That's why I asked."

"You already knew the answer, yet you still asked." His words were dry, that's why I'm not sure what he feels about the conversation.

"What you really want to know is why we were together, right?" he asked again.

"That's right. I just can't seem to think of a reason why you'll meet up with her."

"We bumped into each other," he started. "She seems to be working near the company. She also told me that her father wants to do business with me, that's why we met up at a cafe."

"Is that so? But their business won't really benefit ours, we have way better options."

"That's true. She wanted me to hear their proposal out, that's what I did."

"You did not have to."

"Yes, but I felt obligated to. I've already caused too many troubles for her in the past."

"That was before, it doesn't have to matter now." I don't like the idea of him still caring about her.

"She was persistent, Katalina. You know she is. It wasn't a big deal, it won't happen again." He sounded like he's already tired of the conversation.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I need to get all the answers to my questions now. So, we won't have to talk about this again.

"She wasn't anyone special. If you think that she is because of what we were in the past, I've already forgotten about that. All we had for each other was an attraction. It's all gone now. I even forgot about meeting her recently because I was too busy with work," he spoke with his attention still on the road.

He didn't mention her being my best friend in the past, he knows that I don't like hearing it.

"I see..." I just chose to let it end here. What he said seems plausible to me. I don't want us to get into another fight. All my questions have been answered now. I guess it's time to let him off the hook.

Besides, he said it won't happen again.

After dropping me off at the agency, he immediately went on his way. I wanted him to at least see Mom, but I know he is busy. He already made time to drive me to the agency. It was enough to put me in a good mood throughout the day.

All my worries vanished because I can see that we're back to how we were. I guess he was just having a rough time, or maybe he finally realized how he was treating me and felt guilty about it. Even if his behavior is because of our childless marriage, he shouldn't make it seem like we're against each other. It's something we should face together, I hope he realized that now.

When I was done with all my duties at the agency, I called my driver to drive me to my husband's company. And when night falls, the two of us came home together.

Weeks passed without any unusual behavior from Cadmus. He just went back to being the husband that I knew for four years; I was glad.

The two of us became so busy with work that we hardly see each other. I did not mind though, I still come home to him and share a bed together. We did not have to be beside each other all the time.

For the past two weeks, I've been busy with the modeling agency. Just a week from now, I will be the new CEO.

Today, Cadmus and I arrived at the company together. There was going to be a business meeting that includes the board. His father also wants to see the two of us.

We went straight to the Chairman's office before going to the meeting, which will begin in thirty minutes.

"Good morning, chairman," I greeted Cadmus' father.

He was seated on the couch at the end of a long table. There were also two sofas on both sides of the table.

"Good morning, dear. Take a seat," he gestured toward the sofa.

Cadmus and I sat on separate sofas, and were facing each other. I turned my head to the chairman as I wait for him to tell us why he wanted to see us.

"I just received a report that the project with Mr. Rivera isn't doing well. The earnings are low," Cadmus' father began.

"Father, it's only been a week since the project began-"

"I also found out that Katalina isn't a part of the project, why so?"

"I apologize, I was originally a part of it. However, I did not handle my schedule well and was late for an important meeting regarding the project. I decided to exclude myself not just because of that but also because I've been busy with the agency."

"Late?" The chairman's forehead creased, he then turned to Cadmus. "Why didn't you move the meeting for her?"

"It would be too troublesome to do so, Chairman. Also, I think Cadmus is handling it well. He's right, we should give it some time. People will come and buy the product for sure," I reasoned out.

"Troublesome? That's nonsense. If you were there, I'm certain that it would perform better."

"I'll make sure that the sales would improve soon. Is that all you wanted to discuss? We still have a meeting to attend," Cadmus said.

"What’s the rush? We still have a lot of time to talk,” his father replied.

I think between Cadmus’ father and his mother, the chairman is more welcoming toward me. However, I have also seen him pressure Cadmus. That’s why I’m almost always a part of Cadmus’ projects because I want to make sure that he can prove himself to his father.

“Katalina, if you have any concerns, may it be inside the company or not, approach me right away. Also, if you have any ideas, projects you want to start, let me know," Gideon told me.

“Of course, Chairman.”

“Well, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Your brilliance is a gift to the company after all," he chuckled.

The sides of my lips shot up, and my gaze went down for a moment. I was used to hearing such words but, it felt different hearing it from Cadmus’ father. I was glad that he recognizes me.

“Also, will you give us some time in private?” the chairman asked. “I have something to discuss with Cadmus.”

I nodded and excused myself. I decided to wait for Cadmus outside of the office. We still have a party to attend tomorrow, and we haven’t talked about it yet.

About ten minutes passed, Cadmus walked out the door of his father’s office. His face remained the same but there was something about his eyes that I can’t put my finger on.

“Cadmus,” I called out to him when he didn’t notice me.

His eyes went in my direction and, there was a hint of anger in them.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing.” His eyes avoided mine. “I just have a lot in mind because of work.”

“Do you need my help?”

“No,” he replied right away.

My head slowly nodded before I brought up the party. “You haven’t forgotten about the party tomorrow night, have you?”

“The one hosted by the Smiths?” he paused for a second, “I don’t think I have time for it. Father wants to see me after work, tomorrow.”

“So, we’re not going? That’s fine-"

“No, at least one of us should go. Almost everyone will be there, investors, business partners, and even our competitors. Can’t you spare some time for it?”

“I understand, I’ll go. However, people might start questioning our relationship if they keep seeing me attending without you.”

“If you’re too worried about that. Then you can just send someone else to attend for us.”

“No, it’s okay. Just make time for the next events.” I’ve already made time for that party, even my gown is ready.

“I will,” he said before he began to walk toward the elevator.

After the board meeting, we spent our time in our offices. I don’t get a lot of work from their company whenever I’m not involved in any project, that’s why even though I wasn’t around for almost two weeks, there wasn’t a lot of pending work to do.

When the night of the party arrived. I was left in the house with my designers and make-up artists. Cadmus was probably still at the company.

I wore a simple backless long gown. It’s in a deep shade of red. They also tied my hair up into a high bun. The colors of my stilettos and lips matched my gown.

“Madam, the car’s ready,” a maid informed me.

I took a look a good look at myself in the mirror before I rose from my seat. I went out of the house and hopped into the car.

It took less than an hour for the driver to reach the venue. As expected, the media would be swarming the place. I’m sure there are celebrities on the guestlist too.

“Looks like Katalina Deveza has arrived,” I heard a man from the crown. Then my name echoed around the place.

Most of the time, I’m still called by my maiden name because it was the name I used as I rose to the top and became one of the most famous models in the world.

With my chin held high and my hips lightly swaying as I waltzed, I made my way through the cameras and into the building.

The moment I entered the hall where the event is held, all their attention was drawn to me. There were people who greeted me with a smile but, I can only return the gesture by slightly nodding my head.

My eyes roamed the place in search of my brother. I found him and approached him right away before someone asks why I’m alone this evening.

Koen instantly noticed me and excused himself to go to me.

“Cadmus made you go on your own again?”

“He explained why.” In a way.

My brother raised an eyebrow at me. I know for sure that he’s holding back words that might sting a little. He then offered his arm for me to hold.

I smiled and snuck my hand around his arm.

People immediately bombarded me with questions, some asked about Cadmus’ company, the agency, and my career as a model. But there was one that had the audacity to ask why I haven’t conceived a child yet.

My eyebrow rose before I replied, “ my mother doesn’t even ask me that question. Yet you think you can? Interesting.”

The people around us reacted but tried not to show it.

“’ I don’t see the reason why you should know,” I added.

I turned my back against them and walked away. People and their nosiness infuriate me. I spoke to another group of possible investors after that.

Before, I like being the center of attention. But right now, I feel like I need to step out because I’ve already drained my energy from talking to people. Or perhaps it was that one question that ruined my night.

I decided to get some fresh air and went to the balcony. Luckily, I found an empty place and my wineglass was still far from empty.

This balcony is at the back of the hotel, there are no media below, just a garden. I was staring from afar when someone called my name, a very familiar voice.

"Katalina..."

“Percival?”