I walked towards Percival until I could hear their conversation. I wasn't planning to eavesdrop. I wanted my presence to be known. "How many times do I have to ask you to leave?" Percival said with a sigh of irritation. "I'm only concerned for you, Percy," Helena insisted. "If you ever need someone to talk to about this, just let me know." "He already told you to leave," I interrupted. My hand reached for Percy's arm. Helena seemed surprised at first, but her expression quickly changed. She lifted her chin and raised an eyebrow as she stared at me. "Your ex-husband is visiting you quite often," Helena said. "I'm only concerned for Percy." I laughed as I tightened my grip on Percy's arms. "Perhaps you haven't heard that my agency has a small project with Mr. Salazar's company. Those visits were solely business." Helena grinned. Unlike Minty, she kept herself composed. It was harder to read her too. My eyes briefly scanned her body, and my eyebrows shot up. She was wearing a body
I hadn't expected him to show up. Sitting in the car with him after what had happened between us seemed odd. But I ended up joining him. I guess I didn't want people to start talking about our relationship. People would question us if I didn't go with him. "Miss Kat!" Raya called out to me while we were standing beside Percival's car. "Medicine for your headaches, Ma'am. Just in case." I smiled at her and took the small pouch from her hand. "Thank you," I said. "Anytime, Ma'am. There are also pads in there," she whispered. I chuckled, "Thank you. Get home safe with everyone." Raya nodded and left us. When I looked back at Percy, he was only standing behind me. He glanced at me and the pouch before opening the car door. "Thank you," I said as I hopped in. "Do you wanna get some sleep?" he asked, probably because he heard what Raya said. "I'm planning to. It's been a long day." "Let me recline your seat." He was still standing outside. So, he had to bend to recline my seat. "
The beach house meant so much to the old me. I had some of my happiest memories there. But that one night tainted all those memories. The house lost all its meaning, yet it still stood where it always had been. Why should it?In a phone call, I told Cadmus to meet me there. The place where we spent our first night as a married couple. It wouldn't be good for the both of us to be seen having dinner in a fancy restaurant, so I suggested we have the dinner away from the public's eyes. I could hear the excitement in his voice when he agreed, so I should make it worth his while.I started arranging everything. From my schedule--so it wouldn't look suspicious to Percival or anyone who would look into it, down to what I will cook for Cadmus. Yes, I would be cooking. No, there wouldn't be poison in it.Cadmus, like the egoistic bastard that he was, seemed so confident that I would still be wrapped around his finger like I used to be. He knew I adored him since we were little, but being stupid
If I'm being honest, I'd say, 'I'm not sure,' or maybe.' It was a good life, and I loved the husband I thought I knew and would always have by my side. So, of course, though I hate to admit it, there was a time I thought about the good times.I knew they were all lies, and I was the only one who thought it was real. But I was genuinely happy before I found out Cadmus wasn't."Sometimes," I said.Cadmus smirked. He leaned in and rested his hand on my hips. I had almost pushed him away, and he noticed me step back. So, I quickly composed myself and smiled at him. I held his arm and moved past him to free myself from his grasp."I think we both need something stronger," I said as an excuse.My hands were trembling. I was enraged, disgusted, and, most of all, guilty. But this was it. I'll be satisfied after this. Cadmus will finally get what he deserves. After all those years of anger and grief, I could finally give it back to him.I took two bottles of liquor from a cabinet. I knew they'
I held his hand steady before dragging it away from my cheek. Then I drew back and sat on the bed. I stared at the floor, trying to appear as hurt and confused as possible. Cadmus knelt in front of me carefully, trying to get a good look at my face. He looked like he was prepared to console me. Cadmus said cheating on me was a mistake, but here he was, ready to do it again. I wonder if Minty was the only girl he cheated on me with. Or perhaps Minty was the only mistress he got pregnant."I loved having you as my wife, Katalina. If only you told me all this before. That would've melted my anger and frustrations. We would've still been together." He held my elbows and caressed my skin. "Your skin is as soft as ever," he said, smiling.Minty's thoughts must be killing her right now. Why wasn't her husband answering her calls? Where was he? That's what she got for desiring my seat. "But you loved Minty more. . ." I said and pretended to be hurt. "Maybe I should leave. She's the one you
I was fully prepared to take another slap, though I can't promise I won't hit him back. I did think I deserved to be slapped, but not by him. I haven't felt like myself lately. I hoped for something to bring me back and make me feel in control. The door of the room busted open. I knew Cadmus wouldn't get to lay another finger on me. But I would like to see him try and prove just how horrible a person he was. My driver, who was also my bodyguard, immediately stood between me and Cadmus. I never planned on staying the whole night, and I had him wait for me nearby. The bracelet I wore would send an alarm to his phone when I pressed the button on the pendant. I knew I wasn't safe with Cadmus. I wasn't stupid enough to put myself in danger. "Seriously, Katalina? You had this all planned out? I can't fvcking believe you." "Cadmus, I do not trust you. Not one bit," I told him. "I should've dated the men who threw themselves at my feet while you were still my husband. Didn't you know that
I blinked because I felt something in my eyes. But I didn't expect something warm and wet to roll down my cheeks. The moment Koen asked if I was ready to lose something. I instantly thought of Percival. I've carried the promises and decisions I made with a shattered heart. Now, they felt like burdens pulling me away from something--someone. Back then, I thought I'd never run out of anger, and I let it consume me because I was afraid I'd forget the pain. I kept my wounds open to know what to carve on their skins. But now, I felt so hollow, as if the anger I'd carried consumed every bit of me, and now it was threatening to leave too. I should be satisfied and happy that I already held the knife that was once used against me. I could bring Cadmus to ruin, like how he ruined everything I held dear. But I wasn't. I wasn't happy. Nothing changed. I still felt like the girl who lost everything. And Percival. God, I do not deserve him. I refused to admit it because I didn't want to be the
"I told him you'd be staying at my place. He will be surprised to see you here," Koen said as he parked the car.The quiet inside the car gave us time to reflect and collect ourselves. He didn't seem so mad and worried anymore. But I was still a jumbled mess inside. The weight was heavier now that I was almost home."I see," I said. "He asked where you were. He would've searched for you if I didn't lie," Koen said. "See? You didn't plan this well enough," he jokingly added.I rolled my eyes at him before I stepped out. I raised my eyebrow when Koen also got out of the car. He walked to my side and rested his hand on my head as if I were a child."I'm sorry," he said as he hugged me. "I will always be on your side.""I wish I was older," I whispered as I gave him a pat. He only chuckled as he freed me from his embrace. "Drive safely."Koen nodded at me and waited until I got on the elevator before getting into his car. When I arrived at the penthouse, the security greeted me, but the