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
Percival stared at me. His lips were almost parted. I was desperate for him to say something, but at the same time, afraid. "I-I know I shouldn't," I started, stammering because I didn't know what to say exactly. "When I proposed this set-up, I thought we'd eventually love each other after we're done with what we've agreed to do. But I thought it would be slow and convenient. . . over the years, a-and only because we got used to each other or we complement each other or because we wouldn't have a choice since we're married. I didn't think I'd love you just because. I didn't think I'd love you even when I don't want to."Of course, with marriage, it's natural for it to feel real over time. . . even the one made of convenience only. I was okay with living with Percival for the rest of my life and working together. What I didn't expect was to fall for him even before we got married. I thought we could share a love that was convenient. One that wouldn't hurt and I could live without. But
Before I knew it, we were in bed and kissing as if we had been waiting for this moment our entire lives. Percy was on top of me, caging me in his arms while my hands gripped his shirt. If I could easily tear it off him, I would've already. "Please take it off," I pleaded. The things I was saying were beginning to sound so foreign to me. Percival chuckled on my lips. He pulled away and took the shirt off in one smooth motion. My lips parted at the sight of his perfect physique. I've seen it several times before, but tonight was different. My hand reached for his body and traced the middle part of his chest with my finger. When I looked up at him, he already had a cocky smirk on his face. I hate it when men get cocky with me, especially in business. But with Percival? It was hot. Slowly, I pushed myself up to level our faces. I smiled at Percy and softly kissed his lips while holding his face. I knew our bodies were burning for something rough and intense. But I wasn't done confess