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
I would've still been sleeping. If not for the light that had hit my eyes. I wasn't the type to stay in for five more minutes before getting up in the morning, but my head was still a little fuzzy, and the bed was more comfortable than usual. It didn't help that I was exhausted from yesterday. . . and last night. The curtains were covering the window. They were thick, but light still seeped through the gaps. I looked at the clock and realized that I had slept in. Then, I turned to the other side of the bed, half-expecting that I wouldn't see Percy there, and I was right. If he was still lying next to me, his arm would've been on me, and the bed wouldn't feel so big. I gazed down at my body to find out I was wearing one of my button-down nightshirts. I was so sure I slept without anything because I couldn't break away from Percy-not even a second. He must've dressed me up himself. I wanted to see Marcus, and it was already time for lunch, so he must be eating. I slipped on a plain
"I do, Percy. I want you by my side, always. But I'm not asking because of me," I said. Why was he so forgiving? I told him I loved him, and he accepted it as if I had never hurt him. "Why do you even. . .Why do you even love me? I've hurt you. Even if you say it wasn't intentional, I still did. For that, I don't think I deserve your love."My gaze was pinned on his hand. He lifted his head from my shoulder, and his grip loosened."Who deserves it, if not you?" Percival asked. His voice was firm. "I will always love you. No matter what you do or who you have to become. You'll always be the girl I love."I could feel him staring at me from behind, but I kept myself occupied."More than love, do you trust me? When I told you that nothing happened between me and Cadmus. Do you believe it?" I asked. "Every word," he said without hesitation. "I believed you when you said you wouldn't take him back. I don't want you near him, even if it's only for show or as part of the plan. I've already
THE WEDDING was thirty minutes away. I looked at myself in the mirror. A dozen people scurried around me. My bridesmaids, hairdressers, designers, and everyone who had helped me prepare today. My brother and father came in earlier to congratulate me, but they're probably already at the hall by now."Oh my gosh, you look so fab!" Esther squealed from behind me. "A red gown! This will hit the headlines so hard."I smiled as I eyed my gown once again. A mermaid-styled gown that embraced my curves but flowed enormously from a little above my knee down to the floor. It took up the whole space in front of the mirror, and everyone was careful not to step on it. I wore a necklace that Percival gave me, the one that stands out without trying, over the sweetheart neckline of my gown. My chest, waist, and back were adorned with small diamonds. The back of the dress showed half of my skin with its v-line cut. My red veil doesn't cover my face because it was attached to my braided bun. It was perf