Step 6: Run Away When Things Get A Bit Heated

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Caroline let out a sigh, filled with simmering anger, that washed over Katherine like a wave of heat. The tightness of Caroline’s jaw and her steely gaze spoke volumes. This wasn’t finished—not by a long shot. With a rustle of silk that seemed to whisper defiance, Caroline slipped away into the bustling crowd, leaving behind a trail of unspoken words and bubbling resentment.

Katherine, now alone with the weight of that unsaid accusation, felt like she was rooted to the spot. The shimmering chandeliers, the quiet whispers of the crowd—some speculating on what just unfolded while others danced blissfully unaware—and the intoxicating scent of champagne all faded into the background. They were replaced by the chilling memory of Caroline’s parting look. It pierced through her, an aching echo of a memory she desperately wanted to forget.

Castiel, his usually sharp features shadowed by a barely concealed coldness, turned away. His voice came out low and rumbling, strained. "I need to make sure she’s okay." His words aimed to calm the turbulent storm within Katherine, but they barely offered relief. He hesitated, casting a glance back at her, a flicker of something that felt like pity? No, it was colder, more distant. "I’d advise you to leave, Katherine."

His tone echoed chillingly of that fateful winter night, bringing forth haunting memories. She could see it clearly—the snow falling outside, the flickering fire in his study, the comforting aroma of old books and wood smoke now tainted with bitter undertones. She had crumpled on the floor, tears overwhelming her, reality spinning in a dizzying vortex of betrayal and disbelief right after discovering him with her sister.

Castiel had stood there, a silent figure amid her chaotic emotions. His grey eyes, typically warm and inviting, were now cold and rigid, like two icy pools. Then he spoke, his whisper slicing through her despair like a knife.

"When you’re done crying, I’d like for you to sign these divorce papers I’ve prepared."

His words, lacking any semblance of remorse, landed like a blow—brutal confirmation of a truth she had hoped was just an illusion. Their fairytale romance, once vibrant and hopeful, had become a cruel mockery of itself, a shattered reflection of their shared dreams. Her knight in shining armor, the man she had vowed to stand by, had transformed into a stranger, his heart hardened by secrets.

He left her alone amidst the rubble, the pieces of their lives scattered like shards of glass.

"Are you okay, miss?"

Zayn’s sincere words cut through the fog of her grief, yet the icy grip of her past held her captive, tangled in the wreckage of her marriage.

The memories faded, leaving Katherine in the ballroom, the burden of her past pressing down on her. She felt a tightening in her chest, the air becoming thick and stifling. Tears began to form in her eyes, her breath catching in a gasp, releasing a sob. "I...I need–"

A warm hand rested on her shoulder, gentle and soothing. She looked up to see Zayn, his hazel eyes filled with concern. "What do you need?"

His voice, comforting and calm, offered her a lifeline in the emotional storm. "S—some air..." she managed to choke out, another tear trailing down her cheek. She felt exposed, like a broken doll left behind in the midst of the gala.

Zayn, sensing her distress, softly released her shoulder and took her hand, a silent understanding passing between them. "I know a place," he said kindly, guiding her away from the chaos of the ballroom.

She followed, her footsteps echoing softly in the stillness, the dazzling chandeliers becoming a blur of lights, their harshness contrasting the reassuring warmth of Zayn's hand. He led her through winding halls, the grand décor a testament to the estate's wealth, but she was oblivious to it, keeping her focus on the solid comfort of Zayn’s hand.

They stepped out onto an empty balcony, overlooking the sprawling estate below. The moon, a glowing silver orb in the night sky, cast a soft light over the expansive gardens, the serene lake mirroring the celestial beauty. The night air, fragrant with blooming jasmine, felt like a soothing balm, contrasting sharply with the oppressive atmosphere of the ballroom.

Katherine took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the crisp night air, and finally let herself cry. Tears streamed down her face, washing away the remnants of her pain, her anguish flowing out like a river. Zayn stood beside her, his presence steady and comforting.

She could feel the weight of his support, a silent acknowledgment of her sorrow. She no longer felt the need to explain herself, to justify her tears; instead, she found a deep sense of understanding in his silence, a recognition that he didn’t need words to grasp the turmoil within her.

Eventually, she regained her composure, the tears easing, leaving behind a dull ache in her chest. Zayn offered her a handkerchief, his touch tender, almost hesitant. She accepted it gratefully, dabbing her eyes, feeling the warmth of his presence.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"No problem," he replied, his gaze remaining on her, his hazel eyes shimmering in the moonlight, a hint of sadness flickering underneath the surface. He watched her closely, as if trying to read her soul, but she couldn’t decipher the emotions swirling behind those keen eyes. "Are you doing alright now?"

Katherine nodded, her gaze drifting to the moon, its ethereal glow offering a sliver of hope amidst the darkness. She wasn’t entirely okay yet, but the feeling of being understood, of being seen, of being accepted was a soothing balm for her spirit. The night air, the gentle warmth of his presence, the moon's soft light—all of it came together, offering a fleeting sense of peace.

And as she gazed at the moon, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had begun to shift inside her, something was starting to heal, something new was taking root. Perhaps, just perhaps, she was beginning to find a way forward, a path leading out of the darkness, a path that—after what felt like an eternity—didn’t lead back to the wreckage of her past.