KATERINA I was surrounded by darkness and I could hear the beeping of machines from afar. I knitted my eyebrows, wondering what was going on as I tried to fight the darkness that was haunting me.The pungent smell of disinfectants and medicines hit my nostrils and fear crawled in my heart. I remembered the last time I smelled this kind of scent, things didn't go too well. Slowly, I fluttered my eyelashes to get rid of the blurry vision. I creased my eyebrows when my eyes fully opened, trying to wrap my head around what was going on. I was expecting to wake up on my bed…“ You- you’re awake.” A woman's voice cut through the air and she walked to the side of the bed looking so concerned. I furrowed my eyes as I tried to remember how the hell I got in the hospital and who she was.Panic struck me when I recalled the gunshot and blood oozing from the wound. My hand found its way to my belly, my heart thumping wildly against my ribcage.“ My baby…” I whispered, my voice raspy. A sharp pai
~KATERINA~I heard the movement in the background but I didn't dare to turn my head to check what was happening. Too afraid for anyone to see the broken look in my eyes.Paula carried the plastic chair that she was sitting on and came to sit close to the bed. Her eyes were gentle on me and her face full of concern. She slowly took my hand in hers, and for the first time after days of feeling all alone and isolated. I felt warmth.“ I’m so sorry about my statement earlier. I didn't mean to harm you.” She said, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. I wanted to pull my hand away because she was strange to me and she was getting too close. However, I couldn't bring myself to do so. I wanted to feel more of her warmth and I let her hold my hand for a little longer.“ It's okay.” My voice came out as a whisper, emotions clogged in my throat. I didn't blame Paula for asking me about my family because she was innocent. I understand that she was worried that my family might be looking for me while
KATERINA Paula’s face softened, “ You don't need to worry about the hospital bills.”I creased my eyebrows when I heard her words. How was I supposed not to worry about the hospital bills when I didn't have enough money to take care of it? I know the doctors said that I should avoid stress because it's not good for the babies but…I just couldn't help it. How was I supposed not to worry when there was every reason to worry about? “ I…” “ I’ll take care of the hospital bills. That is the least I can do for you after saving my life.” She cut me short before I could even finish my statement. I was quiet for a while when I heard Paula's word's. I didn't want her to think that I was taking advantage because I saved her life. I know it was a reckless thing to do but the truth is that I don't regret it. Even if it happened again, I would still do the same thing. “ Thank you, but I don't want you to think that I’m taking advantage of the situation because I helped you out. It's not your
LUCAS FOUR YEARS LATER Theme song - You're Mines Still, Yung Bleu ft Drake While searching through files in the study room, a picture dropped on the floor. I reached for it and my breath caught in my throat. It was a picture of a small girl and boy. The girl's brown hazel eyes shine brightly, her tongue stuck out of her mouth playfully.My lips curled up into a smile as I stared at the picture, forgetting what I was looking for. Katerina and I looked so happy and carefree. I recalled the day that the picture was taken as if it were yesterday. Those were the good old days that I craved for sometimes. What happened to us? How did we end up this way? The smile was no longer on our faces and those brown hazel eyes were nowhere to be seen. I stretched my trembling hand to touch Kate’s face on the picture as if doing so would help me feel the physical connection that I have been secretly craving for but she was beyond my reach. The picture was too cold, making a shiver run down my
KATERINASitting on the high-backed chair behind the vintage table, I furrowed my eyebrows, taking a good look at the sketch designs, turning it in different angles to make sure that I didn't miss important details. My concentration was cut short when a knock cut through the air. I granted whoever was knocking permission to enter, my eyes never leaving the sketch sketch book. It was silent inside the office and slowly, I raised my head to check who had walked in and I creased my eyebrows. It was none other than David Fernandez.“ What's wrong?” I inquired with creased eyebrows. I know things weren't good whenever David gave me that look.“ Guess what happened in the fashion market?” My heart jumped in my throat when I heard his words.“ Wha-what?” I asked hesitantly, not sure if I wanted to hear what he had to tell me. A part of me was curious while the other was afraid. What if the newly launched designs aren't performing well in the market? Fear crept in
" Secret.We're not going to tell you..." Arabella said playfully." Don't be mean to me." I pouted, pretending to be sad. " Asher, are you going to be mean to mommy too? What about you Alex." I asked, darting my eyes between the triplets." We'll only tell you if you promise to cook us the delicious chicken pie." Asher said, the corner of his lips curving into a smile. God, was Asher playing a trick on me? I couldn't believe it." I miss it!" Alex grumbled with a pout, " Me too." Arabella backed her brothers. I couldn't believe the three were ganging up on me.Heaving a deep sigh, I nodded, " Okay." I said with a smile. I know they missed my cooking because I have been busy lately.“ Grandma is at the fireplace.” They said in unison, “ Let's go check on her.” I said and we both headed to the fireplace.“ Grandma, mommy is home!” Bella announced before we could even walk in the room. She slowly turned towards us and a warm smile spread across her face.“ M
KATERINA ONE WEEK LATER “ Thank you all for being so supportive of the new project and giving it your all.” My lips curved into a big smile, darting my eyes around the long table where all the employees of Madonna company were gathered.“ Let's raise a glass for the marketing team, designing team and manufacturing team, technicians who make sure our websites run smoothly, event organising teams, secretaries, my amazing assistant...” I turned to look at Dave and he flashed me a gentle smile. I wanted him to know that I appreciated his efforts.“ Thank you all, this project wouldn't be a success without your combined efforts.” “ A toast to the amazing C.E.O who listens to her employees even though sometimes we can be a handful, you know.” David shouted and they both cheered. I laughed when I heard Dave's joking words.I felt tears burning it's way out but I blinked countless times to hold it back.I asked the employees to gather in the meeting hall so that we
KATERINA Standing before the full-length mirror, I stared at my reflection and I almost didn't recognise the person looking back at me. I have to admit that the make-up team which left not long ago did an amazing job. The red painting on my lips and the red blush on the cheeks matched perfectly with the red wine silk dress that I was wearing. The long sleeveless dress with an opening on the right thigh and diamond straps was from our new designs collection. I wanted to show people that the designs were not made only for consumers, it's for everyone and that's why our company always does everything to make quality products.I paired the dress with diamond earrings, which matched perfectly with the diamond stiletto heels and a thin diamond bracelet. My brown hair was fixed into a burn, leaving two hair strands falling on each side of my face. I looked at myself one last time, the corner of my lips curving into a smile, a satisfying smile. The dress hugged every curve of
AUTHOR'S POVThe atmosphere in the courtroom was thick with anticipation, silence taking over as everyone patiently waited for the judge to give his ruling over the preliminary hearing. There were only two possible decisions and the judge could only choose one. Either his rule leans on the defending side, meaning the case would be closed and there would be no further hearing. Or…she leans on Katerina’s side, giving her a chance to prove to the judge and the entire world that indeed, Stephanie was behind her Dad's tragic death.Kate sucked in a tight breath, trying to brace herself for whatever had to come. She gave it her all. She told the court what needed to be told, not leaving any stone unturned. She believes that she did her best to convince the judge and everyone in the court that Stephanie is the real culprit. If it were up to her to make the ruling, she would give the case another chance since she strongly believes that if she's giv
KATERINA It was silent inside the courtroom, even a pin-drop could be heard. Both prosecution and defence parties had settled down, patiently waiting for the judge to enter the room so that the hearing could begin. The air was thick with tension, anticipation and hope as the seconds passed by. There were exactly five minutes left before 9am.Katerina released a deep breath , trying her best to calm her racing heart. As though David sensed her discomfort, he touched Kate’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Katerina turned her head momentarily to look at David and flashed him a gentle smile, silently thanking him for his unwavering support.On the other hand, Stephanie looked so relaxed, as though she wasn't the one accused of murder. Her shoulders were relaxed and there was a hint of smile across her face. She turned to look at her lawyer and they exchanged knowing looks.Lucas eyed Kate from the corner of his eyes. He saw how Katerina clung to th
KATERINAIt wasn't easy. I almost gave up the fight but…thanks to the heavens I had people who gave me strength to keep on fighting! David, Paula and my lawyer gave me the strength to keep on going, and the day that we have all been waiting for was finally here.Melissa's death was still a mystery, the person who knocked her with the car is yet to be found. Her mom hates me to the guts, blaming me for her daughter's death. I chose to remain silent, accepting the blame because I know how hard it's for her. It's hard for both of us…Heaving a deep sigh, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and for a second , I didn't recognise the person who was looking right back at me. I looked pale and exhausted. Even though I had applied light make-up, the dark circles on my eyes were still visible. It was hard for me to fall asleep last night.Each time I closed my eyes, I woke up to nightmares. The death of Melissa triggered the memories of my parent’s tragic deaths. My mind jolted back to
KATERINA THE FOLLOWING DAY, SUNDAY I stared at the cold unmoving body, my vision blurry with tears. I was still holding onto that glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe…there was a confusion of names. However, staring at Melissa’s body in a morgue cooler proved otherwise.There was no confusion, not even slightest.She was dead!Her eyes were shut tightly and her lips clumped together. I wished she could blink or…opened her eyes to tell me that it was just a bad nightmare and it would pass. To my disappointment, it was quiet inside the morgue, no traces of life apart from the morgue attendance and the people who had accompanied me to see the body.We followed up with the police first thing in the morning and we were told that she died right after she was hit by the car. It was a hit and run kind of situation. The car that hit her drove away and it didn't have a silence plate for identical. The police are still lo
KATERINA“I just received the news that Melissa is dead…” My lawyer's words echoed in my head over and over again, like bad music which was put on repeat.How? I couldn't help but question myself, trying to make sense of his words. Melissa's happy face flashed in my mind. That bright smile that could light the dark sky and melt away all sadness.She was so happy about the case. She was in good health a few hours ago when we parted ways and agreed that we would meet on my Monday for the court’s hearing. I shook my head, refusing to accept what Evan had just told me a few seconds ago, the words so fresh in my mind.“This can't be…” I shook my head frantically, trying to convince myself that it wasn't true. The corner of my lips curving into a bitter smile. If this was a joke, I swear it's the worst joke that I have ever heard in my entire life. It wasn't funny at all!“She was perfectly
KATERINA A FEW DAYS LATER “Are you sure about the decision that you have made? There is still time for you to reconsider the decision. You don't need to feel obligated if you don't want to.” I asked the young lady who was in her early twenties.She told me that her name is Melissa.“Yes,I’m sure about it ma’am.” She nodded, a subtle smile taking over her features.“That wasn't the first time the woman caused trouble at the shop. There was this time that she harassed me, reporting me to my boss and my salary was deducted. I tried to explain to my boss that she was the one at fault but…she didn't want to listen to me, saying the customer is always right.” Melissa said and I could feel the raw pain in her voice. I could tell that she really dislikes Stephanie and she has been waiting for this chance to make her pay for what she did to her.I turned my head to look at Evan, my lawyer and he nodded, his
KATERINA “You have tried countless times to separate the two of us but it doesn't work. When are you going to realise that our union was a match made in heaven?”Monalisa's words re-played in my head over and over again. Perhaps she was right about what she was saying. Perhaps they were destined to be together.I didn't have a problem with Lucas choosing Monalisa over me because he has the right to choose whoever he wanted to side with without being pushed to make the decision.However, what hurt the most is the fact that Lucas had lied to Monalisa and everyone about his visit to my apartment.My jaw twitched and I gritted my teeth when I gave it a thought. He tainted my name, making me look like some desperate whore. If only I knew opening the door to him would make things more complicated. I wouldn't have opened it in the first place.After the heated conversation with Monalisa in the coffee shop, I headed to my lawyer's office to inform him about Luc
KATERINA “Lucas my love, we’re supposed to visit my mother's lawyer and discuss the case. There's no way we're going to let that bitch Katerina lie about my mother!” I didn't want to believe that voice belonged to Monalisa but it was loud and clear. I would still recognise it even if I'm deep in slumber. It belonged to her. A click pierced through my ear, then followed by silence on the other side of the call. He had hung up on me, just like many other times when Monalisa was around and she needed his full attention. With shaky hands, I pulled the phone from my ear, placing it on the table. Perhaps I would have stick to the decision that I had made with my lawyer yesterday night, this wouldn't be happening. Maybe if I would have gazed through those blue eyes keenly, I would have noticed that he was only playing around with me like a rug doll. How could I be so dumb not to read between th
KATERINA I took a sharp breath when I heard Luca's words, not believing it. I thought that…Maybe he said what he said yesterday because of the alcohol influence. However, it turns out that he meant every single word that he said. Did he just…choose me over Monalisa? I couldn't help it but ask myself. Wondering if I had heard his words right or if I was dreaming. I stared at his hand on top of mine on the table then raised my head to look at him and our eyes locked. “I hope you won't regret the decision that you just made. I don't want to cause any problems to your family so that I can be the reason for it falling apart, again.” I felt the bile raising up in my throat when the words escaped my mouth but I swallowed it back. I remembered how Lucas blamed me for breaking his family four years ago. I recalled the hurt and anger in those blue eyes which were now looking at me with care and concern. I didn't want to be the reason for his breaking. I had made up my mind and decided that