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KATERINA TWO DAYS LATER Sitting on the high backed chair behind the vintage table, I squinted my eyes on the laptop, accessing the new sketching that the team had sent to me not long ago. It was on a Monday and I was back in Aurelian city. The weekend with the triplets was fun. It was hard to say goodbye to them. However, I had no other choice. Arabella cried because she wanted to come with me to Aurelian city. It broke my heart as I watched tears stream down her cheeks. I wanted to bring her with me but…I just couldn't. “ Say hello to your friend Lucas.” Her words echoed in my head and I took a deep breath. Arabella asked me where Lucas comes from and I had no choice but to tell her the truth. I didn't want to lie to her because I know a child never forgets. Lucas tried to call me a couple of times but I didn't pick any of his calls. I wanted him to know that I meant It when I said I don't want to talk to him ever again. I guess he has never changed, he's stubborn just lik
AUTHOR’S POV Lucas listened to the clip for the hundredth time, and each time it replayed, he got more furious. The voices were clear, and he could hear Monalisa threatening Katerina. Katerina sent the video to Lucas with the caption “You need to control your wife because she seems out of control. The threats she made are serious and I can sue her for it” it read. The words were in capital and it was clear that Katerina was mad about it. If Lucas didn't have the recording, he would say that Katerina was lying. However, the recording in his hand proved otherwise. His jaw twitched as anger boiled in his veins, the hold around his phone tightening until the screen cracked. “ You can have him all for yourself because I don't care about him!” The words were like ice shards which pierced Luca's heart into a million pieces, leaving it cold and numb. Lucas knows damn well that Katerina let the past go. However , there was this stupid part of him that thought maybe…just maybe, there was a
KATERINA Standing on the balcony at my apartment, I stared at the tall building which was miles away. It was illuminated dimly under the moonlight. My family's company, now owned by none other than Stephanie. My heart ached inside my chest when I gave it a thought. I recalled how my dad sacrificed everything to build the company. Those late nights that he used to spend in the study room, carefully crafting ways to improve the company's performance so that it could thrive even more. Those early meetings, sacrificing sleep to make sure that the company was doing well, exhausting business trips around the world, sleepless nights, blood and tears had gone to waste.I couldn't believe the once famous company was now struggling, on the verge of bankruptcy. All thanks to Stephanie and her greedy nature. I checked the time on my phone and that's when I noticed missed calls from Lucas. He has been calling me nonstop but I didn't receive any of his calls. I sent the video t
AUTHOR'S POV Leaning on the balcony’s railings, Stephanie darted her eyes around softly, enjoying the beautiful view of Aurelian city from her penthouse balcony. She was holding a glass of amber liquid in her left hand, slowly sipping on it as the cold breeze brushed through her hair, making the feeling more compelling. She took another sip, closing her eyes gently as the cold liquid hit her guts. ‘Heaven, it feels so good.’ She thought, the corner of her lips curving into a smile. What was there to worry about when life was this good? She has everything that she has ever wished for. She can buy the most expensive wine that is decades old. Buy the most expensive clothes, cars and live in the most expensive apartment in Aurelian city. The current apartment that she’s currently residing in is the most expensive apartment in the city. It's built using rare gemstones and both interior an
KATERINA It has already been three days since the lawyer visited my house to inform me about the case. He's updating me on the proceedings and everything in between. The first hearing would be about my Dad's death, then followed by the inheritance case a week after.My lawyer told me that…we need to find a way to prove to the court that Stephanie has violent behaviours. I have tried to think of ways to do it but…nothing comes to mind.Stephanie treated me rudely countless times. However, I don't have any solid evidence that proves it. If she didn't sell my home, it would be easy to have access to most of the clips from the CCTV but…she sold my home. I’m pretty sure she did it on purpose to destroy all the evidence that I could use against her. She's so wicked.I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration when I gave it thought. I hated the fact that I felt helpless. I hated even more when the thought of Steph
LUCAS“Sure, on my way.” I hung up the phone, shoved it in my pant’s pocket then turned around and walked away.“ Lucas, where are you going? You can't leave the meeting just like that. You know how important this meeting is to the company.” I heard Adam's laboured voice come from behind me. I could tell that he was running to catch-up.It's true the meeting was important to the company and it was our last hope. The investors had agreed to increase the investment in the company. Well, what made me walk away from the meeting imposed too…Adams finally caught up with me and stepped in front of me, blocking my way. I heaved a deep sigh, trying my best not to kick him out of the way.“What's wrong with you man? Don't tell me you're going to cast away all the efforts that we made to convince the investor to increase their investment. What's more important than this meeting?” He asked, clearly pissed off with my behavio
KATERINA “Mr Thompsons, I politely ask you to follow me. You're not allowed to enter this building without Madam boss's permission.” Evan said politely.I swallowed hard when I heard his words. It's true that I had asked them never to allow Lucas, Monalisa, Stephanie or anybody to enter the company without my permission for security purposes.Lucas ignored the security guards words, his eyes were on me as he looked at me worriedly.“It's okay Evan,” I said, the corner of my lips curving into a small smile. Everyone turned their heads to look at me as if I was an alien, never expecting my reply.Jade,my secretary, was surprised too when she heard my reply. I had asked her never to make another appointment with Lucas Thompson ever again.“ Okay ma’am.” Evan nodded in understanding, leaving immediately to give us some privacy.“I’ll go through the document later t
AUTHOR'S POVKaterina’s breath caught in her throat when she heard Luca's words. To be honest, she wasn't expecting him to trust her that easily, not even in her wildest dream.Why the change of heart? Why did he believe her without asking questions like he always did? Katerina couldn't help it but wonder, many questions buzzing in her mind.“You…believe me?” She asked hesitantly, not sure if she had heard it right or if her ear was playing a damn game on her. You can't blame Katerina for acting that way because…it was hard for Lucas to believe her in the past, since Monalisa walked in her once peaceful life where they were no doubts. Kate wasn't expecting the conversation to be this smooth either. She was prepared to face the difficulty that was ahead of her. She was ready to accept the fact that Lucas wouldn't believe…The smile on Luca's face broadened when he saw her reaction. He knew damn well that she would act that way when he heard his words.“Yes I
AUTHOR'S POV Lucas and Monalisa broke the tight hug, turned around and came face to face with David who looked all calm. Lucas arched his brow, wondering what David wanted to talk to him about. On the other hand, Monalisa gritted her teeth, anger boiling in her veins. “What do you want with my husband?Are you happy the court ruled in your girlfriend's favour?” Monalisa asked through gritted teeth. While in the courtroom, Monalisa realised how close David and Katerina were. She saw how comforting he was towards her step-sister and that made her dislike automatically. Monalisa never imagined that Katerina had someone who supported her the way David did. She thought that Kate was alone the way she used to be when she snatched everything from her Her father's love, her best friend and everything that she held dear. Lucas turned to look at Monalisa who was burning red with anger, “It's ok
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
KATERINA It 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 bac
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