Katherine POVI counted one to ten in my head while the silence stretched between us.Then, when I couldn't bear the tension anymore, I asked him if there was still something he wanted to talk to me about."I still have to finish my work." I reminded him.I don't know if it was his habit to make people feel awkward, but he was doing a good job of it right now.I cleared my throat to get his attention."Sir?""Yes?" He asked.His eyes were on me."If there is nothing more, may I be excused? I still need to get back to my work."He did not respond, so I stood from my chair."How is Erin?" He asked.Now, my anger from the past week resurfaced."She's fine, sir. Thank you for asking." I told him stiffly."I bought something for her. Here." He said, handing several bags from famous children's shops.I shook my head, refusing
Lucas POVAfter Katherine left, I kept staring at the door, hoping she would return. But as seconds ticked by, I smiled wryly to myself.I bent my head down and sighed. What was I thinking?Katherine Fielding was so angry at me because she thought I was playing with her daughter's affection, but I was not. If I did, would that make me no worse than her ex-husband?I truly cared for Erin. It was never my intention to hurt her or make empty promises. I sighed, feeling a little lost. Katherine's burst of anger teased my head. “Dan, were you able to save my new personal number to Katherine’s phone?” I asked my assistant when he came in to bring in more work. “Yes, boss.” He responded crisply.“And were you able to report the loss of my personal phone and have it locked by our mobile carrier?” I asked again. Dan nodded yes, and I dismissed him. I wondered if Katherine would believe me if I told her ignoring Erin's call was unintentional. In all honesty, I would have called if I ha
Lucas POVI stared at my mother and felt a pang in my chest, knowing this was not a social call. “What are you doing here, mother?” I asked in an irritated tone. My mother flinched, but I knew better. There is not much that would leave Janine Sanders shaken. With her cold demeanor, whatever I threw her way was nothing. But being the great actress, she milked the situation for what it was worth. “I heard from your friends that you went to Kent, but you did not bother to visit me.” She squeezed the corner of her scarf like the idea broke her. I sighed. “Didn’t you receive the money I sent you for this month?” I went to pick up the receiver and dialed Dan’s number. “Did you send money to my mother’s bank account in Kent?” I asked when Dan answered the phone.All this while, my eyes were trained on her. My expression was filled with mistrust. “Boss, the money came through like clockwork,” Dan informed me.I knew it. I just did not know why she was here. I placed the receiver b
Katherine POV“This is an invasion of privacy!” Lucas Sanders roared when I remained stuck in the doorway, knees trembling in fright. To say that it left me startled was an understatement. It was the least of my expectations - to find Lucas Sanders angry when I marched up to his room, thawing the fury in my heart and leaving a cold dread inside. He was right. I was invading his privacy, but in my defense, that was because I reached the last shred of my patience. I remembered warning him against making contact with Erin, but he refused to listen. Instead, not only did he try to call her using my phone, but he also sent her the gifts I refused to accept earlier. If he did not do that, he wouldn’t be arousing my ire, causing me to march up here to confront him. I did not expect that he would meet me with equal fury. It was so unlike him. Lucas Sanders shouting at me to get out was like a dousing of cold water. I realized I had overstepped my bounds and moved to rectify my error
Lucas POV"You found Katherine," Agatha asked. Her voice sounded tremulous. Her tone hinted at jealousy, and I groaned. This is not what I wanted to cap my day. I massaged my temple when it throbbed in pain. First Katherine, then my mother, then Katherine again, and now Agatha. Annoyed, I turned to her and asked in a cold voice, barely holding on to my self-control. Any moment, I feel like snapping at her.I already felt crap for doing that Katherine. I don't want to add Agatha to my growing list of guilt."Can we do this visit some other time? I have a heavy workload, and you did not tell me you were coming," I told her before standing up from the couch and walking over to my desk.Even if I didn't feel like it, I began signing documents to shoo Agatha away.Agatha forced a smile to her face. I thought she would whine and insist. Thankfully, she didn't."Okay. I just came here to give you this."She rummaged through her ba,g and within seconds she was waving my lost phone in
Katherine POVI don’t know what to say. One moment Lucas Sanders was furious with me. He had gone ballistic. The next moment, he barged into my office, hugging me like it was the most logical thing to do.My cheeks flamed in a mixture of fear and excitement. He was my boss. I wanted to protest, but the protest died in my throat when his warmth enveloped me. One thing that registered in my head while I was tucked in his arms. It was how natural it felt to be enfolded in his arms. It was like Lucas Sanders and I had done this several lifetimes ago. And because it felt natural, my arms lifted to mimic his actions and encircled his waist. Then, I closed my eyes, savoring the feeling. By now, we were hugging each other like any lovers would. The idea made me feel fuzzy and warm inside. What was it about the man that made me do mad things that defy logic or reason?Why does it feel like I was the moth to Lucas’ flame? I can't help but always gravitate toward him when he is near.I
Lucas POV“She’s a cheater. You hated her.”Oliver reminded me when I told him what had transpired between me and Katherine earlier.I winced at the reminder. It seemed like a lifetime ago when I said those words that came to haunt me.But looking at things right now, I do not care anymore. Katherine is divorced. Maybe she could find it in her heart to love me again.I sensed her reaction every time I was near, and I can’t deny that there was that spark. I knew she felt it, too, but she was scared.I was scared, too.&n
Katherine POVAfter rejecting my boss and hearing him click the button to end our call, I regretfully put the phone down.My eyes then strayed to a social media post of Agatha Richards. It does not say a lot, but the picture and the caption tell a thousand words.I had to thank Veronica for coming to my office to show me this post.She saved me from making a decision that would spell disaster with a capital D.While I stared at the post, anger flared up within me.How could Lucas Sanders be so cruel? Did he think that I wouldn’t find out about his duplicity
Oliver POVI followed Veronica toward the makeshift altar. We did not talk, and it worked just fine for me. Pachelbel’s Canon in D wafted in the air, and the processional began. After Lucas walked the beige-colored carpet, the coordinator nodded in my direction to indicate my turn. I squared my shoulders and began walking until I reached Lucas, and I stood beside him. We both face the end of the aisle to watch the rest of the entourage walk toward their seats. Then, it was Erin’s turn. Lucas smiled, watching Erin walk the aisle holding a cute flower basket made from dried rattan. From time to time, she stops to toss flower petals in the air before resuming her walk. When she reached Lucas, she smiled and made an okay sign. Lucas responded by giving her two thumbs up. Then, she lifted her arms to Lucas, wanting to be carried. Lucas indulged her. He grunted when he bent to pick her up, amusing the guests. Erin's arms surrounded Lucas's neck. Now, it was Veronica’s turn.
Veronica POVI watched my friend meet our boss on her bridal walk at that spectacular spread by the beach. The white decorations embellished generously with varied shades of lavender were most appealing to the eyes.With the backdrop of seawater, the color seemed to translate into tranquility - a soothing balm for my soul.“You look maudlin. Aren’t you happy for your friend? Or maybe you are expecting her to suffer until now.” A man asked from the side.The accusation stung.The mocking tone in his voice left a bad taste in my mouth.Why was it
Katherine POVFor a moment, I thought he changed his mind, allowing doubt to creep in. But living in fear for too long makes one realize that there was a moment when she had to seize the moment and take a risk. Right now, I took a risk when I affirmed his question because he had become hesitant after asking the question. The glassy look on his face made me doubt if he was indeed serious with the proposal. But of course, raising your guard for a long time comes with a price -vulnerability. I tried to mask that weakness by pretending to be impatient, but inside, I was freaking out. What if he recalls the proposal?I grabbed his hand - the one with the engagement ring - to prove that the whole thing was not just a figment of my imagination. It was real. Lucas Sanders proposed to me. He had mentioned it previously but always tailed it with words that he would wait for my readiness. I realized no one was ready for anything. You take and accept things because they feel right. When L
Lucas POVMy chest pounded as I waited for Katherine’s reply to my proposal. Still, as the seconds stretched into a minute, I felt a wave of desolation washed over me. Disappointment was all over her features. My fingers closed on the diamond ring I bought with her in mind. "I know I did not prepare a grand proposal. I didn't even think of a good speech. I am also sorry for rushing you." I began to explain. It was different from pitching project proposals for my business because this would change my whole life. It sounded like I was babbling. The truth is, this is my first marriage proposal. I never proposed to anyone because no one came to measure up to this gorgeous woman in front of me. No one came close to how she has affected me that even after five years, she was still the only one I wanted. As I waited for Katherine’s reply, I remembered what Duke told me. “We can’t touch Agatha because JQ Entertainment is protecting her.”Now, the faceless man who dared to antagonize
Katherine POVI woke up alone in bed and felt slightly disappointed when I realized Lucas was gone. I turned to the side to hug the pillow he used on my chest, wishing it was him. It would have been nice to wake up and see him first thing in the morning. I was jolted from my daydreaming when the door to my room opened. Lucas entered the room with Erin in his arms. “Mommy!” Erin called out in a singsong voice. I watched her wiggle from Lucas’s arms. When her feet reached the floor, she began to run toward me. She climbed the bed and sat next to me. “You and Daddy sleep without me.” She complained.My eyes met Lucas above Erin’s head. Then, I turned to my daughter to mumble an apology. Erin shrugged. “It’s okay. Daddy promised we would sleep together tonight. You, me and Daddy.” Erin reported.The idea excited me. I began to caress Erin’s head to hide the pleasure the news brought. “Have you eaten?” I asked She bobbed her head. “Me and Daddy.” Then, she stood on the bed to tu
Katherine POV“I am sorry. I shouldn’t have stooped down to her level,” I told Lucas stiffly as we walked back to the bus.Until now, I could still hear Agatha’s rants and the expected whispers from our onlookers.If truth be known, hitting her and putting her in her place gave me immense satisfaction. Agatha shouldn't have insulted my daughter because that is where I draw the line.I felt a tug on my hand, prompting me to stop.“Agatha had it coming. You shouldn’t feel any regret.” Lucas told me.He held my chin and stared deep into
Katherine POV“Well. Well. Well. The sarcasm in Agatha Richards' tone was keenly comprehensible, especially if one cared enough to listen. Agatha was walking out of the function room at the same time we did. And because all doors lead to the lobby, we sort of ended up meeting in the middle. There is no way I could have avoided her, even if I wanted to. Then, she dropped the bomb that put me in the spotlight. “If it isn’t the fiance stealer.” She looked at me up and down, and her nose wrinkled in distaste as if she did not like what she saw. I know I am not as sophisticated or glamorous as her. I looked down the denim overalls I wore at the tree planting project and knew that compared to Agatha, I looked very ordinary. But Lucas’s hand, when it searched for mine, felt very comforting. I knew Agathaa saw how he held my hand and squeezed it. The action sent a signal that he was trying to silently assure me. This seemed to ignite Agatha’s anger. “How does it feel to be taking my
Katherine POV“Put me down, Daddy!” Erin said, and Lucas swung her in his arms before he placed her feet firmly on the ground. “Thank you, Daddy.” She said sweetly before latching onto his hand. She gripped his thumb before she turned around to search the crowd. When she spotted me, she beckoned to me and said, “Come on, Mommy. Let’s go.” There were still some employees in the area, and as much as I would like to clamp a hand on Erin’s mouth, I couldn’t. I have to take everything in stride, just as Lucas had. No flaunting, and certainly no keeping secrets. I was just making things as natural as is. We can not hide forever. And from the looks of it, Lucas had no intention of hiding us either, especially Erin’s existence. I walked up to them. My breath hitched when Lucas snaked his arm around my waist and started gearing me toward the bus. At some point, Erin dropped his hand and ran toward Oliver. “Uncle Ollie. Wait up!” Oliver, who was walking with Veronica, stopped t
Katherine POVI turned around to face Veronica, but she was already walking away. Then, my eyes squinted when Oliver blocked her path. I saw the tension in her body and thought I was not the only one who needed some explanation. Veronica also has to explain the tension with Oliver. From the looks of it, something is brewing between them. “Stare at him longer, and I was an inch from getting jealous, sweetheart.” Lucas' breath fanned my cheeks when he leaned close to murmur in my ears. I stepped to the side to allow distance between us, consciously aware of the people around us. I don’t want to add fuel to our grand entrance. Lucas’ employees already had something to talk about.But my action sent the wrong signal to Lucas. “Why are you avoiding me?” His eyes squinted in suspicion. I rolled my eyes. Here he goes again. “Shh,” I said, trying to hold him back from further incriminating the two of us.“What?” Lucas demanded when he saw me looking from left to right. Then, he sh