Chapter 9

Katie’s fingers remained wrapped around the porcelain teacup, but she no longer remembered lifting it.

Donald’s cheerful laughter still filled the dining room, yet every sound around her seemed distant, muffled under the single sentence that refused to leave her mind.

“You’ve been married to Rita for six years… and you’ve only given me one grandchild.”

The words replayed again in her mind. Her heartbeat slowed before racing painfully against her chest.

Six years. She lowered her eyes to the untouched breakfast on her plate, but instead of seeing eggs and toast, she saw memories.

Brian is canceling anniversaries because of “urgent meetings.” Brian refused to post photographs together because he valued privacy. Brian insisted that meeting his extended family could wait until business became less hectic.

Brian disappeared for entire weekends with explanations that had sounded believable at the time. She had believed every single one. Now each memory returns with a different meaning.

Katie tightened her grip beneath the table until her nails pressed into her palm.

Across from her, Brian looked equally unsettled. He picked up his coffee, only to realize his hand wasn’t steady enough.

Rita noticed immediately. Without hesitation, she reached over and rested a hand lightly against his arm.

“Careful,” she said with a small laugh. “You’ve barely touched your coffee.”

Brian nodded stiffly. “Right.”

Donald, completely unaware of the storm brewing around his dining table, chuckled. “I suppose that’s what marriage does to a man. First, you stop sleeping properly, then you forget how to drink coffee.”

Gerald laughed. “I think that’s just Brian.”

The table erupted in easy laughter, except Katie and Damien. His dark eyes traveled around the table once before stopping beside her.

“You haven’t eaten.”

Katie looked toward him. “What?”

“You haven’t touched your breakfast.”

She glanced down. Her plate looked almost untouched. “I…” She forced a faint smile. “I’m just tired.”

Damien studied her face for a moment.

Katie picked up her fork. “I’ll eat.”

She cut a small piece of toast and placed it into her mouth. She barely tasted it.

Damien watched her for a while before returning his attention to his coffee. He said nothing else.

Donald leaned comfortably against his chair before looking toward Brian again.

“Speaking of marriage…” Donald smiled. “When are you taking Rita on another vacation?”

Brian blinked. “We haven’t decided.”

Gerald laughed. “That’s because you spend more time inside your office than at home.”

“I work to provide.” Brian forced a smile, “So does Uncle Damien.”

Donald nodded in agreement. “Exactly.” He gestured toward Damien. “Look at him. The boy practically lives inside his office , yet he still found time to get married.”

Damien didn’t even look up. “I was cornered.”

Donald’s laughter echoed across the room. “You’ll thank me eventually.”

Katie almost smiled despite everything weighing on her mind. The exchange felt surprisingly natural. She understood why this family loved teasing Damien because even he didn’t seem bothered by it.

Donald reached for another piece of toast. “Brian, you’ve been married long enough to know the secret.”

Brian forced a smile. “There isn’t one.”

“There is.” Donald pointed his knife toward him. “Happy wife, peaceful life.”

Gerald laughed loudly. “I thought it was expensive wife, empty wallet.”

Even Samantha giggled although she clearly didn’t understand the joke. The atmosphere relaxed again. Only Katie remained trapped inside her thoughts.

Her eyes drifted toward Brian without meaning to. He looked older than she remembered. There were faint lines around his eyes now.

He had changed. Yet one thing had not changed over the years, he still couldn’t meet her gaze for very long. Almost as if guilt refused to let him.

Damien cleared his throat. “The Singapore project.”

Donald immediately looked over. “What about it?”

“The investors confirmed yesterday.”

Donald’s attention shifted instantly. “Already?”

Damien nodded. “The contracts arrive this afternoon.”

Just like that, the conversation changed. Business replaced the uncomfortable silence.

Gerald leaned forward. “I heard they’re expanding into Europe.”

“They are.”

Donald smiled proudly. “I told you nobody negotiates better than Damien.”

The discussion continued and everyone was engaged except Katie. Words floated around her without meaning.

She only noticed movement when a tiny figure appeared beside her chair.

She looked down. Samantha smiled shyly. “Hi.”

Katie blinked. “Hello.”

The little girl told her, “You’re pretty.”

Katie’s expression softened. “Thank you.”

Samantha pointed toward the necklace resting against Katie’s collarbone. “I like that.”

Katie instinctively touched it. “This?”

The little girl nodded enthusiastically. “My daddy bought one like that for Mommy.”

Katie froze. Her fingers remained against the necklace. Brian had given it to her years ago. He had smiled while fastening it around her neck.

“I had it specially designed for you.” At least… That was what he had told her. Katie slowly looked toward Brian.

He had heard Samantha. The color drained from his face.

Rita reacted almost immediately. “Samantha.”

Her voice came quicker than intended. The little girl turned.

“Come here, sweetheart.”

“But—”

“Now.”

Samantha frowned innocently before walking back toward her mother.

Donald laughed. “Relax, Rita.”

“I’m just making sure she doesn’t disturb Katie.”

“She’s not disturbing anyone.”

Katie forced another smile. “She’s lovely.”

Rita smiled back. “Thank you.”

But the smile never reached her eyes. She looked frightened.

Breakfast finally drew to an end. Servants began clearing plates while everyone gradually stood.

Donald stretched comfortably. “Enough business.” He looked directly at Damien. “You.”

Damien raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Take your wife away on a vacation.” Donald continued. “Forget meetings for the main time.”

Gerald nodded immediately. “I actually agree.”

Donald smiled broadly. “Exactly.” He turned toward Katie. “My dear, where would you like to go?”

Katie opened her mouth. “I—”

“We’ll leave tomorrow.” Her words never came. She turned toward Damien. He calmly reached for his car keys as though the decision had already been made.

Donald clapped happily. “Excellent. I’ll have everything arranged.”

Gerald grinned. “Don’t answer work calls.”

Damien looked at him. “I’ll consider it.”

Everyone slowly began leaving the dining room. Katie picked up her handbag. All she wanted was fresh air.

She had barely reached the doorway when a familiar voice stopped behind her.

“Katie...”

Her steps halted. The room became strangely quiet. She slowly turned.

Brian stood feet away. His expression carried words he clearly couldn’t say in front of everyone else.

Katie looked at him for only a second. Then she offered a polite smile that felt painfully unfamiliar.

“Excuse me, Brian.” She walked past him without another glance.

Brian remained standing exactly where she had left him. Behind them… Damien didn’t move. His eyes followed Katie until she disappeared into the hallway.

Several minutes later, the Rolls-Royce rolled through the mansion gates.

Katie watched the passing scenery through the window while Damien kept both hands on the steering wheel.

Finally… Without taking his eyes off the road…

Damien spoke. “Did Brian hurt you?”