Love beyond Numbers

KATHERINE POV.I stared at the wineglass in my hand, the deep red liquid swirling lazily as I tipped it back and forth. The TV hummed softly in the background, a rerun of some sitcom I wasn’t paying attention to. The apartment felt cavernous, even though it was barely big enough to hold my couch, a coffee table, and my regrets. Divorce, I had learned, wasn’t just the end of a marriage. It was the end of routines, dreams, and the version of yourself you’d built around someone else. My someone else had been Max. Sixteen years of marriage, reduced to courtroom arguments and a signature on a dotted line. Sixteen years of loose sweaters, muted lipstick, and dimmed smiles because Max didn’t like “ungodly” or “attention-seeking” clothing. Sixteen years of believing his sweet words and ignoring the sour undercurrents of his actions. And for what? To walk into our bedroom one night and find him tangled with a redhead who didn’t own a single “godly” item of clothing? I scoffed at the tho

KATHERINE POVOn my first day at Sterling Corps, I felt small compared to the magnanimous bustling going on around me.The building was elegant and modern, it was a place I never imagined I’d work. I stepped into the elevator, my palms sweaty and took a deep breath. You've got it, Kat.I met my supervisor, an almond-eyed woman named Sherry who showed me to my desk. The day was a blur of introductions and orientations and I loved it. As I settled Into my new role, I felt relieved, I never knew I would enjoy it like I did.The work was challenging but manageable, back at home Charlotte’s silence still spoke volumes.I was enjoying my work, grateful not to think about Max or any negativity, but what I was unaware of was the past was about to force its way into my present.Few weeks had passed since I started working in Sterling Corporation. Everyone was on deck as we heard the CEO was going to be on seat and he wanted to meet all the new employees.“Katherine, you missed yesterday, why

ADRIAN POVEver since that intense moment in my office, Kat had been avoiding me, it made me want her even more.I knew she felt the connection too. I had seen her eyes dilate nervously and her breathing became ragged anytime I passed by her desk.And I must say, not only was she beautiful, but she was also extremely intelligent. I often checked her work progress and was impressed.Her supervisor had good things to say about her. I had seen how she took the reins in board meetings when presenting.Professional and chic. But I wanted her close. I wanted that night, every night. And when I took a drastic step, I knew she would come knocking.“Come in,” I said as I reclined on my chair. Katherine entered with a frown which she tried to hide under professionalism.“Good morning, sir.” She was dressed in a sleek white pencil skirt and a red blouse that complemented her figure perfectly.Damn! Red. How wish she knew what her beauty was doing to me. “Good morning, Ms. Turner,” I replied,

ADRIAN POV.“I've witnessed a lot of hungry, horny guys in my time sir, and you are one of them.” I gulped down the alcohol in the glass, making a face as the hot substance hit my throat.I poured another drink. “What kind of a guy goes after another woman while being engaged to someone.” Her words rang in my head. I loosened my tie.“And moreover I can never date someone younger.” I gulped down the drink.Frustration boiled within me. How could she think of me that way? I wanted to break something, anything, but instead, I settled for the burn of the alcohol.I forcefully placed the glass on the table, with the loud noise reverberating in the vacant room. She was constantly on my mind.Her resistance, her power, her sheer stubbornness. And that night in the UK… It was more than just a mistake or a passing moment.I felt a connection, a spark I hadn’t felt with anyone else, that night together, I felt at peace, it was as

KATHERINE POV.I scribbled furiously in my notebook, trying to focus on the task at hand, but the words blurred on the page.My hand trembled, and I knew Adrian could sense my struggle because he suddenly asked, “Miss Katherine, are you fine?” His voice was a bit too loud.Heads turned, eyes on me and a wave of embarrassment and fury surged through me. Son of a bi–“I- I am fine.” I managed to say, my voice barely steady. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw him smirk.“You are doing great, Katherine,” he whispered, his breath fanning my ear. It sent a shiver down my spine and I bit back a groan.I hated how he made me feel, how he had this power over me. But more than anything, I hated how much I wanted him to keep going.And it felt like the world was against me, because the meeting dragged on, and his hand remained under my skirt, tracing lazy circles on my thigh.I involuntarily widened my thigh, and a smirk spread acr