LOGINKATHERINE POV.
Saturday afternoon. Ashley looked nervous as she reached out and gently took my hand. “Come with me,” she whispered, glancing around. Without waiting for a reply, she led me toward the terrace, where the warm afternoon air greeted us. The noise from the party faded behind us, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves and distant laughter. I looked at her, puzzled. “Ashley, what’s going on?” I asked, trKATHERINE POV. Saturday afternoon. Ashley looked nervous as she reached out and gently took my hand. “Come with me,” she whispered, glancing around. Without waiting for a reply, she led me toward the terrace, where the warm afternoon air greeted us. The noise from the party faded behind us, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves and distant laughter. I looked at her, puzzled. “Ashley, what’s going on?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm despite the knot forming in my stomach. She took a deep breath, turning to face me. “I’ve been waiting for you to come,” she admitted softly. “I’m the one who asked Owen to convince you all to come over.” My brows knitted together in surprise. “You did? Why? Is everything okay?” Ashley shook her head, her gaze dropping to the ground. “No, it’s not,” she confessed, placing a hand on her stomach. “You were right
Katherine’s POV. SATURDAY. The next morning, I woke up early. Sunlight streamed through the large window, casting a warm glow over the room. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to gather my thoughts. Today was the big day—the event, Mr. Sterling's twins' birthday, and Charlotte's birthday, all wrapped into one. It felt like there was so much happening at once, and I wasn't sure how it would all unfold. After a quick shower, I dressed in one of the outfits Adrian had sent us. It was a lovely dress, simple yet elegant, and it made me feel a little more confident about the day ahead. I heard a knock on my door just as I finished getting ready. “Mom, are you up?” It was Charlotte's voice. “Come in,” I called, and she opened the door, already dressed and looking more excited than ever. “You look beautiful,” I said, smiling at her. “Than
Katherine’s POV. I had never been outside of Portland in the whole year since I moved to the USA. But here I was, on a private jet, flying to Seattle. I never thought this would happen to me. I mean, who flies on a private jet? Not me, that's for sure. The way the plane staff treated me made me feel like a queen or something. They were so polite, always asking if I needed anything. It was so fancy. For a moment, I let myself feel special. If only wishes were horses, right? If things were different, if Adrian and I could be open about our relationship, maybe this could be my life for real. But I knew that wasn’t possible right now. I glanced over at Charlotte. She was grinning from ear to ear, snapping pictures of everything. She looked so happy and fascinated. The excitement in her eyes made my heart swell
Adrian’s POV. FRIDAY. I was in my room, packing for the event in Seattle. Suits, ties, shoes—all laid out on the bed. I couldn't help but smile a little. This trip was going to be special. Not just because of the event but because Katherine and Charlotte were coming along. As I folded a shirt, the door swung open. Vera stood there, arms crossed, looking at me with that sharp gaze of hers. “You look so happy. Why are you so happy?” she asked, her voice cutting through the room like ice. I frowned, glancing up at her. “What do you mean?” She tilted her head, eyes narrowing. “Is it because you're going out with your mistress?” Mistress? I knew she was talking about Katherine. She was fishing for something. “You have no proof,” I said calmly, turning back to my packing. “Whatever you're thinking, it’s just in your head.”
Katherine’s POV. I shook my head firmly. “No, Adrian. I can't go this weekend. It's Charlotte's birthday, and we're just starting to get along again.” I continued. “It wouldn't feel right to abandon her and leave for days.” Adrian's eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, Charlotte's birthday is this weekend?” he asked. “She shares the same birthday as Mr. Sterling's twins?” I nodded slowly. “Yes, they do. It's this Saturday.” A big smile spread across his face. “Katherine, do you really think I'd let you miss Charlotte's birthday?” I blinked at him, confused. “What do you mean?” “Charlotte is coming with us,” Adrian said simply like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “We'll all go to Seattle together. What's wrong with having a three-in-one celebration?” “The project event, Mr. Sterling's twins' birthday, and
Katherine’s POV. Adrian spent the whole afternoon with us and it was time for him to go home. I walked him to his car, the cool breeze making me pull my sweater tighter around me. He leaned against the driver's door, hands in his pockets, a soft smile on his face. “Thank you,” I said, my voice quiet. “For today. For... everything. You really made her happy.” He shrugged casually, but I could see the satisfaction in his eyes. “It was my pleasure. She deserved it.” For a moment, we stood there in silence. I could tell he had something on his mind. He glanced at me, then away, as if unsure if he should say it. Finally, he spoke. “Why does she resent you so much, Katherine?” His voice was gentle, not prying, just concerned. “I mean, I know you guys have had a tough time, but... it feels like there's more to it.” I felt my c
ADRIAN POV. It was another day and another chance to push Vera’s buttons. I had to keep her angry, keep her frustrated, until she finally gave up and said the words I was waiting for: ‘I want to go home.’ If I wanted out of Mauritius, this was the only way.
ADRIAN'S POV I sighed as I got off the phone with Katherine, feeling lighter than I had in days. Just hearing her voice made things feel more bearable. I missed her—missed the way she made everything seem clear, calm, and simple. It was like she knew how t
KATHERINE POV. For two days, I’d been waiting for Adrian to call or text. But my phone stayed silent. My worry was growing, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong. Charlotte was up to something, too. She spent the entire day packing her things. She
ADRIAN POV. The next day, which marked the so-called dating anniversary, I made a quick call to the decorator early in the morning instructing him to arrange something fitting the occasion. It was all for show, after all. If Vera wanted a display of romance, I would give her t







