The first meeting

{The next day}

Nicholas can be seen in his car, being driven to his company by his driver. All through the ride, he couldn't stop thinking about what Catherine had told him.

He had always known that something was wrong with that family, especially with Catherine's husband, Andrew but what he didn't expect was that it would be this severe.

He wanted to help her. Hell, he would do anything for Catherine. It had always been that way since the day he first saw her at that party. She was the most beautiful looking woman he had ever met.

Even though she was surrounded with other better looking females, she also wasn't putting on the fanciest clothes nor was the outfit that revealing either but it was enough to captivate him.

Amongst all of the other women with her that night, she looked the purest, with way her large innocent eyes quivered in embarrassment when their eyes met.

At that moment, he vowed to make her his but she ran out of the party. He followed behind her till she entered the female's restroom. He decided to wait outside for her but he was interrupted by a lady.

The lady kept trying to engage him in a conversation even though he clearly wasn't interested. It seemed like the lady was drunk so all attempts to make her leave was futile. He kept staring at the restroom's door with hopes that Catherine would come out soon and then he'll have to leave that place.

Suddenly, the lady stood on her tiptoes and pulled him towards her. He wasn't expecting that so he involuntarily leaned in and she kissed him. Right at that very moment, he felt someone staring at him.

He looked to his side only to see Catherine looking at him with disappointment in her eyes. He panicked when he noticed that she was leaving so he pushed the lady away and walked towards Catherine.

He pulled her back but right at that moment, a server was passing by so all the drinks on the tray poured on Catherine, thereby drenching her clothes. She was putting on a light dress so the gown was glued to her body instantly.

Seeing her in that state, it felt like he had suddenly been possessed, he couldn't stop staring at her. She looked so beautiful. He was brought back to reality when Catherine smacked him really hard on his face and called him a pervert before leaving angrily.

Nicholas held his hurt face in surprise and amusement. Never has he gotten hit by a woman before. All the ladies he's crossed paths with had always wanted to do anything to please him. If they were the one in Catherine's shoes, they would definitely enjoy being ogled by him.

That was why he fancied her. She wasn't like other women. She was much different. He wanted to chase after her to at least get her number but he stopped himself.

She definitely wouldn't give him her number after what he did. He'll just have to get it another way. He went back to the party, leaving behind the drunk lady.

He couldn't bear to be in the same room with her because he was mad that she ruined his chance to meet Catherine and she also forced herself on him. He had Liam, his assistant and close friend take care of her as she was still drunk.

After that party, he managed to get more info about Catherine. He was so disappointed to find out that she was married but at the same time, he didn't care.

He wanted her to the extent that he didn't mind her leaving her husband for him. So, he started attending events that he knew she would. It was no coincidence that he was always there.

He was hoping that he would be able to make some type of connection with her but it was the opposite that happened. She never looked at him twice and when he's getting too persistent, she made sure to humiliate him.

She never fails to flaunt her ring at his face and brag about her 'perfect' husband. That only made him admire her more. He was obviously more richer and powerful than her so called husband but she still didn't want him.

If only she was doing this for him, it would bave been so perfect. After five months of constant humiliation, he decided to stop chasing after her. Weeks went by and he still couldn't get his mind off of her.

After one month had passed, he was slowly getting used to not being in the same space at her till he was invited to that charity event. He was surprised to see the invite.

Why would she invite him to the event even though she hates his guts? Also, why did she look so surprised to see him there even though she was the one that invited him?

He had so many questions but now, they all started to make sense. He was really disappointed to find out that she just wanted to use him to get rid of the pests in her family and at the same time, he was happy to be used by her.

At least, with her husband out of the way, she can finally look at him. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard his phone ringing. His expression became dark when he saw the name flashing on the screen.

He emded the call, put his phone on airplane mode before he went back to thinking.

"Liam, what do you think I should do?" He couldn't help but ask Liam, who was sitting on the seat next to the driver as he was still undecided.

"About what?" Liam asked back as he turned back to face Nicholas.

"Catherine's offer."

"She made you an offer?" Liam asked with as he faked a surprise look.

"Don't try to play dumb with me. I'm sure Theresa has already filled you in the details. Isn't that the reason you made sure I attended the meeting?"

"Sorry. I just thought this would be a good chance for us."

"How so?" Nicholas asked with an interested look on his face.

"With the Dyson's corp's partnership, we would have enough power to be able to seek revenge against the Cartwrights more quickly. Also, you wouldn't have to deal with that anymore." Liam explained as he nodded towards Nicholas' phone.

"If you had done a thorough job that night, I wouldn't have to deal with that." Nicholas muttered as his brows creased tightly.

"I'm sorry boss." Liam said with an apologetic look on his face.

Nicholas hummed a reply before he rested back on his chair and he closed his eyes. He had every reason to help her. He was definitely going to benefit greatly from the proposal.

The only thing stopping him right now was his feelings for her. He didn't want his emotions to get in the way of his work. It never works out well for him when that happens.

"Isn't that Catherine?" Liam said, bringing Nicholas back to reality.

Nicholas looked out the car's window and saw Catherine crouching on the floor with an car stopped right in front of her. What happened? Was it an accident? He had no time to think.

He ordered his driver to stop driving and he rushed towards Catherine immediately. He got to where she was and crouched down to her level.

"Nicholas." She muttered in surprise when she saw him. She wasn't expecting to see him there.

"What happened? Are you hurt?" He asked in concern. His voice brought her back to reality.

"It's fine. I'm okay." She said and stood up, trying to brush off the fact that she had almost lost her life when Nicholas held her leg.

"You're injured." He said as he stared at her bruised knee.

"It's nothing. I can just apply an ointment." She said but Nicholas wouldn't listen.

"You're going to the hospital." He told her, leaving no room for any argument. He pulled her with him towards his car. He opened door and made her sit at the back with him.

He ordered his driver to take them to any close hospital he could find and the driver zoomed off immediately. On the way to the hospital, Catherine couldn't stop thinking about their meeting the day before.

"Have you made a decision yet?" She couldn't help but ask. She knew he woukd probably reject the offer but she still had a little bit of hope that he might accept. She really needed his help as she can't do it all herself.

"I have thought about your offer and..." He paused and turned to stare at her. Catherine took in a deep breath as she listened attentively to what he had to say.

"...I accept."