Wilhelm’s POV As soon as the elevator door opened, I confidently strode out of the building without glancing back. “Get him inside the car,” I instructed Jamie, declining his offer to open the door for me. I handed Grayson over to him and noticed a few tears still streaming down his eyes that were the exact color as that of Kathryn’s—maybe even brighter than hers when I had it compared a while ago. Speaking of… As I slammed the door shut and sank back into the car seat, my jaw tightened at the memory of Kathryn’s startled expression. Her hair was noticeably longer, but everything else about her seemed unchanged. She was as beautiful as the last time I saw her, and just as determined and passionate, now with a daughter of her own. The only question that remained was why the hell was she back? A dark thought crossed my mind as I recalled seeing her with my son a while ago. Did she perhaps learn of the truth of what I did? As I clenched my fist, the thought crossed my mind—was tha
Wilhelm’s POV We’re finally home after a long day. I held Grayson’s hand, and noticed that the closer we got to the villa’s main door, he was getting uneasier. It was almost as if he didn’t want to be here at all. I ignored whatever I was feeling, and continued walking with him toward the house. The child is probably just worried about the consequences of his actions. After a while, Grayson let go of my hand. The front door burst open. Rose greeted us with tear-streaked eyes and a relieved smile. I watched as she kneeled down on my son’s level, who remained stiff as her hands squeezed him in a tight embrace.Raising a child without a mother was a difficult task I had to face every day, and I acknowledge that as Grayson’s father, I had many misgivings. I couldn’t always be there for him due to my workload. During those times, Rose had been by my side, and all I could think about was giving Grayson the kind of mother he deserved. However, it didn’t occur to me that Grayson would be
Kathryn’s POV Charlize was in her floral pink pajamas as she lay in bed beside me. “Mommy…” I looked up from the storybook that I was reading to her. “Yes, baby?” “Do you think Grayson’s sleeping well tonight?” I shifted, surprised at her question. “Oh, I’m sure he is. Why do you ask?” I said, placing the book on the bedroom table next to me. Charlize shook her head slowly as she plopped herself on the pillow. “I don’t know. I just feel like he couldn’t sleep at all tonight.” My hand stroked her head. I hummed and smiled at her. “Maybe he’s thinking about the day he could play with you again.” My daughter’s eyes brightened. “Really? That must be the reason why I can’t sleep!”I stayed smiling. “Oh, I’m sure you will. Close your eyes and Mommy will stroke your head until you fall asleep.”She nodded slightly, her eyelids growing heavy until she drifted off to sleep. I felt her calm breathing as I lay on my back flat. Staring at the ceiling, I remembered the exact moment that I o
Kathryn’s POVI felt the pounding in my chest as I stood in front of the elaborate entrance of The Grand Plaza hotel. It was everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Ever since I was in college, I had always pictured myself working in one of the best hotel chains in the city, and among them was definitely this place. I think of the time when, as a young girl, I would study religiously to be one step closer to my dream job. But I didn’t know that the worst was yet to come. Instead of managing a five-star hotel, I ended up overseeing my own ex-husband’s home. It was far from the dream I had in mind. However, it no longer mattered, because I’m already here. I released the breath that I was holding. I know that I’m about to make the most of this experience, hired or not. But I came here for the latter. I was prepared for it, and not even a storm could stop me from having it my way. Stepping inside, a friendly guard greeted me. He pointed me toward the elevator, and I hopped inside as soon as
Kathryn’s POV“Chairman?” I said, out of breath. “Who…?” The man cleared his throat. “I beg your pardon for the lack of introduction. I’m the secretary of Mr. Wilhelm Reinhard—the new chairman of The Grand Plaza.” I hadn’t noticed that I was already clenching my fist upon Wilhelm’s secretary’s words. How could that bastard be doing this to me? “The chairman personally sent you to tell us that?” one interviewer exclaimed. “He didn’t even listen to our interview with her! She clearly has all the skills that we’re looking for. In all honesty, I have no idea where this is all coming from.” “She outshone everyone. We can at least guarantee the chairman that,” another one explained. “Would it be possible for us to have a word with him about the matter? Ms. Kathryn Alvarez is an exceptional candidate, and I’m afraid letting go of her is equivalent to losing an important asset.” To his credit, the secretary looked the part guilty before he spoke. “I’m sorry, everyone. But the chairman’s
Wilhelm’s POVShe had rejected my offer of the money. That was what had shocked me the most. I knew back then that by marrying me, she was going to make use of my money to revive her family’s sold hotel. But why did it feel wrong at the moment? The Kathryn Alvarez before me looked the same, and different at the same time. She wasn’t the kind to curse, let alone talk back when we had a similar argument to this. She had actually voiced her needs, and her words were unfiltered that it had surprised me completely. Pointing out her purpose didn’t make her shrink back like she usually did before. Instead, Kathryn shot back with a cold smile and told me that if she knew I was the chairman of this place, she wouldn’t have attended the interview. I gritted my teeth. I don’t know why her words irritated the fuck out of me. But something clicked into mind. I’m changing my decision. She wanted the job, alright. Then I’m giving it to her. “You really want that position?” Kathryn threw me a
Kathryn’s POVAnger flashed before Rose’s eyes, but I didn’t shrink away from it. In fact, I hadn’t expected it would feel this satisfying to witness her get worked up about this misunderstanding she created in mind. “How dare you come back?!” She forcefully shoved me away that a shadow of surprise crossed Wilhelm’s eyes. “Just to refresh your mind, you’re the one who filed for divorce back then! And now you’re getting close to Wilhelm like it’s nothing?” I kept my face neutral even as Rose’s nostrils flared with anger. Using her body, she had built a wall between Wilhelm and I. I almost scoffed. Did she feel threatened I might take back the very same man she stole from me?Pointing an accusing finger at me, a glimmering flash of light momentarily diverted my attention. I realized that a diamond ring was adorning one of Rose’s fingers. My gaze hurriedly shifted back to the ring on Wilhelm’s hand before realization hit me like a cannonball. It’s their engagement rings. I felt a sl
Kathryn’s POVMy heart thundered in my chest as I let the information sink in. Who would have thought that Wilhelm and I would cross paths again after all these years? And worse, I had to deal with him at work. “It’s my unlucky day, I know,” I told Roland as the three of us went back to the apartment building, with Charlize already sleeping in his arms. “Fate is crazy for doing this to me.” “I couldn’t agree more,” Roland replied solemnly. “You really need to consider this, Kathryn. Even though you’re still on trial, you’ll be seeing Wilhelm every day for a whole month.” He glanced into the distance. “Is that something you’re okay with?”“You know my answer to that,” I said. “Then, what’s holding you back? Why are you putting yourself in such a dire situation?” “Just because he’s there doesn’t mean I have to adjust for him. I don’t want to keep running away, Roland,” I said, my fists clenched, determination surging through me. “I want to face things head-on from now on, and that i