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Author: Rossy
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-29 19:01:05

CATALINA

I gripped my phone tightly, repeating his statement in my head over and over again, baffled by his suspicion of Dante.

“Out of all people, why him? Why not James? Because he is thirsty for our wealth. Why not Fiona? Because she is envious and wants to take my place. Why not them?” Uncle Mondo became quiet. “And why not you? Because you're the closest to him.”

He scoffed, feeling offended. “You’re suspecting me, Catalina.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t help it. I have a lot of whys, and you are included in them.”

Instead of getting an answer, he ended the call without a word.

My suspicion of him starts growing deeper to the point I’m so eager to find the answers to my father’s death. There’s a foul. It’s obvious.

***

“You didn't sleep well?” Dante suddenly asked inside the elevator.

“Hmm.”

“Why?”

“Insomnia.” I simply responded.

The thought that Dante and Uncle Mondo were involved in my father’s death haunted me last night. I couldn't sleep thinking about why this was happening.

James, F
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  • THE REMARRIED HEIRESS    196

    CATALINAThe christening had ended with applause and polite smiles, but all I remember now is how long I stared at the front door that night, waiting for it to open. I’d kept my phone nearby, charging and blinking quietly on the coffee table. There were no calls, no texts, and it was past ten when I started pacing.The kids were asleep, exhausted from running through the hall and chasing after crumbs of cake. My baby girl was tucked into her crib, her breath soft, her christening bracelet still tied loosely around her wrist.The house was too quiet.Abby stood stationed by the front window, arms folded. She didn’t speak, but her eyes flicked toward me now. She always knew when I was spiraling, and tonight, I was unraveling in slow motion.I rechecked the clock. Eleven twenty-two. He should’ve been home hours ago.My fingers hovered over his contact. I didn’t want to call. A part of me was afraid to hear the excuse, and another was afraid he wouldn’t answer.So, I glanced at the baby

  • THE REMARRIED HEIRESS    195

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  • THE REMARRIED HEIRESS    194

    DANTEThe soft clack of my keyboard is the only sound left in the room. Everyone’s gone home, even the cleaning crew called it a night an hour ago. I’m surrounded by mahogany and glass and a skyline that flickers like it’s mocking me, reminding me that while my city keeps living, I’ve become something of a ghost in my own life.Funny, isn’t it? I feel like I’m losing the only thing that ever really mattered.My Lina.My phone suddenly rang. I hastily grabbed my phone, hoping it was my wife. But to my disappointment, it was Ralph.“What?” I answered.“Yow! Wassup…” he always has high energy. I wonder what he drinks every day that gives him that kind of energy, as if he's not worried about his controversial life. “What do you want?”“I just miss my cousin, so I called to hear you sigh and have that low–”“I'm asking again." I firmly said, cutting his words off. “What do you want?”He let out a deep sigh that lasted five seconds. I scratched my temple as I was about to put down the call

  • THE REMARRIED HEIRESS    193

    CATALINAI held the phone like it might vanish if I blinked. In the back seat of the car, the world outside the window blurred. Banners flapping on lampposts, motorcycles weaving between sluggish taxis, the chaos of the roads but I couldn’t see any of it. My eyes were fixed on the image in a stranger’s phone.The woman's face wasn’t visible, only her back was turned, and her body was slightly angled toward my husband. But her stance… the familiarity of it clawed at me. There was something intimate in how she leaned in, how her arm rested against his chest like it belonged there.My pulse pounded while I stared at the clothes.She wore a cream blazer over a soft blue dress, the shades I knew too well. The texture of that dress, the cut, the gold buttons at the wrist that I saw worn before… by Karen.My stomach dropped.It couldn’t be. Karen? The stranger who handed me the phone made no explanation and didn't give a name. And I hadn’t seen the woman’s face. I wanted it to be someone e

  • THE REMARRIED HEIRESS    192

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  • THE REMARRIED HEIRESS    191

    CATALINAThe baby in my arms moves as her tiny mouth twitches in sleep. I adjust her gently, just enough not to wake her. Her warmth anchors me, but my eyes drift again to the balcony, to where Dante and Karen were talking about work-related matters.“Why are you anxious?”“I don't know–” I paused and gazed at Abby, whose brow raised. “I'm not anxious.”“It’s obvious, ma'am.”“I was just looking at them.” I avoided her eyes and just looked at Lia on my lap who was sleeping peacefully.Abby didn't say anything after that. I know she's not convinced, and I'm glad she's not the type of person who will force you to speak up.She excused herself to get some water in the kitchen. I watched her walk away and I couldn't help but look at the balcony again.Suddenly, Dante leans against the railing while gesturing toward something on the tablet Karen is holding. They’ve been out there for nearly an hour and I can’t hear everything, but I know enough that it’s serious. I glance back at the liv

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