Step 5: Become Aphrodite Herself

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The air was thick with unexpressed tension as Katherine stood before Caroline and Castiel, her arrival as unexpected as a rogue wave at a serene beach. Their faces, marked with surprise, showed just how unexpected her visit was, an expression she wished she had captured on her phone to share with her best friend, Hailey, for a laugh.

"Why do you both look so surprised to see me?" Katherine asked playfully. "You sent me a wedding invite, so of course, I had to come back to Willow Haven!"

She gestured to the vast estate, where the well-kept lawns and grand facade hadn’t changed over the years. It held many memories for Katherine, both sweet and bitter, representing a past she thought she had left behind.

A heavy silence hung in the air, filled with unspoken thoughts that Katherine couldn’t ignore. "You know," she continued with a touch of bitterness, "when I found you two in my bed, I knew divorce was on the horizon. But I never thought you’d actually go through with marrying each other! Congrats on that, by the way."

Caroline’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of barely concealed anger simmering beneath her calm exterior. "You and I both know you’re not here to congratulate us. What do you want?" she hissed, her voice sharp like a snake ready to strike.

Katherine maintained her smile, her composure unshaken. "Not everyone has hidden agendas, unlike you... sister." The word hung in the air, a veiled jab.

Turning to Castiel, Katherine’s gaze lingered on him as he looked surprised and a bit bewildered by her sudden appearance. His face, once familiar, felt distant, like a stranger in her collection of fading memories. "It’s been a while, Cas," she said softly, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

Castiel, as if waking from a trance, cleared his throat, echoing a question that was unasked. "Likewise, Katherine," he said, struggling to connect with her gaze. His eyes darted back to Caroline, seeking reassurance. His tone was formal—so different from the familiarity that once existed between them. "Welcome back."

She smirked internally at his formal tone.

Katherine could sense the change in his demeanor, a subtle shift revealing his inner conflict. Flashing a radiant smile that contrasted with her icy words, she remarked, "I’m aware of the gossip—the whispers claiming Caroline is just a stand-in for me. I’d love to help with the wedding planning to put those rumors to rest."

Caroline scoffed, her cold gaze piercing Katherine. "No way. You might think you can help, but trust me, the media will eventually see through this charade—like a rock can’t outshine a diamond. It’s only a matter of time."

Katherine’s smile remained, still unsettling in its confidence. "Maybe so," she replied, her voice deceptively sweet. Her gaze flicked to Castiel, an expression in her eyes that sent a chill down Caroline’s spine. "However, I can’t help but think it’s a bit of a stretch to compare yourself to a diamond."

Caroline’s temper flared, her poise cracking like fine china. "What did you just say?" she snarled, fury lacing her words.

If Katherine had been the shy teenager who once quaked at Caroline's anger, she might have flinched. But time had turned her into a woman of strength. The fear that once gripped her was now replaced by calm determination.

"How dare you—" Caroline lunged forward, hand raised to strike Katherine, her rage propelling her like a striking viper. But before she could unleash her fury, a strong hand grabbed her arm, pulling her back, quelling the tempest of emotion.

"Nope, not on my birthday," came a deep voice, slicing through the tension. The man stood beside Castiel, his imposing presence reminiscent of the oak trees lining the driveway. Roughly the same height and built with athletic grace, he exuded both strength and authority. His light brown hair framed a ruggedly handsome face, and his hazel eyes sparkled with warmth, standing in stark contrast to Caroline's icy demeanor.

Katherine’s heart sank, a mix of fear and disappointment flooding in as she realized she was no match for Caroline's fury. She thought she could hold her own, but the truth was that despite her composed exterior, she felt fragile inside. Her relief came not from her own courage, but from this stranger who intervened.

Katherine studied him, trying to unravel the emotions hidden behind his calm exterior. There was a strength in his gaze that both intrigued and unnerved her. He felt like an enigma, an unpredictable element in her already complicated reality.

"Zayn?" Caroline stammered with wide eyes.

The man released Caroline’s arm after a brief struggle, letting her break free, albeit reluctantly. Her gaze blazed with defiance, clashing with the elegant ambiance of the grand ballroom, where chandeliers gleamed overhead, casting a soft light on the well-dressed guests. The faint sound of classical music played in the background, creating a sophisticated yet charged environment.

"Control your woman, Castiel," the man taunted, his tone dripping with disdain. "The last thing I want is headlines about your wife going around slapping people at my birthday gala." He adjusted his cufflinks, his attitude oozing arrogance and authority.

Caroline breathed heavily, frustration evident as she scanned the crowd, noticing their curious faces pretending to be engrossed in conversation and drinks. The adrenaline from the confrontation made her heart race, leaving her feeling exposed.