Chapter 4: Are You In Danger?

Kealan looked at me briefly before turning back to his business partners. “My wife, Catherine.”

A warm smile touched my lips. For the very first time in three years, I was being introduced as myself, as Catherine.

While Kealan remained absorbed in his business discussion, he quietly ordered a slice of cheesecake for me. I ate it slowly, savoring every bite. It was the first time in three years I was eating something I actually liked in front of him. I had been forced to act like Valentina for so long that I’d almost forgotten the things I used to enjoy.

When the meeting wrapped up, we headed outside together.

“I need to stop by the company,” Kealan said, glancing at me before looking at the driver.

“He’ll take you home.” I nodded quietly.

By the time I arrived, the mansion was dead silent, except for the quiet clatter coming from the dining room. Several servants were busy clearing away an unusual amount of leftover food.

“What’s going on here?” I asked, pausing as I saw the amount of food left on table.

One of the servants bowed slightly. “Madam, The Miss asked us to prepare dinner for her and her guest.”

“What guest?” I frowned. Looking at the spread, it was obvious far too much food had been prepared for just two people.

“We don’t know her, Madam. A young lady came to see her earlier, and they’re upstairs now.”

“I see, just clear the table, and next time, please don’t prepare so much. We shouldn't waste food.”

I didn't care if I had spent three years living Valentina’s life. Right now, this was my house, and I had every right to oversee how things were run.

“I’ll be upstairs,” I added, stepping toward the grand staircase.

“Madam, what should we prepare for you and Master Kealan for dinner?” the servant called after me.

“Don’t worry about us tonight. Just finish up and get some rest,” I replied while climbing the stairs. I was still full from the meal at the event anyway.

Behind me, I caught the soft murmur of the younger servant whispering to another.

“Madam is so nice...”

“She is,” the other agreed, pausing in thought. “Who do you think that other woman who looks like Madam actually is?”

“Maybe her twin sister?” The both nodded in agreement.

I kept walking, leaving their quiet speculation behind.

Pushing open the door to my room, I collapsed onto the bed with a heavy sigh, finally letting out the breath I had been holding all evening. My fingers scrambled across the sheets, searching for my phone until my hand finally brushed against it.

“Shit, I forgot to call Miles.” The chaos of the day had completely thrown me off. I dialed his number immediately, and he picked up on the very first ring.

“Hello, Sis! I’ve been waiting for your call,” he said, he was always easy going.

Guilt immediately washed over me. “I’m so, so sorry, Miles. I know I’m always apologizing, but I’m really sorry this time. I just—”

“Catherine, were you busy?” he interrupted gently, his voice calm and steady.

“That’s still no excuse. I should have called you before I even left the house,” I said, my voice starting to crack with emotion.

“Catherine, please calm down,” Miles urged softly. “I know you’d never forget about me on purpose. You were busy with something important and besides, I’m not a child anymore.”

He was always so understanding, no matter what.

“I promise I’ll make it up to you,” I insisted.

A soft laugh came through the speaker. “Catherine, I’m okay, I promise.”

I nodded to myself, feeling a bitter warmth in my chest. He really was growing up into such a grounded young man.

“So... how was it?” I asked, holding my breath as my lips moved in a silent, anxious prayer.

“The doctor said I’m fine. I’ll be able to take my exams tomorrow,” Miles replied cheerfully.

“That’s good... but remember, call me the second anything feels off, okay?” I warned. I knew him too well, he was good at pretending everything was fine just so he won’t hurt my feelings.

“Catherine?” he called softly after sometime.

“Yes?” A slight tension returned to my chest. Is there something he isn't telling me?

“When was the last time you spoke to Nicole?”

I froze, Nicole. My best friend from three years ago. The moment I abandoned my old house and my past life, I had to sever every tie to anyone who had ever known me as Catherine.

“Three years ago,” I whispered.

A sharp gasp came from the other end of the line. He clearly hadn't expected it to have been that long. “Why do you ask?” I added quickly.

“Nothing, really... she just crossed my mind today.” He paused for a moment. “The nurse is going to get mad if I don't get some rest soon. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Okay, rest well.” The line went dead.

Nicole. It had been so long since I’d even heard her name spoken out loud. She had been my best friend long before I met Kealan.

With trembling fingers, I opened my contacts and scrolled down until I found her number. For three agonizing years, I had held onto it, longing to call. I stared at the screen for a second before finally pressing dial.

It rang once, twice and then connected.

“Hello?”

The moment that familiar voice echoed through the speaker, tears instantly well-up in my eyes. A flood of memories came rushing back all at once.

“Hey, if you’re not going to say anything, I’m hanging up,” she said, her voice sounding irritating and impatient.

“Nicole...”

There was a dead silence on the line as she recognized my voice in an instant.

“Cathy?! Is that really you? My god, how are you? Where are you? You just completely disappeared!” Questions poured out of her in a frantic rush.

“Nicole, I’m so sorry,” I choked out, a tear slipping down my cheek. “I left you behind, and I know you would never have done that to me.” I had been terrified to call her for so long, so afraid of how much she would hate me for running away.

But then I hate no choice my life and my brother’s was on the line.

“Forget about that, Cathy Where are you right now? I’m coming to meet you.”

“I’m sorry, Nicole you can’t come here right now. But I promise I’ll come see you soon.” The line went quiet for a long moment.

“Are you in danger?” she asked suddenly, her voice dropping into that fierce, protective tone I remembered so well.

“What?”

“Are you in danger, Catherine?”

I swallowed hard, remembering how she used to fight for me. “I’m safe, Nicole. I just... just know that I’m safe okay, I’ll see you and call you soon.”

Before she could press me any further, I hung up.

Tears streamed down my face. I can’t tell Nicole or Miles about any of this. I can’t drag them into my mess.

I grabbed a tissue and wiped my eyes, trying to pull myself together. My throat felt dry, so I reached for the glass pitcher on my nightstand, only to find it completely empty.

“I’ll just go down to get some water,” I muttered to myself, slipping out of bed and sliding into my plush slippers.

I stepped out into the quiet hallway. As I passed by Valentina’s room, I noticed the door was left slightly opened. I could hear their voices from inside.

“Valentina, are you absolutely sure she’s going to leave?” a female voice asked, clearly the guest the servants had mentioned earlier.

“I’m back now, and Kealan loves only me,” Valentina replied arrogantly. “Once he gets home, we’re going to talk, and I’m going to make him throw her out of this house and his life.”