Katarina’s POVI was late in reporting for work.Although the President gave me the day off, I felt it was unnecessary. I do not want people to think the President was giving me preferential treatment given that we work closely together.It was already bad enough when the military rites incident blew over the news.Until now, I still heard people talking about it behind my back.I do not want to add to the Palace grapevine. I knew that there were people jealous of my position - very common in all offices, I know. But I would not let it bother me. I am here to work. "Good morning, Mrs. Dimalanta." The guard at the entrance to the executive offices greeted me.Everybody turned in my direction. One of my assistants went to me immediately."Ma'am we thought you had the day-off.? What brings you to the office today?" My assistant's high-pitched voice grated on my nerves. My head instantly ached."Good morning, Lizette." I greeted her st

Katarina’s POVThe President is attending the inauguration of the newly constructed international airport at a province in the South.From the glazed glass walls of our holding area, I could see reporters and media celebrities from the local and international networks covering the event.Everyone is busy. Even Regor was going over the data I provided him for his speech while we waited for the MC to call him up on stage.After a few minutes of reading, he nudged me. When I turned to him, he motioned for me to come closer, so I bent my head and turned my ear slightly towards him.He leaned in and whispered - his breath tickled my skin."I hope this day will be over soon." He sounded so much like my son Dion when he was bored. His action earned an indulgent smile from me. I playfully patted his head while in my mind, I was going over his schedule for today, checking if there had been something I missed."You do not have any appointments after th

Katarina’s POV“Good morning, the Executive Office.” I greeted the other person on the other line.  My tone, all business and full of authority. “Hello, Mrs. Dimalanta, this is Gina from the office of former Senator Rodriguez." The minute I heard the name of Senator Rodriguez, my back straightened.  "He is requesting your presence at a meeting to talk about your progress on the Operation Wedding Bells.”.Cold dread enveloped my being.  My throat suddenly felt dry. I swallowed several times before I was finally able to speak.“S-sure. Where should I meet the Senator? I just have to ask permission from the President.” 

Regor’s POVI did not know giving Katarina my concurrence to continue with her mission would put a strain on our relationship.We hardly see each other anymore. Every night, she makes me attend events where I get to meet potential candidates for my wife.For two weeks straight, all I did was attend different functions and parties, even the birthdays and anniversaries of people I know nothing about. It had become dragging and monotonous.And then, last week, she started arranging dinner dates for me. Tonight my date was the only child to a couple who owns domestic and international airlines.“Good evening.” I greeted Emily Jones, my date that evening. She came into the roof deck of the function building inside the Palace, perfectly decorated for a romantic dinner.I put down the documents I was reading earlier to welcome her.“Good evening, His Excellency.” She greeted me shyly.I motioned her to the ta

Katarina’s POVThe children and I were having breakfast when I received a phone call from the President.He wanted me to come to his office the minute I reported for work.“What does Uncle Regor want?’ Dion asked when I put the phone down.“Nothing. He just wanted me to go to his office.” I told him distractedly. I am half-worried. Regor would not issue an order like that if the matter is not pressing.“Does it have anything to do with the magazine report about you and Uncle Marlon?” It was Daphne who clued me in.“What news?”“Mom, the news said that there is a brewing romance between you and Uncle Marlon. Is that true?” Daphne asked.I bit my lip. I looked at my daughter and realized that Daphne has indeed grown up.“Whatever you hear about Uncle Marlon and me is not true,” I told her.“But mom! Uncle Marlon told us." I looked at my first-born start