The CEO's Forbidden Wife のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

When the meeting adjourned, the board members stood, gathering their folders and exchanging polite farewells. Kathalina rose gracefully, tucking her papers neatly into her bag. Thirdie stood at the same time.Fate or perhaps cruel design pulled them toward the same direction.Thirdie’s voice cut through the lingering chatter of the conference room.“Come to my office. We need to talk.”Kathalina froze, weighing the request. For a heartbeat, she thought of refusing. But reality was sharper, there was no point in running if they were bound to work together. Sooner or later, she would have to face him.Her gaze slid to Attorney Jun. Calm, steady. “Go on ahead without me. I’ll follow later.”Attorney Jun’s brows drew together, his sharp eyes flicking toward Thirdie before settling back on her. The silence stretched before he finally gave a short nod.“Alright. I’ll wait downstairs.” With that, he gathered his files and left the room, though not without one last lingering look at Thirdie.

“Kathalina,” she said quietly, stepping forward. “I didn’t expect… I’m glad you’re here.”Kathalina smiled warmly and hugged her. “I’m finally here, Nana Maring. I’ve always wanted to see this place… and I missed you.”Nana Maring nodded, her expression calm but pleased.“It’s good to have you,” Nana Maring said softly, her voice carrying a quiet weight. She looked at Kathalina for a long moment, her eyes gentle but tinged with sadness, as if she were seeing her mother all over again. “You’ll see… this farm has been my life since your mother passed.”She paused, taking a slow breath, her hands tightening slightly. “I’ve tried to keep it going… for her, and now, for you.”Kathalina felt a pang in her chest hearing this. Her mother’s absence, Nana Maring’s long struggle, it all hit her at once. She swallowed hard and forced a small smile.“I know… I can feel how much you’ve cared for this place, Nana Maring. Thank you for everything.”“I’ve watched over this place all these years, hopin

A ripple of laughter spread among the farmers, good-natured and teasing. Kathalina lowered her gaze to hide her embarrassment, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.Beside her, Thridie didn’t laugh, didn’t even flinch. He only lowered his eyes for a moment, the corner of his mouth tightening, as though holding back words he wouldn’t allow himself to say. Without missing a beat, he continued passing out the envelopes, his voice was steady as he thanked each farmer in turn as if the question had never been asked.It wasn’t until a small boy tugged at his sleeve that he paused. The child tilted his head curiously and asked in all innocence,“If you’re not Madam’s husband……are you her boyfriend then?”A few chuckles rose from the crowd. Thridie crouched down to meet the boy’s small height, his expression softening. He shook his head gently.“No, little one. I’m not her boyfriend.”The boy’s face fell in disappointment.“But… why not? You two match each other.”Thridie’s lips curved f

The sun was already lowering, its golden light spilling over the rows of fields as Kathalina and Thirdie started their walk back to the villa. The air smelled of fresh soil and strawberries. Behind them, Jeff had stayed at the strawberry farm, laughing with the farmers as he promised to bring some baskets back with him when they returned to the city.Thirdie walked quietly beside Kathalina, his hands tucked into his pockets, his gaze occasionally dropping to the path but always drifting back to her when she wasn’t looking. The sky above them was painted with hues of orange and pink, and the breeze carried a soft chill that made the moment feel delicate, like it could shatter if someone spoke too loudly.They passed farmers still bent over their work, and Kathalina greeted them with a warm smile, waving occasionally. Thirdie gave polite nods, his usual stoic aura softening in her presence. Every so often, their shoulders brushed lightly as they walked close together on the narrow path.

When they entered the villa, the tension between them didn’t fade. If anything, it thickened like heavy air pressing down on both of them. Neither spoke at first. Kathalina walked into the living room and sat down, trying to keep her face calm. Thirdie followed quietly, his eyes on her, but he didn’t sit too close.For a moment, silence stretched between them just the ticking of the old clock on the wall and the faint hum of the evening outside.Then Nana Maring passed by, her warm smile breaking the stillness.“How was the tour to the farm, Kathalina?” she asked kindly.Kathalina forced a small smile, her voice steady though her heart was still restless.“It was okay, Nana. The farmers were so kind and welcoming. I also paid the bills for the fertilizer and the workers’ salaries. I’ll settle the tax for the farm tomorrow.”Before Nana could reply, Thirdie’s deep voice cut in. “No need. I already asked Finn to handle it as soon as possible.”Kathalina turned her head slightly, surpris