"I could've told you about the child when we were still married, but I'd rather see you fall on your knees like how I used to beg for the love I deserve." "You lied to everyone, even to your son, all because you wanted revenge? Tell me, who's the ruthless person here, Katalina." -- Cadmus is a respected man, one that holds the world in his hand. To her, he was the best and the best is what Katalina deserves. But when she got heartbroken by the man she adores the most, all hell breaks loose for she was more than a wife left to be discarded. By using Percival, someone who can stand equal to Cadmus. She plans to make the ruthless billionaire regret the pain he caused her.
Lihat lebih banyakWe've been married for four years. Four years of trying to be a wife that he will learn to love. Four years and we're still waiting for a child.
During the first two years of our marriage, we spent most of our time and attention on the company. When we entered our third year, we tried again but when I didn't conceive, we didn't give much thought to it. After all, we were always busy.
However, these past few weeks I noticed how he became distant. I was aware that he doesn't love me as much as I love him, but this time around, I can feel him slipping farther away from me.
I'm guessing that he's becoming impatient with waiting for our child, for his heir.
My thoughts were interrupted when Cadmus entered the kitchen. He glanced at me before proceeding to the fridge.
"Cadmus, where are you going?" I asked when I noticed that he was in a suit.
I wasn't aware that he's going somewhere today. Does he even plan to tell me?
"Business meeting," he flatly said.
My forehead creased as I think about what the meeting is for. I'm familiar with his schedule and I don't think there's anything about the company that needs to be discussed today.
"As far as I know, you don't have any. It's a Sunday, Cadmus. Don't you want to spend it with me?"
He closed the fridge door and faced me.
"Are you calling me a liar?" he was intently looking at me with his brows all furrowed.
"Then take me with you, I'm your wife and a shareholder."
"You really like calling yourself my wife, don't you?" he scoffed.
"What's wrong with that?"
"It's irritating," he looked away.
"Isn't it too early for you to be in a bad mood? Did something happen yesterday? A bad week? Do you want anything, you know something that can help you relax?" I kept calm even though I don't like the attitude he's displaying right now. I also want to be understanding, like how good wives are.
"How about a child, Katalina?"
I didn't expect his response, that's why I paused and stared at him. I didn't know what to reply to that. What does he even want me to do?
"I'll consult my doctor, then maybe we can try again." I refuse to believe that there's something wrong with me, maybe it's because I usually have an irregular period. But I don't think I'll be able to accept that I can't bear a child.
I was hurt by how he said it. He wasn't insensitive with his words before. Even the people around us, especially those who are close to us have noticed how he changed. Despite that, I still trust him, he won't leave me.
No one can replace me. His company needs me and I have been his partner in everything for the past five years. I also believe that he won't disrespect me by cheating on me. I adore and respect him for a reason.
I am Katalina Deveza Salazar, who would dare seduce my husband and be his mistress? Who would dare to think that they're better than me?
"Just prepare for the meeting on Monday. I'm leaving," he said before walking away.
I didn't stop him anymore, maybe he just needs time to cool off. I also know him well enough for me to know that he doesn't like it when someone pesters him.
He's been stressed about the competition in the business industry as well. Percival's company has been soaring ever since the seat was passed down to him. Although Cadmus' company is still ahead of his rival's, that might not be the case next year if we won't watch out for Percival.
Percival, Cadmus, and I went to the same school and the same university. Percival was my friend because he didn't stop bothering me until I consider him as one. However, when Cadmus and I got married, I lost contact with him.
His family and Cadmus' have long been rivals in the business world, they say it wasn't just about business too and the two families had some hidden history. But since my parents never discussed it with me nor did Cadmus have ever mentioned it, I never really paid attention to it. To me they were merely rumors and even if it's true, it doesn't really matter.
I already made a choice when I married Cadmus, it was to let my friendship with Percy go and choose my husband.
"Madam, your brother is in the living room," a maid informed me.
I glanced at her and nodded. I took my coffee with me and made my way to the living room. There I saw my older brother, Koen, sitting on one of our sofas. His eyes immediately settled on me when I walked in.
"What brings you here?" I asked.
"I have something to show you," he replied. " You know, right from the start, I was against you marrying Cadmus. Katalina, this time, I want you to leave him. The company doesn't need him or his family, you alone is already enough."
My forehead creased because I don't know where he's coming from. I know he didn't like the idea of my parents arranging my marriage for me and he never liked Cadmus. But why would he say something like that now? I thought we're already past that.
"I love my husband, Koen," I sighed.
"The more reason why you should leave him," he said before handing me a brown envelope.
I let out a breath and placed my cup on top of the center table. I took the envelope from him. I remained standing and glanced at him before opening it. He looks pretty upset, so I bet this holds something important.
For some reason, I already felt anxious even though I haven't seen what's inside. My brother cares for me a lot, I know he won't just tell me to leave someone I love over something petty.
The envelope contains pictures... it was pictures of Cadmus with Minty. She was once my best friend and Cadmus' ex-girlfriend. Our marriage was planned since we were little and I caught feelings for him even before he met Minty. I think it was in college when they got together, they kept it a secret but our families soon found out.
It seems that the pictures were taken recently, although it wasn't enough to make it look like he's cheating. I still felt betrayed because I didn't know that they were seeing each other. They seem to be very close in these pictures as well. Cadmus was even smiling in some.
"Katalina, you know about their relationship before. Have Cadmus ever told you that he loves you?”
"No, but he cares for me. He doesn't have to tell me, we've been together for four years. All I have to do is ask him about these, I’m sure it’s nothing," I said as I look at the pictures.
"You really think a cheater would just tell you the truth, huh? You're the smartest person I know, but your love for him has made you really stupid, Katalina." My brother has a sharp tongue, he got it from my mother.
"Why do you even have these?" I asked.
"Not everyone will turn a blind eye to the changes in your husband's behavior. Heck, he used to be beside you all the time, now, he's always too busy. In the last event you attended, he didn't just let you go on your own, he also didn't show up to take you home. You used to look like you had a happy marriage with your hands all over each other in public, but now it's obvious that your marriage wasn't based on love," he explained, his voice tinged with spite.
"He's just busy..."
"He was busy in the past too, the both of you were. And I know that you feel like something's wrong too because if not, you wouldn't listen to me like how you're listening to me right now."
"I'll deal with this. You might not like him, but he's not the type of man that will cheat. Cadmus respects me. The four years we spent together weren't for nothing. I'm his wife and I'll always be."
"What is really going on, Katalina? You might be good at masking your true feelings but, I can see right through that mask of yours. I'm your brother, I love you more than that man does." He stood up and placed his hands on my shoulder.
I looked away as my shoulders dropped. "It's just work. He's probably frustrated about that. And after four years, I still haven't got pregnant. I think a child would change everything. Maybe then he will show his affections more..."
"Katalina, that seems wrong to me. I don't like it. He should be treating you right even without a damn kid." He stepped away and shook his head.
"Koen, let me handle this. It's going to be alright. I'm not a little girl that needs protection."
"I know what you're capable of. But you're still my little sister, I don't want you to end up getting everything you desire yet unhappy. I trust you so if you need anything. I'll be around," he said.
My face softened before giving him a slight nod. He forced a smile before lifting his arms for a hug. I slowly moved towards him and let him embrace me. We bid our goodbyes after that.
I went straight to my office after my conversation with Koen. I don't have time to mope while I wait for my husband. Aside from the company that my husband manages. I will be inheriting my mother’s modeling agency too. This means I have to work extra hard now that my mother is planning to appoint me as CEO soon.
I dedicated my years to learning how to be a good wife to Cadmus and how to manage the agency. Ever since I was little, I had those two things drilled into my mind. I made myself perfect for the roles I wanted.
Hard work does pay off. I will finally have both soon.
I sat on my swivel chair and went through all the papers on my desk. I also emailed my secretary and told her to schedule an appointment with my doctor.
However, no matter how much I try to drown my mind with work. The pictures I saw earlier kept popping up in my head. I heaved a sigh before I placed the papers I'm holding on top of the desk.
I took out my phone and texted Cadmus to see when he'd be home. I returned to work while I waited, but an hour passed with no response from my husband.
After three hours in the office, I decided to give myself a break. I went to the kitchen to check what I can have for lunch. After resting and eating, I went back to my office because I didn't really have anything else to do today. It's supposed to be a day off of work but I don't feel like going out and resting only means my thoughts will be filled with Cadmus' connection with Minty.
When evening arrived, I texted Cadmus again. Business meetings don't take up one whole day, especially when it's not even important enough for me to know the details about it.
However, just like earlier, he did not respond. I only waited in our room after dinner passed. I felt uneasy, something I never felt before.
I was always confident that things will go my way. Questions don't linger long in my mind, but this time around I had tons and they're begging for answers.
What really happened? Why did he change?
What went wrong?
Was it really just because of work?
I'm starting to doubt the things I used to believe in.
It was late in the evening when he came home. By the time I saw him, my patience already ran out. He entered our room and only glanced at me before going inside his walk-in closet.
I waited for an explanation. But it seems that he won’t give me any. So, when he was about to leave the room, I called him.
“Where were you?” I asked.
He looked over his shoulder, seeming a little irritated. I saw how his shoulder went up then down before turning around. His face bared no emotions
“Do you need to know?” he shot back.
“I was waiting, Cadmus. I texted you twice, the least you could do was let me know that you were going to be late,” I said out of frustration. Even with so many emotions overcoming my heart, I kept my composure as I wait for his response.
“I never told you to wait, Katalina.”
I bit my lower lip and pressed my eyes shut before I nodded. I can sense that he’s really annoyed by our conversation right now. I won’t push it anymore, he has the freedom to enjoy himself too. I’m sure he just went out with friends.
Cadmus isn’t the type of guy to cheat. That’s beneath him. I have nothing to worry about when it comes to that topic.
He can be impatient, but I refuse to believe that he can be a cheater.
“Then where are you going now? Isn’t it time for bed?”
“I don’t plan to share the same bed with you tonight,” he said before leaving me alone in our room.
Percival had taken on the task of preparing our girl’s birthday party. It was such a sight to see my husband being wrapped around Lia’s little finger. I remembered him going pale when we found out we were having a girl, but he turned out to be so good at looking after her–not that it was a surprise.Marcus was the happiest when Lia was born. He said he’d never have to play alone again, and he wouldn’t be too sad when Percival and I were away. He’d grown up a bunch since then, even talking about how he wanted to join Percival’s meetings because he needed to be prepared for when his father retires. It was nice seeing him out of his shell.“I’m just waiting for Marcus’ classes to be over, and then we’ll head over to the boutique,” I told Percy through the phone.“Guess I’ll see you at the party, love,” he said with a sigh.He didn’t have to say it. I knew he missed me. Our schedule has been busy lately with Lia turning five, and this was her first big party.The agency also pre
Something was wrong. I unconsciously stepped closer to her, my concern pushing me forward. But she raised a hand at me as soon as she noticed."They want to take my son. They want to leave me with nothing." Minty looked over her shoulder at the view of the city behind her. "I wanted a glimpse of your world. It's beautiful up here, isn't it?"The air left my lungs when I saw her standing too close to the balustrade, her hands clasping it from behind. There was just something unsettling about the way she gazed into the distance.“What are you doing?” I asked calmly, but my voice still betrayed what I truly felt. “Minty, what are y–”"Don't," she said. "Don't move. Don't look at me like that. I would've hurt you if I had the means. But I have no money, nothing, to even lay a finger on you. So, don't look scared for me."My chest tightened, and my breath came out ragged when I realized what she was doing. “Don’t–” I tried to say, but the words got stuck in my throat. This couldn’t be happ
KATALINAThe baby shower was about to start, so I sent my husband a text telling him to hurry up. We wanted to keep it private, so we only invited close friends and family. They decided to set it up in the penthouse, with Grace and Raya taking over the preparations. Esther was tasked to keep the 'mother', aka me, entertained while they worked.We had just arrived at the lobby when I saw a familiar face outside. The guards seemed to be driving her away, but Minty stood there like a corpse, ignoring their words and shoves.I knew I should walk away and pretend I didn’t see her. But something about the empty look in her eyes made me halt. It was clear to anyone who had eyes that she wasn’t faring well. Minty had lost a lot of weight, her face pale and resigned. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t stop myself from pitying her.With a sigh, I walked to the entrance and made my way toward her.“Kat, where are you going?” Esther asked as she quickly followed behind me. “Wait, is that
Seven months later. I swore to protect Katalina and Marcus from any harm. It was a promise I'd honor until my last breath, so I kept everyone who tried under tight surveillance. Helena was still rotting in jail. I didn't need to keep an eye on Cadmus because the media had it covered for me. His divorce from Minty completely diverted the public's eyes away from Marcus. Everyone was in check. Except I didn't feel completely at ease yet. Helena's insistence that someone else wanted my wife dead, that whoever it was hated Tali more than she did, stayed in my mind for months. But I didn't want to let it linger, so I had Andrew look into it.It could've been empty threats, but I knew how Helena worked. She kept pawns. She'd poison people's minds and use them against her enemies. Everyone told me that Helena probably meant Natalie and that the last stunt Natalie pulled was the end of it. But it wouldn't hurt to be safe, especially when I think I knew who Helena meant. "I can see the gears
Percival held my hand, his stance protective and impatient to get us out. If the bodyguards wouldn't scare Natalie away, Percival's hardened expression would. The way the veins popped out told me he was frustrated he couldn't deal with Natalie himself."Don't let her get away," Percival said. A few guards left to help search for Natalie, while enough stayed to keep us surrounded. "We'll catch her this time," I said, hoping to ease some of the tension radiating from him. But even as he nodded, I knew it didn't help much. "Of course, we will. Your cousin isn't very bright," he said, his jaw clenching. The crowd was contained at some part of the venue, so the hallways weren't littered with the media. We reached the parking lot. They checked the car before Percival opened the backseat for me. "Get in," he said, his voice authoritative. I quickly hopped in, scooting over to give space for him. Our actions were fast and efficient, and we were on the road in a heartbeat. Percival didn'
Percival's hand pressed against the small of my back, his head tilted towards me, studying me as I read the article."It's from an anonymous account. Chester is working on taking it down," he said. "What do you want to do? Aside from destroying whoever posted this because I'm already on it.""It's time," I said, giving his phone back to him. "There's no need to fuss. I'll schedule an interview tomorrow."Percival pocketed the phone. He turned me towards him, thumbs caressing my forearms."So soon?" he asked, voice laced with concern. He craned his neck, discerning my expression."I've been doing this my whole life, Percy," I said, giving him a reassuring smile. "I just... there were just things in my life that I didn't want people to touch. But I kept the most human parts of me hidden, and I shouldn't have to. I'm no longer afraid of how they'll perceive me after. This has to end now."****Percival and I made arrangements for tomorrow when we returned to our hotel room. I read the ar
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