《MORE THAN A SECRETARY》


 Chapter One

    Katrina woke up to the sound of her rm, opening her eyes she yawned and rubbed her eyes with her hand. Sluggishly getting up from her bed she went to her bathroom brushed her teeth and washed her face.


    Then she came back and sat on her reading table. She opened herptop to check and be sure she had everything prepared for the new week.


    Katrina work as a Secretary for Lucas Evans.


    ¡°Lucas¡±


    she called she was used to calling out his name at odd times when she is alone.


    Her boss and the man she fell for. the one she has been in love with for almost five years now. She didn¡¯t know how the feelings started somehow between working together and going on business trips together she had somehowe to love her boss a man way out of her reach.


    Initially, when she had started working for Lucas she had disliked him because he was arrogant and a big-time womanizer but between six years ago and now she had managed to get used to his arrogant and bossy nature. He wasn¡¯t a nice guy but he wasn¡¯t all that unbearable either.


    And he cared for his family maybe that¡¯s why she fell for him.


    ¡°Okay, enough Katrina it¡¯s too early to start thinking of the boss¡± she scolded herself.


    She closed herptop after making sure everything she needed for the week was intact. All the schedules and meetings were properly documented.


    She knew her boss was someone who hated been disorganized and unprepared for appearances.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    After making sure she was good to go she checked her time it was 6;15 am do she went to her bathroom and took her bath. She usually resumes work by 8;30 am but she prefers to be there on time.


    It¡¯s had taken her about 30minutes to bathe and dress up after which she hurriedly took a breakfast of scrambled eggs and bread. When she was ready finally it¡¯s was just a few minutes to 7;30.


    She took her bag, herptop, and other stuff she uses for the office and rushed down the apartment to the parking lot for her car. She drives a Mercedes which her boss had gifted to her when he found out she uses the bus toe to work. That was about three years ago.


    It took her 30 minutes to get to work cuz of the heavy New York traffic.


    She greeted her co-workers she met on her way to her office.


    ¡°Hi, Katrina good morning how was your weekend?¡± Asked Jordan her best friend and her co-worker.


    ¡°Hi, Jord, it¡¯s was cool, and yours?¡± She asked in reply.


    ¡°Mine was great I had fun, we were expecting you at Coral¡¯s birthday party but you never showed up,¡± Jordan said.


    ¡°Yeah, I couldn¡¯t make it. I had errands to run over the weekend and I didn¡¯t get back tillte at night. I sent her my wishes though.¡± She exined.


    ¡°Sucks to be Lucas Secretary,¡± Jordan replied


    ¡°No, Lucas is okay you just don¡¯t know him,¡±  Katrina said defending Lucas


    ¡°Yeah, you will defend him that¡¯s what you always do,¡± Jordan saidughing


    ¡°I am not defending him I am just stating a fact.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say,dy,¡± Jordan replied not convinced.


    ¡°I am serious.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know you are. And I also know you like your boss.¡± Jordan said with a knowing smile.


    ¡°Cut it out Jord, I knew I should never have told you that,¡±  Katrina replied.


    ¡°Come on girl I already figured that out you know, anyway, are you going to his sister Lc¡¯s wedding she dropped an invite for everyone this morning.¡±


    ¡°Of course I will be there, I can¡¯t miss it for the world I forgot to mention it to you, I am part of her bridal train.¡±  Katrina disclosed.


    ¡°Really? And you are just telling me girl we have a lot of talking to do it seems we are falling apart, so you keep things from me now?¡± Jordan asked looking at her with a disgusted look.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that Jord and you know it.¡±


    ¡°Whatever,¡± he replied


    ¡°I am going the other way, so I will see you after workdy, we have a lot of talking to do. You have a lot of exnations to make.¡± Jordan continued flipping his non-existent long hair and walking away before she could argue.


    She has known Jordan for almost fifteen years now. Since he moved into her neighborhood. They hooked up to each other immediately and have been best friends since then. Jord and her had gone to the same high school, and also uni. And when they both graduated they had applied to the samepany Jord as a designer while Kat, as an administrative assistant. Luckily they both got taken.


    Katrina rode the elevator to the top floor where her office was located. The top floor was mainly for the directors and also there was a hall for international meetings.


    Opening her office she hurriedly dropped her stuff and went to check if Lucas was around already. Most times he was always at the office before her no matter how early shees. But today seems to be one of those rare days when she gets in before him because he was nowhere in the office.


    She dropped the papers she had printed out on top of his desk and made her way back to her office. Her office was a small room attached to her boss¡¯s office it had a door and it¡¯s was like her own small world inside the big enormous office.


    Just as she was about to sit down, she remembered she was supposed to get coffee from thepany¡¯s cafe but her talk with Jord had distracted her and she had forgotten. The thought of going down back to get it didn¡¯t sound so appealing to her so she opts for hearing a head full from her boss on how much she should know that he needed coffee to function and all.


    On second thought, she decided to go get it anyway. Going back down to the cafe was better than been scolded on a Monday morning.


    ¡°Katrina,¡± came her boss¡¯s voice as he entered the office.


    Well, guess she is gonna get the ear full whether she liked it or not. Preparing herself she turned to face her boss


    ¡°Good morning sir.¡±


    ¡°Morning Katrina, I bought coffee¡± he greeted smiling.


    Wow, that¡¯s a first she thought. Lucas smiling on a Monday morning and also bought coffee for both of them. In all her six and half years of working for him he has never bought them coffee it has always been her job.


    Too stunned to talk she took the coffee he offered and muttered a thank you more to herself than to him.


    He seems to be in a happy mood.


    ¡°What about the stuff I told you to check about on Saturday?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I printed it out, it on your desk.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Good,¡± he answered moving into his office. Katrina shifty followed behind him coffee in one hand and her Tab in the other hand.


    ¡°So what do we have this morning?¡±  he asked as he sat down sipping his coffee.


    ¡°Not much.¡± She replied dropping her coffee on the table and opening her tab to read out the day¡¯s schedule to him even though she knew he already knows more than half of it.


    ¡°By ten am, you have a meeting with the directors, after that, you have a meeting with the designing team. and by three pm you have another meeting with the investors from Dubai. That¡¯s all for today. And also your mom called that she will be sending someone down to take your measurement.¡± Katrina disclosed.


    ¡°Hmmm. Cancel every other meeting except the ones with the investors from Dubai.¡± He said in reply.


    ¡°Okay, sir. I will do that immediately. She answered.


    ¡± what about the measurement? ¡± she asked.


    ¡°About that, I will call my mom,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Okay, sir.¡±


    ¡°I sent some files to your email, go through them and pick out the suitable ones and print them out. I need it before the end of today.¡± Lucas instructed.


    ¡°Okay, sir.¡± She replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s all, for now, you can go,¡±


    he said picking up the papers she printed and scanning through them. Katrina picked up her coffee and moved back to her office.


    She opened her email and saw that there were about four different pdf files sent to her she clicked on the first one and looked back at the office with a look of distaste.


    ¡°How does he want me to finish this before today ends?¡±


    She muttered to herself. ring at the door that leads to his office. There he was sitting prettily sipping coffee while going through the file she already printed. His office was transparent. Except he closes the bindings which were left open most times.


    Katrina concentrated on sorting through the files which contain applications of aspiring graduates who hope to work in thepany. Evans Corporation is arge-scale business that has been around for about forty years now it¡¯s was founded by Lucas¡¯s father who retired ten years ago.


    Thepany mostly deals with real estate and management but after Lucas took over he had dived into another aspect. Hotel.


    So far for the past six years since she had started working for him, he had acquired eight different hotels in eight different locations. His diving into other aspects had increased thepany¡¯s output by almost a hundred percent.


    He had great business sense and always knows what will profit him. So far since she started working for him he has never run at a loss. The man was a business genius. He made more money for thepany since he started as the CEO and the Chairman of thepany than his father made for the thirty years he was the chairman.


    His dad who currently lives in Arizona with his wife and Lucas other siblings always talks with pride whenever he calls in to see Lucas. In his words.


    ¡°I never regretted handing over mypany to you Lucas you did a great job. I am proud of you son.¡±


    Focusing more on what she was doing she didn¡¯t notice when her boss left the office. When she raised her head he was no longer seated or in the office.


    ¡°Would it kill him to at least say Katrina I am going out?¡± She asked herself.


    She checked the time it was 12; 30pm. She had spent the past four hours looking through the applications and selecting the most suitable ones and alsopiling them. She was almost halfway done. She will work for 30 minutes more then go for lunch she thought to herself as she went back to sorting.


    When she raised her head again to check the time it was 1;20. ¡°Okay time for lunchdy she told herself as she saved the work she had done and got up from her seat. Asking just her purse and her phone she worked out of her office and went into Lucas¡¯s office to make sure he wasn¡¯t in before closing the door and working out of the office towards the elevate. She has to be back in the office before 3 pm for the meeting with the Dubai investors. But for now, food was calling her name.


    She is a food lover and never misses eating no matter how busy she is she always squeezes in time to eat.


    Her motto was ¡°food=life¡±.


    As she waited by the elevator her phone rang it was Jord.


    ¡± Hi Jord I am on my way down already order for me will you.¡± She said as soon as she answered the phone.


    ¡°I am sorry Kat, I was calling to tell you I will be eating out with Kelvin, I  am already out of the office.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he is back already that nice,¡± Katrina replied.


    Kelvin is Jordan¡¯s boyfriend, and he has been away for a couple of weeks now.


    ¡°I am sorry Kat, I didn¡¯t know he wille back today he just showed up out of nowhere,¡±  Jordan said with a sorry voice over the phone.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay Jord have fun and say hi to Kel for me.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, bestie, I love you.¡± He said the sorry sound wiping out of his voice.


    ¡°Love you too,¡± Katrina muttered.


    ¡°Bye see you soon. We still need to talk he added.¡± He said and ended the call. Not even giving her the chance to reply. What a friend. Kat thought smiling.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go get that lunch.¡± She said to herself as she got into the elevator.

 Chapter Two

    ¡°Katrina, in my office right now¡±.


    Katrina heard as soon as she answered the phone. ¡± Okay sir¡± she replied dropping the office phone and picking up her notepad.  quickly checking to make sure her makeup is in ce and her skirt in order. She walked to her boss office knocked on the door and entered


    ¡°Sir, you called for me?¡±


    ¡°Katrina how many times have I told you to call me by my name?  Especially when it¡¯s just the two of us Like we have been working together for almost seven years now.¡±


    ¡°Si¡­ I mean Lucas it¡¯s just that it won¡¯t seem professional if I call you by your first name when you are my boss¡± and it will give me hope that the impossible might happen. Katrina added thest part in her head.


    ¡°Whatever you say,dy, I prefer it when people call me by my name especially people I am close with.


    We are not that close, Katrina said in her head.


    ¡°Anyway,  the reason I called for you is to tell you we have to go on a business trip by Thursday, I know it was not in our schedule but it¡¯s a trip that can¡¯t be avoided. I am telling you now so that you can prepare and also sort things out to avoid a reurrence of what happened on ourst trip¡± Lucas disclosed


    ¡°As I would not want the both of us to be in a situation like that again¡±


    He is never gonna let her hear the end of it. This crazy man, Katrina thought, just one mistake in six years and he keeps going back to it. She wished she could erase his memory.


    ¡°Are we clear Katrina? Kat are you still here??


    ¡± Oh yes sir, I mean Lucas¡±


    He looked at her strangely and Katrina blushed inside, he called her Kat he has never called her that before.


    Before she could dwell more on that he continued talking and she was grateful for the distraction though she knew she would go back to it when she was on her own.


    ¡°It¡¯s a one-week trip so you should know what to do though we are not staying at a hotel as Mr. Raven who is hosting us has a resort and he wants us to make use of it.¡±


    ¡°Si.. sorry Lucas, I have a few questions if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Katrina said when Lucas paused


    ¡°Okay, ask away sweetheart,¡± he said


    What is wrong with him today Katrina thought, first he came to the office bearing coffee which he bought for himself and her, secondly he is not his usual arrogant and bossy self now he called her Kat and sweetheart in the space of five minutes. Something is wrong Katrina thought. Thest time he had been this nice to her she had ended up spending her whole weekend babysitting his sister¡¯s kids which was not bad because she loves kids and Leah¡¯s kids adores her. But her job is to be his secretary, not a babysitter. He better not make any silly requests again just cuz he bought her coffee. But then again they were going on a business trip so definitely not babysitting.


    ¡°Kat, I thought you had questions you¡¯ve been silent for too longdy.¡± He scolded bringing her out of her head.


    ¡°Yeah, Lucas what¡¯s with the sudden business trip and where are we going as I am not aware I figured this must be a new investment or merge. As far as I know as of Friday you are supposed to be on your way home for your sister¡¯s wedding rehearsals.¡± And als¡­


    ¡°I already called Lc,¡± he said cutting her off ¡°and she understands which is why we are going straight to Arizona after our business in California¡±.


    ¡± wait, we are going to California?  And also what¡¯s this about us going to Arizona together this is my first time hearing about it¡±


    ¡°Lady, you are my Secretary and my PA and as you know I am currently single who else would you think will go with me to the wedding?  He asked looking her over


    ¡°Well.


    ¡°See even you agree with me.¡±


    ¡°Nope, I don¡¯t agree. wait, is this the reason you have been nice to me??¡±


    ¡°Wow wow wow calm down miss I wasn¡¯t kind to you I was my usual self I am a caring boss.¡±


    ¡°Really? are we gonna talk about you being a nice boss cuz I got loads of things to say.¡±


    ¡°Oh, fierce I like that.¡±


    Okay something is not right Katrina thought cuz this is not the boss she has known since these years


    ¡°Okay, Lucas what is going on are you high?¡± Maybe he had a drink or two when he left the office. But he wasn¡¯t smelling of booze.


    ¡°Do I look like I am drunk? I am just talking to you.¡±


    ¡°Dude, you never talk to me like this.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± He asked


    ¡°Like this, as if we are close friends, real close friends. You order me around you are bossy you don¡¯t engage in conversations except those rted to work you are telling me now that you prefer being called by your name. I called you sir Friday before I went home and you didn¡¯t scold me I called you sir this morning when you came in and you didn¡¯t correct me.¡± Suddenly, this afternoon you are talking so casually with me. It¡¯s suspicious so Mr what¡¯s going on?¡±


    She asked folding her hands on her chest. His eyes followed the movement of her hands andnded on her chest then back at her face she blushed and dropped her hands from her chest.


    ¡°This is not the first time I told you I prefer to be called by my name.¡± He said after a short pause raising his brows as if asking her to argue.


    ¡°Okay, agree it is not the first time. Aside from that, today is the first time you bought me coffee that¡¯s always my job. Thest time you were nice to me we ended up in your sister¡¯s house babysitting and I did all the work while you went about whatever you were doing then.¡±


    ¡°I promise Kat you are not babysitting anyone.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that too,¡±


    ¡°What?¡± he asked looking confused.


    ¡°You called me Kat you have never done that before.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, I know why haven¡¯t I?  I like Kat or should I call you Trina or Rina those sounds nice too but Kat is my favorite.¡±


    ¡°Oh stop it, Lucas, be serious what do you want from me??¡±


    Katrina asked getting annoyed and yet no knowing why she is annoyed. This was what she had wanted all these years right? For Lucas to give her his attention and for the attention to not be work-rted but this must be work-rted maybe that why she is annoyed one minute they were a boss and a secretary and the next they are talking as if they are close and he was making her feel different emotions at the same time hope excited annoyance and all that he was evoking different feelings in her feeling he won¡¯t take responsibility for.


    ¡°Katrina¡± he called


    ¡°Yes¡± she answered


    ¡°I am sorry I offended you I was just trying to be.¡±


    ¡°See that¡¯s another thing you never do you never apologize to me or anyone,¡± she said cutting him short.


    ¡°Okay, let talk about th¡­


    The ringing of the phone on the table beside him cut him off he looked at the person calling.


    ¡± Excuse me Kat I need to take this call but we will continue this discussionter. He said as he picked up the phone and answered the call.


    ¡± No, we won¡¯t,¡±


    Katrina said more to herself as turned and left the office.


    Going back to her desk Katrina felt even more confused. what just happened? She thought. one minute they were talking about a trip and the next they were practically bickering. Who bickers with her boss?


    She couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that something was off. She just knew it, Lucas was up to something. And she is gonna find out soon.


    She let the thought off and concentrated on sorting the applicant files and also making preparations for the uing trip.


    When she finally, raised her head it was almost three o clock. Time for the meeting with the Dubai investors.


    She saved her progress, picked up the files rted to the Dubai deal on her desk, her tab, and walked to Lucas¡¯s office.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s time for the meeting with the Dubai investors. I mean Lucas.¡± She added when he looked at her strangely.


    ¡°Hmm, I already did that,¡± he replied casually.


    ¡°What? When??¡± She asked confused as f*ck. When did he start going on meetings without her??


    ¡°When I left the office ma.¡±


    ¡°But the meeting was supposed to be by 3 pm, I don¡¯t understand.¡± She said looking at him intently.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple Kat, you had a lot on your te, and the team from Dubai called that they will like to move the meeting forward when I came to your office to tell you, you were so concentrated that you didn¡¯t even notice my presence. So I just opt for going myself since your presence wasn¡¯t required much and I figured it will be less stressful for you. Did I do something bad?¡±.


    He asked after exining.


    ¡± No, you didn¡¯t it¡¯s just that¡­


    ¡°That what?¡± He asked when she didn¡¯t finish her statement.


    That you being nice to me will fill my head with thoughts, thoughts that are not gonna be good for me in the long run. She thought to herself.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that you are being too nice to me this afternoon and I can¡¯t help but be suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I do have a favor to ask.¡± He replied with an offside look.


    ¡°I knew it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you do but that¡¯s not the only reason I am trying to be nice I know I can be very overbearing but that¡¯s not a reason for you to quit.¡± He said.


    ¡°Wow, wait, quit? Me? When? ¡±


    Katrina asked confused.


    ¡°I saw the letter you typed among the files.¡±


    He exined.


    ¡°Were you looking through my stuff?¡±


    She asked. Eyeing him over forgetting the manners she hated when people look through her stuff no matter who it is.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking through your stuff it was in the printer.¡±


    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t print anything, if you bothered to check the date written on the letter you would have known it¡¯s not something that was written this year.¡± I must have mistakenly printed it out with the files you asked for. But that still doesn¡¯t exin why you are nice.¡± She said.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not a new letter.¡± He said as if he was relieved. ¡°But the thought of you quitting doesn¡¯t sit well with me whether it was years ago or now.¡± He added.


    Katrina had forgotten such a letter existed, she had typed it three years ago when her feeling for him was taking over her and she felt confused. She had wanted to quit then cuz she didn¡¯t know how to handle knowing that she loved him but he was gonna marry someone else. She hadn¡¯t had the mind to submit the letter and he didn¡¯t get married to Susan either. But how the letter got among the ones she printed is what she still can¡¯t pick point.


    ¡°Okay, years ago I wanted to quit but I didn¡¯t so what¡¯s the favor that you want from me?¡± She asked


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why did you want to quit?¡±


    ¡°Because you were being so¡­ Nevermind.¡±


    ¡± I was being so what? Say it don¡¯t be scared,¡± he replied. When she stopped talking.


    ¡°Can we forget about that? It¡¯s in the past. She said wanting him to give up the talk already.


    ¡± Okay, for now, I will drop it but just so you know I will still ask again.¡± He said.


    ¡°Fair enough, so what¡¯s the favor? She asked in reply.


    ¡± I thought we were dropping the issue?¡± He askedughing.


    He has a niceugh. And whenever heughs she always finds herself smiling. She can¡¯t help it.


    ¡°Nope not that,¡± she said catching herself and giving him a dirty look.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it some other time we still have till Wednesday.¡±


    ¡°Okay, if you say so.¡± She replied not wanting to prolong the talk.


    As she made her way out of the office he called her name and said something that stayed on her mind through the rest of the day.


    ¡°Kat let¡¯s be friends from now on.¡±


    She had been too dumbfounded to respond and had just left his office without saying anything.

 Chapter Three

    ¡°Hi, Jord what¡¯s up?¡±


    Kat asked as she answered the phone.


    ¡°Hey, bestie are you home?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I just got home.¡±


    ¡°Okay I aming over¡±


    ¡°What I thought you will be spending today with Kel?¡±


    Katrina asked bewildered she didn¡¯t like the tone of his voice.


    ¡°What happened Jordan?¡±


    ¡°Kelvin and I broke up.¡± He saidOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh my God Jord are you okay what happened?¡± She asked stunned.


    I don¡¯t wanna talk about it on the phone that¡¯s why I aming over do you have alcohol in the fridge or should I get on my way there?¡± He asked


    ¡°Jord you know you can¡¯t drink on weekdays.¡±


    ¡°I will get some on my way.¡±


    He said ignoring what she said and hung up before she could reply. The sadness in his voice made her sad as well. Jordan was usually a cheerful person. He rarely let his sadness or emotions get the better of him, he had always been the rational and realistic one of the two of them.


    ¡°Poor Jord.¡± Katrina thought out loud.


    Katrina wanted to just take her bath and go straight to bed, try not to overthink what happened earlier in the day. But Jord needs her right now. She quickly took her bath, looked for a series that they both enjoy, ce the beer she had on the small table close to the TV. Just then she heard the lock on her for click. Jord knew her password so she didn¡¯t have to go open the door for him.


    When he walked him the look on his face made Katrina sad. He looked lost. Jordan has been dating Kelvin for almost three years now to hear that they broke up just like that seem so foreign to her ear. Yeah they had fights but they always work it out and she only gets to hear about it after they have settled.


    ¡°Jordan¡± she called when he stood in one spot with beer and chicken in his hands.


    ¡°He broke up with me Kat.¡±


    He said with a broken voice. She hurried over and hugged him.


    ¡°It¡¯s will be fine Jord. I promise.¡±  Katrina said tearing up at the sight of her strong bestie crying


    Jordan has never been the crying type for him to be shedding tears means he was hurt.


    ¡± I am so sorry Jord.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t apologize you didn¡¯t do a thing. That jerk should be the one apologizing,¡± he said cleaning his eyes and trying to stop his tears.


    ¡°I should go knock him over,¡±


    Kat said. With much seriousness, she would go over and knock him down.


    ¡°He is not here anymore Kat, except you wanna travel to Australia to knock his ass off.¡±


    ¡°What? So you mean he came back just to tell you it¡¯s over?¡± Kat asked getting even angrier.


    ¡°Yup, apparently all these while he has been traveling often he had been gradually moving out of New York. He only came to tell me he is done and that he wasn¡¯t gonna be around anymore. That¡¯s not even the painful part. Kat, he got married while we were still dating.¡± He exined crying even harder.


    Katrina hugged him closer she didn¡¯t know what to say to make him feel better.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what to say Jord,¡± she finally said after a long silence.


    ¡°This is f*ck up.¡±


    ¡°I know right, I gave Kelvin my all, I never knew he could do this to me. Never knew someone who imed to love me would ditch me for someone else.¡± Jord said paincing his every word.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you it will be fine right now but you know it will be right? Jord you are a good guy, good things happen to good people so this will pass. You can get through this I promise.¡±


    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s so painful. I thought Kelvin was mine forever. I built my life around him these past three years it will be so hard to just let it all go now yet I have to let it go cuz what am I even gonna hold on to? He didn¡¯t just leave, he got married. Said he was starting a new life with his partner and he didn¡¯t want any past rtionship to be in the way. Kat, he called our rtionship past even before we broke up. I asked him how long it has been going on and he said sincest year. So for the past one year, I have been dating myself.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, let¡¯s go to the sitting room. We got all night to talk about it.¡±


    ¡°Am I allowed to drink my beer?¡± He asked.


    Typical Jordan, he always finds a way to make a joke even in the saddest situations.


    ¡°Of course you can, you just have to deal with the hangover at work tomorrow or you can call in sick.¡±


    ¡°I already told the team leader I noting in for the rest of the week. And surprisingly he understands.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then what are we waiting for? Let¡¯s dive in.¡±


    Kat replied. Happy that his sadness has gone down a little.


    ¡°No,dy I do the drinking you do the watching, or you think because I am heartbroken that I have forgotten you have some exnations to make?  No way Kat.¡±


    Katrinaughed and pull her best friend to the sitting room.


    ¡°We can talk about me some other time Jord but today it¡¯s about you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, you just have to watch me get drunk then cuz I don¡¯t want you to drink since you have to go to work tomorrow or your boss might fire you. He said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he won¡¯t.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Ohh, where did that confidencee from?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°Can we just start the heartbreak party already? I am dying to taste to chicken.¡±


    Kat replied opening the chicken box and pulling one out for each of them.


    For the first twenty minutes, they just ate and drank in silence. The silence, afortable and calming one.


    ¡°I wished this happened on a weekend we would have hone climbing instead of sitting here and eating like two teenagers,¡± Jordan said breaking the silence.


    Kat smiled not saying anything.


    ¡°We can still do it this weekend, what do you say, Kat?¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t Jord I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked frowning.


    ¡°Well, by this time Thursday I will be in California.¡± She replied.


    ¡°For?¡± He asked dropping the beer he was holding and facing her.


    ¡°Business trip, a one-week-long business trip then after that another two or three weeks in Arizona for Lc¡¯s wedding.¡± She exined.


    ¡°So you are not even gonna be here to watch my heartbroken moments,¡± he saidughing. Theughterced with sadness. He seemed pretty wasted already.


    ¡°I thought we will be going to Arizona together?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s what I thought too but Lucas had other ns.¡± She replied


    ¡°I am sorry Jord.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t say sorry you didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I will be fine don¡¯t you worry and have a great time in California.¡±


    ¡°I wish.¡± She replied.


    She wanted to tell him about what happened with Lucas at the office today but she opt not to, he already had enough to deal with she didn¡¯t wanna bother him with her shits.


    ¡°I am spending the next couple of days with you then. I am gonna bother you as much as I can till you leave,¡± he said pouting.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± She replied.


    They spent the rest of the night drinking and talking about their past and other stuff.

 Chapter Four

    ¡°When do you n oning in for work Kat?¡±


    Lucas voiced out as soon as she picked the call, she knew she shouldn¡¯t have drunkst night, she checked the time and it was about five-thirty and she did a retake to make sure she heard him right, why would he expect her to be at work by five-thirty am?


    ¡°Hello, sir it¡¯s five-thirty in the morning why will I be at work already?¡±


    ¡°I know the time, we had an agreement remember?¡±


    ¡°What agreement and why does it involve meing to work early,¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t, don¡¯t you remember?¡±


    ¡°Remember what?¡±


    Katrina asked, she was feeling so low, hangovers were the worst shits to deal with and hers was always extreme, this is why you shouldn¡¯t have drunk. She mentally scolded herself while trying hard to remember what she and Lucas had talked about but nothing was clicking.


    ¡°Did you have an anemia cuz I sent you a textst night to get here early today and told you that I will get the driver toe to pick you up but you said you can get here on your own, don¡¯t tell me you forgot?¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, I am sorry, I will be there soon,¡±


    She replied she couldn¡¯t remember he texted or that she replied this is why you shouldn¡¯t drink on a weekday. She mentally scolded herself again getting up from the floor where she had passed the night, Jordan was still passed out on the floor next to her, he was snoring and Kat had to sudden urge to kick him but she didn¡¯t instead she ran into her bathroom phone still in hand, she checked her message box and indeed there was a message from her boss which she had replied even with cute little hearts, this is why she shouldn¡¯t have tasted anything alcoholst night but she had felt bad watching Jord drink alone so she had joined him now she regretted it.


    ¡°Be here in the next thirty minutes Kat and we can pretend that this didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    She heard her boss say, she agreed and he ended the call, she wanted to beat him up for real, it wasn¡¯t yet working time and here she was hurriedly taking her bath, the hold the crazy man had over her, she suddenly wished she can pull a Jordan and not show up at work but they both have different bosses and Jord was more like a mini-boss of his own.


    By the time she was ready for work, fifteen minutes had already passed that¡¯s the earliest she could pull off, getting ready within fifteen minutes with a hangover is not simple.


    She hurriedly scribbled something on a piece of paper and kept it close to Jord and ran out of the apartment to her parking lot where she hopped into her car and zoned off towards her office, it was already over one hour before she made it into the office and she had to spend another five minutes getting into the elevator and by the time she arrived at her office it was way past seven am.


    ¡°You are one hourte Kat, you promised to be here in thirty minutes but it took you one hour thirty minutes to get here,¡±


    Lucas said as soon as she entered the office. She just stared at him like he was crazy.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I am sorry but I had a little too much to drink so I didn¡¯t even realize that I texted you back and I didn¡¯t know when my rm rang that is w**¡±


    She suddenly remembered she shouldn¡¯t be giving him details and just shut her mouth up.


    ¡°You were drinking on a Monday night, knowing fully well that you have work the next day? Now that¡¯s something that I won¡¯t tolerate, not when it will affect your job as my secretary.¡±


    He scolded and she med herself for telling him, and he was right too she shouldn¡¯t have been drinking, but she wasn¡¯t gonna let him have it.


    ¡°It¡¯s not disturbing my job though, I am here at work by seven am in the morning even with the busy New York traffic, only a few other people are already at work,¡±


    She said.


    ¡°Why were you drinking?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, do I have to answer that?¡±


    She asked moving into her office and sitting down, it wasn¡¯t working hours yet and she didn¡¯t have the strength to stand right now.


    ¡°Yeah, you should I am your boss,¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s my private life, why I was drinking has nothing to do with the job so it¡¯s none of your business,¡±


    She said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°Fine, don¡¯t say,¡±


    He replied.


    ¡°Why am I in the office early?¡±


    She asked wanting to get the job started, her head was banging and she felt like throwing up so she searched her bag for sweets and popped one into her mouth before turning back to face him.


    ¡°You are in no shape to attend to business right now,e with me,¡±


    He said and she stood up to follow him. He walked into his office, picked up a few files, and handed it over to her.


    ¡°Where are we going to?¡±


    She asked when he walked right out of the office into the elevator, but he didn¡¯t reply just made his way into the elevator and clicked the down button when she entered.


    ¡°I thought you said we had something to do this morning, and also I have toplete the file you gave me yesterday as well asplete preparation for the trip on Thursday,¡±


    She let out, her head was killing her and her feet were barely holding up, she wanted to sit in her office and do all her work so that she can ho home and sleep.


    ¡°We are leaving tomorrow,¡±


    He said ignoring her questions.


    ¡°Wait, what? I thought you said Thursday,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I did, but a change of ns,¡±


    ¡°Lord give me strength,¡±


    She whispered under her breath.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    He asked giving her his signature look that always makes her wanna run and hide.


    ¡°Nothing,¡±


    ¡°Good, to answer your question, I am taking you home,¡±


    ¡°What but I just got here and I can get home myself thank you.¡±


    ¡°You were an hourte, the meeting is already over.¡±


    He revealed and she wondered what meeting he was talking about.


    ¡°I mean the visual meeting with the Dubai team,¡±


    ¡°But that wasn¡¯t untilter today, did it get moved howe I am not aware?¡±


    She asked suddenly feeling like she is missing a lot of things these days which made her think about the tone he has been using for her, strangely before he would be mad at her but here he was talking to her calmly even after she has missed a meeting.


    And he also just said he was taking her home, then she remembered the state of her house, she was sure Jord wasn¡¯t even awake yet, not to talk of cleaning, there is no way she was gonna let her boss see her house in that state, he didn¡¯t reply her just stood there handsomely and pressing his phone.


    ¡°Sir, I mean Lucas,¡±


    She corrected when she remembered what he had said the previous day, it will take a while to get used to it.


    ¡°I am perfectly fine and I don¡¯t need to go home, so let¡¯s just go back to the office and let me do my job.¡±


    She requested, looking up at him, his piercing gaze made her look away almost immediately.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look okay, Kat, and also you can work at my house, we have an office there too remember? We are going to work there for today,¡±


    He said closing his phone and stuffing it in his pocket.


    ¡°Oh, here I was thinking he wants me to rest,¡±


    She let out and covered her mouth in shock when she realized she said it out loud.


    ¡°Yeah, I am gonna let you rest too that¡¯s why we are going to my house,¡±


    He pointed out, she hated going to his house, it made her feel things and made her realize how stupid she is.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just stay at the office?¡±


    She asked in a pleading voice. ¡°I promise I can work perfectly well,¡±


    She added when he didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Nope,¡±


    He responded as the elevator opened and they got out, a few people were already making their way into their various offices and they stopped by to greet the boss while they walked down towards the elevator, Lucas was feared by the workers, they were always talking about him in a bad way especially the Secretaries they always bad mouth him, and she sometimes scolded them but they never stop, they all feel he was ruthless in his dealings and they back it up by saying it was what their bosses said, she didn¡¯t me them much though, they didn¡¯t know him but she did, she had even hated him in the beginning and cursed her luck for bringing her to him but that was before she got to know him, admittedly he was ruthless when ites to business but bet you if they see him outside work especially when he is with his family then they will know he is a big softy too.


    ¡°There is nothing to eat at my house, so unless you wanna cook when you get there you better order something,¡±


    He said when they got into his car, she waved at the driver before she nodded and brought out her phone to ce the order. She saw she had an unread text from him and also one from Jord, she checked the one from Jord and replied, he wanted to know where she kept his wallet, she then checked Lucas¡¯s text but the send box was empty.


    ¡°You sent me an empty text,¡±


    She said looking at him.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Really? Must have hit send without my knowledge,¡±


    He replied and went back to his phone she just sat there feeling like hell while trying hard to sober up, it was all Kelvins fault, if he hadn¡¯t broken Jord¡¯s heart, he Won¡¯t have wanted to drink and she didn¡¯t have been here with a scary hangover, she wanted to look for him and give a good breaking for bestie¡¯s heart bit, unfortunately, the miserable dude had left the country, she promised herself that she would save the beating and give it to him whenever their parts cross, she was sure it would someday.


    ¡°What are you thinking of so hard?¡±


    She heard him asked, which brought her out of her thoughts.


    ¡°Nothing,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°That didn¡¯t look like nothing you were frowning and looked like you wanna murder someone,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, for real,¡±


    She responded wanting him to back off.


    ¡°Okay, fine,¡±


    He said going back to his phone.


    She closed her eyes, she will get some sleep, and when she gets to his house she would be sober enough to do her job without distraction, she hoped.

 Chapter Five

    Lucas watched her sleep, they both had work to do but he just didn¡¯t want to wake her, she looked beautiful even while sleeping, why was he just noticing her beauty, well not totally though, he had known she was a pretty woman from the moment she hade for the interview six years ago, back then he had thought she won¡¯tst a week with him cuz she looked so fragile and vulnerable but she had proved him wrong by withstanding him and even sticking to him for so long, she is hardworking and very efficient, she rarely made mistakes and when she does, she fixes it in no time, he wasn¡¯t sure he can work with someone else at this point, cuz she is the only one who can take all his shit withoutining.


    Before she came to work for him, he had over fifteen Secretaries who either quit or are fired by him, she is the only one who had worked for him for a year and above, it has been six whole years.


    The thought that she had considered quitting at a point didn¡¯t sit well with him, he didn¡¯t know how it would have been if she had submitted a resignation letter, he knew he won¡¯t have allowed her to go, he made sure to pay her well for her services, and also to treat her to gifts and sometimes outing so that she wouldn¡¯t consider leaving him but he seemed to have not done enough three years ago cuz she had wanted to quit.


    He flipped through the files in hand, he checked through the proposer and decided he didn¡¯t like what he saw, they were not offering enough to meet his demands, so he marked it as rejected and dropped it on his table, he looked up to see that she was already awake, he frowned at her and she looked at him apologetically.


    ¡°You are finally awake, so all the talk about being able to work was just talking,¡±


    ¡°I am sorry I fell asleep, you should have woken me up,¡±


    She replied rubbing her eyes and fixing her dress, she looked beautiful even just waking up, her hair was a bit in disorder and her shirt lost a few buttons so he could see the curve of her breast, her lips were¡­* okay stop right there, he thought taking his eyes off her, she didn¡¯t seem to notice him checking her out as she was busy fixing herself.


    ¡°Go do that in the bathroom and also fix your hair and sprinkle water on your face it will help you wake up, you have been sleeping for five hours and we haven¡¯t done much today.¡±


    He said getting up from his chair and heading to the kitchen to heat the food they had ordered, she had fallen asleep even before the food came.


    ¡°I know I didn¡¯t sleep that long, you are just ying with me,¡±


    She said still fixing her dress.


    ¡°Why will I lie? We got here by eight am, check the time now, it passed one already.¡±


    He said pointing at the wall clock before exiting the home office and headed to his kitchen. When he came neck she was sitting at her table and working.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna eat?¡±


    He asked pointing at the good he was holding.


    ¡°You are bing caring these days that I am kinda scared, are you been nice to me for a reason? You never did tell me what you wanted yesterday,¡±


    She questioned getting up to collect what he was holding and bitting into it almost immediately, she looked adorable but adorable shouldn¡¯t be used to describe his secretary, she is sexy, he hot, and has everyponent he desired in a woman, the only thing that stops him each time is that he couldn¡¯t bear to have anything with her and lose her if things go wrong, mixing business with pleasure always ends on the wrong side and he isn¡¯t ready for that but then again what he wanted to ask her for was a little off business but still rted to business, he didn¡¯t know what her response will be and he needed her to help him convince the old man that he is the one for the job.


    ¡°Lucas,¡±


    She called food with food in her mouth, he had the urge to wipe her mouth clean with his and moved away from her before he would do just that.


    ¡°I told you already that I will let you know soon,¡±


    He responded, eating his food.


    ¡°It would be better if I know now thanter so that I can know if I can help,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°I will let you know after we are done with work today.¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine,¡±


    She replied and they continued eating in silence, after eating she took their dirty dishes to the kitchen and came back bearing ice cream, he wasn¡¯t a fan of ice cream so he declined.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you don¡¯t like I e cream yet it¡¯s always in your fridge.¡±


    ¡°Well, you like it, and my sisters do too, I don¡¯t when anyone of you will be around so I stuck it in case y¡¯alle around like right now it hase in handy.¡±


    ¡°Wow, when did you be so caring?¡±


    She asked and must have thought she shouldn¡¯t have said so cuz she hit her head with her hand and looked at him apologetically but didn¡¯t say a word, heughed at her silliness.


    ¡°I am a caring boss, you just don¡¯t wanna admit it,¡±


    ¡°Tish!!! You are anything but caring,¡±


    Came to her sassy response.


    ¡°So, like I said we are leaving tomorrow so I will follow you home to get your stuff and we can pass the night here then leave for the airport tomorrow, ¡±


    He said jumping back to business.


    ¡°No way, I can get here early in the morning, I am not passing the night here,¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She replied.


    ¡°With the way you turn upte today, I can¡¯t trust you on that, also why are you so determined to keep me away from your house? What are you hiding there?¡±


    ¡°Hiding? Nothing, I am just ufortable when people visit my house,¡±


    ¡°But I have been to your house before,¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I was prepared then, you can¡¯t just up and want toe over when I am not prepared,¡±


    She said, shaking her head in disapproval.


    ¡°Fine, we can be through here in the next few hours and you can go home, I will pick you up by six am tomorrow,¡±


    He responded giving her what he felt was a better option, she still looked unpleased but she didn¡¯t argue just nodded.


    They continued to work in silence, the only sound that could be heard was the flipping of papers and the click-click of theptop, about an hour or twoter he decided they have done enough and he should let her go and rest since they have a trip the next day and she is pretty much battling with a hangover.


    ¡°Kat, that¡¯s enough for today, we can still work while we are in California.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will just save my progress,¡±


    She responded still clicking away on herptop, five minutester she looked up at him with a questioning expression.


    ¡°What?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I am done, you said you will let me know what you wanted once we are done with work today,¡±


    She replied arranging the file in front of her.


    ¡°Hmm, I remember but can¡¯t I just tell you tomorrow?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t believe it is taking so long for him to tell her what he wanted, he just didn¡¯t know how to tell her and what her reaction will be but he knew he has no choice, she is the only one he trust to be able to do what he wants without catching feelings.


    ¡°You said today,¡±


    She replied fiercely folding her hands on her chest, before unfolding them almost immediately and apologizing.


    ¡°Sorry, you are the boss, you can let me know whenever you want,¡±


    ¡°Nah, I will just tell you now,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she answered giving him her full attention, he decided to just let it out whether she agrees or not.


    ¡°Will you be my girlfriend?¡±

 Chapter Six

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    She asked in shock, she must have heard him wrongly, there is no way he just said what she heard.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Kat, no need to raise your voice, hear me out first,¡±


    ¡°I am not raising my voice, I may have heard you wrongly that¡¯s why I am asking,¡±


    ¡°You heard what I said, I am asking you to be my girlfriend,¡±


    He said again, this time she was sure she heard him right, did he like her? Why will wanting her to be his girlfriend be a favor to ask, he could have just asked, she suspected there is more to this but it didn¡¯t stop her lovesick heart from doing a little, Nah scrap that, her heart did a major jump for joy but she felt she needed to hear everything he wanted to say first before all these dancing or jumping for joy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, your girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°No need to look so disgusted or dismayed Kat, I am not in love with you or anything, I just need your help to¡­


    She couldn¡¯t hear the other part of what he was saying, her ears stopped working when he mentioned that he wasn¡¯t in love with her, she knew this had been too good to be true, she felt ashamed for overthinking before hearing him out but it wasn¡¯t all her fault though, still, she couldn¡¯t help but feel ashamed.


    ¡°Kat? Are you listening? You seemed so far away?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I am having a slight headache,¡±


    She lied.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to break it to you like that but I need your help if you would consider helping me,¡±


    He said in a pleading voice but she didn¡¯t wanna listen, her head was spinning, what had she been expecting? It¡¯s not like he had shown any interest in her in any way, she was just been stupid, trying as much as possible topose herself she looked up at him.


    ¡°Can you exin why you need a fake girlfriend Lucas?¡±


    She asked with much bravery though she wasn¡¯t feeling anything like brave, she just wanted to run and hide and scold herself in her hiding ce.


    ¡°If you will just sit and stop looking at me like that, then I will,¡±


    He responded.


    ¡°How am I looking at you?¡± She asked in fear that he might see through her.


    ¡°Hmm, like you are disappointed in me like I just said something unholy,¡±


    He couldn¡¯t read her, thankfully cuz she couldn¡¯t bear the shame if he did.


    ¡°Sorry, I was just thrown off bnce for a while so can we talk now?¡±


    ¡°Sure, see the thing is the old man we are going to meet in California has a huge chunk of properties here in New York and he wanna hand it over to someone, namely the people he invited, but the old man is pretty much old fashioned and believes every sessful man needs a woman by his side, I want this property cuz it will be a huge impact to ourpany if I acquire it, this is where youe in, as you know, I have had bad luck with women, and you are the only woman thates to mind who I know won¡¯t catch feeling or overthink the situation and make it awkward for the both of us, so I am asking, no begging you to think about it, I am willing to pay you, you just need to be my girlfriend for the week we are gonna be in California.¡±


    He paused but she didn¡¯t say a word, her head was still spinning,


    ¡°Say something, Katrina,¡±


    He persuaded.


    ¡°What if I say no?¡±


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t consider you saying no but if you don¡¯t wanna do it I will understand,¡±


    He said in a defeated voice that made her want to tell him that she will do it immediately but she scolded herself.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask one of your girlfriends? Or one of those women who wouldn¡¯t think twice before agreeing? It would be easy you know plus they will know how to act,¡±


    She suggested even though the thought of another woman following them to California and clinging to him made her wanna throw up, one time his girlfriend then hade to visit him when they were on a business trip and it had not been funny at all.


    ¡°I already exined to you, and besides you and I both know I am currently single, Kat it just for a week, just think about it as an extended part of your job, all you have to do is switch from sir to Lucas or darling and also be a little touchy with me,¡±


    He said it so easily that she couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡±


    ¡°You are funny, so is that why you have been on about me calling you Lucas? I knew there had to be a reason but I didn¡¯t know it would be this, this is worst than babysitting,¡±


    ¡°You keep bringing that up,e on, pretty, please help me, I will give you a promotion and lots of benefits.¡±


    He added even though she knew he was making it up, he sweetened the deal to make it very enticing but she wasn¡¯t moved, he pays her well enough and if not for her crazy emotions she would have agreed to help him.


    ¡°Sounds fake,¡±


    She replied and sat down, her legs were beginning to hurt.


    ¡°You can¡¯t promote me, where and what would you do without me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know but well, I can give you a name higher than a secretary and also increase your sry three times more,¡±


    He offered.


    ¡°All for pretending to be your girlfriend for a week?¡±


    She asked in shock. ¡°Or Is there more to this? Cuz you are offering pretty much for just a week deal, just let it outpletely then I will tell you if I can do it or not,¡±


    She questioned.


    ¡°Nope, that¡¯s the deal Kat, nothing else, but if you would add the fact that we are spending a total of one month together then, yes that¡¯s the added deal.¡±


    ¡°Wait, one month? What about Lc¡¯s wedding?¡±


    ¡°I included the three weeks we will be there to it making it one month, Kat please do this for me, you are the only woman I can trust with this,¡±


    He pleaded again, she so wasn¡¯t used to a pleading Lucas, he has always been bossy and givesmandments instead of asking so this was so new to her, she didn¡¯t know how to handle it.


    ¡°Did you ever consider that I might be in a rtionship and my boyfriend or partner will have a problem with this arrangement?¡±


    ¡°Well, I know you are single,¡±


    He replied and she wanted to wipe the arrogant smiled that followed that statement off his mouth but she reframed herself and just let it slide.


    ¡°Give me time to think about it, I will get back to you tomorrow, it is such short notice that I don¡¯t even know if I can conclude tomorrow but I will try and give you a response by tomorrow,¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, I will be expecting a positive answer, I should take you home now, it¡¯s almost five and you need to rest, we have a long day and week ahead of us.


    He said getting up and picking up his phone.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t worry, I can call a cab, there is no need for you to take me home, you still have work to do,¡±


    ¡°But I insist,¡±


    He argued but she couldn¡¯t let him, adding to the fact that her house would look like a mess, she didn¡¯t want anyone barging in on Jord in his weak moments.


    ¡°No, Lucas I can get home myself, thank you,¡±


    ¡°Fine, miss, do as you wish,¡±


    He said reluctantly and sat back down, she quickly ordered a cab and picked up her stuff while she waited, he didn¡¯t say a word to her while she waited and just waved when she told him she was off.


    All the way home, her head was spinning, she couldn¡¯t think properly if only she didn¡¯t have feelings for him already, it would have been an easy task but she knew it might end in a disaster if she got too close to Lucas. When she got home, she was surprised to find Jord in the kitchen making an early dinner, he had been humming to himself when she had walked in and he hadn¡¯t and still didn¡¯t look like the heartbroken Jordan that had knocked on her doorst night.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that youngdy? You are giving me the creeps with that look,¡±


    He warned while busying himself with making their dinner.


    ¡°I am just surprised, I have never seen you go through a breakup before and I didn¡¯t know what to expect but this wasn¡¯t what I was expecting.¡±


    ¡°You expect me to be all dirty and teary and cussing?¡±


    He asked with a weirdugh.


    ¡°Well, kind of cuz that what normal people do.¡±


    ¡°Tish! I never said I am normal though,¡±


    He responded.


    ¡°I am just d you are okay now, Jord.¡±


    She replied getting up to hug him close, she was indeed happy he is fine, and then she remembered her own problem.


    ¡°Jord, I have a little bit of an issue and I will like your honest advice on how to go about it.¡±


    She disclosed, moving back to sit down.


    ¡°Okay, girly, I am all ears, he responded turning off the stove and giving her his full attention, she hesitated a little before letting it all out.


    ¡°Lucas ask me to be his girlfriend!¡±

 Chapter Seven

    ¡°Come again, I didn¡¯t quite get what you said?¡±


    He said and she repeated herself


    ¡°Lucas asked me to be his girlfriend,¡±


    She said much louder.


    ¡°Wow, girl, that so nice, wow, your dreams finally came true, he eximed with much excitement, too much excitement for someone who imed not to like her boss.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look happy about it though,¡±


    He said after a while when she didn¡¯t smile or react to his congrattions.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s just one part of it,¡±


    ¡°Well, spill girl¡±


    He replied even more concentrated


    ¡°Well, the thing is he asked me to be his girlfriend for a week, not a real girlfriend but like a fake,¡±


    She said and trailed off when he gave her a pissed look.


    ¡°What the fuck Katrina Elizabeth Jones, tell me you didn¡¯t agree to that, I¡¯mma go and wipe that mudafuckers ass right now, who does he think he is and why will he make such foolish request,¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Jord, and hear me out.¡±.


    ¡°I finna wanna go and do some ass whopping so you better start talking, wait, why does he need a fake girlfriend when he can get all the girls in the world, okay maybe not all but the majority?¡±


    He questioned his voice calm for the first time since she told him.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to calm down and let me exin, and before you ask again, no, I haven¡¯t given him an answer yet, I told him I will think about it and get back to him tomorrow,¡±


    ¡°Better, but tomorrow is too short a notice though,¡± he argued. ¡°Okay, start talking youngdy,¡± he added sitting down and facing her with attentive eyes.


    ¡°Fine, the thing is he has this new dealing up which I only found out about on Monday, it the reason we are going to California, and apparently, the owner of the property he wanna acquire runs a resort in California and is looking to hand over his properties in New York to someone and ording to Lucas, the old man is old fashion and believes every sessful man needs a woman,¡± she paused and looked over at him and he was watching her with eager eyes.


    ¡°Continue, I ain¡¯t gonna say a word until you finish,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she continued. ¡°Like I said he needs me as his girlfriend for the week we are in California to convince the old man that he is the man for the job,¡±


    ¡°But you do know it not gonna end there right? That if you agree to help him this time it gonna have to continue till the deal is signed and sealed and also that if you help him you will be deceiving the old man and that¡¯s not right,¡±


    He said and Kat mentally scolded herself for not thinking about those and making those points when she had talked with Lucas.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think of that, again I have not given him an answer that¡¯s why I am asking for your advice.¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°Well, my advice is don¡¯t do it, let him look for someone else to,¡±


    ¡°Jordon,¡±


    ¡°Aha, yeah, I remember you like your boss and will get jealous if he brings another woman with him to your trips, sucks to be you,¡±


    ¡°Come on Jord, that¡¯s not it, Lucas said I am the only woman he trusts to do this for him without catching feelings,¡±


    At her words, he busted outughing and almost fell off his chair


    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡±


    ¡°You are funny, you and your boss, if only he knew you were head over heels for him, he won¡¯t be saying that,¡± he said in betweenughs.


    ¡°Jordan!!!¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he apologized still fighting backughter. ¡°See the thing is no matter what I say, you already know what you are gonna do, I have never known you to listen to people over what your head is telling you, so my advice is to think about it real good, weigh the pros and cons without leaving anything behind, though it pretty short notice, while you will get his attention for a week which might help you get over your feelings for him or maybe make you fall more in love with him and also think about how your work life is gonna be when it over, I know you, Rina, you are gonna do it even if I say you should not¡±


    He said and she understood everything he meant, if she is gonna consider helping Lucas she has to make sure it doesn¡¯t affect her or her work, apart from the fact that she will hate quitting, she also hates writing applications and going for interviews, Jordan knew her so well, he knew she is not gonna refuse him and he was right she is not going to, even if her head was telling her not to do it.


    ¡°Why are you so quiet?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I am just weighing the pros and cons as you advised,¡±


    ¡°See I knew you were gonna do it either way but just know I am not in support but if anything does go wrong I can help you deal with the loser of a boss,¡±  he said punching his fist into the air.


    ¡°Thanks, Jord,¡±


    ¡°For?¡± He asked raising his eyebrow.


    ¡°For the advised and also for helping with dealing with my boss if he messes up,¡±


    She said and he smiled weirdly.


    ¡°You know this might be helpful though, it might help you to see there is nothing to die for in Lucas, thinking about it again, you should be his girlfriend, and then when you guys break up you will just handle it as I did, drink a few sses of beer and get over him, oh that reminds me I am going on a date this weekend,¡±


    He said with excitement.


    ¡°What? Jord? So soon? Is it my memory or wasn¡¯t it yesterday that you had a major heartbreak? That¡¯s so quick¡±


    ¡°Come on, bitch this is the twenty-first century, you don¡¯t expect me to agonize over a man who has moved on already, yes, I am allowed to feel heartbroken for a while but there is no way I am letting that stop me,¡±


    ¡°Wow, you are doing good, I wish I can be like you,¡±


    ¡°Baby girl, you can¡¯t, remember when Brandon broke up with you? You spent the whole academy section looking like a widow,¡± he saidughing at her past heartbreak moments.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bring that up, I was stupid then, I can¡¯t even remember what I liked about Brandon,¡±


    ¡°Your teenaged self remembers though, anyway, Max the guy I am going on a date with, he has been asking me out for a while now but I have been turning him down since I was supposed to be in a rtionship but now I am free so I am gonna check him out but it nothing serious though, true love doesn¡¯t exist,¡± he said getting up to serve them food, ¡°except it one-sided like yours,¡±


    He added throwing her a backward nce, she threw the napkin on the table at him but he caught it and threw it back at her, she stood up to help set the table and remembered she has not told him that her travel has been moved forward.


    ¡°I forgot to mention we are leaving tomorrow not Thursday,¡±


    She revealed.


    ¡°What? I thought it¡¯s Thursday?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it was but Lucas said we have to leave tomorrow, you know the way he is,¡±


    ¡°I hate your boss I still don¡¯t know what you like about him,¡±


    ¡°He is your boss too you know, he owns thepany,¡±


    ¡°Not directly my boss though, my boss is an angel and if he wasn¡¯t already married I would have seduced him.¡±


    He replied flipping his invisible hair.


    ¡°But let¡¯s be serious though, as much as I don¡¯t like this fake girlfriend ideal, now that I have thought about it again, you should do it, girl, I know you already made up your mind to do it anyway, I am just saying you can use it to test if what you feel for him is real love or if it just in your head, you know what I am saying right?¡±


    He said as they sat down in front of the TV watching their favorite TV series,¡±


    ¡°I am offended by your words Jordan, I am twenty-eight years old not eighteen or sixteen, I know what I feel,¡±


    She reprimanded.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you say but you act like sixteen years old in love for the first time, I already told you to tell your boss how you feel about him, get it off your chest, tell him he doesn¡¯t have to be responsible for it but you just want him to know but you said no and have been carrying a one-sided love for over six years now,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not up to six years and I can¡¯t tell him that, that will be selfish of me and I don¡¯t want him to have to be cautious around me or maybe worst fire me if he gets too ufortable.¡±


    She replied. She has envisioned telling Lucas how she felt about him a few times but it didn¡¯t always end well in her head so she always chickens out when the voice in her head tells her to tell him.


    ¡°And you feel it right that you haven¡¯t dated anyone in a while, like for real whenst did you make love? You are hopelessly in love with your boss and not dating while he is fucking every bitch in the country, I wanna spank you sometimes you know,¡±


    ¡°Sex is not life and Lucas doesn¡¯t sleep with every bitch like you are saying, about dating I went on a date four months ago remember?¡±


    ¡°Who? The guy that showed up at your business trip? That will forever be iconic, cuz that was legendary for real,¡± he said in a fit ofughter.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t funny, Lucas looked like he would kill the both of us, I don¡¯t even wanna think about it, don¡¯t know why I even brought it up and again you were the one that set me up with him so it¡¯s your fault,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me me, me your inability to get over a man,¡±


    He said shielding himself with the throw pillows.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I will get there soon, I am not gonna stay on this one side love story forever, I haven¡¯t just been able to meet anyone good enough to make me want to end it.¡±


    She responded. No one she has met so far did it for her Lucas set the standard so high that she hasn¡¯t been able to meet someone who got up to half of him.


    ¡°Girl how will you meet someone when you are with your boss and love interest almost every day even on weekends, you know what, just make the most of this one week, seduce him and get down with him and deal with the aftermathter,¡±


    He encouraged but Katrina knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to do that but she didn¡¯t say a word just nodded her head.


    ¡°So when am I gonna see you again? Next week?¡±


    ¡°Nah, next month at Lc¡¯s wedding, we are going there after the one week in California and staying till after the wedding, I told you before remember?¡±


    ¡°Aha, yeah I remember now, see, you even have one month just cling to him and get the D for the whole month then get back to normal life as if nothing happened.¡±


    ¡°I need to pack the stuff I need would you help me or should I go alone?¡± she asked getting up to head to her room, she didn¡¯t wanna talk about the D of her fantasy cuz it would drive her crazy.


    ¡°I am exhausted so I will pass,¡± he repliedying on the floor.


    ¡°Lazy,¡± she used and went into her room to pack up. She decided to text Lucas her decision. ¡°I will do it,¡± she texted and got a response almost immediately, he must have been waiting for her response.


    ¡°Thanks, Kat, I promise you won¡¯t regret it,¡± he texted back and she hoped with all her heart that she won¡¯t regret it.

 Chapter Eight

    Katrina woke up with a start, she had not slept wellst night though she had gone to bed early, she had been toasting and turning in bed and had given up at a point and just ended up doing some work on herptop which had not been easy cuz her mind kept going back to the event of the day and also the uing trip she was both excited and scared.


    She sluggishly got up from the bed and headed to the restroom, brushed her teeth, and washed her face beforeing back into the room to put finishing touches to the stuff she had arranged the previous evening for her travel. Thankfully, she just had her period and it would be until early next month before it woulde again but she still made sure to pack pads just in case. Not wanting to wake Jordan up, she tried to move her stuff to the living area as quietly as she could, the time was just past five am and she still had a lot of time since they usually use an eleven am flight every time they traveled, bookings for flight usually just involve calling the airport and alerting them of the trip and the rest were done by them, a peck of being rich and influential.


    She made sure everything she needed ranging from toiletries to dress and shoes were intact she hated traveling unprepared and since only little was given to her she had not been able to buy new dresses and shoes, she loved to dress well and wasn¡¯t scared to spend on the dressing. Her mom always said she had been like that since she was little and at a point, she had considered going into fashion but had changed her mind when she found out it involved her going on diet and eating little bits of food, she loved eating and anything that makes her not eat is not for her, she loves her curve shape too and won¡¯t trade it for anything.


    She finished arranging her things and went to take her bath and by the time she was done it was already six am.


    ¡°Baby girl why didn¡¯t you wake me up to help you?¡± Jordon asked yawning as he walked into her room.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to disturb you,¡±


    She replied moving over to him and turning her back so he could zip up her dress.


    ¡°You know Kat if I wasn¡¯t into men I would have seriously gone for you, you are a full course meal,¡±


    He said licking his tongue and observing her. She knew he was joking cuz that¡¯s how it has always been.


    ¡°Well, maybe I wouldn¡¯t be single now if you did.¡± She replied hitting him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Nah, I am sorry but I don¡¯t fancy pussies,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Go brush your teeth Jord, it smells,¡±


    She answered back.


    ¡°I will miss you, Katrina, I am trying not to show it but for one whole month I won¡¯t see this beautiful face, I don¡¯t know how I am gonna cope with that,¡±


    He whimpered dramatically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so dramatic Jordon, there is face time and other methods ofmunication so you won¡¯t miss me,¡±


    ¡°Facetime doesn¡¯te close to seeing your face though, I hate it when you go on trips and I can¡¯te along.¡±


    He said sucking.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a trip Jord it¡¯s a business trip, no fun in it,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I agree, but then again this could be fun though, if I were you I will fuck him and get over it,¡±


    ¡°Jordan, it too early to use such words,¡±


    She scolded but he wasn¡¯t feeling remorseful cuz he rolled his eyes at her and continued.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like you are some virgin girl, Think about it Kat, this is a great opportunity for you, use it well, that said, I added a pack of condoms in yournguage it maye in handy.¡±


    He disclosed.


    ¡°What? Why will you do that? I am not gonna seduce my boss neither am I gonna sleep with him,¡± she shouted going to get hernguage from the living room and open it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother except you wanna start arranging over again cuz it at the bottom I slipped it in when you were sleeping, don¡¯t waste this opportunity you might not get it again, it better to cry knowing you went there at all than to cry for not going,¡± he said in a twisted logical way. She didn¡¯t want to go through the stress of scattering and rearranging the bag so she just sat on her bed and eyed him, even if she wanted to sleep with her boss he didn¡¯t want that and except she decide to rape him there is no way it gonna happen, he doesn¡¯t see her as a woman just someone who helps with the job.


    ¡°Even I want to, Lucas doesn¡¯t see me as a woman,¡± she voiced out her thoughts in a sad voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you think, you are a beautifuldy, no man can resist you,¡±


    ¡°You can,¡±


    ¡°Well, I am different, and I like your body but not in a lustful way, okay no man who is into women can resist you, Lucas being a big-time womanizer won¡¯t be different, you just have to work out how to get him tomit the sinful pleasure.¡±


    ¡°I am not gonna do it, so let stop,¡±


    ¡°You are no¡­


    Her phone rang and she checked and saw it was Lucas¡¯s number.


    ¡°Speaking of the devil, why is he calling me so early?¡±


    She voiced as she picked the call, Jord rolled his eyes andy back down on her bed.


    ¡°Hello, good morning Lucas,¡±


    ¡°Kat, hi, I am at your front door,¡± he voiced and the phone almost fell from her hand.


    ¡°What? So early, I thought I told you I wille over on my own?¡±


    She voiced getting up from her bed and heading towards the living room area, she turned and whispered to Jord who pretended not to hear what she was saying. She shot him a dirty look and went out of her room.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t agree to that,¡± Lucas replied and hanged up. Kat resisted to urge to scream, she looked around, her living room was pretty decent, she walked to the door and opened it and he stood there looking tall and handsome with an arrogant smile on his face.


    ¡°Good morning Katrina, how was your night?¡± He asked as he walked into her living room without waiting for her invitation.


    ¡°Are we leaving already? I thought it usually an eleven am flight?¡± She asked ignoring his greeting, he sat on her soda and smiled at her.


    ¡°Yeah, it is but we have a few things to cover before we board the ne, so that¡¯s why I am here to pick you up early, I see you are already ready, so if you don¡¯t mind going to get your bag so that we can be on our wa¡­¡±


    Jordan came into the living that moment and Lucas stopped talking, looking from her to him.


    ¡°You guys live together?¡±


    He asked in a shocking voice.


    ¡°No, there is¡­*¡±


    ¡°Yes, we do,¡± Jordan said cutting her off, she turned and eyed him, and he just smiled slyly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know, is that why you didn¡¯t want me dropping you off?¡±


    ¡°He wanted to drop you off and you said no?¡±


    She didn¡¯t know which one of the questions to answer so she just walked up to Jordan and pulled him back into her room.


    ¡°What the fuck was that?¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    She whisper shouted.


    ¡°Nothing, I just wanted to see something,¡± he replied.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know, get your bags and have a safe and fun-filled trip, he said giving her a peck on her cheek before walking out of the room.


    She faced palmed herself and hurriedly carried hernguage and bag, when she came out of the room, both Lucas and Jordan looked like they just had a face-off but she didn¡¯t have time to ask what happened as Jordan walked up to her and carried thenguage heading out while she and Lucas followed in silent.


    ¡°Katrina, have a safe trip,¡± Jordan said again when they got to where Lucas¡¯s car was parked and hugged her. ¡°Call me, and don¡¯t forget to do the deeds with him,¡± he whispered to her and she drew back from him, he smiled and walked back towards her apartment turning around at her entrance he pointed at Lucas.


    ¡°Remember what I said, I will be watching you,¡± he said and entered the house.


    Katrina turned to ask Lucas what he meant by what he said but changed her mind when she saw the look on his face, she will ask himter, she concluded. They drove in silence for a while until she looked up and saw that they weren¡¯t going towards the airport.


    ¡°Where are we going to?¡±


    ¡°Shopping,¡± he replied not looking at her.


    ¡°Shopping? For what, ?¡±


    ¡°For our little drama, Kat we need some couple clothes,¡±


    ¡°What? Do we need that? For real?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and you should start calling me something romantic,¡±


    He said facing her for the first time since they got into the car,¡±


    ¡°No way,¡±


    ¡°Come on it¡¯s not that hard, baby,¡±


    ¡°No, she replied and plugged her headphone not minding that she was been rude.


    He just smiled and continued driving and Katrina prayed that she can get through this one week without fooling herself.

 Chapter Nine

    ¡°Do we need to do this?¡±


    She asked again for the fifth if not hundredth time and Lucas decided that she is one daring woman, she has been asking the same question over and over again and he wanted to seal that pretty mouth of hers with his, knowing that if he did that she would run away and not look back helped him keep his senses. They were at a boutique and she has been asking the same question with every new clothing she tried on.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, baby,¡±


    He replied which made her cringe.


    ¡°Stop calling me that,¡± she mouthed over thedy fitting her dress, heughed and shook his head.


    When he had woken up this morning he had wanted to wait till shee to him herself but the thought of her changing her mind had driven him out of the house and towards hers, though he had met a shocker there, he didn¡¯t know she lived together with the weird guy from the designing team, he knew they were friends but he didn¡¯t know they were that closed, he wanted to ask her why they lived together he knew its not in his ce to question her private life but that didn¡¯t stop him from wanting to know.


    ¡°How does this look?¡± She asked turning around so he could see the dress she was presently wearing, the dress looked like it was made for her with the silk perfectly fitting to her and enhancing her elegant shape, he curved his lips into a smile and gave a thumbs up.


    They still had the bridge of an employee and an employer between and he needed that bridge gone, his father would probably be mad at his way of getting this particr deal, but he wasn¡¯t gonna back out, he needed to get Reuben¡¯s approval, and since he wasn¡¯t the only one eyeing the properties and knowing that most of the others were married which put him at a disadvantage since Reuben was a man ofmitment.


    He had waited up until he had got a reply from herst night, while he had been waiting he had thought of what he will do if she say no, no one else hade to mind giving him an idea of just how unhealthy his love life has been, it wasn¡¯t his fault though, he wasn¡¯t ready to settle down and chose to date only supermodels and actress who didn¡¯t domitment either though he has not dated anyone in a while, his parents were already on his neck for marriage but he didn¡¯t and wasn¡¯t thinking of it, thest time he had been ready for marriage the one he chose had shown her true side only months to the wedding, and he had called the whole thing off.


    ¡°Do I still need to try more clothes on?¡±


    Katrina asked bringing him out of his thoughts, he looked up at her and smirked.


    ¡°Not if you don¡¯t want to,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to from the beginning,¡±


    She replied with an eye roll, she is one sassydy, and aside from the fact that she is someone he can trust with this, she is also very aodating andfortable to be with, if he ever thinks of settling down she will be the kind of woman he will choose.


    ¡°Okay we are done here let¡¯s move to the next step,¡± he announced getting up and slipping on his coat. He gestured to the saleswoman and told her they will take everything she tried on.


    ¡°Are you for real? Are we gonna take everything? Don¡¯t get me wrong I love clothes but these are too much, what will I do with them when this is over?¡±


    She let out.


    ¡°It¡¯s easy, you can wear them to the office, our next stop is the ring store,¡± he said and waited for her outburst but rather than bursting out she got close to him and whispered.


    ¡°What do we need a ring for?¡±


    He wasn¡¯t ready to tell her that part yet so he just smiled and patted her hair which made her drawback and eye him.


    ¡°You will find out soon, let¡¯s go pick out the rings darling,¡± he said pulling her along with him.


    ¡°Shocker upon shocker, what have I gotten myself into?¡±


    She said more to her self which made him chuckle, she has been mumbling to herself for over thirty minutes now,  he found it cute.


    ¡°You know you can just ask me, there is no reason to be talking to yourself,¡±


    He voiced and she gave him the deadly look that he is slowly getting used to, he decided he liked this Katrina better, the one who doesn¡¯t do everything to please him, who shows her emotions and all, she had said a tant no when he had picked a diamond ring and had held on to her word and they have ended up going for a gold band that cost far less than the ones he had picked. That doesn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t fancy the other Katrina, both were the same woman and he respected both.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it, why did we buy rings? Are we getting married or what?¡±


    ¡°No, we are not getting married but like I said you will find out soon,¡±


    ¡°I hate surprises, and what more, I don¡¯t like you, Lucas I prefer my boss, at least he tells me things straight up not keep some details to himself, some boyfriend you are,¡±


    She said and heughed out loud,


    ¡°At least you are addressing me as your boyfriend, progress,¡± this is what they needed for the bridge to bepletely broken so they can both y their parts well, he didn¡¯t like deceiving people but he wasn¡¯t willing to lose the deal, not when he had a chance to get it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I may not be an actress but I know the drill,¡±


    She responded looking at the emerald ne on the case, she checked the price and dropped it.


    He looked at it, smiled, and gestured to the saleswoman when she wasn¡¯t looking, the woman seemed to understand what he meant.


    ¡°Where are we going next? I am hungry I need food,¡± she voiced as they exited the jewelry shop,


    ¡°To the airport, mydy,¡±


    He responded opening the car for her.


    ¡°For real? I just said I am hungry,¡±


    ¡°I know I already made preparations for that,¡±


    ¡°Oh sorry, I forgot for a moment who you were,¡±


    She said holding her mouth.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, forget who I am, especially as your boss, and think of me as the man you are head over heels for and the one you wanna spend the rest of your life with,¡±


    He exined looking into her eyes, she seemed frozen in ce.


    ¡°Hey, was I too direct?¡±


    He asked when she didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°No, I was just shocked, I am not good at pretending but I will try¡±


    ¡°Is it that hard? To pretend to love?¡± He asked feeling hurt for some reason but he shook it off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Lucas I will do my best,¡±


    She responded.


    ¡°We will do our best and when we finally get the deal we will celebrate together,¡±


    He said with a smile as he started the car. He chose to drive them and not bother his driver for different reasons, the main reason being that he didn¡¯t want a lot of people to be aware of the part he and Katrina were going to y cuz he didn¡¯t want her to be ufortable when all this is done.


    He looked up from the road to see that she had her eyes close, probably sleeping or just thinking.


    ¡°Katrina, I am d you agreed to do this with me, I promise I won¡¯t mess it up,¡± he whispered to her.


    ¡°You better keep that promise,¡±


    She whispered back.


    They drove the rest of the way to the airport in silence, his head was filled with the what will be the possible oue of this trip unlike every other business deal he has done in the past, this one looks like the hardest of them all, he didn¡¯t even know his stand, cuz as far as he knew a lot of other aspirants were ahead of him, not even cuz of themitment aspect but in business too, he didn¡¯t know if he had a chance and until Reuben had invited him over he had almost given up but the fact that he was invited alone means he has a shot snd he wasn¡¯t going to ruin it which is why he had to ask her to be his plus one to avoid taking chances, he has done other deals with Reuben before and he knew him well enough to know that the old man values men with women, so old fashion but still. The property is a very big estate in New York which if he acquires, he hopes to turn into a five-star hotel, he just hopes he gets it cuz no one can handle that estate better than him.


    He made up his mind that if he gets the deal he will give Kat a promotion even if he didn¡¯t get it she will still get it. He owes her that much for helping out all.

 Chapter Ten

    ¡°Wow, this is one thing I love about these trips, the food,¡±


    Katrina said, savoring the food, they were on the ne, she had waited three hours more before she could eat, it was already past eleven am, this was the longest she had stayed without food in a while and she didn¡¯t want to repeat the experience.


    ¡°Sorry it took so long for you to eat, I know how hungry you were,¡±


    ¡°I can tell you that you don¡¯t know the half of it, but it¡¯s cool, and I am just gonna get used to you saying sorry and also being sweet to me,¡±


    She replied before stuffing her mouth with food, whoever prepared this food needs a pay raise because God damn it they were doing a superb job.


    ¡°Once again I should defend myself that I have always been a sweet and nice boss,¡±


    Lucas said and Katrina eyed him before stuffing her mouth with food again.


    ¡°What? I am saying the truth and you know that,¡±


    He defended.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything though,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you didn¡¯t but your eyes did all the talking,¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s talk about it now since we are on it,¡± she replied dropping her spoon, ¡°shall we?¡±


    She asked challenging him, he seem to believe his narrative that he is a nice boss, she isn¡¯t disputing the fact that he can be nice sometimes, he can, like he bought her a car and do treat her to lots of gifts and benefits but she always felt that she deserved those things because she worked hard for them, being able to tolerate his every mood swing alone is hard work.


    ¡°We shall. tell me a moment I wasn¡¯t nice to you,¡±


    He replied sipping from his wine ss.


    ¡°Oh I have loads of things to say, one is you usually just ignore me during trips even long ones and it¡¯s not nice, you only talk to me when it is about work and just let me sit in silence the remaining time,¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t ignore youpletely, we have a good working rtionship not everyone will feelfortable telling their boss what you just told me, and not everyone has conversations with their boss outside work and you and I are just doing that,¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you forgetting something? You are my boyfriend for this trip, not my boss,¡±


    She reminded, she knew she shouldn¡¯t get used to it but she didn¡¯t know how to stop herself.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, so we are both going to stop being a boss and worker and be a couple, I like how you think,¡±


    ¡°Back to what I was saying, number two, you are too strict, the other secretaries and even most workers don¡¯t like you, do you know how hard it is to defend you sometimes?¡±


    She voiced shaking her head.


    ¡°Wow, you defend me? That¡¯s so sweet, but again I need to be strict, and also not everyone will like me and I am okay with that,¡±


    He said with a wave of his hand as he took a sip from his wine, a tiny drop stayed on his lips and Kat suddenly had the urge to suck it off his lips, she shook the feeling off and watched as his tongue came out and licked off the drop, his eyesnded on her that moment and her throat went dry, the way he looked at her made her shiver, she quickly removed her eyes from him and faced her food, that she suddenly didn¡¯t have an appetite for, the man sitting across looked more appealing and she wanted to have a


    taste so badly, she shook the thought of and looked up to see him watching her.


    ¡°What?¡±


    She asked.


    ¡°Nothing, I just¡­** Nevermind,¡±


    He said and she wondered what he had been about to say.


    ¡°I have finished with the file you have me on Monday and I wanted to send it to you but decided not to yet, since we have other things to do and the recruitment is not until next month,¡±


    She disclosed, changing the topic.


    ¡°Are you trying to deviate from what we were saying before? Cuz you know I am indeed a nice boss?¡±


    He questioned raising his eyebrows.


    ¡°No, I just thought I will let you know since I just remembered and also, you are not nice,¡±


    She replied pointing at spoon in his direction, she dropped the spoon and beckoned on the air hostres to take the te away as she was no longer eating it.


    ¡°Keep telling yourself that,¡±


    He replied when the hostres left.


    ¡°Whatever, so anything else I have to do?¡±


    She asked wanting to do nothing than fall asleep and wake up in California.


    ¡°Nothing, for now, you can ask me anything though,¡±


    She thought hard about what she is missing, but nothing seemed toe up, they have already established that she is acting as his girlfriend and also make it convincing enough, when they get there she will do just that, it¡¯s not gonna be hard pretending to be in love with him when she already is, she is just gonna release all the pent up feelings, he wouldn¡¯t know anyway, he will just think she is good at ying her part. Her problem is gonna be when this is over and she has to let go, that¡¯s why she shouldn¡¯t let this get into her head, she shouldn¡¯t let the girlfriend in without thinking of the fake before it.


    ¡°Lucas, what about sleeping arrangements? We never talked about that,¡±


    She inquired suddenly remembering they never talked of sleeping arrangements.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but I think we are sharing a room,¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Is there a problem with that? Don¡¯t you think it will be off if we are a couple and we sleep in separate rooms?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so, we are not married,¡±


    ¡°Couples share a room even when they are not married Kat, I mean you should know, you live with that guy,¡±


    ¡°What guy?¡±


    ¡°The one in the designing team, what¡¯s his name again?¡±


    ¡°You mean Jordan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, him, why do you live with a guy I know he is not your boyfriend or is he?¡±


    ¡°Jordan is my best friend we¡¯ve been besties since our teenage days,¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She repliedughing at him for thinking Jordan is her boyfriend.


    ¡°So you guys live together? You do know that there¡¯s is no such thing as just friends between a guy and ady right?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Jordan is just a friend and besides he prefers guys, and also we don¡¯t live together, he had a little something going on that¡¯s why he is at my ce¡±


    She revealed andughed at his expression, he muttered something she didn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    She asked.


    ¡°Nothing, anyway about the sleeping arrangements, I promise I am a good guy, I don¡¯t bite and also I will give you space to do your stuff but we are sharing the bed, there is no way I amying on a couch and I can¡¯t let you do that either,¡±


    He said and she felt and little shiver, the thought of them on the same bed was both appealing and scary at the same time, what if she got so overwhelmed and jump on him? ¡°Oh God help me,¡±  she silently prayed.


    ¡°Well, except you wanna volunteer to use the floor,¡±


    He added in a teasing voice.


    ¡°No, you said you don¡¯t know about the sleeping arrangement yet, so maybe the old one will be so old fashioned that he won¡¯t let two unmarried people share the same room,¡±


    She said even though she knew the probability of that been true is low.


    ¡°I doubt that,¡±


    Lucas said confirming her fear, she just had to find a way of surviving one week in Lucas¡¯s bed without jumping on him.


    ¡°I might just rape him,¡± she mumbled to herself.


    ¡°What the did you say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡±


    ¡°You sure? I thought I heard something,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing for real, I was just thinking out loud,¡±


    ¡°Okay, if you say so,¡±


    ¡°You look tired, we still have about four or five hours to travel so you can use the suit it¡¯s morefortable than the chair,¡±


    He offered, again a first, she has entered the ne suit but she has never used it, this would be the first time, in over five years since they started using the private jet, she didn¡¯t voice it out though she just nodded and stood up to head there.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    He called.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    She answered turning to face him.


    ¡°Thank you again, this means so much to me,¡±


    She didn¡¯t know what to say so she just nodded and went into the room andy on the bed, staring at the rooftop and imagining how it would be like being on the same bed with Lucas.


    She thought of what Jordan told and contemted doing as he said, but she didn¡¯t know how she will deal with the consequences and what more if Lucas rejects her, how is she gonna deal with the embarrassment? She loved working for Lucas and didn¡¯t want to have to quit, she kept toasting and turning until she fell asleep.

 Chapter Eleven

    ¡°Kat, Kat,¡±


    He called trying to wake her up but she must be very tired cuz she just makes a few noises and went straight back to sleep, he didn¡¯t want to wake her up but he had no choice, they werending soon, and she needed to be seated.


    ¡°Baby, you need to wake you,¡± he whispered into her ears but she just shook off his hand and continued sleeping, she is hard to wake, he knew it already, that¡¯s why he had decided to wake her an hour beforending.


    ¡°Yo! Wake up sleeping princess he whispered closed to ears but she just scratched him off again.


    ¡°Come on Katrina wake up or I am gonna kiss you,¡± he voiced his face moving close to hers that he could feel her breath on his face.


    She jumped up and their face meet his lips touching hers, she moved off him in seconds.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She asked staring at him with sleep-dazed eyes.


    ¡°Hmm, isn¡¯t that obvious? I was trying to wake you up,¡±


    He replied getting off the bed.


    ¡°You could have just told one of the air hostesses to wake me up, you didn¡¯t have to do that yourself,¡±


    ¡°Wow, calm down, I did send someone to wake you but you didn¡¯t respond to her and even I tried to want you up for almost twenty minutes,¡± he replied rolling his eyes at expression, if he knew a kiss will wake her up he would have done that from the beginning.


    ¡°Anyway, I found a new way to wake you up, I will just kiss you if you dont get up,¡±


    He added and she touched her lips with her fingers.


    ¡°I, you,¡±


    ¡°What Kat? Did you lose words? Wow, never knew I could make her speechless,¡± he jokingly replied.


    ¡°I am just not sober yet, and who kisses a sleepingdy?¡± She asked arranging her hair and dress.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he thought out loud, ¡°Prince Charming, or what do they call him, did,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Hello, you are not prince charming, neither am I snow white,¡± she replied sassily.


    ¡°Agreed I can¡¯t be prince charming, he is so low andcks lots of ss,¡±


    ¡°You are so full of yourself,¡±


    ¡°Agreed, let¡¯s go and Continue talking while we are seated, we arending soon.¡± He said pulling her along with him.


    She sat facing him and was looking at him with eyes still dazed from sleep.


    ¡°What?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem like it though.¡±


    ¡°Fine, you are acting so different with me, and it¡¯s confusing,¡±


    ¡°How? We are a couple remember? This is me ying my part,¡± he lied he didn¡¯t know what was wrong with him either, he just liked teasing her and ¡®kissing her¡¯, his head whispered, yeah that too, why did he do that? It¡¯s will make things awkward between them and he didn¡¯t want that.


    ¡°You are right, I forgot for a moment,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t forget when we get to California,¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t I will be all over you, that you won¡¯t even have a moment to breathe on your own,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Looking forward to it then,¡±


    They went silent after that, he thought about what he will achieve if the trip is sessful, first of he wanted to build a five-star hotel on thend, and also build something simr to a vacation home there, thend and the whole properties wererge enough, he knew acquiring it will require lots of money and he had those in stock already, he just has to make the old man see him as the one fit to have thend, he didn¡¯t even know why Reuben was that old fashioned, like what¡¯s there to be thought about if the buyers have the money, why add a person moral and marital life as a part of criteria of getting the properties when at the end of the day, he was still gonna pay. He wanted the property and he was gonna get it.


    ¡°I hatending,¡±


    Katrina murmured out loud breaking the silence that has been on for over fifteen minutes.


    ¡°Come over here,¡± he said pointing to the seat next to him, she looked sick, he didn¡¯t know she had a problem withnding and they have been traveling together for long, yeah Lucas you are a bad boss, his head scolded him.


    ¡°I am fine here,¡±


    She replied closing her eyes, the pilot announced that they werending in ten, he quickly moved from his seat and sat beside her before pping back his seat belt.


    ¡°Hey,¡±


    He voiced holding her hand and urging her to look at him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you don¡¯t like it when nesnds,¡±


    ¡°I told you that you are a horrible boss, do you believe me now?¡±


    She with her eyes still closed.


    ¡°I have no words,¡± he replied. He truly had no words to defend himself, he should have known.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t know I could make Lucas the great speechless,¡± she muttered using his earlier words.


    ¡°I am sorry I kissed you, it was a mistake, I didn¡¯t know you will jump up like that,¡± he said apologetically.


    ¡°You know they might beat you up if you say something like that to anotherdy? No matter what nody wanna hear it was a mistake when you kiss them and so on,¡±


    She voiced pulling her hands from his and opening her eyes.


    ¡°Sorry about that mydy,¡±


    ¡°Apologies epted sure,¡± she replied.


    They remained silent as the ne descended, she grabbed onto his hands and held him tight almost causing a bruise but he didn¡¯tin, he felt bad for not knowing she was scared of a descending ne.


    ¡°Who is gonna pick us up from the airport, she asked releasing his hand when the ne finally came to a stop.


    ¡°A worker from the resort will be here.¡± He revealed while dialing the number the phone rang and the guy on the other end greeted him and told him he was already at the airport.


    ¡°He is here already, we just need to get our things and we will be on our way there,¡± he told her.


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He asked, she looked pale.


    ¡°Nothing, I just feel a little sick, I will be better if I rest my head a little,¡±


    ¡°Okay, ¡± he replied holding out his hand for hers.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Kat, this is it, from here on and until we live California you are mine, let¡¯s do this baby,¡± he said searching her face, she nodded and held onto his hand.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he mouthed when they exited the ne.


    ¡°You are wee,¡± she mouthed back.


    Going through airport agents didn¡¯t take much time, before long they were on their way to the resort, Katrina looked tired and she rested her head on his shoulder, not such if she was ying her part or if it because she feltfortable with him but it was nice that she found her shouldersfortable to sleep on.


    ¡°Wee to California sir,¡± the driver said maybe trying to start a conversation.


    ¡°Thanks, you work at the resort right?¡±


    He asked.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nice, has any of the other guest arrived?¡± He asked wanting to know how early orte they were.


    ¡°Yes, two different couples arrived early this morning, we are expecting others,¡± the man replied.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied, they weren¡¯tte not too early, just how he liked it.


    They arrived the resort within thirty minutes and the workers showed them to their room, like he expected, they were sharing a room, Kat didn¡¯t look shock or anything when she found out, like she already thought so too. The resort worker who showed them to their room told them, Reuben was in the field and that he will be around soon.


    As soon as they entered the room, Kat went toy on the bed.


    ¡°Are you okay? Or should I get you something?¡± He asked worried.


    ¡°No, I am fine, don¡¯t worry,¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lucas I am fine.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Okay, okay, no need to be angry,¡± he said raising his hand in surrender.


    ¡°Tish, I am not angry I am just tired,¡±


    ¡°Alright get some rest, I need to go check up on something I will be back soon,¡±


    He said leaving their room without waiting for her response, he was tired too but he needed to make few calls.


    ¡°As he left the room, he silently asked God for forgiveness and also prayed for the sess of the trip, he wasn¡¯t much of a religious person but his parents had thought him to always pray and that was one thing he never forgets to do even though he knew he offended the maker a lot, he always tried to make amends.


    ¡°Time to get to work Lucas, let¡¯s get the bread,¡± he muttered to himself as he walked out of the housing area of the resort into the fields.

 Chapter Twelve

    Katrina opened her eyes and blinked to clear sleep off, she wondered for how long she had been sleeping, traveling always gets her exhausted especially when she travels by air, over the years she has trained herself to get used to it but this particr trip had been too urgent that she had not had time to do that, she looked around the room, it looked big and very pretty even though it had simple decoration, there was a bed, a sofa, a walk-in wardrobe, a table, tv, and a small but pretty floor pot, the room could easily carry up to five people, she wondered why such arge room had a single bed but didn¡¯t give it much thought because the bed itself was huge.


    She wondered just how long she had been sleeping, she checked her watch it was long past eight pm. She wondered where Lucas was, he had said he had a few things to do when they arrived but she had been too tired to make out what it was.


    ¡°You are up? That¡¯s good, let me get you something to eat,¡± he announced entering the room, he was in a simple white shirt and ck trousers yet he looked hot as fuck, her mind suddenly went back to their not so but still a kiss that afternoon and she resisted the urge to run her fingers over her mouth.


    ¡°I am sorry I fell asleep even after sleeping on the ne,¡±


    She said apologetically,


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you were tired, now go and freshen up so that you can eat, or do you want to eat first?¡±


    ¡°No, I will freshen up first,¡± she answered getting up from the bed and heading towards the restroom in the room, she turned around halfway there and headed instead to get her toiletries, a pair of nighties, and every other thing she needed.


    ¡°Okay, then I will go get your food,¡±


    He said and left the room, she went ahead to take a bath, and when she came back into the room, he was there sitting on the sofa, the food he brought with him on the table.


    ¡°Thanks a lot,¡± she said as she sat down to eat.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡±


    ¡°Have you met with the owner yet?¡± She inquired


    ¡°Yes, I have, and don¡¯t worry he knows you were tired and understood when I told him you were asleep.¡± He added when she gave him an apological expression.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she answered digging into the food. ¡°Are you not going to eat? This tastes really good, it has to be one of the best pasta I have had.¡±


    ¡°No, I have eaten with the others so you can have it all, I will just watch you eat,¡± he answered making her blush inside.


    ¡°Tomorrow, we will be having an introduction ceremony by noon, apparently, the old man wanted people around him for his sixty-five birthday so this is pretty much a party, a one-week-long party, I get it now why he insisted on us bringing our partners,¡± Lucas exined.


    ¡°Alright, now I am d we got those lovely clothes,¡± she said in excitement.


    ¡°You look happy about it,¡± he observed.


    ¡°Yes I am, I love parties, though I don¡¯t get to attend much,¡± she answered looking down at her food, she hardly had time to party even though she loved them, she was almost always busy with work.


    ¡°Why? If you like something you should do it often even if it not always,¡± he responded.


    ¡°As if the reason I am not partying is not you,¡± she voiced and closed her mouth when she discovered she said that out loud.


    ¡°I am sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to say that out loud,¡± she apologized.


    ¡°Hmm, okay, but what do you mean by I am the reason you don¡¯t get to party? Answer me honestly, I won¡¯t get mad,¡± he inquired and she bit her lips hard.


    ¡°Should I really say it?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he responded with authority.


    ¡°Well, you make me work so hard even on weekends sometimes, that all I do when I get home is sleep it rest, my work life pretty much take-up ny percent of my life, and the remaining ten percent are used to either sleep or visit my parent,¡± she exined, not like she wasining but people around her were, her best friend especially, she barely had time to hang out with her friends, couldn¡¯t quite remember thest time she had a nice hangout.


    ¡°I am sorry, I didn¡¯t notice, I am not excusing myself, but I promise I won¡¯t overwork you again,¡± he apologized and she felt the sincerity in his apology.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± she replied and continued eating in silence.


    ¡°You can take the bed, I will use the sofa,¡± he announced as they got ready for bed.


    ¡°No, the bed is big enough for two and we are both adults, I know you will respect my space, I don¡¯t want you cursing me in your sleep, that sofa looks nice for sitting but definitely not for sleeping at all especially for an over six feet tall man,¡± she said going over to the bed.


    ¡°Why thank you for looking out for me mydy,¡± he answered with a bow as he got on the other side of the bed.


    Only a few minutes afterying down she heard his soft snores and smiled to herself before turning to watch him sleep, he looked so handsome even while sleeping, she resisted the urge to move close to him and caress his eyebrows and lips, she couldn¡¯t help but be wistful that this handsome, and somewhat caring man be hers, she knew that was impossible but it didn¡¯t stop her for thinking it, and wishing for it, she fell asleep to the sound of his snoring.


    ¡°Once again I wee y¡¯all to my humble resort, I hope you have fun and make new friends and new memories here, cheers to having a great time,¡±


    The old man cheered and the others chorused with smiling faces, the old man wasn¡¯t as old as Katrina thought, he didn¡¯t look a day older than sixty, but he was turning sixty-five in two days from what she found out and he looked like a normal old man who is very weing, she spared a nce at everyone in the room, they all looked rxed and calm, none of them looked like they were rivals andpeting for something, she wondered just how much pressureid under those calm faces, her eyesnded on Lucas and he gave her a worried expression and mouthed.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes I am,¡± she mouthed back. she had woke up this morning in his arms, how she got to his side of the bed, she still couldn¡¯t quite make out, but he had not seemed toin or said anything about it so she had let it go even though she had been both excited and embarrassed, waking up in his arms had felt both surreal and heavenly.


    She tuned back in on what the old man was saying, he was exining how the week will go and by his exnation, it sound more like a fun trip rather than work, she was d she came and smiled to herself.


    Everyone has already introduced themselves and there were about twelve couples and one of the couples were expecting their first child, some others brought their kids with them, while a much younger couple like her and Lucas were in the middle of nning their wedding, they gave out invites and she kind of wondered if everyone here were actually business rivals because the energy here was quite friendly, though some more people are expected to join themter today. She made it a point to ask Lucas if everyone there was in on getting the properties.


    ¡°Are everyone really,peting for the old man¡¯s assets?¡± She asked when they got back into their room, dude looked tired and they still had a mini party by five pm, they were just on a temporal break.


    ¡°No, not every one of them, some are his friends and colleagues, we are about five only, and two of those haven¡¯t arrived yet,¡±


    ¡°Oh, that exins the friendly atmosphere.¡± She said as sheid on the bed, heid down beside her.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    She inquired when she looked at him and caught him watching her.


    ¡°Nothing, just that you are so pretty,¡± he whispered her face redden in shock.


    ¡°Wow, dude, heads up please, except you want me to turn tomatoes red,¡± she answered getting up and holding her face in her hands.


    ¡°You are one of a kind miss,¡± he repliedughing.


    ¡°I know,¡± she said patting her face.


    ¡°I like this Katrina better, don¡¯t get me wrong, I like the other too, just that I prefer the open and easygoing Kat,¡± he voiced.


    ¡°The both are the same person, it¡¯s just depending on the situation,¡± she said biting her lips


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± he voiced.


    ¡°Do what?¡± She asked biting her lips again


    ¡°That, biting your lips, it makes me wanna kiss you, and I don¡¯t think I should,¡±


    He said looking at her lips, she froze at his words, all her head could process was Lucas wanted to kiss her.


    ¡°I.., I mean you.., sorry,¡± she said covering her mouth when she couldn¡¯t make up a good sentence.


    ¡°What? Do you want me to?¡± He asked pulling her hands and looking into her eyes, she felt her heartbeat increased and sucked in a much-needed breath, her throat was suddenly dry as he pulled her closer towards him¡­

 Chapter Thirteen

    He felt her breath against his face, he wanted to kiss her so badly but he knew that would change everything between them, and he couldn¡¯t risk it, not when it was Katrina, he didn¡¯t want to ruin what they have if things go south which it always does, he gently pulled off and stared at her, her eyes were still close and he wanted to say fuck everything and kiss her.


    ¡°I am sorry Kat, I shouldn¡¯t have done that,¡±


    She opened her eyes and smiled weakly at him.


    ¡°Why are you sorry though? I thought we were practicing, I am just ying along, don¡¯t let it get into your head,¡± she said and poked his forehead.


    ¡°Ouch, that hurts,¡± he said, happy that she didn¡¯t get any wrong idea.


    ¡°Liar, I barely did that,¡± she replied and moved away from him, she looked at her phone and her expression changed.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s just a text, I have been getting loads of it from an unknown number, I blocked the number and for one month I didn¡¯t receive any but yesterday I got another and again today, I am sure it is the same person,¡±


    She exined.


    ¡°What does the text say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much, hello darling Trina, doing good I bet? Can¡¯t wait for us to be together, and stuffs like that, it just that it gives me the creeps,¡±


    ¡°Can I see it?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I deleted it, I don¡¯t usually keep them, I shouldn¡¯t have done that right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah you shouldn¡¯t, if you get a text like that again, make sure to show me alright?¡±


    ¡°I will,¡±


    ¡°Good,¡±


    ¡°I should get used to this,¡± she said andy on the bed with her face up.


    ¡°Get used to what?¡±


    ¡°You taking care of me, if you don¡¯t continue after this ends I am gonna hunt you every day at work, and give you an ear full that you won¡¯t have an option than to either take care of me or run away,¡± she said smiling widely. He liked her smile, has always liked her smile, it made her look even more beautiful.


    ¡°Sure thing, you know I am caring,¡±


    He replied getting up from the bed to pick up the clothes he was gonna wear for the dinner partyter today.


    ¡°You should pick up a dress too, I think the purple one will be best for this evening event,¡±


    ¡°And you have great taste too,¡±


    ¡°Thank you for thepliment ma¡¯am,¡± he answered chuckling.


    ¡°Can I ask?¡± She suddenly said while she looked through her luggage.


    ¡°Sure what is it?¡±


    ¡°Since we are here for the old man¡¯s birthday party does that mean we ain¡¯t gonna be talking of business?¡±


    ¡°No, this is a full package, I already gave him my ns and all, I know he will choose who he wants to sell to by himself, I just hope that person is me,¡±


    He said hoping the old man will see him worthy of owning thend.


    ¡°Just how much is it worth?¡±


    ¡°Over six hundred million USD,¡±


    It¡¯s was pricey but worth every penny. He looked at her to see that she had her mouth opened.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You mean a six hundred million dors property and we still have to win the old man over, and will still pay him that much money? Like you have that kind of money? I know you are rich but that¡¯s big money, rich people, you guys amaze me, like if I had six hundred million us dors in my ount I will never work again, I will just go on vacation, and invest a little so that it won¡¯t run dry,¡±


    She let out and he smiled at her honesty.


    ¡°It¡¯s not much of big money when it worth it, and if I do get it I will be making more than that, let¡¯s say times six or even times hundred more if I build the hotels and resort there¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t know, wow, just wow, rich people amaze me, wow, six hundred million dors, wow, you are a business genius so I know you will get more from this, I hope you get it, but still six hundred million, just wow¡±


    She continued as she sorted her dress, he just stoodughing at her, she was one of a kind for real, he knew the property price was on the high side even his father had said so when he had told him but still, it was worth every penny, if he gets it, he will be making more.


    They spent the rest of the day going through their normal routine, which involved work and work, they only stopped when it was almost time for the dinner party.


    He watched her talking with the otherdies, she was smiling while sipping her wine, she looked so graceful and elegant, he was proud of her.


    ¡°Your girl is so pretty and she is friendly too, Reuben saiding to stand beside him.


    ¡± Yeah,¡±


    ¡°You are so lucky, no everyone is as lucky as you, you should hold her tight before someone else steal her from you,¡± he advised sipping his wine, if only he knew that she wasn¡¯t his to beginning with, indeed any man who gets her would be very lucky, but that man wasn¡¯t him, a woman like Katrina will likemitment and a stable home and he isn¡¯t the man to provide that, he liked his freedom too much and wasn¡¯t thinking of marriage until maybe in histe thirties or early forties


    ¡°I will Reuben,¡± he replied still watching her, she wasughing at something one of the women said with her head thrown back.


    ¡°You can¡¯t even take your eyes off her, neither can she, you are in so deep,¡± he said, Lucasughed softly at his ignorance, if only he knew, but he didn¡¯t which was fine, the fact that he thought that met him and Kat we¡¯re doing a good job.


    ¡°You are right,¡± he replied.


    ¡°So when are you gonna pop the question?¡± Reuben asked, the old man was sure nosy.


    ¡°We are taking our time, we are both still young and will like to explore and get to know each other before we take that step,¡± he replied weighing his every word, he didn¡¯t want to say something that might alert the old man.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand young people of these days, back then, when people are in love like you guys they get married but these days y¡¯all be on about exploring and stuffs when you can do the exploring together as a married couple,¡± he said shaking his head.


    ¡°Different times, Reuben, those days were good, but this is where we are at now,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that, but just so you know, there will be lots of others who want her too, a woman like her always draws the attention of men, the faster you act the better for you, and I will like to be invited to your wedding soon,¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your advice Reuben and I will make sure to send you one,¡±


    ¡°I hold you on that, enjoy the party, and we will be talking business tomorrow, my secretary will let you know the time and venue,¡± the old man said and moved on to the other guest not even waiting for his reply, he smiled to himself, business would go just fine, he knew it will.


    He watched Kat and marveled at how she could look so rxed withdies whom she has never met before this day, he saw her walking towards him and held out his wine as a sign of a toast, she did the same.


    ¡°What the fuck? when will this party end? These women are so nosy, don¡¯t get me wrong they are friendly and amodating but their questions are out of this world, they have been asking me the same question over and over again,¡± she whispered to him as she stood beside him.


    ¡°What are they asking? He asked even though he already had an idea.


    ¡°When we are getting married, where do we n to go for our honeymoon, they even made suggestions, how many kids we n to have, what my best sex position is, the list goes on, I am so tired of giving a none existing date and details,¡± she said and cringed he smiled at her expression, she really looked done, but how she could keep a calm face even when she was clearly losing it amazed him.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sorry, you have to go through this,¡±


    He whispered pulling her close to him and hugging her when he noticed the women watching them.


    ¡°The things I do for you Lucas,¡± she replied against his shoulder.


    ¡°I know right,¡± he said pulling her closer.


    ¡°They are looking at us right?¡±


    She said and he knew she would add her signature eye roll, he was thankful that it was dark enough for anyone not to notice that.


    ¡°Yes baby and we have to give them something to talk about,¡± he replied, pulling her off him and looking at her fondly.


    ¡°Something like what?¡± She asked with curiosity written all over her face, he knew he shouldn¡¯t be doing this and also that he will hear an ear full from herter but for now, he will do what he wanted to do since his lips touched hers on the ne if she queries him, he will use the excuse of them been watched, and if his mind does too, he will use the same excuse, he wanted to taste her lips so badly.


    ¡°Lucas,¡±


    She whispered with a suspicious expression that he found cute, smiling at her, he bent his head and took her mouth in his, she gasped in shock which made her open her mouth and he didn¡¯t waste time and dived into it, deepening the kiss, her lips tasted better than he anticipated.


    He heard the noise and the excited wows and ahs of the people around them, but he was focused on the woman whose lips were against his, he felt her surrender under his kiss, felt her kiss him right back, and smiled against her lips in satisfaction¡­

 Chapter Fourteen

    Katrina couldn¡¯t believe what was happening, Lucas was kissing her, kissing her in public, this had to be a dream, the pressure of his mouth on hers made it impossible for her to think straight, he was indeed a good kisser, his mouth explored hers in a way no one else has ever done, she couldn¡¯t remember thest time she kissed someone, she sighed in pleasure, kissing him back, she never thought this day wille that he will kiss her. Then it dawn on her, this wasn¡¯t the kiss she hoped it will be, this was just for a show, with that thought she suddenly wanted the kiss to end, tapped on his shoulders to let her go and he did maybe because he felt her withdrawal.


    ¡°I am sorry Kat,¡±


    The sorry, yeah, that¡¯s what she didn¡¯t want to hear, ¡®sorry¡¯ but she just nodded and smiled at him, this was what she agreed to do, she just have to keep that at the back of her mind.


    ¡°If you want we can call it a day here,¡±


    ¡°No, I am okay,¡± she said smiling at him and gently touching his chin.


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    The music increased just then and everyone moved towards the dance floor with their various partners, all real partners, she sighted with jealousy but made sure it didn¡¯t show in her expression, she was good at faking her emotions so this should be easy.


    ¡°Shall we dance mydy?¡±


    He requested.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she responded taking the hand he offered and following him to the dance floor, he held on to her waist as they danced slowly to the music.


    ¡°You are so pretty,¡± he whispered against her ears sending a shock of excitement into her body.


    ¡°I know,¡± she whispered back trying to y along while she melted inside.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with me, it¡­ I don¡¯t know, maybe I have had too much to drink but I wanna kiss you again,¡±


    He whispered close to her ears before looking at her, she was shocked at the look in his eyes,


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± she replied but it was already toote, his lips were on hers again and she found herself melting into his touch and kissing him back, the kiss soon became heated and she had to pull back to stop him.


    ¡°I am¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t take another sorry from him so she leaned towards him and pecked his lip when she saw that he wanted to apologize again. She smiled at him and he smiled back as the beat of the song turned into a faster one, they both danced along smiling andughing with one another. by the time the party was over they were both pretty exhausted that when they got back to their room, they just took a shower and went to bed, at least he went to sleep, she couldn¡¯t sleep, she thought about the first kiss, and the second, the first was okay because it was just for the part they were ying but the second, no one was watching at least she knew that everyone was so invested in dancing that no one would have noticed, then why did he kiss her, she touched her lips, she could still feel them swollen, she could still remember the taste of him, she was in trouble, she thought.


    ¡°Are you not going to sleep? We have a lot to do tomorrow,e on, get some sleep,¡±


    He said to her in a sleepy voice and pulled her close to him, held her in his arms while patting her back gently, how did he want her to sleep with his breath against her face, with his body on her. He went fastback to sleep.


    She couldn¡¯t sleep though, not with his arms around her, she couldn¡¯t fall asleep, she carefully removed his arms from her and got off the bed, quietly picked up her phone and left the room, she needed to speak with Jordan, they have not spoken since she left and she felt bad for not calling him, she walked to reception and sat down in a quiet area, where she could talk with Jord without drawing attention to herself, even though it waste, people were still around.


    As she opened her phone, she saw a text from the same number that had texted her this morning, she wanted to delete it without reading but opted not to since she promised Lucas, she would show him anytime she got a text from the number again, she closed her message box and dialed Jordan¡¯s number hoping he would pick up because it was sote at night, and he might already be sleeping, and he did pick up, he didn¡¯t sound a bit like someone who had been sleeping.


    ¡°Bitch, I thought you forgot about me?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Jord, sorry, I have been really busy, since I got here,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I am not offended, I am used to you ghosting me whenever you are with your boss,¡±


    He replied, but Katrina could hear his annoyance in his words.


    ¡°I am sorry Jord, promise I will make it up to you,¡±


    ¡°You better,¡±


    ¡°I will, where are you that you picked up so quick, I thought you would be sleeping already and just tried my luck,¡±


    ¡°Nah, I ain¡¯t sleeping yet, I ain¡¯t even at home, I am at Max¡¯s house.¡±


    ¡°What? Jord? I thought it wasn¡¯t serious.¡±


    She asked baffled at he moved on from Kelvin so fast, she wished she was just a little like him, then things wouldn¡¯t have been so hard.


    ¡°It¡¯s not serious girl, I am just testing the waters,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, okay,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so what¡¯s up with you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much,¡±


    ¡°Heeey, that doesn¡¯t sound like nothing though, you called because you have something to say right? Now say it,¡±


    ¡°No, Jordan I called to say hi,¡±


    ¡°Kat, I know you better than anyone else, for you to call me by this time means you have something to talk about so spill girl,¡±


    ¡°Fine, sometimes I hate that you know me so well,¡±


    ¡°As if, it goes both ways remember?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know, so the thing is,¡±


    Kat said and paused, she didn¡¯t know how to put it to him.


    ¡°The thing is?¡± He asked impatiently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry just forget about it,¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t bitch, now start talking, what happened?¡±


    ¡°Lucas and I kissed,¡±


    At her words, he screamed so loud that she had to remove her phone from her ear to avoid damages.


    ¡°Oh my God girl, I wanna hear the full gist, how was it? What kind of kiss is it?¡±


    ¡°Jordan!!!¡±


    ¡°Okay, I am quiet, start talking,¡±


    ¡°The first time¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait more than once?¡± He screamed again interrupting her.


    ¡°Jordan!¡±


    ¡°Sorry continue,¡±


    ¡°If you interrupt me again I am hanging up, and you can go back on your date or whatever it is,¡±


    ¡°Fine, I am not saying anything again just listening,¡±


    ¡°Good, so the first time, it was for show, I am not thinking much about that, but the second is where I am having an issue, he said he wanted to kiss me, and he did, I don¡¯t know what to do with that,¡± she paused wanting his input but he didn¡¯t say a word.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Jordan?¡±


    ¡°What you said not to say a word,¡±


    ¡°Come on Jord, I am serious here.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to fret about Kat? I already told you before you left, now seems like the dude wanna do some shit with you too, so it¡¯s no longer one-sided, you don¡¯t have to seduce him now, you just have to go with the flow,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the point Jord, you know Lucas, I don¡¯t want a fling but I know that¡¯s all he can give, I don¡¯t think that will be enough for me,¡±


    She replied voicing out her fears, she was scared of getting into anything with Lucas and getting carried away which may lead to heartbreak because she already knew Lucas doesn¡¯t domitments.


    ¡°Katrina, heartbreaks don¡¯t kill, and if you already know what you are in for, it won¡¯t hurt all that much, take me for example, I already moved on, trust me you will get over it, but what you won¡¯t ever get over is the fact that you never gave it a chance because of your fears, I don¡¯t know about you, but I can¡¯t live with regretting not doing something, I rather bear the pain and get over it knowing I did something, than regret not doing it at all, but then again at the end of the day, you always have to make your choices no matter what anyone else says. If you understand me,¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand Jord, thanks a lot, and I am sorry for keeping you away from your date,¡±


    ¡°Nah, don¡¯t be sorry, girl, Max understand and you are more important,¡±


    ¡°Thanks again Jord, I will call again,¡±


    ¡°You better do, bye I love you,¡±


    ¡°I love you more,¡±


    She said and ended the call, she sat there for a little longer thinking about what her choice would be, she has had this one side feeling for so long, what will it hurt to just indulge with the man, like Jordan said, whatever ouees she just have to live with it, her mind made up, she went back into their shared room, got on the bed and slept off.

 Chapter Fifteen

    He didn¡¯t see her for most of the next day, he was locked up in a meeting with the old man and otherpetitors while she was busy with the women, the only time he saw her during the day was when they went to eat lunch and they couldn¡¯t talk much because all the women were camped together, they just said a greeting to each other in passing, and by the time they finally got to meet each other again it way passed nine pm and they were both too exhausted to talk about what happened the previous evening, one thing he knew for sure was that he wanted her, he didn¡¯t know just how to stop himself, he knew this was a wrong move, that it might ruin everything but as he watched her sleep that night, he knew beyond any doubt that he wanted this woman and he would have her, he just hope he wasn¡¯t making a mistake that will cost him, someone, he trusted.


    The meeting with the old man was okay because from what he saw through his chances were still not huge enough the people he really, had topete with were not much, he was way ahead of the other three and his mainpetitor was Pascal whose family deal more on technology, he couldn¡¯t deny the fact that they were loadedpound with the fact that Pascal is married and also the fact that, his father and Reuben had been really close back in their days, but that wasn¡¯t gonna stop him though, his determination to get that property just shot up a hell lot more.


    ¡°Good morning Kat,¡±


    He said when he saw her open her eyes, she looked beautiful even though she just woke up and her hair and face were in disarray.


    ¡°Good morning, what time is it?¡±


    She asked running her hands through her hair and rubbing her eyes, he had the sudden urge to go over there and do it for her.


    ¡®You will get yourself in trouble, stop it!!!¡¯ he mentally scolded himself.


    ¡°After Eleven,¡± he answered atst.


    ¡°Holy! Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡±


    ¡°You looked so tired I would be a devil to do that, you worked hard yesterday, good job,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, it was easier than I thought,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you are so clever,¡±


    ¡°For real, anyway what¡¯s on the schedule today? I don¡¯t even know and I am supposed to be your secretary,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, there is nothing on today, except a get togetherter today by evening, so you can rest all day,¡±


    ¡°Oh really? That¡¯s nice,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to explore the resort when I got here two days ago but we have been busy,¡±


    ¡°Okay, once you take a bath and eat we can go do a little exploring, what do say about that?¡±


    ¡°I love it, I will go bath now,¡±


    She said excitedly and left the room, she looked super excited about it and he liked it.


    While she was taking her bath he called room service and had them bring her ate breakfast.


    ¡°This taste good, I wanna meet the chef here, he or she is so good, I wish I can cook like this too,¡±


    ¡°Your food tastes nice too,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you say, but Jord and my mom would beg to differ, they don¡¯t let me in the kitchen because ording to them I am a disaster,¡±


    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t know you and him are that close,¡± he replied feeling somewhat jealous of the guy, how great was it to be close to this an,


    We are, I told you we grew up together, he is my best friend,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I forgot again, my bad, you never talk about your mom and das much though,¡±


    He voiced since he knew her this was the first time she mentioned her mum to him.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t just go about mentioning my family everywhere right?¡±


    ¡°But you know about my family,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you are the boss, and you sometimes tell me to do things for your family,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true but still,¡±


    ¡°Fine, my mom, dad, and younger sister both live in New York too and I sometimes go and visit, very rarely because I am always, but they don¡¯t mind though,¡±


    He felt guilty for being the reason she wasn¡¯t meeting up with her family much, his dad would be mad at him if he doesn¡¯t show up often and Arizona is far from New York unlike her parents that are in the same city as her.


    ¡°I am sorry Kat, for keeping you away from your family,¡±


    ¡°For real? You are not the one keeping me away, I work, not like you cage me, and you pay me for my work, my family is pretty much busy so even if I have time, they won¡¯t, my sister just started her acting career and my mom and dad runs a business that keeps them busy, they run a fashion school,¡±


    ¡°Wow, why didn¡¯t you join the family business?¡±


    ¡°Because, as much as I like fashion, it¡¯s not for me, when I was younger I had interest but when I became a teenager, I lost all interest, I rather see a finished product than be there during the production,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, okay,¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you disappointed because I didn¡¯t show interest in my family business? And prefer to do something else?¡±


    ¡°I am ?ot, I am sorry if that¡¯s how it seemed to you,¡±


    He apologized, she looked offended and he didn¡¯t like the fact that he made her annoyed.


    ¡°Again, he said sorry,¡±


    She said rolling her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s bing a habit right?¡±


    He had been apologizing to her a hell lot and he has noticed too, he even apologized for kissing her, which he has never done before, he has never apologized for kissing someone.


    ¡°Yes, it is, you are apologizing for more than you have ever done in the past six years, in fact, you never apologize before, you just point out reasons, and then that¡¯s it, even if you are wrong,¡±


    ¡°Eww, what a horrible boss,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, thank God you finally know, anyway I am done eating so can we leave now, I wanna admire the beauty of this ce,¡±


    She said getting up and carrying her bag, before picking up the dish she used.


    ¡°Leave the dish here, room service will pick it up,¡±


    He said getting up.


    ¡°My bad, I thought I was at home,¡±


    ¡°Right let¡¯s go sightseeing,¡±


    They headed out of the room, first, they went over to the reception and got their pass and a key to a tricycle, and before long they were going up the hill.


    ¡°Wow, this is so pretty, California is so beautiful,¡±


    She said looking down at the city with so much excitement in her, she looked so pretty with her long curly her down, the dress she had on fitted her perfectly bringing out her gorgeous shape, he knew he shouldn¡¯t be checking her out but he couldn¡¯t help it, he remembered how her lips tasted when he kissed her and licked his lip, he wanted her, he wondered how he went six whole years with her around and nothing happening between them, he suddenly wanted whatever shield that had kept him from lusting over her for the past six years back, because right now he was having thoughts he knew he shouldn¡¯t be having, especially with this woman.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go over to the other side,¡±


    She said excitedly, he followed behind her watching her.


    ¡°You are in trouble Lucas, get your act together,¡±


    He told himself, but that didn¡¯t help, he wanted this woman so bad, he didn¡¯t know how to stop himself.


    ¡°The world is made up of beautiful ces,¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± he answered even though he knew he had not even checked the resort out, he was too busy checking her out.


    ¡°I kinda wish I live in this part of the earth,¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Well for one, nature, two, it less noisy and busy here unlike New York,¡±


    ¡°There are busy ces in California too, a hell lot of them,¡±


    ¡°I know but you can¡¯tpare it to New York,¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡±


    ¡°See, now can you please take a picture of me?¡±


    She asked giving her phone to him, he took it and took a few pictures of her.


    ¡°They are so pretty, lets take a selfie,¡±


    She invited, he wasn¡¯t much of a picture person and would have said no on a norm but nothing about this trip was normal, so he agreed.


    ¡°I am sorry Kat, but I think we have to go back now,¡±


    He announced when he checked the tome, they have spent over two hours on the field.


    ¡°Another sorry, I have lost count, let¡¯s go,¡±


    She said and headed towards where they parked the tricycle, he followed behind her wondering just how he would spend the remaining days here with her on the same bed without touching or wanting her, he had to find a way, because he knew Kat was a woman ofmitment and he didn¡¯t have that to offer. That alone should bring him to his senses, he hoped.

 Chapter Sixteen

    ¡°You never did tell me how far you went with the old man,¡±


    Kat said as she dressed her hair and did her makeup, they were both getting ready for the party, she turned to face him when he didn¡¯t respond and caught him looking at her again, she has tried not to overthink his looking at her, during their walk that afternoon she had caught him looking at her more than once and it was giving her all the ideas that might leave her in a mess.


    ¡°Lucas?¡± She called.


    ¡°Yeah? What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me? I asked how your meeting went with Reuben?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that, it went better than I expected, since the old man ain¡¯t making any final decisions yet and there is only one major rival and that¡¯s Pascal,¡±


    ¡°Wow! Do you mean Pascal Joh?¡±


    She hasn¡¯t seen him around and didn¡¯t expect him here, the guy was a major rival of Lucas even though they deal in different sectors but like Lucas, he also likes buying properties.


    ¡°Yes, he is the one,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was around, I haven¡¯t seen him, neither did I see his wife,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, his wife is heavily preggy and can¡¯t travel for now so he came alone,¡±


    Now, I am scared, we lost to him before,¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean he will win this,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know but I also know he is loadedpound with the fact that he is married which give him a major advantage, and with the way, the women here have been asking me when we are getting married I really don¡¯t know,¡±


    ¡°They are still asking you that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, even yesterday, Reuben¡¯s wife asked, and the other women were all looking at me expectantly like they were waiting for me to say something wrong or I don¡¯t know, I had to tell them that we are nning on starting our preparations  right after your sister¡¯s wedding, and I went ahead and told them that we are already engaged and are just keeping it low for now,¡±


    She disclosed wondering why the hell she had told the women that, but their nosy questions had been getting too much, and she had just wanted to shut them up, and thinking of the ring they bought before they came here, she hade up with the perfect lie.


    ¡°Wow, you did all that? I don¡¯t even know what to say,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say a word, I am kind of not sure if I should have said those, since we didn¡¯t talk about it but I was tired of their questions, after that the only thing they asked again was about my ring and I told them, it is in the room, that¡¯s said can I have one of the rings we bought?¡±


    ¡°I know I have been apologizing a lot, but I have to say again, I am sorry Katrina,¡±


    ¡°For what again?¡±


    ¡°For putting you through this, I know how ufortable it must have been for you¡±


    ¡°I thought we already established that this is what I am here to do? I understood the assignment before I came here, there is no reason to be sorry,¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡±


    He said with a dramatic bow.


    ¡°Now the ring¡±


    ¡°On it way,¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    He said and went over to his box to get it, she stood there watching him. when he brought out the ring he knelt down in front of her and her heart skipped a bit before it sank back in sadness knowing that all these were a front. Damn the man for doing this to her, she wished she could hit him at least once.


    ¡°Katrina, I know you may think that I bought this ring so that I can do this even though it¡¯s not part of our n, but I promise this wasn¡¯t what I had in mind when I bought this,¡±


    ¡°Dude! Why are you kneeling? Get up please.¡±


    She said trying to pull him up.


    ¡°Lady, don¡¯t spoil the fun, let me finish,¡± he replied scoldingly.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she answered folding her hands in front of her and listening to him while trying not to picture this as real.


    ¡°Katrina Jones, will you do me the honor of making the happiest man in this resort by epting my ring,¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s all you can do? I expected more,¡±


    She replied sarcastically, collecting the ring and slipping it on her finger, it fitted perfectly and looked so real and pretty that for a moment she had pictured what it will be like if this whole scene were real.


    ¡°Wow, I am supposed to put it on you, you are such a kill joy,¡±


    He responded getting off his kneel and grudgingly eyeing her, she still wasn¡¯t used to this side of her boss, the yful and easy-going side, she was so used to her strict boss, that seeing him joke around with her, go for a walk with her and even kissing her, even though it was all a y.


    Sometimes it feel so real that she forget what they were doing and just how long more it wouldst, the thought of that made her realize they just have a few days left and they would be on their way to Arizona, she wished she could do as Jord had advised but she knew she couldn¡¯t, he never brought up the topic of the kiss and she had not asked him either, she felt she was reading too much meaning into it and didn¡¯t want to be a fool if it indeed turns out that even the second kiss had been a y too.


    ¡°Kat? Kat? Where did you go off to leaving me here?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry, I¡­¡±


    Her phone signaled an iing message and she sent a little thank you to whoever it was for sparing her and saving her from exining why she zoomed out, but when she checked her phone that small thanks washed offpletely, she frown at the message starring at her.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up you look¡­¡±


    She showed him her phone cutting his words off.


    ¡°You got another message?¡±


    ¡°Yes, one yesterday too, I forgot to tell you,¡±


    He collected the phone from her and went through it, and gave it back to her with a rather worried look.


    ¡°I think you might have a stalker,¡±


    He disclosed.


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, that I don¡¯t know but I think that¡¯s it, since you don¡¯t know the person sending the message and the person is not giving a name either, does anyonees to mind?¡±


    She thought hard about it but no one came to her mind, she didn¡¯t have that many people around her that she was closed to, never had an obsessive ex, in fact, herst rtionship was years ago, she didn¡¯t think her ex who would probably be married by now would do such a thing.


    ¡°No onees to mind,¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Maybe an ex-boyfriend,¡±


    ¡°Thest time I was in a rtionship was five years ago,¡± she disclosed.


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s so long, may I ask why?¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t ask,¡±


    ¡°Okay, then what about that guy?¡±


    ¡°Who? Jordan? I already told you we are¡­¡±


    ¡°No, not Jordan, I mean the other guy that showed up at our trip and was all over you, I thought you guys were in a rtionship.


    ¡°Oh my God, no we weren¡¯t, Jordan introduced us a month to that and we had one date after that I didn¡¯t meet him again  until we met again in Mexico, and since then I haven¡¯t spoken to him or seen him, I really don¡¯t know him much,¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Because from what I saw you guys were pretty close,¡±


    ¡°I am sure, Mac and I aren¡¯t close, I only said we were so that you would stop being angry, you were so pissed off that day¡±


    She said wondering why he thought they were close, he had been angry at her for the whole of the trip, he had looked like he wanted to kill both her and Mac, she tried to exin to him that their meeting wasn¡¯t nned but was a coincidence but he hadn¡¯t listened, he had told her to get lost, it hurt her so badly and she had avoided him as much as she could throughout the rest of the trip, butter when she thought about it again, she had understood why he had been angry, it was a very important business trip and Mac hade to them when they were in an outdoor meeting.


    ¡°I am sorry about how I reacted that day, I was a little on the edge because the meeting was going longer than expected and the guy wasn¡¯t responding the way I wanted, that doesn¡¯t excuse how I reacted though.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay, I understand why you were pissed, and I didn¡¯t hate you for long because of it,¡±


    She said smiling at him, he smiled back.


    ¡°If you say so, so no one elsees to mind? Well, I will see what I can do, meanwhile keep me posted if you get more messages.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡±


    ¡°Will you look at the time, we should get going, the party is starting soon,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go,¡±


    ¡°By the way, you look so pretty in that dress, no you look pretty in anything you wear,¡±


    He said checking her out again.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said feeling suddenly self-conscious and shy, this was the first time he wouldpliment her look.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look bad yourself,¡± she added as they exited the room. Another party with the group of nosy women, yeah she was ready¡­ Not.

 Chapter Seventeen

    ¡°Happy Birthday, Reuben,¡±


    Lucas said in greeting as they arrived at the party.


    ¡°Thank you so much, I am so d to have you all here,¡±


    ¡°Happy birthday sir,¡±


    Katrina said and hugged Reuben who patted her back.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thanks, beautifuldy, am happy that a beautiful princess like you graced my birthday,¡± he said to her making her smile.


    ¡°Enjoy the party guys,¡±


    Reuben said and wandered away towards the other guest, the party wasn¡¯t yet in full mode, people were more like greeting each other, even the music was a low whisper, the cool evening breeze blew gently, Reuben¡¯s party hall was more like an outdoor building with a roof and temporary walls that can be pulled up, it was currently up.


    ¡°The old man sure knows his words right, totally my kind of man,¡±


    She said to him and he looked at her really well.


    ¡°What do you mean your kind of man? You like older men?¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s not what I meant, I mean he knows how to give apliment that makes people blush, sorry, he is older than my dad, I don¡¯t date men my dad¡¯s age,¡± she replied eyeing him and collecting a ss of wine from the waitress.


    ¡°You are angry? At what I said? I¡¯m just asking because of the way you said it, I meant no harm,


    ¡°No, I am not angry, why will I be?¡±


    ¡°Good,¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t like the thought of you with older men, I don¡¯t like the thought of you with any man either,¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    She asked turning to him with shock written over her face, before he could answer, Pascal, came over to them.


    ¡°Lucas,¡±


    ¡°Pascal,¡±


    ¡°I see you brought your Secretary as your date?¡±


    ¡°Good evening,¡±


    Katrina, greeted him, stretching out her hands for a handshake, but Pascal pulled her in for a hug.


    ¡°Women are not supposed to shake but give hugs,¡±


    He said, Lucas had the urge to pull her off him, but he controlled himself, he meant what he told her, he hated the thought of other men with her, he wanted her for himself.


    ¡°She is not just my secretary, she is my girlfriend too,¡±


    He said pulling her to him.


    ¡°You mean fiancee,¡±


    Katrina added showing off her ring, with a big smile, he looked at her and she winked at him, the ring looked so good on her fingers and it fitted her perfectly, they would deal with the aftermath of this whole thing, because he didn¡¯t think about this part, never thought about the effect it would have, like he never thought of other people knowing, this was getting bigger than he expected.


    ¡°Wow, congrattions, I never thought Lucas would evermit, I only see him with those morous kinds of women who are not ready formitment, this is new andmendable, you know I married my personal assistant and that was the best decision I have ever made,¡± He said with spark and admiration in his eyes, Lucas suddenly felt bad for being a prick, the man was obviously head over heel for his wife.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know, congrattions¡±


    Kat said.


    ¡°I know right, and it such a shame that she can¡¯t be here, you guys would have gotten along, but she is almost due and can¡¯t travel, I hope we see each other in the city soon,¡±


    ¡°That would be nice,¡±


    Kat said smiling at him.


    ¡°Yeah, you guys enjoy the party, Pascal said and walk off towards another couple.


    ¡°He is nicer than I thought, I feel ashamed for thinking he will be unfriendly based on how he looked,¡±


    Kat said when he left.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ashamed, we have someone that we think wrongly about,¡±


    ¡°True, what matters is I don¡¯t see him that way anymore, he might be tough during business but he can be friendly outside of that too, he keeps his business life and personal life separate, really nice,¡±


    ¡°I am the same,¡±


    ¡°No, you are not, you are strict either way,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true baby, I feel sad that you think that of me,¡±


    He said, he truly meant it, he was nice outside business too.


    ¡°You are nice and friendly but that¡¯s rare, I almost always see your strict side, the only time I see your nice side is when you interact with your family, remember when we had to babysit your sister¡¯s kid or when we had to represent her mom and dad at the end of year partyst year? Those are some of the rare times when Lucas drops his ruthless alpha male demo and pull off a nice sweet carefree man suit,¡±


    She revealed, he didn¡¯t know how to respond to that, she was speaking from her experience with him and he couldn¡¯t defend himself.


    The Mc for the ceremony called for attention and they all turned towards the front where the cake was ced, Reuben and his wife stood close to it, they were the definition of young in love, old in love, Lucas admired what they had, his parent had that too, but he didn¡¯t think he would ever have that, because one thing is sure that he wasn¡¯t cut out for love, he tried it once and it backfired.


    ¡°Okay,dies and gentlemen we are gonna spell love and the celebrant with his beau will cut the cake and after that, we do a toast and then we can all party,¡±


    The Mc said and everyone cheered.


    The cutting of the cake, toast and the couple¡¯s dance took ce, everyone was having fun, he looked at Katrina and she seemed to be having fun too, she turned to him at that moment and smiled brightly at him, he smiled back and pulled her to him.


    ¡°You enjoying the party?¡±


    He asked over the music but she didn¡¯t get what he said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a walk Kat,¡±


    He said pulling her with him out of the party area and towards the fields.


    ¡°Are we already ditching the party? We practically just got here,¡±


    ¡°We have been here for a whole one hour or two, we said our greeting to the celebrant and he already cut his cake, did his toast and they already danced so what else is there?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, true, but I was having fun though,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I saw that, do you wanna go back in there?¡±


    ¡°Nah, I like the touch of the cool evening breeze on my face,¡±


    ¡°See,¡±


    He said as they walked hand in hand down thene, the whole resort was covered in beautiful lights and decorations that even though it was night, it still looked like the start of dusk, the only time he experienced something like this is when he goes back home to Arizona, it always fun to watch the sunset with his family.


    ¡°I like it here in California,¡±


    She said after a longfortable silence.


    ¡°You will like it better in Arizona,¡±


    ¡°I know, I have been there with you a couple of times remember?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,e to think of it, you know almost everything about me but I barely know you, even though we have been together going to seven years now,¡±


    He said realizing he knew not much about her.


    ¡°What do you wanna know?¡±


    She asked as they made a stop and sat on the wooden chair at the park, she looked so beautiful with the night light shining down on her, how he was able to go six whole years with her looking like that and not fall for her remained a mystery to him, she looked just like the kind of woman he would fall for if he let himself, but love wasn¡¯t for him.


    ¡°Where were you born?¡±


    ¡°New York, I have been a new yorker since birth,¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s nice, a city girl,¡±


    ¡°Yup, it actually in my resume, if you check it out, there is a lot of info about me, I found it weird that so much was asked when we filled the resume,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how it has always been, my dad liked to know every little detail about his employees, and it remained, sadly I am not that much into details like him so I skip those parts,¡±


    ¡°Bad child,¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡±


    He said raising his hands in agreement, she burst outughing, she had a niceugh and became even more beautiful when sheughs.


    ¡°You are so beautiful,¡± he whispered stroking her face with his hands, he felt her breath quicken and the atmosphere around them shifting.


    ¡°I am gonna kiss you,¡±


    He said looking at her expectantly, maybe expecting her to say no or something but she just nodded in agreement and he imed her lips with his, his rough lips sliding and gliding over her soft lips, he urged her mouth open with his and she melted against him, opening for him as his tongue slide into her wet warm mouth, tracing her lips and tongue with his, her soft moan of pleasure heightening his want.


    He pulled her even closer until she was practically on him, his hands on her waist, hers around him, kissing her with much want, she was there with him kissing him right back, the kiss grew heated by the minute and before long they were having a full make-out section on the Park, he wanted her so much, he knew she did too.


    He pulled off her lips and kissed her on her nape, she tilted her head back to give him more room and he feasted on her nape, her soft moans of pleasure filling the night air.


    ¡°I want you,¡±


    He whispered against her neck and she moaned in answer


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to our room,¡±


    He whispered kissing her again on her lips, she nodded and they both stood up and walked towards their room¡­

 Chapter Eighteen

    Entering into their room, he backed her against the door and imed her lips in an intense kiss, that went different than other kisses they have shared, his tongue dived straight into her mouth, exploring every part of it with shared wanton, she clung to him as much as she could kissing him right back, matching his every move, he dragged his mouth off hers to her nape, her throat, and back to her lips all the while taking off her dress, then her bra, his hungry eyes feasted on her breast


    ¡°I want you, Kat, I want you so much I feel like I would burst with needs,¡±


    He whispered pulling her lips back to his and kissing her again, dragging her to the bed with him, her whole body was on fire, she felt hot all over, she has wanted this man for so long that his touch light up her whole body, his skilled mouth did things to her, he moved his mouth to her neck and sucked on it, she let out a desire filled moan, holding onto his hair, he circled her around her breast with his mouth, she moaned in want.


    ¡°You want that don¡¯t you? You want me to suck on your breast,¡±


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± she moaned and he took her mound into his mouth, he suckled on them, giving them both his attention, making her cry out with want.


    ¡°I want you, Kat,¡±


    He said against her breast his hands moving to her panties.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    The ringing of a phone drown out what she wanted to say, they both jumped, and he checked his phone, but it wasn¡¯t his, she turned to check her bag and one of the directors was calling, she tried as much as possible to calm down before picking the call.


    ¡°Hello, good evening sir,¡±


    She greeted wondering what he wanted sote at night.


    ¡°Good, evening, I have been trying to reach the boss but his number is not going through, could you please get him on the line?¡±


    ¡°Okay, sir,¡±


    She said and passed the phone to him, she quickly wore a t-shirt and watched him on the call she couldn¡¯t make out what they were saying but his expression changed and darken, whatever it was it may not be good, she thought as she adjusted her cloth and tried hard not to think of what just happened and what might have happened if the call hadn¡¯t distracted them.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    She asked when he dropped the call.


    ¡°Our shares went down, one of our directors just ran away with a huge sum ofpany money and it blowing up,¡±


    He revealed walking over to hisptop while dialing a number on his phone, she quickly helped him bring out hisptop and also hers too, she picked up her phone and checked thepany website, and indeed, the stock price was down, at this rate Lucas was already pacing up and down and talking loud on the phone backing out orders, something like this has happened before and he was able to track down the thief, she just hoped he would do the same now, there was nothing she could do until she was instructed so she just sat there watching his talk, with each passing minute he became angrier and angrier, after over thirty minutes he finally dropped the phone, the look in his eyes was scary.


    ¡°Kat, I think I have to go back to New York by tomorrow morning,  how did I not see thising, that scorn fooled me, and if I get my hands on him I am gonna skin him alive, no one steals from me,¡±


    He said to her, this was the Lucas she knew, the ruthless one, the one everyone else apart from his family and her saw, she walked up to him and took the phone from him, set it on the table and held his hands, smiling brightly at him.


    ¡°Hey, you got this, you will find him, just don¡¯t get yourself all worked up over that,¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She said trying to smoothen him.


    ¡°About what happened,¡±


    ¡°Can we not talk about that now? We have a lot of work to do, not to mention we have an early morning flight tomorrow, so let¡¯s not talk about that now,¡±


    She said, not wanting to hear him say sorry, or that it shouldn¡¯t have happened, she couldn¡¯t take that.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get to work,¡±


    She said handing over hisptop to him, he took it while looking at her, she smiled at him and brought out herptop, as she expected her email was bursting with messages from different investors.


    ¡°Dude, sit down we already have hundreds of emails to attend to,¡±


    She said, pointing at herptop.


    They spent the rest of the night, replying to emails, setting up meetings for those who felt they had to meet the boss to be reassured, reassuring everyone that they are on the issue, and looking for a way to stop the shares from going down, by the time she looked up again it was way passed four am.


    ¡°I will get the airport notified, and also are weing back to California again, or are we just gonna end the trip here?¡±


    She asked yawning, it¡¯s been a while since they pulled an all-nighter


    ¡°I am the only one going back to New York, you have to stay here and meet the Reuben in my ce, we have a meeting Monday morning and I am not sure, I will be back by then¡±


    ¡°For real?¡±


    She asked getting up in shock, there was no way she was meeting the old man to discuss business, what if she mess it up and he loses? He will never forgive her.


    ¡°Can¡¯t it be postponed or something, why do I feel Monday is like a deciding factor? What if I mess it up?¡±


    ¡°Katrina, calm down will you, you have been with me for six years now, and all these while going on different business trips and meetings with me, I trust you to handle it well, I need to go to New York and see things for myself, and at the same time I have to meet with Reuben,¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I just go over to New York instead, and report everything to you?¡±


    ¡°Really? You practically just helped set up a meeting with people who wants to meet me, what happens if you go instead?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true but still, this deal is huge for you and you havee so far, I don¡¯t want to mess it up,¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°You sound so sure,¡±


    ¡°Yes, because I am sure,¡±


    ¡°What did I get myself into?¡±


    She askedying on the bed, her tired body wanting nothing but to fall asleep but she still had a lot to do, she stood up from the bed again and picked up her cell to inform the airport of his flight, again the creepy love message was on her phone,¡±


    ¡°Hey, wh¡­ Did you get another text?¡±


    He asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied showing her phone to him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, we will handle that,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    She replied, dialing the airport.


    ¡°It is a six-thirty am flight so you have to get ready, you have less than an hour,¡±


    She said when she dropped her phone.


    He nodded and headed to the bathroom, sheid on the bed, and close her eyes for a second when she opened them again, he was ready and just noting his tye.


    ¡°You up? Sorry I kept you awakest night, you can rest for the whole of today, the meeting is tomorrow morning,¡±


    ¡°I know, and I am still scared,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be, you will handle it like a pro,¡±


    ¡°Easier for you to say,¡± she said getting up from the bed and moving to him to help him with the tie.


    ¡°What will I do without you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, you will be a mess,¡±


    He leaned towards her, she knew he was going to kiss her and withdrew her head.


    ¡°I have terrible morning breath,¡±


    She said removing her hands from him and taking a few steps back.


    He pulled her back to him and nted a sweet kiss on her lips.


    ¡°We will talk about this when I get back okay? We have a thing going on with us, and I, we have to talk about it¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    She nodded and he kissed her again, this time a little deeper. She could get used to this, get used to his kisses.


    She pulled away from him.


    ¡°Let me call the driver to take us to the airport,¡±


    She said and picked up the room line and dialed the number for the drivers, she was able to get one and told him they will be down in a moment.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have toe with me, you need to rest, you are practically sleeping on your toes,¡±


    ¡°Look who is talking, you look worst, please take it easy will you?¡±


    ¡°I will don¡¯t worry, I am not going to kill anyone, just maybe chop off his dick,¡±


    ¡°Hey!!!¡±


    ¡°He needs to pay for what he did,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why thew exists,¡±


    She knew he was joking about cutting off the dude¡¯s dick, he might be seen as ruthless but she knew he wouldn¡¯t do that.


    ¡°How about Reuben, are you gonna notify him, or am I going to just turn up as a surprise,¡±


    She asked changing the topic as they both walked out of their room to meet up with the driver.


    ¡°Yeah, I will call him on my way, it¡¯s still too early to call right now, I don¡¯t want to disturb his sleep,¡±


    ¡°Okay, I still think you should negotiate for a postponement,¡±


    She added.


    ¡°No, you can do it, now go back and get some sleep baby you look tired,¡±


    He said pulling her to him and kissing her again before getting into the car, it zoned off immediately, she stood there for a moment holding her lips, she lost count of the number of times they have kissed since this whole trip.


    ¡°You are in trouble girl,¡±


    She said to herself as she walked back to the room.

 Chapter Nineteen

    She spent most of the day in bed, woke up only to eat, and then went back to sleep, everyone must have been tired from the party because even when she went outside, the whole ce was calm and quiet as if the day was a day off.


    When she woke up again it was 4 pm, in the afternoon. she wanted to call him to know what¡¯s up, but she knew Lucas too well that he wouldn¡¯t want to be disturbed so instead of calling him, she chose to go over the whole Reuben rted proposer, she spent hours on it that by the time she looked up again, the sun had already set.


    She was nervous about tomorrow, it was one thing to apany the boss, but it was another thing entirely to do the boss¡¯s job and this was a huge Deal too but Lucas trusted her with it, she didn¡¯t want to do anything to break that trust, so she learned every little detail about what Lucas wanted to show to the old man, she knew she couldn¡¯t do a job as good as Lucas would do at least, she will try.


    Her phone rang and she rushed to pick it up thinking it was Lucas but it was a strange number, she wondered who it was.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She called but the person on the other line didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°Hello? Are you there?¡±


    Still no response, after a few seconds the call ended without the caller talking, she felt chills in her bones for some reason, maybe it was the person that has been sending those creepy messages.


    She decided to call Jordan since her parent may already be in bed, it had been a while she heard from them she would call them tomorrow or when she gets to Arizona, she dialed Jordan¡¯s number, he picked up but he must be in a club because she could only make out noise, he ended the call and sent her a text which confirmed her thoughts.


    ¡®Sorry, can¡¯t talk I am at a party,¡¯


    The text said, leave it to Jordan to party even when his workce is on fire, she dropped everything she was doing andid on this bed, which brought back memories of what happened and what almost happened on this bed, she felt her body tingle in response, Lucas said they will talk about it when he got back, she knew he wanted her and she did too, she loved him but he doesn¡¯t do love that much she was sure of, she knew if they had anything together it can only be a fling, she has only seen Lucas in love once and he wasn¡¯t with her, he almost got married to thedy but they broke it off, she still didn¡¯t know why though, it had only been like a month to the wedding when Lucas called it to quit, sometimes she wondered what happened but she couldn¡¯t ask because it wasn¡¯t in her ce to.


    ¡°Stop thinking about that Kat, get some sleep, you have a lot to do tomorrow,¡±


    She said to herself and tried to get some sleep, even though she tried it still took a while to fall asleep.


    She jumped from the bed the next morning, she checked the time and let out a breath of relief, she thought she had overslept but it was still early and she still had time until the scheduled meeting with Reuben which was by ten,  she wondered if she should call Lucas and find out how he is doing, but since it morning, he might be in a meeting which was a bad time to call.


    ¡°Whatever, let¡¯s just do what we have to do here,¡±


    She said to herself, she got dressed, ate breakfast, and went over the files again, she left the room at nine-thirty and went towards the conference area where the meeting would be held, when she got there, she saw that some aspirants were already there, she greeted everyone and sat down. about twenty minutester, Reuben came in, everyone stood up to wee him he sat down with a smile on his face.


    Katrina looked around, she was the onlydy in the room which made her even more nervous, fuck Benjamin for creating a problem and putting her in this position.


    ¡°Thank you, everyone, for honoring my invites despite thete information and for gracing my party, and putting a smile on my old face,¡±


    He said.


    ¡°Katrina, your boyfriend called that you will be representing him, that he had some issues to settle back in New York,¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡±


    ¡°He must trust you a lot to let you handle this,¡±


    Katrina smiled, yeah she wondered what made Lucas trust her with this.


    ¡°Anyway, gentlemen anddy, I don¡¯t have much to say today, as you all already know, I am giving away my property in New York away, and until I decided to let go of my city life, that had been my treasure, so I don¡¯t want to go into the wrong hands, so I had to know who I am giving it to even though they are paying, although everyone here looks good to me, I can only sell to one person, you can drop your ns on what you want to do with the property and I will select, the best candidate, I am sorry it can only be one person, once again thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to be here with me this week, I do hope to see you all again,¡±


    The old man concluded and everyone chorused a response.


    Ady came in and introduced herself as his PA and she collected their ns, and the meeting was over, it went better than she thought, they didn¡¯t even have to talk much.


    As they left the venue, Reuben called to her and she went to meet him.


    ¡°Sir,¡±


    ¡°Katrina, I hope everything is fine with Lucas, he sounded worried when he spoke to me,¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is on it, I can¡¯t say right now but I know he will take care of whatever it is,¡±


    ¡°Good, once again I admire his confidence in you, you work for him don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, I am his personal assistant and secretary.¡±


    ¡°Aha, a love between a boss and his employee, nice,¡±


    He said patting my shoulder.


    ¡°Enjoy the rest of your days here,¡±


    ¡°I will sir,¡±


    She said and they walked together towards the housing area, she went up to the roomid down, and breathed a breath of relief.


    Her phone beeped signaling an iing message, she checked and saw a text from Jordan.


    ¡°Kathy, check the news, I can¡¯t talk now,¡±


    The text read, she took the remote and turned on the TV in the room, the headline made her heart sink.


    ¡°EVANS COOPERATION DIRECTOR EMBEZZLES COMPANY FUNDS, STOCKS TAKES A BiG DIP,¡±


    ¡°Oh no,¡±


    She cried out reaching out for her phone to call Lucas, she paced up and down waiting for him to pick up but he didn¡¯t, she sat back down on the bed.


    ¡°What did I expect? Of course, he will be busy,¡±


    She said to herself as she clicked on thepany site, and as she feared stocks were still dropping.


    ¡°Where is Lucas?¡±


    She texted back to Jordan.


    ¡°In a meeting with some investors and board of directors, his dad is here too,¡±


    ¡°Wow, this is huge,¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is, I got to go, I will call youter,¡±


    Jordan texted back.


    She dropped the phone and looked at the news again, there was a picture of Benjamin and that of Lucas too, this didn¡¯t look like just a show.


    ¡°This is bad,¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    She thought praying that everything works out fine, Lucas always finds a way, she hoped he would find one too, this time.

 Chapter Twenty

    The whole situation was going further than he anticipated, Benjamin really did thepany dirty, he cut so deep into thepany resources, how he was able to do that without Lucas notice was way beyond him, now it was everywhere on the news, he thought he could fix this himself and had not bothered to tell his dad but as things kept going down, he had no choice than to call his father, because even though he brought thepany more resource than his dad did, his father still had a lot of experience than him, his dad arrivedte on Sunday night and both of them together with the directors spent the whole night trying to minimize the damage.


    Even though they worked through the night, he was surprised when he got a call that the media sort of got wind of what¡¯s going on and it was all over the news, things just kept going south.


    ¡°Lucas, I still think we should use that funds.¡±


    ¡°I already said no dad, and I mean it, I can¡¯t use it for this,¡±


    His dad has been persuading him to use from the funds he kept for the Reuben¡¯s deal, but he wasn¡¯t going to have that, no way, not when getting the property he has wanted for a while now is now so close, everyone else in the room kept mute, as he and his dad were arguing, they too feel he should use the fund but he had told them no.


    ¡°You do realize that there might be no business and no funds for you to create the small heaven you wish to create on thatnd?¡±


    ¡°Dad, I already said I will find a way, I am not given up that fund,¡±


    ¡°Son, we have been trying to find other means for over twenty-four hours now, and we haven¡¯t seen any, I know it will be hard, but another opportunity wille but if we don¡¯t save us now, we might not even have apany,¡±


    ¡°Dad, if only you will trust me, just trust me,¡±


    ¡°I do trust, but this is too risky that I am scared, thispany has been in this family for over forty years and I don¡¯t want to lose it,¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t,¡±


    He said and stood up to answer his phone that was ringing, just his whole body hurt, he has not rested since he got back from California, from the airport he hade straight to the office and he had not left since.


    Katrina had called him earlier but he hadn¡¯t been able to pick because he had been in a meeting with the shareholders and directors, he knew she must have seen the news and was worried for him, he would call her back when he could.


    ¡°Sir, we have found him,¡±


    Elvis said when he picked the call, Elvis is a private investigator that has been working with him for a while now.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you, Elvis, please keep an eye on him and bring him at the right time, he has to pay for these scenes he created.¡±


    He answered biting down hard on his tongue to avoid barking or shouting, he wasn¡¯t going to handle this with anger.


    ¡°Okay, but the police already got him, we are headed towards the station,¡±


    ¡°Okay, I wille over there soon,¡±


    He said and hung up.


    ¡°Dad, they found him and he is on the way to the police station,¡±


    He disclosed this to his dad.


    ¡°But that won¡¯t give us the fund we need, how are we sure he still has the money,¡±


    ¡°Dad, this is a real estatepany, it¡¯s not like we buy and sell things daily, we could pause the new buildings for a while, give those we sold  their properties a time frame that we will get them back their money and also, the hotels are doing well, the funds generated so far can be used for this, since the hotels are not affected, I can borrow from the hotels, and thepany will pay back when it can since the hotel¡¯s money is still mine, I can payback anytime.¡±


    He said wondering why he had not thought of that since, if he had he won¡¯t have had to sit through two hellish nights of brainstorming.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t we think of that since? Ipletely forgot the hotels, did any of you think of the hotels?¡±


    His dad asked the others in the room.


    ¡°I did think of it but, he wasn¡¯t willing to give up funds for the properties he is about to acquire so I didn¡¯t feel he would be ready to give up funds from the hotel either,¡±


    Josh one of the directors said, Lucas, eyed him.


    ¡°You could have said it,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, my bad.¡±


    He sat back down and checked the total ie from the various hotels and smiled, he couldn¡¯t believe that the solution had been before him and he had not thought about it.


    ¡°We are safe dad, everyone, sorry I didn¡¯t think about this earlier and gathering you all here,¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay, good job son, you are saving us again,¡±


    Everyone in the room pped and he breathe a breath of relief, he was still going to get his money from Benjamin, that¡¯s a must but for now, he was d they were safe.


    Even aftering up with a solution, it still took up to the end of Monday to implement the ns and he spent most of Tuesday putting finishing touches to the ns, transferring the funds, he had texted Katrina, instead of calling, he hadn¡¯t even check for her reply because he hadn¡¯t even had time for himself, he hadn¡¯t even go home, he went from the office to the police station and back to the office, even transferring the funds had been a little hard to do, but he got it all done, now he sat on the ne on his way back, after seeing his father off with a promise to be in Arizona in time for Lc¡¯s wedding, both his mother and his sister¡¯s had been worried, he knew Katrina would be worried it, he hoped the news would not affect Reuben¡¯s decision, he could take the loss of his funds, but if he lost that property he won¡¯t like it one bit.


    Now that everything was okay again and running smoothly even if it was not all that smooth yet, but still no cause for rm, his mind went back to Katrina, he thought of how she affected him, and his growing need to have her, even with all the hustle, the thoughts of the taste of her lips against his still found their way into his head.


    He told her they would talk about it when he got back, now that he was going back, he didn¡¯t know what to talk about, he knew he wanted her, knew she wanted him too, but the problem is they might have different meanings of their rtionship, he didn¡¯t wantmitments and that might be what she wanted, and he can¡¯t give her that.


    ¡°Then just leave her alone,¡±


    He told himself, but he knew he couldn¡¯t do that, not when he had a taste of her already, he won¡¯t be able to move on until he had a fill, call him a bad boy, but what he wanted he would get, he just had to look for a way to have her without having tomit, he would spell it out to her, tell her everything, they still had three whole weeks in Arizona, they would treat it like a vacation and when they did return to New York it would be back to business, and being worker and employer.


    ¡°That¡¯s how it would be,¡±


    He muttered to himself, he hoped she would agree to it, really wanted her to agree.

 Chapter Twenty-one

    Katrina sat at the chair in the park where she and Lucas had sat on Saturday night, It is Wednesday and still, Lucas wasn¡¯t back,  he had texted her that he would return by Tuesday but he hadn¡¯t and today was almost done still no sight of him, almost all the guests have left only a few were still around and by tomorrow they would probably be gone, she looked at her phone expecting him to call.


    There hasn¡¯t been any other update from the news and she had called Jordan to find out what¡¯s going on, he had said he didn¡¯t know much but that all he knew was that, Lucas and the team were still in a meeting, that was Monday since she hadn¡¯t gotten any other update.


    If he doesn¡¯t show up tomorrow she gonna get on a ne and go back to New York, she concluded.


    ¡°What are you doing sitting out here on your own, prettydy?¡±


    She heard his voice and she looked up, she saw him walking toward her and stood up, walking to him, he looked tired but still, he looked hot, for a moment she thought she was hallucinating.


    ¡°Lucas!¡±


    She called.


    ¡°Yes? I went to our too first but you were not there, I asked the receptionist who told me you went for a walk, are you surprised to see me? I told you I wille back today.


    ¡°No, you said Tuesday, today is Wednesday and it¡¯s past nine already,¡±


    ¡°Were you worried about me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I was worried, the media carrying the news would only make it into an, even more, bigger issue, and also you weren¡¯t taking my calls.


    ¡± But I texted you,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, as if a ¡®Katrina, I won¡¯t be able to make it back today, so let¡¯s say I will be back either Tuesday or Wednesday, right after I saw the news, yeah very assuring,¡±


    She said rolling her eyes at him, she had been so scared, but he was standing in front of her which means the issues must have been resolved.


    ¡°So, how did it go?


    ¡°We have found him, and he is going to pay for his deeds, turns out he gambles and had taken thepany money to y his risk games, he lost each time, and the only reason he was caught this time, was because Director Derrick thought it was strange that a huge sum of money was taking out of thepany¡¯s ount on a weekend when we weren¡¯t buying anything, he had confronted Ben over the phone and dude had run to hide, everything is okay now, we are using funds from the hotel and we will back on our feet soon, in fact, we are doing okay, even our stocks are rising again,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I saw that, thank God, I was so worried,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside, I am tired and haven¡¯t slept properly since I left,¡±


    ¡°Okay, have you eaten? I could have the chef get you something,¡±


    ¡°Yes, I ate on the ne, I just need to bath and sleep, then I need a full update on how your meeting went down,¡±


    He said as they walked towards their room, she collected his bags from him and went ahead of him to open the door to their room.


    ¡°So how did your meeting go?¡±


    He asked as soon as they entered the room.


    ¡°I thought you said you will take a bath, and rest first?¡±


    She asked dropping his bag and sitting on the sofa.


    ¡°I am much too eager to wait, just tell me,¡±


    ¡°Well, there is nothing much to tell, we all turned in our n and he said he will make a decision and get back to us all by the end of the month,¡±


    She revealed.


    ¡°Do you think we have a chance?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think we do, he was particr about wanting to know if you are okay, I feel, I have a very strong feeling that you will get it, but don¡¯t  hope for much though, I am bad at fortune-telling,¡±


    She replied and he burst outughing, hearing himugh ease her worries and she let out a breath of relief that she didn¡¯t know she had been holding.


    ¡°I will believe you and hope for once your fortune-telling works out in my favor, but for real though I need to sleep, or I might drop off on my kneel any moment now,¡±


    ¡°Go take a bath then,¡±


    She encouraged.


    He went into the bathroom, sheid on the bed and fell asleep while waiting for him to be done.


    She was woken by the touch of lips against hers, at first she didn¡¯t remember where she was and thought maybe she was having one of those her numerous wet dreams featuring her boss, she melted against the lips surrendering to it, but it felt so real, the touch of lips, the hands moving over her body, the weight of the body on her, it all felt too real to be a dream, she opened her eyes, and they collided with Lucas¡¯s.


    ¡°I am sorry I woke you, I promise I was sleeping but I don¡¯t know how it happened but you kissed me and I couldn¡¯t resist,¡±


    He exined getting off her.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sorry,¡±


    She apologized sitting up and moving towards the other end of the bed.


    ¡°No, I am the one who should be sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have kissed you back when I knew you were sleeping,¡±


    ¡°But I liked it and want it,¡±


    She replied biting her lips, as she turned to face him, showing him her hunger-filled face, she wanted him.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    He whispered, the look in his eyes suddenly intense.


    ¡°You said we will talk about it when you get back, I didn¡¯t wanna rush you,¡±


    ¡°Kat, you know that I can¡¯t offer you much right? If something happens between us, I can¡¯t promise you anything,¡±


    He replied even though it hurt her but she was d that he is been honesty with her, she knew what she was getting into and she wanted it anyway, she wasn¡¯t a child neither was she a teenager, she knew she would be able to handle the aftermath like an adult, at least she hoped so.


    ¡°I know, I know you don¡¯t domitment Lucas, I know, and I still want this, I hate regretting not doing something I want, and I want you,¡±


    ¡°Will you promise that whatever happens with us won¡¯t ruin our work rtionship, because I don¡¯t want to lose you, Kat, you are one of the people I trust the most and it will hurt worse if we get involved and l lose you as my worker,¡±


    ¡°I promise,¡±


    ¡°We will treat the next three weeks as vacation and enjoy it to the fullest and go back to work after it and you won¡¯t quit on me? Promise?¡±


    He asked searching her eyes, he really didn¡¯t want to lose her services as she didn¡¯t want to lose him as her boss.


    ¡°I promise,¡±


    She whispered even though, she didn¡¯t believe herself but she would work hard to keep that promise, no matter what happens between them it won¡¯t affect their work rtionship.


    He pushed her back to the bed and captured her lips in an intense nerve-wracking kiss.

 Chapter Twenty-two

    Disimer!!!


    This writer sucks at writing sex scenes, I am sorry, I can¡¯t do better than this, I promise I will work harder to improve, thank you for reading my book. Please don¡¯t hesitate to scold me by dropping reviews as those will help me improve in the areas I amcking. Thanks.


    He kissed her with soul-shattering intensity, his lips hungrily demanding entrance to her mouth, his tongue tangling erotically with hers and stabbing deep enough to send steams of liquid fire through her trembling body, she held onto him for dear life as her whole body shook with needs.


    Her fingers curled into his hair while damp-heat surged between her thighs and she could feel her breast swelling, the nipples tingling and she pushed her sensitive mound against the muscr wall of his chest, she has imagined this a hell lot of times, but nothing she has ever thought felt like this, neither did theye close, she could feel his erection against her thigh and she trembled at the thought of him inside her.


    His rough hands move to cup her breast before sliding down the straps of her bras and baring her tender flesh, the touch of air on her breast made her gasp with want.


    He pulled back from her and she whimpered at the loss of his mouth on hers, it was soon reced with moans of pleasure when his mouth captured her nipples and suckled on them.


    ¡°Lucas!¡±


    She whispered breathlessly.


    ¡°Sshh, I got you,¡±


    He whispered back against her breasting giving both of her mounds his attention, his tongue and the edge of his teeth yed with them.


    He gradually eased off her nighties, his hand cupping her hips, parting her thigh, and tracing down to the heat between her thighs, he flipped his fingers over her hot wetness and she moaned with pleasure wanting more, wanting him all over her, she dragged his lips back to her kissing him, showing him just how much she wanted him.


    Lucas broke their kiss and looked at her with an intense undiluted hunger in his eyes and pulled back from her drawing her down to the foot of the bed.


    ¡°I wanna taste you,¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    He whispered pushing her knees apart and slipping a finger inside her heated wetness, she jumped and screamed as pleasure bathed her, her back arched, her hips rose and she cried out as he added another finger and worked magic between her legs sending strings and strings of pleasure through her, she moaned out loud when he added his mouth and a great surge of irresistible pleasure shock-waved through her with a brutal force, she cried out splinting and shuddering with the intensity of her climax, his mouth and fingers continued their magic until she rode out her climax.


    She surfaced back from her blissful heaven to see him watching her with a hunger she couldn¡¯t describe.


    ¡°I want you now Kat, I need you,¡±


    He said while taking off his robe, he stood before her, she stared at his throbbing hardness and licked her lips as her throat suddenly went dry, he was so huge she feared he might not fit into her.


    ¡°I forgot something,¡±


    He said running his hands through his hair, making his hardness jump forward, she couldn¡¯t take her eyes off it.


    ¡°What?¡± She heard herself ask.


    ¡°Protection,¡±


    ¡°I have some,¡± she said and stood up from the bed to get the condoms Jordan had kept in hernguage, it dide in handy she thought smiling as she walked back to him and ce them on the bed, he didn¡¯t ask how she got them and she was thankful because she couldn¡¯t answer him.


    He dragged her to him kissing her deeply, lifting her, and dropping her on the bed, he didn¡¯t waste anything time and scrap on the protection.


    He opened her thighs slip a finger inside her and caressed her clitoris, his bold shaft nudging against her entrance, she arched her hips and he was inside her, stretching and filling her, she grasped with shocking pleasure as he moved inside her.


    ¡°You are so tight, I don¡¯t want to hurt you,¡±


    He said, she opened her eyes, she wasn¡¯t surprised though, years of celibacy would have made her tight, she looked at him and saw that he was trying to hold himself so as not to hurt her, she smiled sheepishly and arched her hips again, bring him deeper into her, they moaned in unison.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    He moaned.


    ¡°You won¡¯t hurt me,¡±


    She said pulling his mouth down for an intense kiss, with a low growl of both want and satisfaction that vibrated from his chest against her soft breast, he began to move, pulling out and pushing back in.


    Hot sensation built as excitement roared through her, her heart hammering while she panted for breath.


    He lifted her legs and plunged deeper into her, his lean handsome face flushed and taunt with driving desire. He drove into her hard and fast building up a rhyme that couldn¡¯t be described with words.


    She could feel his climax rolling in, she arched to meet his every need, giving herself totally to him, matching his every move, he drove into her once more and the wave of sweet hot, pleasure racked through her. He shuttered over her with an intense moan of masculine satisfaction and he fell still against her, he gently eased off her, pulled off the used condom before pulling close to him, and dropped a kiss on her lip.


    ¡°That was amazing Kat,¡±


    She couldn¡¯t agree more, she was still in a state of shock as to how well they fitted in bed, she had imagined this happening a he lot of times but this couldn¡¯tpare to any of her wildest dreams, she let out a satisfied moan.


    ¡°Oh, no don¡¯t do that, it will get us in trouble,¡±


    ¡°We already got in trouble,¡±


    She joked, he pulled her even closer, they bothid still in silence, she wanted to know what¡¯s going through his mind but she didn¡¯t ask, this had to be the best sex she has ever had, she knew she didn¡¯t have much topare with but at least she had been in three different rtionships and none of the sex came close, Lucas drove her ces no one has never done.


    ¡°Where did the condomse from?¡±


    He suddenly asked, she covered her face with her hands, moving away from him, but he didn¡¯t let her go, he drew her back to him.


    ¡°Can you not ask.


    ¡°I wanna know, did you buy it knowing what will happen if I came back?¡±


    He teased.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Then how?¡±


    ¡°Jordan,¡±


    She whispered.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Jordan packed them up the day we left, he said it maye in handy,¡±


    ¡°And it did, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    She replied shyly, Jordan will scream his voice off if he found out his ns worked.


    ¡°Get someone sleep, we have to leave for Arizona tomorrow,¡±


    ¡°For real?¡±


    ¡°Yea,¡±


    He said dropping a kiss on her forehead, she held onto him and closed her eyes in bliss, this had to be one of the best days of her life, she thought smiling and hugging him closer.

 Chapter Twenty-three

    Lucas watched her sleep, she was so pretty even while sleeping, he smiled at the memory of how she felt under him, amazing was too small to describe how it felt, it has to be the best sex he has had, the only other person that made him feel satisfied, well, until she showed her true color, the thought of her spoilt his mood, it always does, the left such a bad impression on him


    Shaking off those thoughts, he concentrated on the woman in bed with him, he smiled and touched her nose with his fingers, tracing down to her lips and circling her lips with his fingers, she had a perfect nose line and pretty lips, she smiled in her sleep, he had the urge to wake her up with kisses and take her again, he couldn¡¯t believe how he was able to resist her charms all these while, all it took was for a trip and being a fake couple for his hunger for her to manifest, they had great chemistry and fitted each other in bed.


    But as good as they were in bed, it ended there too, he couldn¡¯t let himself make the same mistake twice, the mistake of thinking great sex equals love, that has and will never be true, he should keep that in mind always.


    ¡°Stop with the useless thoughts!!!¡±


    He mentally scolded himself going back to tracing Kat¡¯s lip, the urge to kiss her awake getting stronger, he wanted her again.


    He gave in to the urge and slowly kissed her lips, urging her open with his own, she moaned and open her mouth, giving him ess, she kissed him back, her hands in his hair, he smiled against her lips and pulled back.


    ¡°You naughty girl,¡±


    He whispered stroking her lips with his hands.


    ¡°You are the naughty one here, I was sleeping innocently,¡±


    She said flipping him on the forehead.


    ¡°Did you have a good night¡¯s rest, Kat?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did, and you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, at least I feel better than I felt yesterday,¡±


    ¡°You did a good job,¡±


    ¡°You are proud of me right?¡±


    He asked jokingly, she nodded and kissed him, he didn¡¯t expect the kiss though, but he liked it.


    ¡°That¡¯s such a small reward for the kind of stress that I went through, you might wanna try harder,¡±


    She kissed him again, this time deeper and more erotically.


    ¡°Is that okay?¡±


    She asked in a teasing voice as she pulled off him.


    ¡°Yes, but we can do better,¡±


    He said pulling her up so that she was straddling him, his hands on her waist, she bit her lips and he pulled her down for another kiss, tracing his hands through her bareback, she moaned, feeding his already hungry shaft.


    ¡°I want you again, I can¡¯t get enough of you,¡±


    He whispered as he took her breast into his mouth and suckled, she moaned in approve, at least that what he felt she did, she threw her head back and arched forward to give him more room, and he dlyplied feeding on her rosy buds, he loved sucking her breast and he knew she liked it too, he reached out for the protection, moving her aside to put it on, and she was on him again, and he was inside her, he let her ride him, giving both of them immerse pleasure before he took over.


    Momentster when they were done they bothy in bed in utter satisfaction.


    ¡°We should get out of bed, I need to meet with Reuben before we leave, and we have to get to Arizona before nightfall, but again I don¡¯t want to leave this bed, I wanna be with you the whole day,¡±


    ¡°Same, but we have to move, get your ass off me,¡±


    She said and pushed him off, she walked naked out of the bed and into the bathroom, his eyes followed her until she entered the bathroom, he had the urge to go after her and take her back to bed with him or better yet take her against the wall of the bathroom, but he still had a little work to do, so instead of following his desire, he got off the bed and went to get hisptop instead, checking on thepany website first, he smiled in satisfaction, the stocks were up again as if nothing happened.


    He checked his email for any pressing issues and smiled again when nothing came up, he already delegated the duties for the rest of the month to the other directors and told them to call him if anything goes beyond their power so until something unexpected urs till then he was free, Lc already called him on Tuesday asking for him to bring her bride maid for her, he wondered why Lc chose her as her chief bride maid when she had other friends whom she was more close to, she knew her best friend Eve just put to birth but she could have other friends in Arizona who would dly rece Eve, but she chose Katrina, well he couldn¡¯t understand howdies think at all but it was nice that they were friends even though they lived in different cities.


    ¡°You can go take a bath now,¡±


    She said dabbing her face with a towel as she walked into the room, she looked fresh after the shower.


    ¡°I forgot to tell you, Lc called and threatened to disable me if I don¡¯t get you to Arizona this week,¡±


    ¡°What? When was that? I spoke to her yesterday though, she told me I am going to be her chief bride maid, her best friend gave birth or something,¡±


    ¡°Yes, Eve gave birth two months before her due time, so she told me before she told you, anyway she called on Tuesday while I was still pressed with thepany issue, and she didn¡¯t even feel sorry for me while she threatened me,¡±


    ¡°Oh, I am sure you are exaggerating the whole thing, she asked me and I agreed since it is not much work.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you guys are close like that,¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say we are close as in close but she doese over to my house sometimes when shees to New York,¡±


    ¡°Why am I just finding out about this?¡±


    He asked, he felt left out somehow. He knew Katrina interacted with his family a lot and they liked her, his mom always talk about her whenever he calls her or she calls him, same with his sisters but he never knew they visited her.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know, go wash up we have a long day ahead,¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    She said and walked past him to get dressed, he stood there watching at her dress up, she had one of the nicest figures he has ever seen and he had seen a lot.


    ¡°You have such a beautiful body,¡±


    He said. he couldn¡¯t stop himself fromplimenting.


    ¡°Thank you, now go take a bath already, it¡¯s almost nine am.¡±


    She scolded.


    He rolled his eyes and went to get a bath.


    ¡°You can call the driver to help take our things to the car while I go talk to Reuben, when I am done we can leave,¡±


    He said as he wore his wristwatch and checked himself in the mirror.


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    Came her reply and he exited the room, going towards Reuben¡¯s office area.


    He met with Reuben, thanked him for amodating them, and also told him about what happened at the office and that It was fully under control already, when he left the old man, he was fully confident that he would get the property¡­

 Chapter Twenty-four

    ¡°So what did he say?¡±


    Katrina asked as they settled on the ne, on the flight to Arizona.


    ¡°He asked about thepany and that¡¯s it,¡±


    ¡°Is that why you have been smiling? I doubt that¡¯s the reason,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, let¡¯s just say, I have won the old man over,¡±


    ¡°How do you know that?¡±


    She inquired, looking through her bag, her phone was beeping but she couldn¡¯t find it.


    ¡°I just know, what are you looking for?¡±


    ¡°My phone, aha found it, my mom sent me a text,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, okay,¡±


    Her mom hardly call or text so she wondered what it was about, the text read.


    ¡®A package arrived at the house for you,e and pick it up when you can.¡¯


    ¡°A package? From where?¡±


    She voiced out as she dialed her mom¡¯s number.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    He asked.


    ¡°Nothing much, my mom said a package was sent to the house for me, I don¡¯t remember ordering anything and even if I did order, it can¡¯t be sent to my parent¡¯s house,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°Mom, are you sure the package is for me?¡±


    Katrina asked as soon as her mom picked up.


    ¡°And how are you too youngdy?¡±


    Her mom responded.


    ¡°Sorry, mom forgive my manners, I am on a ne and you know how anxious I get,¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah, hope you have someone with you?¡±


    She asked her voice shifting to one of concern.


    ¡°Yes Mom, so how do you know the stuff is mine, I didn¡¯t order anything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an order though, it looks more like a gift, and it has your name boldly written on it, and it address you as his love, you never told me you had a boyfriend,¡±


    Katrina got the creepy feeling all over again, she frowned.


    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t have a boyfriend and I am not expecting a gift from anyone, can you please open the box and snap the contents for me?¡± As she said that she looked over at Lucas who was busy on his phone. ¡°Gets your acts together girl, what were you expecting?¡±


    She mentally scolded herself.


    ¡°Oh, and I was happy you are finally in a rtionship, okay don¡¯t worry I will send it,¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Mom,¡±


    She said and ended the call.


    ¡°What¡¯s that about?¡±


    Lucas asked.


    ¡°I think whoever, it was that have been sending those creepy messages sent a gift to my parent¡¯s house,¡±


    She exined wondering how the person knew her parent¡¯s house, apart from her old friends no one else knew where her parents lived.


    ¡°Then it might be someone you know,¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I have no idea who it could be, I didn¡¯t have that many male friends,¡±


    ¡°No, one said it a guy,¡±


    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t think of that, but then again the only female friends I have are from the office, so no, it can¡¯t be any one of them, I got a call a few days ago but the person on the other end of the call didn¡¯t say a word and hung up after a few seconds,¡±


    She exined.


    ¡°This might be serious than we think, I will get someone to investigate the number, forward it to me,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    ¡°Nowe over here, let me hold you,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I am okay, don¡¯t worry,¡±


    Katrina said, she needed to remember that whatever they had, no matter how sweet it is, would only be for this trip, she needed to keep that in mind, this whole thing would end as soon as they board this ne again, so she would do her best to keep her emotions in check, she didn¡¯t want to make the mistake of falling even deeper for him, he already stated his stand and she agreed to it.


    ¡°Are you sure? I am just going to hold your hands,¡±


    ¡°I am okay,¡±


    She repeated looking away from him.


    The flight to Arizona was a short one, and by one pm they arrived at the airport, they were picked up by a car his family sent, they were met with a warm wee on their arrival, Lucas family have always been nice to her, so she didn¡¯t feel left out.


    The mansion would be perfectly described as small heaven, her family house could fit in the open space, her favorite ce is the pool it was a beach-like pool with decors that gave it a much beach-like appearance.


    ¡°Katrina darling, it¡¯s so good to see you again, it¡¯s been a while we met in person,¡± his mom said hugging her, she hugged her back, smiling brightly.


    ¡°Same here ma¡¯am,¡±


    She greeted his dad who hugged her too, the old man was like an older version of Lucas.


    She took turns hugging everyone, when she got to Lc, she hugged her tight.


    ¡°Thank you for agreeing to do it even on such short notice, my best friend betray me by giving birth two weeks before my wedding day,¡±


    Katrinaughed at words.


    ¡°You are wee Lc,¡±


    ¡°Uncle Luca!!!¡±


    His niece and nephew screamed as they ran to him, Katrina smiled at the sight before her, the big uncle folding his two tiny niblings in his arms, for a moment she pictured something that would never be possible.


    ¡°It so good to have you guys here, finally,¡±


    Leah¡¯s husband Steven said as he walked in, going over to hold his wife, Katrina was thankful for the distraction, she didn¡¯t like the part her mind chose to wonder.


    ¡°Katrina, you look even more pretty than before,¡±


    Leahplimented her, she always givespliments, and Kat was used to her already, this whole family was nice which goes to show not all rich people are mean.


    ¡°Thanks, Lea, you look pretty too,¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me? I look like a whale,¡±


    ¡°No, baby you look perfect,¡±


    Her husband said and they burst outughing, the kids ran back inside to continue whatever they were doing.


    ¡°Okay, if y¡¯all are done exchanging pleasantries, can we go inside now? I am hungry and am sure Kat is too,¡±


    Lucas announced.


    ¡°Ohhhhh, Kat? Since when?¡±


    Leah asked, she was heavily pregnant and had the pretty pregnancy glow with her.


    ¡°Since, I am not going to tell you,¡±


    Lucas replied, walking away with his mom who told him she already prepared his favorite food.


    Lucas was different with his family, around them, he lets his guard down and the Lucas most people do not know about takes over, like he is a whole different person with his family.


    ¡°He such a pain in the ass, I don¡¯t know how you can stay with him,¡±


    Lc said dragging Katrina along, she smiled.


    ¡°He is easy to adapt to,¡±


    ¡°Only you can say that Katrina, only you, any way you can eat and rest for today, we have a lot to do tomorrow,¡±


    She said.


    ¡°Okay, I am at your service,¡±


    She responded as they joined the others in the dining room, after eating, she excused herself and went to the room she uses when she is at the mansion, it¡¯s been months since shest came here but it still felt familiar to her, she checked her phone and found the pictures her mom had sent, the contents of the box were nothing weird like she thought, just normal flowers and perfume and a note that didn¡¯t have a name, all it said was ¡°from your love¡± and that was the weird part, whoever it is might not mean any harm but it still didn¡¯t sit well with her.


    shey on the bed tired from all the stress of the past few days, not to mention she didn¡¯t sleep muchst night, she smiled at the memory and slept off.


    Later that evening as she went for a walk in the pool area, she found Lucas there, having some alone time, they have not spoken since they arrived, she wanted to head back inside without disturbing him but he saw her and beckoned on her toe over.


    ¡°Were you going to slip off without saying goodnight Kat?¡±


    ¡°No, not that, I didn¡¯t want to disturb you.¡±


    She said sitting two seats away from him.


    He stood up and closed the distance between them.


    ¡°I told you we will enjoy these three weeks to the fullest, are you trying to avoid me?¡±


    He asked stroking her hair.


    ¡°No, I am not,¡±


    ¡°I thought you were,¡±


    ¡°You thought wrong,¡±


    She replied.


    He bent over and imed her lips with his, she sighted against him melting and enjoying every moment, it soon became heated and she pulled off to catch her breath.


    ¡°We should stop, what if someone sees us?¡±


    She said licking her lips.


    ¡°So? We are both adults and don¡¯t worry no one wille this way, they are all probably sleeping already,¡±


    He said pulling her back to him and kissing her again.


    Yeah, they were both adults but she didn¡¯t want his family finding out about their affair, not when it won¡¯t lead to anything but like he said they will all be sleeping already so she let herself enjoy these moments that she will cherish for a long time toe¡­

 Chapter Twenty-five

    Lucas sat at the lounge enjoying the view, this is why Arizona would forever be his favorite ce on earth, there was no ce like home, where he could rx and let the breeze and cool environment smoothen him, he took a sip from his juice and let out a breath.


    Katrina and Lc were out together, they have been gone the whole morning, he didn¡¯t know what they were on to but they both seemed excited about it, he still didn¡¯t know how they became so close.


    His mom and dad were also not around, the only other people around the house were Leah and her husband and kids, he liked being alone like this, taking a sip from his juice he let the sunbathe him.


    ¡°What are you doing here all by yourself, brother?¡±


    His older sister Leah asked as she walked up to him, with her almost due tummy, okay his peace just got stolen.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell? I am rxing,¡±


    He said taking off his sunsses.


    ¡°I can see that, just wanted to know why you are going it alone,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t needpany to rx ma¡¯am,¡±


    She sat down and stretched out her legs, her big tummy almost bulging out of her shirt, he wondered how she wasfortable with the big tummy, it scared him.


    ¡°So you are Katrina finally decided to act out those feelings you got from each other?¡±


    She asked giving him a knowing smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about dear sister,¡±


    ¡°Oh, but you do, I know you do, you can¡¯t deny it, I know what I saw and I am seeing,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about, it might be the pregnancy hormones,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to deny anything young man, I saw you guys kissingst night,¡±


    He choked on his juice at her words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about,¡±


    He repeated wiping his mouth.


    ¡°Yeah, right, as if I didn¡¯t just watch you choke on your juice, anyway Kat is a nice girl, I approve, this has been long overdue.¡±


    She said patting his shoulder.


    ¡°What has been long overdue?¡±


    He asked.


    ¡°What you guys have, you guys can¡¯t keep your eyes off one another and you can¡¯t seem to stay away from each other.¡±


    ¡°As I said earlier, I don¡¯t know what you are talking about, Katrina is my secretary and personal assistant so she is expected to be with me, don¡¯t know where this theory of yours came from,¡±


    He said, he knew he was being defensive but, he was right, Kat and he didn¡¯t have the kind of rtionship his sister is thinking, whatever they had was a fling, and nothing more.


    ¡°Hmm, then what¡¯s about the kiss,¡±


    ¡°The kiss happened and we are both adults, and you are not supposed to be spying on us,¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t spying, I was taking a wall, you this gets ufortable sometimes,¡±


    She replied pointing at her tummy.


    ¡°Yeah, I thought as much,¡±


    ¡°You know I almost screamed when I saw you guys, I couldn¡¯t contain my smile, I am happy that you are trying again,¡±


    ¡°No one is trying anything, whatever you saw, don¡¯t read too much into it best not what you think it is,¡±


    He answered, he should have listened to Kat and taken the kiss to where no one will see them but he had been sure his family was already in bed, he should have known better, he just hope Leah won¡¯t go and tell everyone about it.


    ¡°Then why we¡¯re you guys kissing?¡±


    ¡°As I said, we are both adults, kissing doesn¡¯t mean we have a thing.¡±


    He replied.


    ¡°I know you guys are both adults, I am not saying it a bad thing, I like Katrina, we all do, which is why I am going to tell you this if you are not going to be serious with her, then don¡¯t start anything, because Katrina is the kind of woman that doesmitment like me, and you know how much I went through before I met my husband, I don¡¯t want another woman going through that,¡±


    ¡°Leah,e on,¡±


    ¡°I am serious, it¡¯s been over three years, why don¡¯t you forget about the past and try and build a future with someone else, not everyone is going to be Reba,¡±


    ¡°Can we not talk about this please,¡±


    He said, wanting her to end the talk already.


    ¡°Yes, I will but just one more thing, Kat is my friend, if you mess with her I will castrate you, I don¡¯t mind if you are my brother,¡±


    She warned.


    ¡°Okay, but can you please not tell the others about us kissing? It¡¯s really nothing,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, fine, but it for my friend, not you, I know she won¡¯t like to be the center of attention over nothing,¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t figure out how you guys became friends, you are almost two times her age,¡±


    ¡°No, I am not,¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are,¡±


    ¡°No, I am not, Kat is twenty-eight and I am thirty-five that¡¯s just seven years gap, and besides age is just number,¡±


    She responded.


    ¡°I have heard you, ma¡¯am, don¡¯t you have an antenatal to attend or something?¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to chase me away?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I want my peace,¡±


    ¡°I am not going anywhere then, ¡±


    She said stubbornly.


    ¡°You can stay here then, I am going inside,¡±


    He replied getting up and picking his ss of juice, before he could take a step, hended inside the pool, when he surfaced, he found herughing her eyes out.


    ¡°What the heck sister?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, it was my hormone,¡±


    ¡°What? Are you kidding me? Your hormones? You just pushed me in the pool and you are ming your hormones? Why can¡¯t I understand this gender?¡±


    He questioned trying to get himself out of the pool.


    ¡°What are you doing inside the pool fully clothed Lucas?¡±


    Lc asked as she and Katrina walked in, well what a perfect time for them to show up.


    ¡°He fell,¡±


    Leah said stillughing, he didn¡¯t know what was funny, but Kat was giggling too.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t fall in, you pushed me, you crazydy,¡±


    He said which made thediesugh even harder.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s funny here, you guys are being mean to me,¡±


    ¡°Ohhhh, are you going to cry, baby brother?¡±


    Lc asked and he eyed her.


    ¡°Baby brother? You are just eleven months older,¡±


    ¡°But still older, by the way, Kat got you something,¡±


    She announced pointing at her, she turned red with embarrassment.


    ¡°Really? What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing big, vani cupcakes, I remembered you like them so I got some for you, I kept it inside your room.


    She exined.


    ¡°Aha, thank you, could you please help me with the towel?¡±


    He asked and she nodded and went to get it for him, as she moved closer to where Leah was he could see the look in her eyes, before he could warn Kat about it, Leah pushed her into the pool too.


    ¡°Leah!!¡±


    He scolded but she wasn¡¯t listening, she and Lc were bothughing their asses off, when Kat surfaced, he thought she would be upset but she joined themughing, sshing water at them.


    ¡°Lucas? You are the grumpy one, she understands the assignment,¡±


    Leah said betweenughs.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t understand your gender, you guys are weird,¡±


    He said swimming to the edge of the pool and getting out of the water.


    ¡°Enjoy your afternoondies, I am out of here,¡±


    He said and walked off, even as he left he could still hear theirughter, he could Kat¡¯s richughter mixed with his sisters own, she got so well with her family, maybe just maybe***


    ¡°No, don¡¯t go there Lu?as,¡±


    He said shaking whatever foolish thoughts that entered his head off, he wasn¡¯t going to make the same mistake twice, especially not with Katrina¡­

 Chapter Twenty-six

    ¡°You look so pretty, Kat,¡±


    Katrina heard Lucas say as he hugged her from behind, making her heart jump, he was making it so difficult for her not to fall more in love with him, he did things that made her feel that what they had was real, over thest couple of days it has grown impossible for her heart not to jump at what he does, she was afraid she was falling deeper for him.


    ¡°Why, Thank you, kind sir,¡±


    She said turning to face him, he kissed her drawing her closer to him, how did he expect her not to react when he acts this way, just randomly kissing her, giving her hugs and all, it made her poor heart flutter.


    The past few days when she is not busy with Lc on either shopping speer or wedding rehearsals, he made sure to get her to do something with him, they went sightseeing and even to a night carnival, every night, he either sneak into her room or she goes to his, they haven¡¯t slept apart since they got here aside from the first night, how his family has still not found out about their affair was beyond her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go ying with the stripers at the bridal shower,¡±


    He warned against her lips.


    ¡°What? I n on having fun, it¡¯s a bridal shower for a reason,¡±


    She answered pushing him off.


    ¡°Then I am not letting you leave, you are mine, I don¡¯t want those broad shoulder men-whores putting their hands on you, I don¡¯t like sharing,¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    This, how does he say this and expect her to not catch feeling when he keeps saying things like this to her, things like you are mine.


    ¡°I will like to see Lc shave off your precious hair, Lucas it is just a party, don¡¯t worry I am not going home with any of the guys,¡±


    ¡°I know, if you do I will kill the guy and lock you anyway in my dungeon,¡±


    ¡°You have a dungeon?¡±


    ¡°No, but I will create one,¡±


    He answered.


    ¡°But by the way, you are having a bach night too right? With Lc¡¯s husband to be Nick?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but bridal showers are more dangerous, I don¡¯t trust those guys,¡±


    ¡°We are having it close to the mansion though, it¡¯s the beach house and it¡¯s not even two blocks away, it safe, you guys are going over to a hotel,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean that kind of safe,¡±


    ¡°Aha, I get, don¡¯t worry, I am all yours till this ends,¡±


    She added thest part just to remind him and herself that this wasn¡¯t a long-term thing, that in a little over a week this will be over, the thought of this ending already hurt, she hoped she has prepared herself for it.


    ¡°Good,¡±


    ¡°Can I say the same for you, because I know there will be stripers too, I can invent my own dungeon too,¡±


    ¡°No stripers, just drinks, and guys,¡±


    ¡°Wow, for real? That would be boring,¡±


    ¡°No, it won¡¯t, Nick is not that kind of guy, he loves Lc too much, in fact, he has loved only her since I knew him,¡±


    ¡°But he let her have stripers at her party,¡±


    ¡°Yes, because he trusts her and also Lc is the wild one of the two, enough of those two, I wanna kiss you before you go so that you would think about it ande back to me.


    He replied and kissed her again, dragging his fingers through her hair, she took hours to style her hair and didn¡¯t want him to ruin it, but she knew he loved ying with her hair and she didn¡¯t want to stop him, she kissed him back enjoying every moment of it when he pulled back he pecked her on the forehead, which made her heart skip a beat.


    ¡°That reminds me,¡±


    He said pulling off.


    ¡°The guys from the office areing in tomorrow, which means this house would be filled with people since mom doesn¡¯t want anyone at hotels when we have so many rooms,¡±


    ¡°I know, I called Jordan,¡±


    She replied, she had spoken to Jordan and told him about her and Lucas affair, he had been overjoyed and had told her to make sure she gets the most of him, she was already getting it but the more she got, the more she wanted, which was gonna get her in trouble.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him,¡±


    ¡°Why? He is my best friend,¡±


    ¡°Yeah I know but I am sure he is part of the people that talk shit behind my back,¡±


    He replied, sheughed.


    ¡°I knew it,¡±


    He added when she didn¡¯t deny what he said.


    ¡°Jord is a great guy, he doesn¡¯t mean any harm, he just thinks you are a little too uptight and strict,¡±


    ¡°Do you think so too? Am I uptight and strict to you?¡±


    ¡°For me, no, because I know you, so you haven¡¯t been any of those since I got to know you,¡±


    She said sincerely. when she newly started working for him, she had thought so too, but when she got to know him, she realized he is a nice person and she had fallen for him.


    ¡°Good,¡±


    ¡°Katrina? Are you not done yet?¡±


    Lc called as she walked into her room, Lucas quickly got off her and sat on the bed, she turned back to the mirror, adjusting her hair that Lucas had raffled and also fixing her lipstick before Lc entered.


    ¡°Katy? Aren¡¯t yo*** wait what is he doing here?¡±


    She asked when she saw Lucas.


    ¡°What do you mean what am I doing here, I own this house,¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t, mom and dad own the house,¡±


    ¡°And I am their child so it automatically mine too,¡±


    ¡°I am their child too, and I ain¡¯t in someone¡¯s room because I own the house that my parents own,¡±


    She said not giving him thest word, Katughed at their bickering, they always have something to fight about.


    ¡°But you are here too aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Lucas asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, both of you, Lc I am ready so we can leave,¡±


    Katrina said pulling Lc along with her, leaving Lucas in her room.


    ¡°How do you tolerate him? He is a pain in the ass,¡±


    Lc said as they walked towards the car.


    ¡°No, he is not, you guys just never get along, and yet you guys love each other the most,¡±


    She saidughing.


    ¡°Only you can say that Katrina, only you, I can¡¯t say the same, if he were my boyfriend I would break his head, how you can be with him is beyond me,¡±


    She said and Katrina stopped walking.


    ¡°He is not my boyfriend,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right, everyone in this house knows you guys have a thing, we just choose to keep quiet because you guys are trying to keep it low, you guys are failing, by the way, we are all adults, both of you can¡¯t keep your eyes and hands from each other, don¡¯t look at me like that, I like you for my brother,¡±


    Lc said. Katrina didn¡¯t know how to respond, she thought they were keeping things pretty low but she was wrong, she wondered if Lucas knew his family was aware of their affair, she didn¡¯t lie to Lc though, Lucas wasn¡¯t her boyfriend just a fling, even though she wants him to be more than that but she knew he didn¡¯t want her in a long term way, which hurts a lot.


    ¡°It¡¯s not really how it looks,¡±


    ¡°Really? Then how is it? Are you guys testing waters? Or what?¡±


    ¡°Can we not talk about Lucas and me? It¡¯s your day,¡±


    ¡°You just want to be let off,¡±


    ¡°Yes please,¡±


    She replied truthfully, she wasn¡¯tfortable with discussing what they had with anyone not to talk of his sister, them finding out alone already makes her ufortable.


    ¡°Okay, however, if he messes with you, we can all gang up and beat him up, me, you, and Leah, though she looks too big to beat someone now.¡±


    She said and Katrina smiled.


    ¡°Of course,¡±


    They got in the car and drove the short distance to the beach house where the bridal shower was taking ce, Lc¡¯s friends had organized it and Katrina couldn¡¯t say no because Lc won¡¯t take no for an answer, anyway she loved parties and it will help keep her mind off some things.


    When they entered, the venue was decorated with pink and white which were Lcs favorite colors, with dim light, there were about fifteendies, who were all introduced to her, she already met a few of them during her numerous outing with Lc, Leah couldn¡¯t make it due to her state, she said she didn¡¯t want to be rolling like a ball when the otherdies look like runaway models.


    She had fun with thedies as they were all friendly, they didn¡¯t even invite stripers as Lucas had thought, it was more like a girls night, they drank, told each other about their rtionships and heartbreaks and even husbands and kids because some of the women were married. When they asked her, Lc had said she belonged to Lucas and had not given her a chance to deny it, the otherdies had told her she was lucky, but if only they knew, Lucas wasn¡¯t hers, even though she wanted him to be, she only own him for just a few more nights, the thought of their short time together, she made up her mind to make the most of each of those nights and even the days.

 Chapter Twenty-seven

    Lucas watched her as she walked down the aisle towards him and the rest of the best men he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her, she was so beautiful he could spend the whole day looking at her, she was wearing a peach dress, that brought out her feminine features more, she had on mild makeup, and some simple pieces of jewelry, her hair was styled in a bride style almost simr to Lc¡¯s but with a little difference, her heels enhancing her look, she looked so gorgeous and tempting, his mouth watered in want, they haven¡¯t been able to talk much in thest two days because of the busy state of everyone at the mansion and also she was almost always with Lc and when she wasn¡¯t she was too tired and he didn¡¯t want to disturb her.


    She smiled as she walked closer to him, he lend her a hand as she climbed to his side.


    ¡°You look so beautiful Kat,¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but for now focus on thedy of the day, she is stunning,¡±


    She answered pointing to the entrance where Lc was, their dad held her hands as they both walked down the aisle, his sister was indeed stunning, he was super happy for her, a little over eight years ago, Leah had walked down this aisle too and about three ago he almost did too, but it hasn¡¯t worked out.


    ¡°Are you going to cry?¡±


    She asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You look like you are going to cry,¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°You do,¡±


    ¡°Both of you shush,¡±


    Leah whispered beside them, for some unknown reason she decided she wanna be part of the bridesmaids, her tummy was so big he was scared that she would deliver while standing there, she was glowing too, he had beautiful sisters and he was proud of them.


    ¡°Sorry, Lea,¡±


    Katrina said, he turned to face her and she pointed him in the direction where Lc and their dad were, he smiled as his sister followed their dad to the aisle and he gave her away, the rest of the ceremony was pretty much a blur for him, the happy couple exchanged vows and kisses and the event was over, they all moved to the mansion where the reception took ce.


    ¡°You look like you wanna run and hide,¡±


    Katrina said as she sat next to him, she has been busy with her bridesmaid duty and this was the first time she sat down since after the church event.


    ¡°Nah, I don¡¯t, are you okay? You haven¡¯t rested since,¡±


    ¡°I am fine, stop looking at me like that, your workers are here and there are cameras too,¡±


    ¡°How am I looking at you?¡±


    He questioned looking around, indeed a lot of people from the office were there, and also the paparazzi too, he bet a lot were here because of the recent issue at the office in New York, he hoped they would be decree enough not to ask questions, today is all about Lc.


    ¡°As if you wanna, you know,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your fault for looking so irresistible, and I haven¡¯t seen you in days¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I have been busy with your sister, and this mansion has been filled for days,¡±


    ¡°I know but we don¡¯t have much time, how about youe to my room tonight?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t, sorry, Jordan and I have a date, and I can¡¯t cancel on him,¡±


    ¡°I thought you said you guys are just friends?¡±


    He asked suddenly feeling jealous, he wanted that Jordan guy gone, he was part of the reason he hasn¡¯t been able to be with Kat, he still couldn¡¯t understand how she could share a room with him.


    ¡°Yes, a friendship date, I promised him already, don¡¯t worry he leaves tomorrow so you can have me all to yourself,¡±


    But that would leave just one night because they were leaving in two days too.


    ¡°Is there anything you are doing right now?¡±


    ¡°No, why?¡±


    ¡°Do you think they might need you in the next thirty minutes?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking, I have done my duties if that¡¯s what you are asking, Lc and her husband are leaving soon so I am free,¡±


    ¡°Good,e with me,¡±


    He said pulling her up and walking with her out of the party.


    ¡°Where are we going to Lucas? People are watching, let go of me,¡±


    She said, he looked at their joined hands and just kept walking.


    ¡°You are my assistant so they won¡¯t think much about it,¡±


    ¡°Excuse you? I don¡¯t remember bosses holding their assistant while taking them away from a party,¡±


    She said folding her hands against her chest as he tried to open the door, she was cute and at the same time hot.


    ¡°You overthink everything, Kat cut yourself some ck,¡±


    He replied pulling her into his room with him, he backed her against the door and imed her lips with his.


    ¡°You have no idea how much I had to endure wanting you and not having you in thest three days,¡±


    He said, fondling with her dress before sliding the zipper down.


    ¡°Lucas, we can¡¯t do th¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can,¡±


    ¡°Come on, there are so many people around the mansion, anyone can walk in here now,¡±


    ¡°No one wille into my room, and the door is locked,¡±


    ¡°They will hear our voices,¡±


    ¡°No, they won¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°One hundred percent,¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    He replied as he kissed her again dragging her to the bed with him, taking off her gown and exposing her breast, she wasn¡¯t wearing a bra, he let out a groan, as his eyes took in her ravishing body, he bent and took her breast in his mouth, sucking.


    ¡°Lucas,¡±


    She moaned out his name, he feasted on her rosy buds as his hands found their way between her thighs.


    ¡°I wanna do so much to you but right now I want to be inside you so bad,¡±


    He said pushing her on the bed, before taking off his own clothes in a hurry, she watched him with want filled eyes, he was d he wasn¡¯t feeling it alone, she wanted him just as much, his clothes off, he climbed back on the bed atop her, spreading her legs, he took her mouth as he guided his throbbing hardness into her hot wetness, he entered with one fast hard thrust,¡±


    ¡°Ohh,¡±


    She moaned.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    He whispered as he started moving inside her, she felt so weing, like she was used to him, made for him.


    ¡°Fuck!!¡±


    He said suddenly freezing.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    She asked in her half-dazed voice.


    ¡°I forgot to use a condom,¡±


    He said, in his state of hurriedness he had forgotten protection, this was so unlike him, he never forgets to use a condom no matter how horny he was.


    He made to pull out of her but she held him back, pinning him inside her with both of her legs.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I won¡¯t get pregnant and I am clean,¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    He asked already moving inside her again, he couldn¡¯t resist.


    ¡°Yes, I am sure, now mister can you move faster,¡±


    ¡°Sure mydy,¡±


    He replied and after that, no other words were said by the two of them, the only sound that could be heard in the room were the sounds of their moans as they brought immersed pleasure to each other.


    ¡°You are not sharing a room with Jordan or whatever his name is tonight, I want you in my bed, you can go on the date but after that, youe here, alright?¡±


    He said while theyy in bed together in the aftermath of their mating, his hands ying with her breast.


    ¡°No,¡±


    She said, removing his hands from her body.


    ¡°What?¡±


    He asked in confusion


    ¡°I¡­ We¡­ See Lucas you can¡¯t just order me around I am not your property okay? I am going to sleep in my room tonight, the date with Jordan iste-night talks over a couple of drinks and snacks, we are not leaving the mansion, and it through out the night, we haven¡¯t spoken in almost a month, we have a lot to catch up on,¡±


    She said, getting off the bed, and picking up her dress and underlies, he missed her as soon as she left.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t ordering you though,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly how it sounded like in my ears,¡±


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°I understand our kind of rtionship, sorry not a rtionship but fling, and this ain¡¯t part of it,¡±


    ¡°Katrina you are taking my words out of context, that¡¯s not what I met, and I am not controlling you,¡±


    He exined, he didn¡¯t know why she felt he was controlling her, he didn¡¯t mean it like she was taking it.


    She looked at him before going into his bathroom, he dragged his fingers through his hair in confusion, wondering why she took his words in the wrong way, he reversed what he said in his head but he couldn¡¯t make out what made her upset,  she came out a few minutester all dressed.


    ¡°Katrina,¡±


    ¡°I understand, I am just gonna go back to the party,¡±


    She said leaving before he could say something else.


    ¡°What just happened?¡±


    He asked himself aloud, one minute they were in bed together in utter bliss, and the next minutes she left his room in annoyance.


    He sat back on the bed too stunned to think, he sat there for more than twenty minutes before going over to his bathroom to freshen up, making up his mind to talk to her as soon as he can¡­

 Chapter Twenty-eight

    ¡°Kat? Kat? Katrina!!!¡±


    ¡°Yes, what, why?¡±


    ¡°Are you okay? It seems you are not listening and you are in your own world,¡±


    Jordan said.


    ¡°No, I am fine,¡±


    ¡°Not sure, because you haven¡¯t been listening to me, and you have this lost look, did something happen with him?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡±


    Katrina said trying to gather her thoughts and put them in order, there wasn¡¯t an issue, she panicked and overreacted, the stress of thest couple of days might be the reason, they were in her room and have been talking about the things they have been up to and she had nked out without knowing.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Nothing happened okay,¡±


    ¡°Well, you left the party holding hands with the boss and came back alone, and now you look like a lost soul, I can¡¯t help but be worried,¡±


    ¡°There is no reason to be worried Jord, I am okay and also I wasn¡¯t holding hands with the boss, he dragged me out of the party,¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t seem like dragging to me and the others that were watching, it seemed more like a couple holding hands,¡±


    ¡°We are not a couple Jordan,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I forgot, you guys are sleeping buddies,¡±


    ¡°Cut it out, I am not in a mood for jokes right now,¡±


    She said face-palming herself, she should have done better and handled the whole thing better but she had been pissed when he had asked her, no not ask her,manded her to spend the night with him, she wasn¡¯t sure why that pissed her off but it did.


    ¡°Youngdy, now spill,¡±


    Jordan said in all seriousness,


    ¡°It¡¯s really nothing, Lucas said something and I overreacted and got mad and now that I think about it, I don¡¯t know why I got angry, I could have just said no and get it over with,¡±


    ¡°May I know what he said? Let me see if he did say something wrong that had pissed you off,¡±


    ¡°All he said was to spend the night with him,¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all,¡±


    She replied she didn¡¯t want to add the part he didn¡¯t like her friendship with Jordan.


    ¡°If that¡¯s all he said, then yeah, you overreacted, because clearly you guys are already sleeping together and for me, it¡¯s just a request that you could have just said no to, if you didn¡¯t want to and I sure he won¡¯t force you, he may be a sadist but I don¡¯t think he is that bad


    ¡°He is not a sadist,¡±


    ¡°There she goes defending him again,¡±


    ¡°I am not defending him,¡±


    ¡°Alright, you overreacted though,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know now,¡±


    ¡°So what now? You guys are not on talking terms?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I haven¡¯t seen him since,¡±


    ¡°Just work it out, it¡¯s not that hard,¡±


    ¡°Jord, there is nothing to work out, I think it¡¯s time we stop because we are leaving for New York in two days and that would put an end to this whole thing so I think it best if I just, maybe just stop now and focus on getting back to how my life was and of course getting over him,¡±


    Katrina said, even the thought of it was already making her feel sick, she didn¡¯t want them to end but she couldn¡¯t do anything about it either, she just had to let go.


    ¡°Hmm, I think you should not end it like this though,¡±


    ¡°What do you mean,¡±


    ¡°Well, when you get back to New York you guys are going to be working together so I feel you should not end this on a sour ground like it should be on a friendly note so that your work environment won¡¯t be awkward and also, I think you should enjoy thesest few days to the fullest, who knows you might mark him for life,¡±


    Jordan advised but Katrina didn¡¯t like thest part, yeah she didn¡¯t want this to end in a way that would make things awkward for both of them but also she didn¡¯t want to give herself hope of things changing, it is better if she epts it for what it is.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t gonna mark no one Jordan, Lucas hatesmitment I don¡¯t wanna trap him even though I love him, I want him to be truly happy,¡±


    ¡°Alright good girl, it¡¯s up to you but one thing I can say is don¡¯t waste the remaining days, alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure, can we change topics?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I forgot to mention but you got a few packages at the house,¡±


    ¡°What package?¡±


    ¡°I think you have a secret admirer or something because gifts keep showing up at your door and they are all pretty nice things, I even stole a perfume because it smells nice,¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? When did you start getting the package? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    Katrina asked not liking the idea of her possible stalker knowing where she lived, for thest few days and weeks she hasn¡¯t gotten any calls or messages so she assumed the person gave up or something, but hearing that the person was sending gifts, she was pretty sure it was the same person, and she didn¡¯t like it at all, Lucas had told an investigator to check out the phone number but they didn¡¯te up with much yet.


    ¡°Rx girl, I didn¡¯t think it was urgent, I mean when you get home you will find them,¡±


    ¡°Do theye with anything else?¡±


    ¡°Yes, message notes, the normal gift cards, you look tensed, don¡¯t give it too many thoughts, maybe someone likes you in private, who knows the person might be the one to mend your heart and give you the love you deserve,¡±


    He said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the feeling I am getting from this Jord, I have been getting weird calls and texts that give me the creeps, Lucas thinks it might be a stalker and the thought of the stalker knowing where I live just doesn¡¯t feel nice at all,¡±


    She said biting her lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it a stalker though, maybe a secret admirer,¡±


    ¡°A secret admirer can also be a stalker,¡±


    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s true, but why can¡¯t I have a stalker too, I need those presents, they are pretty expensive, whoever he or she is must be super loaded,¡±


    He said fanning himself with his hands.


    ¡°Idiot,¡±


    ¡°You love me,¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately,¡±


    ¡°But, I don¡¯t think the person is a stalker though, he or she might not just know how to approach you and choose to show it in a diff¡­¡±


    A knock on the door made him pause, they both turned towards the door.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s him,¡±


    Jordan said with a knowing smile but she doubt he is the one, she went ahead to open the door and it was indeed him.


    ¡°Hey, mind if I talk to you for a moment? I know you are busy but it won¡¯t be long,¡±


    ¡°You can take her, I don¡¯t mind,¡±


    Jordan said from within the room before she could answer., she turned back and gave him a dirty look, he just giggled and waved her off.


    ¡°Thanks, man,¡±


    Lucas said before looking at her, she was tempted to say no but that would be insensitive since he was reaching out and trying to fix things.


    ¡°I will be right back Jordan,¡±


    She said as she wore a tee over her singlet.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need toe back, have fun¡±


    Jordan replied beforeying on her bed, she rolled her eyes at him before leaving the room.


    ¡°The house is so quiet tonightpare to thest couple of days,¡±


    She said as they walked through the flower fields, it was way past ten pm, and everywhere was silent but it¡¯s wasn¡¯t like thatst night or the night before.


    ¡°Yeah, everyone must to exhausted from the numerous parties,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I am d it all ended well,¡±


    ¡°Me too, Kat?¡±


    He called as he stopped walking and turned to face her.


    ¡°Yeah,¡±


    ¡°About what happened earlier, I di¡­¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay, I overreacted, it must be cuz I was stressed out,¡±


    ¡°Does that mean we are good?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we are,¡±


    ¡°Aha, thank God, I was really starting to feel bad,¡±


    He said holding her hands.


    ¡°We are good Lucas,¡±


    ¡°What a relief and to be clear I didn¡¯t mean it as it sounded, thest thing I wanna do is control anyone, especially not you, I don¡¯t even have the right to,¡±


    He said.


    ¡°I know that now, sorry I overreacted,¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize, I just wanted to clear the sir, so let me take you back to your date, I don¡¯t want him cursing me,¡±


    Lucas said, she expected him to at least kiss her but he didn¡¯t which made her sad, as they walked back towards the house, she tugged on his shirt.


    ¡°What?¡±


    She didn¡¯t reply instead she stood on a tip-top and kissed him, it didn¡¯t take long for him to take over.


    ¡°What was that for?¡±


    He asked when they pulled apart.


    ¡°A kiss,¡±


    ¡°I know but what is it for?¡±


    ¡°Makeup kiss,¡±


    She answered and walked ahead of him back into the house, he followed behind her, when they got to her door, he pulled her in for another kiss before telling her good night, she entered her room, locked the door, and rested her back against it smiling.


    ¡°I guess that means you guys are cool again,¡±


    Jordan said she thought he would already be asleep.


    ¡°Go to sleep Jord,¡±


    ¡°Yup, you guys are okay,¡±


    She ignored him and went to the bathroom instead, she came back andid on the bed beside him still smiling.


    ¡°Now, I am scared,¡±


    Jordan said turning to face her.


    ¡°Of what?¡±


    ¡°That you are in so deep, I need to get ready for the storm,¡±


    ¡°I was already in deep Jordan, I can handle this,¡±


    She said not knowing whom she was trying to convince, whether it was herself or Jordan.


    ¡°I hope so, but if you are gonna cry don¡¯t forget to call me,¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Of course, you owe me,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I do,¡±


    They talked for a couple of hours more before they finally went to sleep.

 Chapter Twenty-nine

    ¡°What should we do on ourst night in Arizona?¡±


    Lucas asked sitting close to her on the bed. Most people who came for the ceremony already left, the new bride and groom were already in the Bahamas where they were having their honeymoon, only a few rtives, Lucas parents and the both of them were left in the mansion, even Lucy and her kids already left, it was pretty much quietpared tost week or two days ago, sheid on the bed with her eyes closed.


    ¡°Hmm, anything you wanna do,¡±


    She answered she wasn¡¯t feeling too happy about this ending because she knew this would be theirst night together when they leave for New York tomorrow this will all be over, but she couldn¡¯t let him see her pains, not when she gave him her words that she won¡¯t catch feelings.


    ¡°How about we have a pic in the desert area?¡±


    ¡°What? A desert? Do you wanna get me killed?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean somewhere far, it still within the mansion, it just not opens all the time, ¡±


    ¡°What? The mansion has a desert area? Why am I just hearing this?¡±


    ¡°Do you know every part of the mansion?¡±


    ¡°I guess not,¡±


    ¡°I was joking, but we can spend a night at the underground part of the mansion that way we won¡¯t be disturbed, I really, really wanna make good use of ourst night here Kat,¡±


    ¡°Of course, whatever you want,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not whatever I want, it¡¯s what we want, tell me what you wanna do,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡±


    ¡°Are you for real? There has to be something,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, nope, we have done everything I wanted,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie, does that mean if we just sleep tonight and go back to New York tomorrow you won¡¯t regret a thing?¡±


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t ¡±


    She lied, she would regret a hell lot but she felt too sad, she suddenly wanted more time to be with him like this, by tomorrow he will be back to being her boss, she didn¡¯t think things can ever be the same with them, she promised her self that whatever happens she would try and stay and not quit, she hoped that they can at least coexist and hope they don¡¯t fight.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    ¡°You are not listening are you?¡±


    ¡°What? Did you say something? I didn¡¯t hear you,¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did,¡±


    ¡°Could you say it again? I didn¡¯t get it the first time,¡±


    ¡°I said to tell me what you want to do,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything in mind for real, I¡¯m up for anything like I said earlier, we can stay in the mansion, not like there are many people here,¡±


    ¡°You are such a killjoy,¡±


    ¡°No, I am not,¡±


    She replied getting up from the bed.


    ¡°Where are you going to?¡±


    ¡°To get drinks and night snacks,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you wanna do?¡±


    ¡°Yup, stay here, drink, and forget about the fact that by tomorrow I will be back to working almost every hour of the day,¡±


    ¡°Wow, calm down, promise I won¡¯t be that insensitive boss again, in fact, you get the remaining days of this week as off and you can resume by Monday next week,¡±


    ¡°For real? That¡¯s so nice,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the least I could do for all the stress you have been throughtely and also to make up for those years I was a bad boss,¡±


    ¡°At least you finally agreed you were not nice, I ept,¡±


    She said as she walked out of the room, she rushed to the kitchen, clenching her hands into a fist, she needed to get this over her head and get back her cool, this wasn¡¯t a new feeling so it shouldn¡¯t be so hard, she was d he was giving her a break, she needed the break, she would build her resolve and resume work as nothing happened, she wished they had a little more time but she knew the more time they spent together, the harder it will be for her to get over him, she had her fill, not really, but at least she knows how it felt being Lucas¡¯s woman even though it was just for a short while, she opened the fridge and got out a few beers and took out some night snacks to go with it. She looked at the chocte in the fridge for a while, knowing it won¡¯t be healthy to eat it at the time but she craved something sweet, she took it anyway.


    ¡°Those are not healthy to eat at night,¡±


    Lucas mother voicee up as she made to leave the kitchen, she turned to see her sitting at the far end of the kitchen balcony, she hadn¡¯t seen her when she had entered and wondered just how much she had seen, she tried to go over what she did when she entered the kitchen.


    ¡°It¡¯s just for one night, it won¡¯t do that much harm,¡±


    She replied still holding on to the bowl of chocte.


    ¡°If you say so, are you alright? You look pretty tensed when you walked in here, are things okay with Lucas?¡±


    ¡°What the fuck?¡±


    She thought, wondering how she was gonna reply to his mother¡¯s question, she knew they were aware of her and Lucas, Lc is to be med for that, but then aside from Lc none of the other family members had asked and she had hoped they won¡¯t, she should have stayed in her room.


    ¡°My dear? Are you okay?¡±


    She asked walking into the kitchen to where she stood.


    ¡°Yes, ma, I am fine,¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t look so though, you look like you have a lot going on, you can talk to me you know, I am Lucas mother and I know how best to deal with him, I can share you some tips.¡±


    She said with a smile.


    ¡°Actually ma, it¡¯s noth¡­¡±


    ¡°I have good tips, I just need a tiny reward in return,¡±


    She continued cutting her off, she mentally rolled her eyes but decided to hear the favor which turned out to be a huge mistake.


    ¡°What favor ma?¡±


    ¡°A grandchild,¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    She asked almost dropping what she was holding.


    ¡°Why are you so surprised? I know you and my son are seeing each other, and I am happy about it, Lucas needs to settle down and you are perfect for him,¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, Lucas and I don¡¯t have that kind of rtionship,¡±


    Katrina replied, wanting to be anywhere else but here, she looked around for ways to escape but there wasn¡¯t any.


    ¡°Come on, I know you guys have a thing and I have seen the way you look at him,¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am it¡¯s really not what you think it is,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, sounds fake but okay,¡±


    She said and Kat let out a breath of relief and made to leave but was stopped.


    ¡°But you love him, don¡¯t you? Don¡¯t you? I see the way you look at him and how he does with you, he is very protective of you and you guys will make a really great couple.¡±


    She said, Katrina turned to face her, she was right about Katrina being in love with Lucas but was wrong about Lucas being protective of her, they weren¡¯t a perfect match either like she thinks.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡­¡±


    ¡°I want my son to be happy again and he seems happy when he is with you, I know he can be hard but don¡¯t give up on him alright,¡±


    Katrina didn¡¯t know how to exin to her that Lucas was perfectly fine without her and was happy too.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I think Lucas can take care of himself and he seems pretty happy to me,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because he is with you now, that¡¯s what I mean, he is happy when you are around, which is why he always wants you around him, or don¡¯t you feel that might be the reason he takes you everywhere with him?¡±


    Katrina could only stare at her, how she came up with those ideas was beyond her, Lucas? Being happy because he is around her? That¡¯s totally not possible, he wants her around because she has to work for him, and if not for this trip he would probably have wanted nothing to do with her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know ho¡­¡±


    ¡°Kat? You are taking so long, what..? Hey Mom,¡±


    Lucas said walking into the kitchen, Katrina let out a breath of relief.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    He asked when neither of them said anything.


    ¡°Nothing, Katrina and I were just having somedies talk,¡±


    His mom said.


    ¡°Oh, really? Can I ask what it is about?¡±


    ¡°No,¡±


    She replied firmly and he rolled his eyes, collecting the drinks she was holding before opening the fridge and stuffing them back.


    ¡°Hey? I came down to get those,¡±


    ¡°No drinks, are you forgetting we have an early morning flight tomorrow? You can get all the alcohol you want in New York,¡±


    He replied collecting the bowl of chocte too, she looked at him with questioning eyes.


    ¡°Chocte is not a healthy night snack,¡±


    Great so she came to the kitchen for nothing, she should have stayed in the room. She thought.


    ¡°You both have a goodnight, Kat we will continue where we left off when I visit New York,¡±


    His mom said walking out before she could respond.


    ¡°What were you guys talking about?¡±


    He asked.


    ¡°I am not telling,¡±


    She replied walking off and leaving him standing there, he walked up to her, took her hand, and dragged her with him to the opposite side of her bedroom.


    ¡°Where are we going to?¡±


    ¡°You will see,¡±


    That was all he said as he pulled her along with him out of the house and towards the gate, just when she thought they were leaving the mansion, he made a turn, and walked down a few steps, before opening a door that lead to another part of the mansion that she has never seen, the mansion did have an underground basement, not a basement though because there were several doors, he opened one of the doors and the room was huge and neat with a ratherrge bed, and simple decorations.


    ¡°I thought you were joking about this too,¡±


    She said looking around the room, it looked like any other room in the mansion.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t, Kat, this is ourst night here and I want to make good use of it,¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡±


    ¡°We can scream all we want here, it soundproofed so no one will hear,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s scary, what if you try to kill me? How would people hear me?¡±


    ¡°You think I can do that?¡±


    ¡°No, I am just saying,¡±


    ¡°Come here Kat,¡±


    He ordered and she walked up to him.


    ¡°Good girl, now take off your clothes,¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡±


    She replied taking off her blouse, her bra, and her shorts, she stood before him naked.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    He whispered already reaching out for her.


    ¡°No, no words, no talking, just action,¡±


    She said standing on her tiptop and kissing him, heplied and not many words were exchanged through the night, they couldn¡¯t get enough of each other, even through it all, one thing was sure for Katrina, no man could ever make her feel as much as she felt with Lucas¡­

 Chapter Thirty

    ¡°Thank you so much for everything Katrina, I had the best time during these past weeks, do have a rest,¡±


    He said as he dropped her off at her house, she looked so tired that he felt guilty for not letting her sleepst night, but he couldn¡¯t be med, he wanted to have enough of her, now that they are back in New York, things will go back to normal and whatever happened in California and Arizona stays in both ces, he had expected her to sleep during the flight back to New York but she had been awake the whole time and absorbed into her own world, and had not said anything to him throughout the flight.


    ¡°Thank you too, I had an amazing time,¡±


    She said hugging him before she opened the car door to leave, he wanted to pull her back into the car and kiss her but he knew if he does that here in New York it will be different, whatever they had ended at the airport in Arizona, he should do well to remember that.


    ¡°Alright, I got to go, see you next week,¡±


    He replied and zoomed off leaving her standing there, he missed her already, but he knew he would get over her in the next couple of days, he gave her the break but he needed the time off more, he needed the time to build back that only work-rtionship.


    ¡°Back to normal life,¡±


    He said as he droved into his apartment, he had an appointmentter today but wanted to rest first, he missed Katrina already but he wasn¡¯t going to change the rules, no, thest time he did, Loren had given him a pill too bitter for him to swallow, he had believed all her lies and almost made the mistake of marrying her, sex is good but not good enough for him to make the same mistake twice, especially not with Katrina, he needed her around him for work, she was good as his secretary and personal assistant but that¡¯s where it ends, whatever they had during thest couple of weeks happened but it not gonna happen again, he just has to get rid of his wants for her.


    Entering his apartment, he took a bath and went straight to bed, after tossing and turning for over an hour without getting any sleep, he decided it would be best if he just go for his appointment, he needed to get busy to get Katrina out of his head, he still has five days to do it and was sure by Monday when she finally resumes he would be over her.


    *****


    Katrina stared at loads of gift boxes in her room wondering what she would do with them, they were quite a lot of them, expensive perfumes, jewelries, and even frames, whoever it was must be super loaded because adding up everything here would amount to over two hundred thousand dors, not like she was sure of the amount but she knew it would be close, if not more than.


    ¡°What the fuck am I supposed to do with all these Jord?¡±


    ¡°I already told you to keep them, you have a secret admirer and a rich one at that, I will enjoy this moment if I were you,¡±


    Jordan repliedyingzily on her bed, he hade directly to her ce from work.


    Katrina had spent the whole of the afternoon catching up on lost sleep and had only woken up when Jordan had arrived about an hour ago, now she stood in her room looking at the numerous gifts her so-called ¡®secret admirer¡¯ had left behind, when she hade in earlier, she had been too tired to even care about the lots.


    ¡°Just be serious for once Jordan,¡±


    She said throwing him a dirty look, he rolled his eyes in response.


    ¡°I already told you to keep it, it¡¯s not every time that someone finds a rich admirer, what¡¯s the harm? They are given to you, not as if you stole them. or if you don¡¯t want, you can give them to me, I will use the perfumes, sell the jewelries, and the frames,¡±


    ¡°I hate you Jord,¡±


    ¡°I love you too, and you know, this is not what is important right now,¡±


    ¡°Really? Then what is important?¡±


    ¡°You, are you okay? I know that things with Lucas already ended,¡±


    He said sitting up and staring at her, she was fine though, at least right now she didn¡¯t feel all that much pain, they had ended the fling on a friendly note and even shared a hug before they parted ways, she didn¡¯t know yet how it would be like working with him again, but right now, she was doing better than she expected, she missed his presence of course.


    ¡°Kat? Are you alright?¡±


    Jordan asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.


    ¡°Yeah, I am fine,¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I had the best of time this past couple of weeks and yeah, I think I can move on from my feeling for Lucas now,¡±


    She lied, she knew she can never get over how she felt for Lucas, he marked her for life, she wanted no one else and couldn¡¯t imagine herself with anyone else, theirst night in Arizona had been blissful and she still felt sore in some areas.


    ¡°Youngdy?¡±


    Jordan called snapping his fingers across her face.


    ¡°You are innd right now? What are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°About my time with Lucas,¡±


    She answered.


    ¡°Ohhh, I don¡¯t want details, so long as you had fun and you are okay,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I am fine, at least for now,¡±


    She added.


    ¡°Good, so back to these, what are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, it not like I know who they are from so that I can return them,¡±


    ¡°Have you considered calling the number that text you?¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t think of that, maybe I should,¡±


    ¡°Yes, you should,¡±


    He responded but even as she dialed the number she felt chills to her bones and wanted to end the call as it rang, she held her ground and waited for the person on the other line to answer but there was no response, the phone rang and hung up, she tried the number a few more times before giving up and looking up at Jordan who had been watching her the whole time.


    ¡°Maybe he is busy,¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡±


    She responded dropping her phone on the bed, she thought of what she would do with the gifts, she hasn¡¯t even added the one at her parent¡¯s house and it already looks this much, whoever it was must be obsessed with buying things because even with her love for shopping, she doesn¡¯t do this much.


    Her phone beeped and she picked it up and saw a text from the same number.


    ¡°Is it from the same number?¡±


    Jordan asked with interest.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    Kat responded opening the text.


    ¡°What does it say,¡±


    ¡°I am not ready for a phone call with you yet baby girl, when I am, I will be the one to call you, love S,¡±


    She read out loud.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s creepy,¡±


    ¡°You see, this is why these gifts shouldn¡¯t be here,¡±


    ¡°Hmm, why don¡¯t you text him back?¡±


    ¡°Already doing that,¡±


    She responded as she texted him a thank you for the present and that she didn¡¯t want them and for him toe get them back if he doesn¡¯t want to reveal who he was. He responded almost immediately making her frown.


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°He said I should keep the gift and that I will get to meet him soon,¡±


    ¡°Mysterious,¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡±


    Katrina replied, she wanted to text him again but saw no point in it.


    ¡°I am just gonna load everything into the empty room and give it back to him when I do meet him, I am not interested,¡±


    ¡°Can I at least take another perfume? And the gold chain?¡±


    Jordan asked.


    ¡°No, Jordan, you can get your stuff yourself,¡±


    ¡°I never said I can¡¯t, but who doesn¡¯t like free stuff?¡±


    ¡°Everyone does but it would be nice to know who or from where the free stuffs areing from, don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Fine, keep them,¡±


    He said getting up from the bed and making his way out of her room.


    ¡°Where are you going to?¡±


    She called after him.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°To the kitchen, I need food,¡±


    He replied and left.


    Sheid back on the bed staring at the ceilings, she had a five days break to get over her boss, she knew that was the reason for the break, he wanted them to reset, go back to how it was before they left New York, all she has to do was act like she used to, she had been in love with him going to four or five years now and had been able to hide how she felt, and act professional around him.


    ¡°That was before you slept with him,¡±


    Whispered the voice in her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s not really much of a big difference,¡±


    She replied out loud.


    ¡°But it is,¡±


    ¡°No, it not,¡±


    ¡°Yea it is,¡±


    ¡°I just said it not, stop trying to ma***¡±


    ¡°Kat? Who are you talking to?¡±


    Jordan asked walking into her room.


    ¡°No one,¡±


    ¡°Are you sure, because I could have sworn I heard you talking,¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡±


    ¡°Okay,e and eat,¡±


    ¡°So quick?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I just had to reheat the leftover food in the fridge,¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡±


    She replied as she got up from her bed, she had five days to herself, she would make use of it, visit her parents and maybe do a few window shopping and also some partying, she would face whateveres when she gets back to work, she knew she can do it even though it would be hard to look at Lucas and not remember how he made her feel, all the things he did to her, and how he felt inside her, the thought of them making her hot already.


    ¡°Are youing or not?¡±


    Jordan called from the kitchen.


    ¡°Yeah, I am,¡±


    She replied walking out of her room¡­

 Chapter Thirty-one

    Katrina walked into the office feeling exhausted even though the day just started, she wished to be anywhere but here, these past three weeks had been harder than she had anticipated, every day and every hour in Lucas presence was torture, she was at her limit, but she seemed to be the only one going through hell because he looked just fine and talked with her like nothing happened between them, it took everything in her not to scream at him, she made sure to avoid him as much as she could but that wasn¡¯t much sessful because she had to be everywhere with him, she hated the fact that she was suffering in silence, she had considered quitting but had decided not to because she couldn¡¯t bring herself to tell him the truth when he asks for her reason for quitting.


    She entered her office and prayed he was out, seemed like the universe was on her side because he wasn¡¯t in his office, she sat down with her coffee in hand, took a sip of it.


    ¡°Just another day to get through Katy, you can do this,¡±


    She whispered to herself as she set to get the day¡¯s work done.


    By the time she looked up from what she had been typing, it was already lunchtime but the reason for her sleepless nights was nowhere to be seen, not like she wasining, she rather have him away and her mind at peace than have him around with her heart in torment, she saved her progress and picked up her pulse as she headed out to go get lunch, food is what she needed to exist, one of the things that have kept her going.


    By the time she came back from lunch, he was in his office and talking on the phone, she waved in greeting and went back to her mini office to continue her work.


    ¡°Four more hours,¡±


    She muttered to herself as she sat then, in four hours she would be able to go back to the safety of her home, now that Jordan have gone back to his own house she had the whole house to herself and she could let go and let it all out and she has been doing a lot of thattely, she cried, scolded herself and also consoled herself.


    Her life seemed to be back to it normal, well partially because right now, the empty room in her house was pretty much covered with gifts from her unknown admirer, even though there had been no calls or texts from whoever it was for a while now, but the gifts just keeping in, Jordan had talked her into giving him some of the items, each time she opens her door and finds a new present she looks for a clue of whom it may be from but nothing, and she hadn¡¯t discussed with Lucas again so she hadn¡¯t told him about the present, they haven¡¯t even said much to each other, it was just work between them, she hated that she was the only one missing what they had, hated him for not even showing any sign of missing her touch.


    ¡°Okay Katrina, get it off your head,¡±


    She scolded herself, getting back to work, the ringing of the office line cut off her concentration, she picked it up and Lucas voiced answered.


    ¡°Come into my office right now,¡±


    He said and she hurriedly stood up and entered his office without knocking.


    ¡°Yes? You called me,¡±


    She said wondering why he called her in, his voice had been so in haste that she had been scared something happened while she went to eat lunch, he stood up from his chair, walked by her to the door, she turned to follow him but was met with his chest, she made to turn away and apologize but he held her and pulled her to him, she didn¡¯t expect it and before she knew his lips were on her, the kiss didn¡¯t start slow, he lifted her and ced her on his office table, she couldn¡¯t believe what was happening, this was thest thing she expected.


    ¡°You bewitched me, Katrina, I can¡¯t stop wanting you no matter how I try, three weeks, for three weeks I have tried to get you off my head but it not working, I want you,¡±


    He said between kisses, removing her tops, exposing her bra, it was going so fast she couldn¡¯t even think.


    ¡°I miss this so much,¡±


    He whispered freeing her breast, she let out a moan when he covered her nipple with his lips and sucked on it, she wanted him too and had tried her best to keep away all thoughts out of her head but it was freaking hard.


    He pulled up her skirt and positioned himself between her legs as his mouth captured hers again, she kissed him back with all the pent-up emotions and want she has been hiding for over three weeks.


    ¡°I am gonna take you here, you do things to me, Katrina, I can¡¯t get you off my head.


    ¡°Noo,¡±


    Katrina said shocking both of them.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want this?¡±


    He asked looking at her with hunger-dazed eyes, wow she didn¡¯t know she affected him that much, she felt some kind of power knowing that she could do this to him.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean, someone can walk in on us,¡±


    She said shyly, he took her lips for a brief moment.


    ¡°The door is locked and no one is gonna walk in on us, I want you so damn much it hurts,¡±


    He said nodging his hardness against her thigh, she let out a whimper, and surrounded him, he took her against his office table¡­


    ¡°Once again I forgot to use protection, I am sorry,¡±


    He said as theyy on the couch in his office a little whileter.


    ¡°I will take an after pill,¡±


    She said getting up and picking up her top and bra she walked into the restroom to dress up and clean up herself, she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she didn¡¯t know what to make of this, sure he wanted her but what does this make them, would she finally get what she has always wanted or is it yet another fling? She knew she should not get her hopes up, but it didn¡¯t stop her from feeling a little leap of joy.


    When she came out of the restroom, he was all dressed and it didn¡¯t look like anything had happened there just a couple of minutes ago, she looked at him expectantly.


    ¡°We should talk about this Kat,¡±


    ¡°Yes, we should,¡±


    She responded.


    ¡°See the things is I want you but you know me, Kat, I don¡¯t domitment, I can¡¯t promise you forever because I can¡¯t give that to you and I don¡¯t wanna lie to you or make promises I can¡¯t keep but that isn¡¯t stopping me from wanting you, I tried so much to keep it in but right now, you are the only woman that turns me on, and I am sorry if that¡¯s all I can give you, I will understand if you don¡¯t want this, God I sound stupid,¡±


    He said passing his fingers through his hair.


    Just as she had thought, he wanted a fling, Katrina knew she was setting herself up for more pain but she didn¡¯t care, when that timees she would get through it.


    ¡°Girl you are not gonna do this,¡±


    The voice in her head whispered.


    ¡°Yup I am,¡±


    She replied firmly shutting out the voice, she smiled at Lucas.


    ¡°I am up for whatever is on the table,¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She said to him.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°And you are not gonna quit if things stop being like this?¡±


    ¡°I will not,¡±


    She replied, she knew she was lying, she already considered quitting before, and going into this might seal that but the deed was already done, even if she doesn¡¯t agree to this now, they already slept together here, and she was gonna think about it all day and night, might as well enjoy it as long as it wouldst.


    He let out a sigh and pulled her to him, dropping a soft kiss on her lips.


    ¡°You have no idea how hard it was to see you every day for the past three weeks and not touch you, I lost a lot of brain cells trying to keep off you,¡±


    He said as they drew apart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do with the information but I will just take it as apliment,¡±


    She responded.


    ¡°You wicked woman,¡±


    ¡°I am innocent please,¡±


    She replied smiling, she checked the time and facepalmed.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°You are supposed to be in a meeting with Mr. Sean from South Africa, he arrives in less than ten minutes,¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s true,¡±


    He said looking around the office, his gazended on hers and she looked away, this office was never going to be the same for her, not after what happened here, wondering if she had made a mistake by letting what happened happen here, she quickly started fixing the office, he helped her too and they worked in silence.


    ¡°Would you minding home with me today?¡±


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to? It¡¯s fine,¡±


    ¡°No that¡¯s not what I meant, I was just surprised,¡±


    ¡°So are youing?


    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡±


    ¡°Good,¡±


    He said kissing her just as a knock came on the door, she went to usher Mr. Sean in and went back to her office since she wasn¡¯t needed for the meeting.


    ¡°You are in big trouble girl,¡±


    She said to herself as she sat down, she was in trouble but she would enjoy it, every moment.


    ¡°We just need to prepare ourselves for what¡¯sing,¡±


    She whispered, as she opened her bag to get the pills that she kept close, she popped it into her mouth and downed some water, before going back to work, not like she could get much done, her mind kept going back to what happened in Lucas office and what would happen when they go over to his house together, she was both scared and excited for the new development.


    ¡°No getting our hopes up girl, remember it¡¯s just a fling,¡±


    The voice in her head warned.


    ¡°Yeah, I know, just a fling.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-two

    ¡°Are you free this weekend Kat?¡±


    He asked while theyid in bed togetherter that night, he had his arms around her and she wasying atop his chest, he liked having her close, three weeks, for three weeks he tried every possible means to keep her off, he went to the office less, went on some meetings without her, talked to her like he did before, but whatever he did, it just made him want her more until he couldn¡¯t take it anymore, she didn¡¯t make it easy for him either,ing into the office looking all sexy and beautiful, he had fought with himself until he saw no point in punishing himself and her when they both wanted each other and she knew what this was about.


    ¡°Yes sure, anything?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I want us to go out,¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡±


    ¡°Is that all you have to say? Oh?¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh, I don¡¯t know what to say, are we celebrating something,¡±


    ¡°Yes we are and we both did it together, so yes we should celebrate together,¡±


    He replied, he had gotten the mail earlier today, Reuben had decided in his favor and he was getting the estate, he wanted him and Kat to go check it out together and spend the weekend there.


    ¡°Oh, really? What are we celebrating?¡±


    ¡°We got it,¡±


    ¡°Got what? Stop acting mysterious I am not good at guessing,¡±


    ¡°I am not acting mysterious here, what deal did we both work on together?¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, are you for real? Congrattions,¡±


    She said in excitement hugging him closer,  ¡°I  don¡¯t even know if I should say congrattions,¡±


    She added.


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Well, I remember talking about paying over six hundred million for the said property, I still feel dizzy thinking about the price,¡±


    ¡°You are such a mood, the money is not that big,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, to you, you are a billionaire, after all, it¡¯s will do nothing to your ount, but me, I don¡¯t even have a quarter of that to my name, God, did Ie to this life to look at rich people?¡±


    She eximed, dramatically throwing her hands in the air to make her point, she looked adorable, if only he had met Kat before he met Loren, oh but wait, Katrina already started working for him, why just why didn¡¯t he look at her, how was he able to look past her for a six whole years, yet he couldn¡¯t go one month without having her.


    Katrina would make a good partner, unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t be it for her, she was fun to be with, caring, and had a sense of humor that was admirable, she wasn¡¯t demanding either, and she was super smart too, she had everything a man would look for in a woman and he felt bad for not being able to give her more, she deserved better but he just wasn¡¯t the one to give her that, he hoped someday, someone who will treat her better will turn up even though the thought of such day made him sick.


    ¡°Should I fill your ount up?¡±


    He asked to distract himself from the part his thoughts were trading.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t have a quarter, I can make you a millionaire in seconds,¡±


    She pulled off him, stood up from the bed, and looked at him with judging eyes, folding her hands on her chest.


    ¡°Show off, dude, I can make my own money, and I never said I wasn¡¯t a millionaire, wanna see my ount bnce, I can buy you a nice house and car with it, and still have enough tost me five years or maybe the five but at least, I will have leftovers, I am not broke,¡±


    She disclosed flipping her hair, with pride, he almost thought she was offended by what he had said but when she flipped her hair, then he knew she wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Wow, Miss millionaire, I am proud of you,¡±


    He answered pping.


    ¡°You better be, I worked my ass off for those, working with a grumpy boss, oh-ho, super stressful,¡±


    ¡°And who is this grumpy boss?¡±


    ¡°Who else but you,¡±


    She replied rolling her eyes.


    ¡°I am not grumpy,¡±


    ¡°Says the one who threw a truant when a blind date showed up unexpectedly at a business trip,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s was straight up unprofessional,¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t see how, all Nas did wase say Hi and you went all cracra with me,¡±


    ¡°He disrupted a meeting,¡±


    He replied, thinking about that day now, he knew he overreacted, but he wasn¡¯t going to tell her that, he just hadn¡¯t liked how the dude has been looking at her, not to mention he disrupted a very important meeting.


    ¡°Which is right, but after that, I apologized but were still angry and didn¡¯t talk to me for the rest of the trip, I say you are one grumpy man,¡±


    ¡°No, I am not, I just didn¡¯t like you bring your love interest to business trips,¡±


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t my love interest, it was just a one time date, he is not even my type,¡±


    ¡°Good to know that,¡±


    ¡°And besides, you brought a lot of your love interest with you when we went on business trips, I can count a handful of them,¡±


    ¡°I am the boss,¡±


    ¡°Still doesn¡¯t mean it is professional,¡±


    She replied, she wasn¡¯t going to back out and he didn¡¯t like the direction their conversation was going, not to mention they have an early morning meeting the next day.


    ¡°Can we just go to sleep already? We have work to do tomorrow, and the meeting will be long and very tiring,¡±


    He said patting the bed, he didn¡¯t want to talk about the past, he wanted to have a ¡®them¡¯ time.


    ¡°Trying to change the topic are we?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    He answered truthfully.


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    She replied and got back on the bed with him.


    ¡°Katrina?¡±


    ¡°I thought you said we are sleeping,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I just, I wanted to say.., I.., you know,¡±


    He fumbled, he was an idiot, not being able to get out what he wanted to say to her.


    ¡°Just say it, Lucas,¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t offer you much,¡±


    ¡°You already said that before and I still choose to get into this,¡±


    ¡°I am sorry,¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why are you sorry, are you scared that I will want more?¡±


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°For real though, I might end up wanting more, but right now, I am going to take this, let¡¯s not worry about the days that are yet toe, I mean we never nned on continuing our affair after Arizona but here we are, so let¡¯s not beat ourselves, if I want more I will let you know, and if you can¡¯t give me that, I will work away smiling, I promise,¡±


    She said, but he couldn¡¯t believe her, she didn¡¯t know what she was getting into or had already gotten into, he knew she wantedmitment, that¡¯s exactly what women like her want, to settle down and be happy, not something temporary.


    ¡°It¡¯s not an affair,¡±


    ¡°Aha, yeah, it¡¯s a fling,¡±


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°You are thinking too hard, just go with the flow, and whatever we choose to call it is fine,¡±


    She advised kissing him softly on the lips, before resting her head on his chest.


    ¡°I am sleepy,¡±


    She said and before long he could hear her soft snores.


    He stared at her, tracing his finger through her face, she was so beautiful, she had a scar at the right side of her check, maybe from a childhood ident, but it did nothing to reduce her beauty, she had long eyshes, pointed nose, and heart-shaped lips, that look just as juicy as it tasted, lips that called for his attention, he traced his finger over it and let out a breath, he should just yield to her advice and go with the flow, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel on the edge, this wasn¡¯t just any woman, this was someone he trusted with hispany, whatever she told Reuben on the day of the meeting he didn¡¯t attend made a huge impact in how the final result came out, not only that, over the years, she had helped him a lot in various decision making that concerns thepany, he didn¡¯t want to lose her but he couldn¡¯t love her either, his heart was stone death, thanks to Loren.


    He knew he shouldn¡¯t let the past ruin his future, but what if it happens again, what if he lets his guard down and he gets disappointed again, he gave Loren his all but he had not been enough for her, she had cheated on him, scammed him and almost pinned someone else¡¯s kid on him, he had been so happy when Loren had told him she was pregnant and didn¡¯t waste time to propose to her and the witch had epted, even with his ring on her fingers she had still cheated on him, God, he hated how stupid and gullible he had been.


    He had wanted what his parents and his older sister had but sadly, that wasn¡¯t what fate wanted for him, he couldn¡¯t give himself to another woman, not even if that woman is Katrina, he just couldn¡¯t put himself through that risky part again, he knew Katrina wouldn¡¯t do what Loren did to him but his heart just didn¡¯t want to go through the emotional stress again, so he was just going to go on with this and no matter what, and hope that when this does end, the both of them can still work together¡­.

 Chapter Thirty-three

    ¡°Wow, I must say this is worth every penny, Oh my God, why did he sell, he could have just kept this ce running, maybe add a few buildings,¡±


    Katrina said as they walked around the huge estate, immediately they had driven into the estate, she had marveled at how big it was, and now touring the various part just proved that it was bigger than she had thought initially, it was mainlynds, houses in the estate were not much and scattered about but thend was huge, it could take hours to work from one end to the other.


    ¡°Reuben doesn¡¯t have a use for it, if he didn¡¯t sell it would just be here, it¡¯s practical to sell since he is now fully based in California.


    ¡°True, but still, it¡¯s gonna take a lot of money to put this ce to perfect,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, work starts soon, we are removing all of the old buildings and adding better ones, a hotel, and other stuff,¡±


    ¡°Amazing,¡±


    She said, turning around, the estate was huge, she wondered what happened to everyone who used to leave here because so far since they arrived, she has only seen security men who were at the entrance.


    ¡°What happened to everyone who use to live here?¡±


    ¡°Oh, they were giving a time frame to leave, this ce has been empty going to a year now, Reuben already cleared the people off before he put it up for sell,¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside,¡±


    He said, pointing at one of the houses, despite not being inhibited, the house looked clean from the outside, she followed beside him, she noticed someone pass by quickly and turned to look but the person was gone before she could confirm.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡±


    ¡°See what?¡±


    ¡°Someone, a woman,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anyone, no one lives here except the security men and gardeners,¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Maybe they live here with their wives and kids, or girlfriend,¡±


    ¡°No, as far as I know, they don¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Okay, maybe I imagined it,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, or it could be the female workers,¡±


    ¡°And she didn¡¯t say Hi,¡±


    ¡°Not everyone is sociable,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I guess,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in,¡±


    He said opening the front door, they both stepped in, the inside of the house was as clean as the outside, there were a few funitures, it kind of felt like someone lived here, because, unlike the other houses they entered, this one had a homey feel to it.


    ¡°Are you sure no one lives here?¡±


    She asked turning to Lucas, who was busy on his phone.


    ¡°No one does Kat, I asked the workers to prepare this house for us to stay while we are here, I am keeping this particr one,¡±


    ¡°Oh, no wonder it felt homey, I was beginning to think maybe a family resides here in secret,¡±


    ¡°No one can get in here without being seen by the security, there are about five at every entrance, and I n on adding more once we start working here,¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡±


    She said looking around.


    ¡°There are supplies we need for the weekend so we don¡¯t have to leave the estate at all, we can go touring again tomorrow, right now, I am so tired and hungry, I just want to eat and sleep,¡±


    He said pulling her closer and collecting her handbag which he dropped off on the chair close to him, he bent and kissed her softly.


    ¡°I thought you said you wanna eat and sleep?¡±


    She said as the kiss got more intense.


    ¡°Yup,¡± he replied kissing her nose, ¡°I am eating right now,¡±


    ¡°What the heck? Am I the food?¡±


    ¡°Yup, a very tasty meal,¡±


    ¡°You are insane,¡±


    She let out as he picked her up and went up into the bedroom, he dropped her off on the bed and started taking off his clothes while watching her, she followed his clue and took hers off too and before long they were naked and on each other.


    ¡°Now, I am really hungry for food,¡±


    He said as they bothy in bed, his hands ying with her breast.


    ¡°Go and get food then, my kitchen skills arecking a lot so I can¡¯t help you,¡±


    She said, she could cook but her mom and Jordan had both made her believe that she was a disaster waiting to happen in the kitchen.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be that bad,¡±


    ¡°I am, trust me, my mom and Jordan made sure to tell me each time.¡±


    ¡°Still, you can¡¯t be that bad,¡±


    ¡°I am, leave it at that, in Jordan¡¯s words, ¡®I am not domestic¡¯,¡±


    She responded, she got off the bed and walked into the bathroom to take her bath, by the time she came back, he was no longer in the bedroom, she stepped out of the room and found him in the kitchen cooking.


    ¡°You can cook? I thought you were just going to order some takeouts,¡±


    ¡°I can. now sit down let¡¯s eat,¡±


    He said, she sat down and looked at what he had prepared, he made spaghetti, wondering if it was gonna taste nice at all, she tasted it and surprisingly, it was tasty.


    ¡°Wow, this tastes good,¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I had help from my mom and y*utube,¡±


    He answered as he also started eating, they both ate in silence.


    ¡°Do you still get calls from that number? I mean texts?¡±


    He asked when they were done, she have not been getting calls, but the gift was not stopping in fact, they have increased, she bet if she sold them all she would be a millionaire.


    ¡°Not really, the texts stop but them that¡¯s when the presents starteding in on a daily basis,¡±


    She disclosed.


    ¡°What present?¡±


    ¡°Well, whoever he or she is, hasn¡¯t been texting or calling me but I have a room full of gifts, in my house,¡±


    ¡°What kind of gifts?¡±


    ¡°The usual girl¡¯s stuff, there are jewelries, perfumes, frames, and even underwears,¡±


    She revealed, she had received the gift with the underwear yesterday before she had gone to work and was sure if she returns home Sunday evening, she will find more, the person wasn¡¯t relenting.


    ¡°That¡¯s creepy,¡±


    ¡°I know right, but Jordan thinks it just a secret admirer who is super shy,¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he said so long as the person is not being a threat then I shouldn¡¯t bother myself with it,¡±


    She honestly wanted whoever it was to eithere out to her or stop sending her those gifts in general, she still didn¡¯t know what to do with them, and she couldn¡¯t throw them away.


    ¡°You should be careful, does your house have proper locks? And are the security trusted?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my house has good locks and the security are pretty okay, so far, there hasn¡¯t been any breaking in or burry reported,¡±


    ¡°Right, can¡¯t they tell you who brings the presents to your doorstep?¡±


    ¡°I did ask and they said it different delivery agency, I have tried to contact up to three of those agencies and all they can say is that the goods are ordered and their job is to deliver them and that they don¡¯t know who orders,¡±


    Katrina had dragged Jordan along to two of the deliverypanies and they bout had the same answer, whoever was sending her those presents was bent on remaining anonymous.


    ¡°Just be careful okay? Don¡¯t let your guard down and also call me once you notice anything off,¡±


    ¡°Are you looking out for me right now? Aww, that¡¯s so sweet,¡±


    She said blowing him a kiss.


    ¡°Don¡¯t, we have work to do,¡±


    He said getting up and picking up his dishes, she did the same, here she thought they were here to rest but he had worked for them to do, It¡¯s her fault for thinking he would have fun without work, she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Can¡¯t believe we have to work here too, we could have just stayed and done the works in the office, I mean, it¡¯s Friday after all,¡±


    She grumbled as she washed her dish like he did and kept it on the rack.


    ¡°What are you whispering to yourself?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like nothing,¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± she said walking towards the living room.


    ¡°Do we really have to work here? I thought we are taking a break and just having fun for the weekend.¡±


    She added as she sat on the couch.


    ¡°What?¡±


    He askeding into the living room. ¡°Where did you get that from? Yes, we will have fun but we work too,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get it from anywhere, I just thought, but I guess I am wrong,¡±


    She said ying with the pillow on the chair.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever have such thoughts miss, you are my worker, just because I am sleeping with you doesn¡¯t mean I will let you ck on your work, you don¡¯t get any favors,¡±


    He said and she froze, he didn¡¯t just say the words she just heard, she has to have heard him wrong, but the tone he used and with the way he was looking at her, she knew she didn¡¯t hear wrongly, he did say it.


    ¡°What? Lucas? Favors? Are you for real right now?¡±


    ¡°What did I say wrong?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t see anything wrong with what you just said? I never ask for favors, sleeping with me?¡±


    She stood up, walking up to where he stood, she couldn¡¯t exin just how hurt she was by his choice of words, she stood in front of him staring at him, he didn¡¯t even act like he did something wrong, she should have known better, he was no different, guys would always be guys, of course, he won¡¯t see anything wrong with what he said, but she was hurt by it¡­

 Chapter Thirty-four

    ¡°Did I say anything wrong or do you just wanna pick a fight with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, there is everything wrong with what you said and if you don¡¯t see it then I don¡¯t know what to make of you,¡±


    ¡°What are you getting at Katrina? Mind yournguage,st I checked I am still the boss,¡±


    ¡°Did I say otherwise, I am sorry boss, I was on my own when you asked me toe here with you, if you had told me this outing was work-rted maybe I won¡¯t have said those words and just maybe you won¡¯t have thought I am getting favors from you because we are sleeping together,¡±


    She replied, she was shouting now and he still couldn¡¯t see what he said that was wrong, yes he agreed that he brought them here to celebrate but also they had work to do, the next couple of months will be busy, and that¡¯s what he said, so why was she taking it the wrong way.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you are offended by what I said, but can we just stop this argument? We have a lot to do,¡±


    ¡°Did I say otherwise? I didn¡¯t know we are supposed to work here, I wasn¡¯t informed, all you said was that we areing here to celebrate and you didn¡¯t make mention of work,¡±


    ¡°Do I really have to mention work? What else do a boss and an assistant do when they are on a trip together?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t maybe fuck each other,¡±


    ¡°Katrina!!, Mind yournguage,¡±


    ¡°Why? You get to say whatever you want and I can¡¯t do the same? Because you are the boss right? Well, reality check, we are not in the office, so don¡¯t me me,¡±


    ¡°Office or not, I will not have you disrespect me, do you understand, whatever madness is up with you, you might as well keep it down if you still want to keep your job, and this might not be the office but this, this is work too and I brought you here,¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening to fire me? That¡¯s so low Lucas, so disgusting low,¡±


    ¡°Can you just quiet and be reasonable?¡±


    He let out his own anger increasing, she was being insensitive over words that were not supposed to even be an issue, she burst outughing and he wondered what was funny.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you are asking Lucas? For real? You don¡¯t see it? Maybe you were so satisfied in bed that you forgot the actual words you should have used when you invited me here, and once again, I am saying that there was no mention of using here to work, talking about favors?¡±


    She paused and he started to say something but she stopped him with her hands, and he found himself shut up.


    ¡°Let me finish, talking about favors, I have worked for you for going to seven years now, seven whole years, and not once have I asked you for anything, not once have I asked to be given a vacation, in case you didn¡¯t notice, until Arizona, I have never once been on a break, that doesn¡¯t even count as a break because I was with you, and the only break I can say I had was the one week you gave me after we return from Arizona, and I never asked for it, favors? I think you should go check the meaning of that,¡±


    She said, he stood there watching her waiting for her to say more when it was clear she wasn¡¯t going to say anything else he asked.


    ¡°Are you done? I don¡¯t see what I said to warrant all these long talks though but let¡¯s say I get you,¡±


    ¡°You are offensive Lucas, I feel stupid for thinking you would be better, why do I expect so much from people, I am sorry, let¡¯s get to work,¡±


    ¡°We will when you calm down,¡±


    He replied.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡±


    She said and walked away towards the room, she looked pissed, not angry, yet he hadn¡¯t said anything that would have made her so angry all he said was she shouldn¡¯t expect favors from him because he was sleeping with her which was true, which part of that was offensive?


    ¡°All I said was don¡¯t expect favors cuz we are sle¡­ Fuck!¡±


    He said out loud when the reality of how those words had sounded to her ears dawned on him, how did he think she won¡¯t misinterpret that,  he went up to the room where she had entered but she wasn¡¯t there, he walked closer to the restroom and he could hear he sniffing, oh God, he made her cry.


    ¡°Kat?¡±


    ¡°Kat?¡±


    He called but she didn¡¯t respond to him, she just stayed quiet.


    ¡°Kat, I am sorry, I promise I didn¡¯t mean it the way it sounded, I wasn¡¯t thinking and didn¡¯t know you will be offended,¡±


    He sounded stupid even to himself, how did he not see it when she had pointed it out.


    ¡°Go away, I will be out soon and we can work,¡±


    She answered.


    ¡°Kat? Please?¡±


    She remained silent, he stood there for some minutes before giving up and going back to the living room, she stayed there for a little over thirty minutes and he was contemting going back to her again when she entered the living room with herptop in hands, she walked up to him, she looked upset still, he wanted to apologize again but she left no room to be spoken to.


    ¡°I am out, what are we going to do? Sorry, I am supposed to be aware but I am not,¡±


    She said after a long silence.


    ¡°Kat, can you stop? I already said I am sorry,¡±


    ¡°Now what did I say? Forgive me for everything I do will offend you, I am not asking for favors, I am apologizing for overstepping the line, and I am sorry if I neglected my job just because you were sleeping with me, I didn¡¯t m¡­,¡±


    ¡°Katrina!!¡±


    He yelled.


    ¡°What!!?¡±


    She yelled right back, they were both tense again and he didn¡¯t like it.


    ¡°Can you stop? I don¡¯t want us to fight,¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t fighting okay, can we just do the work we came here for?¡±


    He stood up, walked up to where she sat, removed herptop, and pulled her up, she struggled to get him off her, but he imed her lips in an intense kiss, she pushed and pulled at him but he didn¡¯t let go and before long she surrendered to his kisses, kissing right back.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡±


    He whispered when they broke off.


    ¡°I am sorry, I didn¡¯t mean it the way it sounded, I have no excuse, I should never have used such words, I don¡¯t want us to fight¡±


    He added, but she just looked away without saying a word.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, no harm done,¡±


    She said, but he felt her withdraw from him, like she was less interested in whatever happened between them after, even while theyy in bed together, he could feel that she wasn¡¯t really into it, and he couldn¡¯t me her, it was his fault for saying those things, he considered discontinuing what they had but in the end, he couldn¡¯t, he still wanted her and he was selfish enough to keep her until he had his fill of her.


    They returned Saturday evening earlier than nned because he just couldn¡¯t force it anymore, she only talked to him throughout their time there when it was work-rted and kept to herself the rest of the time, he tried to improve the mood by suggesting they go out but even while there, she didn¡¯t say much, when they had gotten back, he had suggested they leave and she had agreed without even looking at him.


    ****


    The next two months went by really fast, they rarely had time to meet on personal ground, their rtionship did improve and went back to almost the way it was before their argument, but there was still that strain, they had lots of things to do and stayed upte together in the office and even worked during the weekend, but not once did shein, not once did she tell him she wouldn¡¯t be able toe in.


    ¡°Lucas?¡±


    She called entering his office.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Your mom called, Leah just gave birth,¡±


    She announced.


    ¡°Oh my God, really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she gave birth about two hours ago, to a pretty little princess,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good news, but why did my mom call you instead?¡±


    He asked, his mom was at it again, she has been bothering him about when he is gonna make things officially between Katrina and him and he had told her each time that there was nothing between them, his stand about his rtionship with Katrina has not changed and he didn¡¯t see it changing any time soon, he still couldn¡¯t give her more.


    ¡°She called you but you weren¡¯t taking your calls, she wanted to know if she can make it for the naming ceremony,¡±


    She answered, he checked his phone and indeed his mom had called.


    ¡°Of course, we are going to be there,¡±


    He replied, he has been expecting this news for over two months now, seems like this child stayed longer in the womb because Leah has passed her due date.


    ¡°We?¡±


    Katrina asked bringing him out of his thoughts.


    ¡°Yes, we, or are you busy? We have to be there together,¡±


    ¡°Together? I don¡¯t think I need to be there if it¡¯s not work-rted, I am not part of your family neither am I your girlfriend, we should really start drawing the line,¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about Katrina?¡±


    ¡°I am talking about you and me, whatever we have, I think it¡¯s time to let it off,¡±


    She said avoiding his eyes.


    ¡°What line are we drawing again? And how does it affect you¡¯re going to Arizona with me? It¡¯s Leah¡¯s child naming ceremony,¡±


    ¡°I know, but I am not going with you, anyway, your mom said to tell you to call her,¡±


    She said turning to leave, but he wasn¡¯t having it, she had to exin what she meant by what she just said.


    ¡°Katrina? Don¡¯t you dare leave me hanging,¡±


    ¡°I am not, okay? That¡¯s not what I am trying to do, what I am trying to say is that it is time,¡±


    ¡°Time for what?¡±


    ¡°Lucas? Really? Do I have to spell it out?¡±


    ¡°Yes, how else will I understand if you don¡¯t tell me?¡±


    ¡°Fine, I want more,¡±


    She yelled¡­

 Chapter Thirty-five

    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    He asked and suddenly she couldn¡¯t keep it in anymore, she wanted more and deserved more, she couldn¡¯t keep this up if there was going to be nothing for her.


    ¡°I said I want more, I deserve more, I can¡¯t settle for crumbs anymore, I can¡¯t be your fuck buddy anymore,¡±


    She yelled, he walked past her and locked his office door beforeing back to her.


    ¡°Fuck buddy?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we are, isn¡¯t it? Or what are we?¡±


    ¡°Katrina,¡±


    ¡°I want more okay?¡±


    She let out raising her hands up.


    ¡°Kat, we talked about this, why are you doing this right now? And at the office at that,¡±


    ¡°Why? But we have slept together here a whole lot of times, so why is it a problem if I want this to end here too? And yes we did talk a lot it and you agreed to let me go if ever I wanted more so here is me saying I want out, I can¡¯t do this anymore,¡±


    She let out, willing herself not to cry, she has prepared herself for this moment right from their fight two months ago, when he had called her out for expecting favors from him because they were sleeping together, right from then she has been preparing herself for this, but guess she wasn¡¯t as ready as she thought because saying the words hurt and it was going to hurt even more when he agrees, she wished he could at least give them a chance to be anything other than fuck buddies, she wished he could give himself a chance to learn to love someone.


    ¡°Yeah, I agreed and as much as I don¡¯t want to do this, Kat if you want this to end, then, you have it, you get what you want,¡±


    He answered, he said it so casually that it hurt, how could he be so calm and how could he say she gets what she wants?


    ¡°Get what I want? I don¡¯t get what I want, what I want I can never get,¡±


    She voiced the tears threatening to burst out, she let out a breath and tried to calm down, willed herself to talk calmly and not go all screaming and stuff, talk as calmly as he was doing, but the problem was she has kept it in for so long that when she opened her mouth she just want to let it all out and be free, whatever he chooses to do with the information will be up to him, she made up her mind to tell him this moment and now.


    ¡°What are you on about again? I already said we can end this, so what else do you want that you are not getting?¡±


    ¡°You!!¡±


    She screamed despite willing herself not to. ¡°I want you,¡±


    ¡°Okay, you had me and you just told me to end this, you are the one that is letting me go here, you are the one ending it, I didn¡¯t do anything,¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want us to just be bed buddies,  I want you to love me because I love you!!,


    She busted out, the tears finding their way out and she just let them.


    ¡°Katrina, we talked about this, please don¡¯t do this,¡±


    Was his answer, what had she been expecting? A hug? A deration of love, she already knew it wasn¡¯t going to be the case so why did it still hurt so much?


    ¡°Listen to me Lucas, I am in love with you, have been in love with you for a long time now, yes I agreed that I wasn¡¯t going to catch feeling but I couldn¡¯t help it alright and I feel stupid for it,  and it¡¯s didn¡¯t just start now, I have been in love with since forever alright, it¡¯s not my fault if you made it so easy to love you, all I wanted, all I want is for you to love me too,¡±


    She revealed, she already said it, might as well let it all out, get it off her chest.


    ¡°Katrina,¡±


    He called.


    ¡°Why? Because you don¡¯t do love? Because I am only good for bed? I am not worthy of your love? I get it, alright, I get it, yet I still fell for you,¡±


    She replied wiping her tears, it was pointless crying anyway, she already knew how this would end.


    ¡°Katrina, I can¡¯t love you, not just you, I can¡¯t love anyone so please if you can stop talking about all these, let¡¯s just go back to being boss and assistant, our agreement  was to do just that if ever ites to this,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all you have to say?¡±


    She asked, she didn¡¯t know why she expected more.


    ¡°Yes, you got into this knowing what¡¯s in for you, I made it quite clear, gave you a chance to choose, you knew quite well, never gave you false hope, spelled it out, so if you knew and still decided to go ahead and catch feelings, then it¡¯s on you, not me, take care of your feeling because whatever you were hoping for will never happen, I am not in love with you and would never be,¡±,


    He said heartlessly, just like that, her defense came crashing, but she held it all in, she wasn¡¯t going to let him see her break down, gathering her pride she looked up at him for the first time since they started talking, looked him straight in the eyes.


    ¡°Alright, yeah they are my feelings and I will take care of them, I am sorry if I bothered you with them, and I am sorry for any damage it caused, I promise it won¡¯t happen again if you don¡¯t mind sir, I will like to take the rest of the week off and treat my feeling, if you dont mind, you can remove it from my sry, I will be back Monday with zero feelings, back professional,¡±


    She said meaning every word.


    ¡°You can take the off, I was going to let you off anyway, the new assistant starts work next week,¡±


    He replied.


    ¡°What? A new assistant? And I wasn¡¯t aware? Where you nning on letting me off? You were going to fire me?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She asked she couldn¡¯t believe he would do this to her, never thought it woulde to this.


    ¡°Why do you always jump to conclusions? We had an agreement remember? You get a promotion if we get the property and we did get it, so I am fulfilling my side of the bargain.¡±


    He exined, but she didn¡¯t want a promotion, she wanted him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it, I am not going to ept it, I never agreed to it,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°Katrina,¡±


    ¡°What kind of promotion can a secretary get anyway? You are just doing this to push me away, to get rid of your mistake,¡±


    ¡°Katrina, why are you doing this? Just why? All I want is for you to have toe to work less, for you to have someone to assistant you so that you will have time for yourself,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you will excuse me,¡±


    She said and walked away from him, out of his office, grabbed her bag, herptop, and the things she could find through her tears, making sure her table was organized, she wiped her eyes clean to avoid unnecessary attention on her, walked out of the office, got into her car and drove home.


    There in the privacy of her home, she finally let go, crying for all she wanted and yet couldn¡¯t have, she wanted to call Jordan but she didn¡¯t want to disturb him with her issues, she knew what she got herself into and was going to face it herself.


    She spent the rest of the day feeling pity for herself, that didn¡¯t stop her from calling Leah and congratting her, she found out that Lc too was expecting a baby, everyone else was doing well except her, Jordan came on the third day, nagged her about not telling him about it and dragged her out of the house, they went to visit her parents and spent the weekend there, by the time she returned home on Sunday night, she was sure she was ready to face Lucas again without being sorry for herself, all she wanted now was to move on past her feelings for him and get back on her feet¡­

 Chapter Thirty-six

    He should have known this was going to happen, he thought, as he sat on the ne going home to Arizona a week after his fight with Katrina, he still couldn¡¯t get her words out of his head, she has been in love with him for a long time? Was that why she agreed to their affair? Did she think she could make him marry her? Was that her goal from the beginning? He just couldn¡¯t get his head around Katrinaing up with such ideas, she messed up by catching feelings and she was gonna deal with the consequences, the only reason he was still thinking about her was because he hadn¡¯t been ready to end what they had, that¡¯s the only reason, nothing more, once he gets back to New York he was going to put her at arm¡¯s length, thank God he already decided to get two more assistants and so far they are both doing well, yes they were bothcking and he had to remind them a hell lot of things but still, it gives Katrina her own time since she doesn¡¯t have toe in for work all the time, but her pay still reminds the same, he nned on increasing it too.


    ¡°You did that for yourself not her,¡±


    The voice in his head scolded and he didn¡¯t disagree, yes he did for himself too, he needed to distance himself from her and he was going to call it quits with her but have been pushing it each time until she had said it herself, he hadn¡¯t wanted them to end their affair in a bad way but what she had said ruined any chance of that, he just hope it won¡¯t ruin their working rtionship too, she promised that she won¡¯t quit on him and he was holding onto that.


    ¡°Where is your girlfriend?¡±


    Was the first question his mom asked when he entered the house and he resisted the urge to scream.


    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t have a girlfriend, I told you before,¡±


    ¡°Oh really? Then where is Katrina? Your assistant?¡±


    ¡°She is in New York mom, she doesn¡¯t have to be here since it¡¯s a family event,¡±


    He replied, he wasn¡¯t ready to talk about Katrina with his mom right now, he knew they were going to bug him for her that¡¯s why he had wanted her toe with him but the crazy woman had chosen that time to tell him she was done.


    ¡°But she alwayses with you for family events, I mean she came for Lc¡¯s wedding too even for Leah¡¯s other kids,¡±


    ¡°Mom, Katrina is my assistant, not my girlfriend, besides she has other things to do, I won¡¯t stay long because I have to return to New York I have work to do, can you at least let me enter the house? I don¡¯t even know why Leah choose to be here when she can always stay in her house,¡±


    He said bypassing his mom to head to his room but she blocked his entrance.


    ¡°Leah is not here you crazy son of a Bitch,¡±


    ¡°You are my mom,¡±


    He replied.


    ¡°Yes, unfortunately,¡±


    His mom answered.


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    ¡°What? Leah is not here, they are holding the ceremony at their ce I thought you knew that,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, if only I knew I won¡¯t havee home at all, can I pass now?¡±


    He asked regretting not confirming from Leah at least he would have avoided this, not like his sisters won¡¯t ask him but it was easier to tell them off than his mom, thedy was too stubborn for her own good.


    ¡°What did you do Mr?¡±


    She questioned eyeing him.


    ¡°What do you mean what did I do?¡±


    ¡°Why is Katrina not with you? Did you mess it up?¡±


    ¡°Mom, can we not ta¡­¡±


    ¡°Honey let him at least rest before you bombard him with questions,¡±


    His dad saiding in to save his ass.


    ¡°Thanks, Dad,¡±


    Lucas said, as his mom made way for him.


    ¡°You are supporting him? He is not getting any younger and is ruining his chance at happiness,¡±


    ¡°How mom? I am perfectly happy right now,¡±


    ¡°No, you are not,¡±


    ¡°Mom, I will be upstairs,¡±


    He decided ignoring her will be better, he went up to his room, bad idea because as soon as he stepped in, he was hit with memories of his time here with Katrina, those times when she snuck in here, the things they did, this was his room, if he left to another room that will send another round of talking, which he wasn¡¯t up for, so he pushed those memories away and dropped his bag, he took his bath andid on his bed, he wanted to at least rest but it was pointless, he couldn¡¯t sleep with the memories of everything that happened in the room hunting him.


    He came back downstairs a few hourster, he didn¡¯t want to but he was hungry and needed to eat, the ceremony wasn¡¯t until tomorrow and he was leaving the day after, he could bear it until then, he will make sure not toe back to Arizona until his family forgets about Katrina, he was never bring her or any of his assistants close to his family again, he made a mistake of letting her familiarize with his family.


    ¡°You decided toe down after all? I thought you will hide there forever?¡±


    His mom nagged when he got to the kitchen, the woman was a pest.


    ¡°Why will I hide?¡±


    He asked as the chef served him food, he looked around but his dad wasn¡¯t there to save him this time.


    ¡°Why? Are you looking for your father? He already left, he is meeting with his friends so it¡¯s just you and me, so now you better spill,¡±


    ¡°Spill what mom? I am just here to eat nothing more, if you don¡¯t want me to I can leave and eat at Leah¡¯s ce,¡±


    He threatened, he knew his mom would not want him to do that but to his surprise, she burst outughing.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny mom?¡±


    ¡°You my dear,¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°I already called Leah and told her Katrina isn¡¯t with you and you are not on her green book right now, Lc¡¯s too,¡±


    ¡°What? Why are y¡¯all so sure I did something to her? She is my worker and I decided not to bring her with me so what¡¯s bad in that?¡±


    ¡°Everything son, are you really blind? Can¡¯t you see the girly love you? And I am sure you love her too, you are just too stubborn and hard-headed.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about mom,¡±


    ¡°Eat your food, and I hope you don¡¯t make the mistake of losing her because she is really good for you,¡±


    She said and left, he decided it would be best for him not to give what she said much thought, his mom was known for always being able to guilt-trip him into doing things her way but it wasn¡¯t going to work this time, no, she had said the same thing about Loren but she turned out to be a cheat and a thief.


    ¡°But Katrina is non of those,¡±


    The little voice in his head whispered, he shook it off too, he wasn¡¯t having the conversation with anyone or himself, no he made the mistake before, repeating it will be in stupid.


    ¡°Are you done? Can we leave now? I told Leah I won¡¯t stay long,¡±


    His mom saiding back into the dining room bearing a bag.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wait, you have been staying with her?¡±


    ¡°No, I just go there ande back home, you know your dad won¡¯t let me sleep somewhere else, he won¡¯t sleep,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡±


    He said and stood up to follow her, he wanted to rest before meeting his sister and the new baby but his mom won¡¯t even take no for an answer so he didn¡¯t bother to ask.


    ¡°Katrina still works for you?¡±


    His mom ask when they were in the car.


    ¡°Yes Mom, why won¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Well, I thought you guys fought,¡±


    ¡°We did not mom,¡±


    He lied, he just wanted to be let off the hook.


    ¡°But why didn¡¯t shee around, and she is not taking my calls either,¡±


    ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you call me instead if you have things to say to me, Katrina is nothing but a worker to me, she is just my secretary, so if it not work-rted then it¡¯s shouldn¡¯t be her you are calling,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that, that girl loves you and she deserves to be loved, she has been a constant in your life, why are you saying she is just a worker? Even your sisters and your dad like her,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t love her, I don¡¯t see why you keep talking about that mom, can we not talk about her please?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, I just hope she doesn¡¯t quit and then you end up regretting after you lose her,¡±


    ¡°I am not going to regret anything mom,¡±


    He replied, focusing on driving, he wasn¡¯t going to regret anything, if he move ahead and do what Katrina wants, what his mom wants, he was sure he would regret itter, it was best to live while not knowing what would have happened than let it happen, the only risk he was ever willing to take would be business-rted.


    ¡°Okay, if you say so, I am not going to talk about this again.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡±


    He said with relief but that didn¡¯t end his problem because when he got to Leah¡¯s ce both she and Lc told him off and even throughout his stay in Arizona they didn¡¯t give him breathing space, it got to a point that he had to call Katrina just so they could talk to her and hear her reasons for noting with him, thankfully she yed along even though he hadn¡¯t told her anything, she told them she was on leave from work and was away to visit her parents that¡¯s why she couldn¡¯t make it and they bought her story without any doubt, and we¡¯re happy when she said she wille to visit soon. the woman had a hold on his family, he couldn¡¯t deny that, but he n on loosing whatever hold it was because whatever both his family and she were hoping for, it wasn¡¯t going to happen, his secretary she will always remain, nothing more¡­

 Chapter Thirty-seven

    ¡°Jordan, I think I am going to lose my mind, I can¡¯t take this anymore, I should have kept how I felt to myself, and just taken what he offered and we would have still been okay, I messed up,¡±


    Katrina voiced as she sat heavily on the couch in Jordan¡¯s living room, she just got back from the office and the energy between her and Lucas was really hard, she shouldn¡¯t have said anything, she should have kept how she felt to herself like she has been doing, but keeping her feelings in have be so hard, she wanted more, all he had to say was he was going to try and make them work, now he doesn¡¯t even talk to her much and he was giving her a chance toe in for work only four times a week, she hadn¡¯t done much at work today and he talk with and went on meeting with the newly employed assistants, there were two of them, he made a clear statement that he didn¡¯t want her close, which hurt, each time the office line rings and he ask for the others instead of her, she felt her heartbreak even more, the only time he had spoken to her was when it was rted to an old project they had both worked on at his ce, after that he didn¡¯t even act like she existed in that office, and it had been going on for the whole week.


    ¡°And what? Settle for the barest minimal until he calls it quit himself?¡±


    He asked, she didn¡¯t know anymore, even after the long week off and also the days he hadn¡¯t been around she has still not been able to get over him,


    ¡°What you said was the right thing girl, it¡¯s been over two months, it¡¯s time for you to move on, Lucas isn¡¯t the only man in the world,¡±


    ¡°But he is the only man I want Jordan,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you haven¡¯t let yourself see beyond him, why not try and see other men, trust me there are a million men out there better than Lucas, you are tied to him because you are not giving yourself a chance to see those other men, you are letting Lucas or may I say your feelings for him run your life and it¡¯s bing not good for you, you have lost much weight and barely smile, just let him go,¡±


    He advised, and she wished it was that easy to call her feelings off but it wasn¡¯t, she felt like a fool loving Lucas, she wished she could just turn it off already.


    ¡°He cut down on my working days, I only have to be at work for three days in a week and u get the weekend off too, and he increased my pay,¡±


    She disclosed, he had sent her the email and she had sent it a big *I DON¡¯T WANT IT* in response, he didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, you get more time to yourself and also make more money, just forget about him and move on babe, that¡¯s the best bet,¡±


    He advised, he looked excited about the news but she didn¡¯t feel the same, she felt like it was Lucas¡¯s way of doing away with her which made it hurt.


    ¡°I think I have to quit, that¡¯s the only way for me not to lose my mind, he doesn¡¯t need me anyway,¡±


    She let out, she has to, if not she might really lose her mind.


    ¡°Wow, calm down, do you have to, I mean think about it, I know you already get paid loads and he is adding to it? And you wanna leave? Girl, don¡¯t do that,¡±


    ¡°I have to Jordan, it¡¯s not about the money, it¡¯s about my happiness, I don¡¯t think I will ever be happy if I am around Lucas, knowing I can¡¯t have him,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°Okay, I get you, I don¡¯t have a say in this, it¡¯s up to you, if that¡¯s what you want,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I want Jordan, the only thing I am sure that I want I can¡¯t get, I don¡¯t know anything else, I am barely existing right now and I don¡¯t even know if quitting will change that,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s take it one step at a time, if you feel quitting is the first step then let¡¯s do that, you deserve the best Katrina, you are a loving woman and if Lucas doesn¡¯t see what he had and lost then it¡¯s on him not you alright?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I feel like a failure Jordan,¡±


    ¡°You are notdy, now stop talking down on yourself,¡±


    ¡°I am going to quit,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that,¡±


    ¡°And get my life back in order,¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡±


    ¡°And move on without Lucas,¡±


    ¡°His loss,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can do it Jord, I can¡¯t, I am going to die alone, Lucas is the only man I love and will ever love,¡±


    She let out covering her face with her hands, she was doomed.


    ¡°Now, you are pissing me off, cuz what the fuck am I then, or don¡¯t you love me?¡±


    ¡°You know I do,¡±


    She replied looking up at him, he wasn¡¯t really pissed.


    ¡°And your dad too,¡±


    ¡°Of course, I love my dad,¡±


    ¡°See, Lucas is not the only man you love and if you let yourself you can fall in love with someone else and be happy, take me, for instance, I didn¡¯t let Kelvin take away my happiness, and guess what?¡±


    He said smiling mischievously.


    ¡°What did you do Jordan?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s Kelvin,¡±


    ¡°Why what happened with him?¡±


    ¡°He called a couple of days ago saying he misses me and that he made a mistake, ,¡±


    ¡°Wow, why are you just telling me this? We have literally been seeing each other a lot these days, you traitor,¡±


    ¡°How can I when you were wallowing in your shadows of heartbreak,¡±


    ¡°I am still heartbroken Jordan,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, anyway, I told him to go fuck himself, I even recorded it,¡±


    He said bringing out his phone and ying the record, despite her sadness, Katrina couldn¡¯t help butugh at the words Jordan used on Kelvin, knowing how heartbroken Jordan felt when he dumped him, she didn¡¯t feel any pity for him, she wished Lucas will end up regretting losing her but that¡¯s never going to happen, Lucas was heartless and would never regret anything.


    ¡°This is crazy Jordan,¡±


    She saidughing, it felt good tough drowning in sadness for a while now, even when she visited her parents she had tried her best to be happy and has a great time but still she felt sad.


    ¡°I know right, I gave him a piece of my mind, I don¡¯t think he will forget what I said anytime soon,¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You are not nice Jord,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how you should be too Kat, don¡¯t let Lucas walk over you, give him a piece of your mind and walk out with your head up high,¡±


    ¡°You told me to get down with him and look at where thatnded me, so why should I take your words?¡±


    She asked eyeing him, he had been one of the reasons Lucas and her had the whole affair, telling her to seduce him and all.


    ¡°Wait a moment miss, I also remember telling you to prepare for the heartbreak and even offered to help you, and this is not on me girl, it¡¯s all you and that crazy boss of yours that can¡¯t keep his dick in his pants if he isn¡¯t ready formitment,¡±


    He replied sarcastically and sheughed, his facial expressions didn¡¯t help either.


    ¡°I should really give him a piece of my mind, no one messes with my girl,¡±


    He added.


    ¡°Nah, he told me, it¡¯s all my fault for falling for him, he never lead me on which is why I can¡¯t even hate him, I knew what he had to offer and still went ahead, I guess I didn¡¯t think it will be this painful that I will have to quit, and I ended things too, he wanted us to continue,¡±


    ¡°That son of a b***¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t finish that sentence Jord,¡±


    She let out, cutting him off.


    ¡°You are still protective of him, why?¡±


    ¡°I am not, anyway enough of Lucas and my heartbreak story, the calls starteding again and even the texts and this time I am super scared, I don¡¯t even feel like going back to my house, I feel like someone is watching me,¡±


    She disclosed, aside from her current situation, she have been getting constant calls and texts and the weirdest of all being that whoever it was knew about her affair with Lucas and have been texting a lot, saying she should forget Lucas and that he was all she needed, she knew it¡¯s a he because he actually talked the first day the calls starteding in, she had tried to picture who it could be but no one she knew hade to mind.


    ¡°Honey, you can stay here, shouldn¡¯t you report to the police, at this rate even I am getting a weird feeling about this whole thing,¡±


    Jordan said.


    ¡°Yeah, I thought of that but I don¡¯t have any evidence,¡±


    ¡°Those lots of expensive gifts and the texts are enough evidence,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think those will do a thing Jordan, I am just gonna be careful and hope it¡¯s just a harmless secret admirer,¡±


    ¡°I hope so too, but I am starting to doubt it because no sane person will sh that much money and still remain unknown,¡±


    ¡°My life, nothing is going my way, how did I get to this point?¡±


    She askedying back down as tears welled up in her eyes, on one hand, us a man she loved and wanted with all her heart who wants nothing to do with her, and on the other hand is a possible stalker who clearly has a thing for her and wants her for himself, his messages were very clear and the kind of gifts he sents too, she just wanted to sleep and wake and these whole things have gone away, Lucas and her back to the way they were before their affair, not like she regrets what happened between them but she wished they could just go back to the beginning when her feelings were still just hers, it was much easier.


    *It¡¯s gonna be fine,¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡±


    She replied, they talked for longer, he ordered dinner which they both shared, they watched movie and sleptte, she made up her mind to hand in her letter of resignation the next day, so as Jordan slept, she brought out herptop and sadly typed her resignation letter¡­

 Chapter Thirty-eight

    She walked into the office the next morning with her resignation letter in her bag, this was going to be herst day here, there was no need for her toe back, her recement were already working here, she felt bad for not keeping her promise but he didn¡¯t need her around anyway, and her leaving will do him good too, looking around the ce that has been her everyday life for seven years she felt sad letting it go, but she needed a clean start, she ns on taking a long vacation till the end of the year before she goes back to work, this time she was going to do her own thing not work under anybody, she ns on opening her own clothing line, she has always loved fashion and had enough money saved to help her open one, if they are not enough she is gonna get help from her parents, but she knew what she had would go a long way, now she felt a little form of pride knowing she had enough saved.


    ¡°Hi Betty, Toni,¡±


    She greeted the two new secretaries that she has been working alongside for about a week now, they were both nice and friendly and very diligent, she couldn¡¯t even hate them for taking her job.


    ¡°Hi, Kat,¡±


    They both greeted her, she sat down, the fact that she had to share her office with them, well no longer her office though, but at first she didn¡¯t like the thought and had made herint which is why the office has been extended, it took less than three hours, while she appreciated the effort, she didn¡¯t see the need now.


    ¡°Has the bosse in?¡±


    She asked as she sat down at her desk, usually, she would have work to do but now, it felt like she juste to work to seat because there was barely anything for her to do.


    ¡°He came but left early, there is a bit of an issue at the site,¡±


    Toni disclosed.


    ¡°Which of the sites?¡±


    ¡°The new hotel and resorts,¡±


    He replied.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh,¡±


    Kat added as she opened herptop, the reconstruction and building of Lucas¡¯s new hotel were going super fast and with the rate, it was going by the end of the year they would open it, sadly she won¡¯t be here to witness it, she would see on TV though, she was sure of that, it was already the talk of the city even though it was still under construction, the transformation of the formerly Reuben¡¯s property was amazing, and by the time it would beplete she was sure it gonna be one of the most expensive ces in New York.


    She spent most of the day organizing her files and every unfinished work in her care and transferring everything that rted to thepany in herptop to a drive, and by lunch, she was almost done but Lucas was nowhere to be seen, she went out during lunch hours to eat and by the time she returned he was still not in his office, neither were the two secretaries and she had left them at the office, the office line rang and she picked it up.


    ¡°Hello, good afternoon, this is Evans cooperation and you are on to Katrina, may I know who is speaking?¡±


    She asked as she picked up the phone.


    ¡°Aha, Katrina, just the person I was looking for, why aren¡¯t you taking your calls?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s voice inquired at the end of the line, she hadn¡¯t been expecting him to be the one so his voice sent a trilling shock over her, she quickly got her act together and replied to him.


    ¡°Sorry sir, I wasn¡¯t with my phone,¡±


    ¡°Can youe over to the site? I need you to help with some things here, there has been an ident here and I don¡¯t think I can be back at the office today, there is a document on my table, I need to go through, bring it,¡±


    His voicemanded, he was all business and she hoped the ident wasn¡¯t that huge.


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    She asked after he went silent.


    ¡°Yes, for now,¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will be there in twenty,¡±


    She replied and the call ended, she got up and went over to his office, found the documents he asked for, and proceeded to write a note and leave it for the other secretaries to see, she picked up her bag and left the office.


    The drive from the office to the site took longer than expected and she got there two hourster, the ce looked different than it was when she came two months ago, there were men on site working she could tell already that this ce would be a new yground for the wealthy and the elites of New York, she called Lucas in the phone for directions, she directed her to the house they had used when they hade here, that was the only old building left in the wholend andpared to every other part, the areas around the house was untouched, she knocked on the door, but there was no response, she looked around, knocked again before remembering she knew the password to the lock, she inputted and it opened, she looked around the rooms but Lucas wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he just tell me he wasn¡¯t going to be here? Crazy,¡±


    She said to herself as she dialed his number.


    ¡°Sir? I am at the house,¡±


    ¡°Kat? Sir? Really?¡±


    ¡°Should I drop the documents I have, what about the works you said you have for me, do I need to wait here for you or can you just tell me over the phone?¡±


    She asked ignoring what he had said, yes she went back to calling him sir, yeah it was childish or whatever but for her, it was a wall even though tiny, it still created a gap between them, anything to keep her sane until she leaves.


    ¡°Wait there, I am still at the hospital,¡±


    He answered.


    ¡°Hospital? Why what happened to you?¡±


    She asked worried for him.


    ¡°No, not me, one of the workers is diabetic and copsed while working, he fell from the second story, thankfully he isn¡¯t hurt badly, although he hasn¡¯t regained consciousness, the doctor said he is okay, I am waiting for his family to turn up before Ie over, so wait for me,¡±


    ¡°Alright, sir,¡±


    ¡°Come on Kat, we have passed this, don¡¯t do it, I don¡¯t like it, I am Lucas to you, okay?¡±


    He said. He was obviously not pleased with her using sir.


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    She replied, she would hand over her resignation letter to him when hees back so there was no need to argue with him, she waited for him to turn up but by eight pm he still hasn¡¯t returned, so she concluded that she might be spending the night there, hungry already, she went over to the kitchen to look for something to eat, and was on it when her phone rang, she picked it up without checking thinking it would be Lucas.


    ¡°Yes, Lucas?¡±


    ¡°Hello, my love,¡±


    The voice at the other ended replied, she moved her phone from her ear and checked the number, another strange line.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    She asked looking around, it was already dark and workers already stopped working, the house was quiet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you don¡¯t know me, love,¡±


    ¡°First of all, I am not your love, secondly it either you tell me who you are or get the fuck off my phone,¡±


    She said, despite her fears, she was tired of this stranger messing with her.


    ¡°Sorry love, I can¡¯t do that, you are mine and it¡¯s almost time for us to meet up,¡±


    ¡°You must be out of your mind, leave me alone, stop pestering me,¡±


    ¡°Should Ie over now? I know you are alone, we are going to meet soon anyway and we will live happily ever after, I cane now if you want, I know where you are,¡±


    He said. She looked around, but the estate was well secured that she was sure of.


    ¡°Are you sure? Or maybe you think I am home, I might just have to bu***


    ¡°You are at the Evan¡¯s ongoing project,¡±


    He said cutting her off, he did know where she was, which meant she had been right when she thought she was been followed and watched.


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    She asked scared, her voice was shaking and her hands were too.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry my love, I am not going to hurt you, never, I am here to protect you, and soon we will be together,¡±


    ¡°You have got to be kidding me, why will I want to be with a stranger that I have never met?¡±


    ¡°But we have met before my love,¡±


    He replied with augh, she couldn¡¯t for the life of hers match his voice with anyone she knew.


    ¡°Please leave me alone, I don¡¯t know you, I don¡¯t care about you and I don¡¯t want your love nor your gifts, just stay away from me, stop calling me,¡±


    ¡°Why? Is it because of him?¡±


    ¡°Him? Who?¡±


    ¡°You know who, I can get rid of him, if he is going to stop us from being together, I know you are sleeping with him but I am not jealous, because you will be mine soon and will forget about him,¡±


    Katrina wondered why she was having the conversation with a stranger.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about and I am going to hang up now,¡±


    She answered, ended the call, and proceeded to block the number which she knew was useless because the dude had so many unregistered numbers that she has lost count of how many she had blocked and just as she thought, a text came from a new number, she read it and felt cold to her foot.


    ¡°I aming over,¡±


    The text read, she quickly ran to the door and made sure it was locked, went about locking all the windows and the blinds, before going to the kitchen, she found a bat and picked it up and went to the living room and stood by the door in fear, she thought of calling Lucas, but didn¡¯t.


    She stood there in fear, praying for Lucas to show up, about twenty minutester, she heard the front door lock click and she stood there rooted in fear, praying that it was Lucas and at the same time expecting it to be whoever it was that was stalking her¡­

 Chapter Thirty-nine

    Katrina held on to the bat, holding her breath as the front door opened, her hands were shaking and she felt cold to her toes, she closed her eyes hoping that whoever wasing would be Lucas.


    ¡°Kat?¡±


    She heard her name and let out a heavy sigh of relief, it was Lucas after all, she dropped the bat and stood there, he walked in looking at her.


    ¡°Kat? Are you okay? What happened?¡±


    He asked walking close to her, her legs couldn¡¯t carry her anymore so she just sat down on the floor there, he rushed to her side, and held her, she didn¡¯t have the strength to remove his hands from her, her fear had drained all her energy.


    ¡°Hey, are you alright?¡±


    He asked examining her, she took a deep breath to gather strength.


    ¡°I am okay, I was just scared someone might have broken in, don¡¯t worry I am fine now,¡±


    She said removing his hands from her body.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look fine, your hands are shaking, what happened? Why would you think someone broke in?¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    He asked, he sounded concerned but she didn¡¯t want to tell him, it had nothing to do with him and she didn¡¯t want to bother him with her personal problems, not when she nned on leaving anyway.


    ¡°Nothing happened okay, I got scared because the whole ce was so quiet, why didn¡¯t youe back on time? Now I can¡¯t go back, I can¡¯t drive at night,¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, the guy¡¯s family didn¡¯t show up until about an hour ago and I had to settle some things with them since he fell while working fur me, it took longer than I expected,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I just wasn¡¯t ready to spend the night out,¡±


    She said, getting up from the floor, her legs were still shaking but not as much as before, she made to walk past him but he held her hand.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your hands are shaking, is there anything you wanna tell me, Kat?¡±


    ¡°No, I told you already, I just got scared,¡±


    ¡°Alright, have you eaten? You have lost weight,¡±


    ¡°Lost weight? I don¡¯t think so,¡±


    ¡°Yes, and you smile less these days,¡±


    She didn¡¯t feel like she has lost weight but she has been at Jordan¡¯s house and he made her go to the gym with him which might be why she would have lost a little weight.


    ¡°About the weight, I went to the gym with Jordan maybe that¡¯s why, and about not smiling, well I am sad, you don¡¯t expect me to smile when I am sad right? I can¡¯t be happy all the time,¡±


    She replied, she expected him to say more but he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t care about you Katrina,¡±


    The voice in her head whispered and she couldn¡¯t agree more.


    ¡°Have you eaten?¡±


    He asked.


    ¡°Yes, I ate noodles, so what am I supposed to do?¡±


    She asked going over to sit, she brought out herptop, she knew he called her here because he had something for her to do that the others might not do right for him, she wanted to get it done fast so that she can go upstairs, she couldn¡¯t stay in his presence for long without wishing he could just love her, and be with her the way she wanted, which made her quitting even more sensible.


    ¡°Are you avoiding talking to me, Kat?¡±


    He asked walking up to where she sat.


    ¡°Lucas, I don¡¯t really wanna talk about anything with you except it work-rted, no, not that, I don¡¯t have anything to say to you so can we do what I came here for?¡±


    She asked willing him to just let her be, his questions were not helping her.


    ¡°Yeah, okay, if that¡¯s what you want, where are the documents I asked for?¡±


    He asked, and she got it from her office bag that had some other files she nned on handing over to him, she wanted to do it this night but she still had a few files to move from her system so she willplete it tonight, and by morning she can give him everything together.


    He collected the files from her and sat down opposite her, she asked for what she needed to do and he gave her instructions, she wanted to ask him if he had eaten but decided not to, it was none of her business, they worked in silence for about an hour plus.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s all I can do for today, I am tired, I have been up since three am,¡±


    He announced stretching out his hands, she looked up at him and he indeed looked tired.


    ¡°Alright, you can continue tomorrow,¡±


    She said getting up.


    ¡°Me? We are doing this together, I miss working with you, I don¡¯t have to give instructions every time, the others are not there yet, they keep asking me questions every minute,¡±


    She wanted to tell him that instant that she was no longer going to work for him.


    ¡°You should have employed people with much experience then,¡±


    ¡°They are good, and they really needed the job, they both have a long way to go but you can help them,¡±


    ¡°When did you be so kind? I remember you gave me hell when I newly started working for you, you always had something nasty and bad to say to me, never appreciated what I did, and was always barking outmands, how did you be so nice?¡±


    She asked folding her hands and sitting back down, she has watched him handle the other new secretaries, he treated them way better than he did her in the beginning and they both only have nice things to say about him, not like she was jealous or anything.


    ¡°I guess I learned from you,¡±


    ¡°From me? How?¡±


    ¡°Well, you called me out for being a shitty boss so I am trying to be a better one now,¡±


    ¡°Good for you,¡±


    She answered, they both stood up at the same time, she excused herself to leave but he held on to her hand.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°What? Do you want anything?¡±


    She asked, looking up at him.


    ¡°I miss us, can¡¯t we go back to being how we use to be before all these?¡±


    ¡°No, sorry, I can¡¯t Lucas, I can¡¯t go back to pretending as if nothing happened between us, I tried but it didn¡¯t work,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked for, I am not saying to pretend nothing happened, I just want us to be back the way we use to be two months ago, we were friends and partners, now you barely look at me,¡±


    ¡°I am sorry Lucas, but I can¡¯t do that, I told you, I want more, I deserve more, I can¡¯t keep being your go-to buddy when you need some relief, no, that¡¯s not what I want for myself, I thought I could live with it but I can¡¯t,¡±


    She said removing her hands from his.


    ¡°Katrina, love doesn¡¯t just happen, and we don¡¯t have to be in love, we fit each other so well, can¡¯t you see that? Can¡¯t you see? We arepatible in bed, even at wo***¡±


    ¡°Please stop, I don¡¯t want to talk about this, let¡¯s just not talk about this, goodnight,¡±


    She said and headed off to the room opposite the one they had used when they came here the first time, she couldn¡¯t use that room because she would be tormented by the memories of what happened there.


    ¡°I have to finish this tonight,¡±


    She said to herself as she dropped herptop on the bed andid down, she was tired but she needed to finish transferring everything this night.


    By the time she was finally done, it was way past one am, she closed herptop andid face up on the bed, breathing in and out, and willing sleep toe so that morning woulde early, she already knew there will be a confrontation tomorrow and she might likely cry again in his presence but after that, she would head home to her new life and work on erasing everything about him from her life, thankfully in all the months of their affair they never once slept together at her house, so it was still safe there, took a while for her to fall asleep but she eventually did¡­


    The next morning she met him in the living room when she came out of the room she had spent the night, she had already taken her bath and had the letter she had typed yesterday in her hands.


    ¡°Good morning, Lucas,¡±


    She greeted as she walked up to where he was seated.


    ¡°Hey, how was your night?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I guess, you slept here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I couldn¡¯t sleep in that room without you,¡±


    ¡°I guess, you just weren¡¯t sleepy, anyway I have something to tell you,¡±


    She said, she was nervous all of a sudden, this was it, after today whatever she and Lucas have would end and she was never going to be in the same space as him again.


    ¡°Okay, you can tell me,¡±


    He said stopping what he was doing and giving her his full attention, he seemed not to notice what she had in her hands until she dropped it on the table, he looked at her with questioning eyes.


    ¡°Lucas, I know I gave you my words, but I have thought hard about this, trust me, I thought about it a lot, and there is no going around this anymore, I am no longerfortable working with you which is why I have decided to quit,¡±


    She revealed avoiding his gaze.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I want outpletely Lucas, I can¡¯t work for you anymore, that¡¯s my resignation letter,¡±


    She answered¡­

 Chapter Forty

    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this Katrina? Why are you doing this? Is this how far you will go to get what you want?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    He asked picking up the letter she dropped on the table and cing it back in her hands.


    ¡°Lucas,¡±


    ¡°I am not going to take that from you, we had an agreement,¡±


    ¡°Lucas,e on,¡±


    He stared at her wordlessly, her outstretched hands bore the letter that would end their rtionship for good, he didn¡¯t want this, didn¡¯t want her to quit on him, he still needed her around, yes his other assistants were doing a good job but Katrina was his best.


    ¡°I thought you promised that you won¡¯t quit on me? Can¡¯t you at least keep that promise? Why do I have to suffer because of your choices? Or did you forget you made a promise?¡±


    ¡°Yeah I did, I remember, but I don¡¯t think I am needed here anymore, and what more I need to start thinking of myself first, this ce is no longer healthy for me, and I want a clean start,¡±


    ¡°I am not taking that from you, you can¡¯t just up and run away because you want to, are we not supposed to keep business and private life apart? Why are you letting what we had affect how we work,¡±


    He asked walking away from her to stand by the window, he didn¡¯t want her to quit, he needed her around, she was of great importance to him business-wise, and losing her would be hell of bad for him, trying to function without her around had proved that.


    ¡°I am sorry Lucas, but I am going to quit whether you want it or not, I am all that matters here,¡±


    She answered.


    ¡°Why are you so selfish Kat? Why do you only think about yourself? You never thought of how it would be if you decide to cross the line and catch feeling and I was caught in between, now you are only thinking of yourself again, did you even think of how much your leaving right now would affect the office functioning? Did you think of how bad timing this is? There is so much going on around the office and I can¡¯t be there all the time, if you quit who else am I going to trust to do those things?¡±


    He asked, his voice going a little louder than he anticipated.


    ¡°Yes, I am only thinking about myself, yes I am selfish like you said, and you don¡¯t even need me around anymore, this is doing both of us a favor,¡±


    ¡°How do you mean I don¡¯t need you around, if I don¡¯t why will I still have you working with me? Why didn¡¯t I fire you?¡±


    ¡°Only God knows, you barely ask me to do anything, you give me a time frame to be at work which and even when I do turn up for work the fewer days you give me, I don¡¯t get to do any work, I just sit in the office all day staring at my system, so I decided to just go away, how is that a bad thing?¡±


    She asked dropping the letter back on the table.


    ¡°Katrina, I reduced the days you have to be at work because I wanted you to have time to do those things you couldn¡¯t do all those years you spent working tirelessly for me, all those years you never took a break,¡±


    ¡°Well it doesn¡¯t feel that way to me, I feel like you pushed me into a corner and I don¡¯t want that, I told you I don¡¯t want it,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°Why would you think I will do that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just don¡¯t want to work for you anymore, I am sorry but I can¡¯t see you as just my boss anymore, you are much more to me right now, and I don¡¯t think I can sit or be in the same space with you with all the crazy thoughts in my head, so if you don¡¯t want a crazy womaning into your office every day just give me what I want,¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I don¡¯t want to lose you, Katrina, not right now,¡±


    ¡°You make it sound like we are in a romantic rtionship and I am pulling out,e on Lucas, I am just your secretary, how hard is it to ept my resignation letter, you don¡¯t have to pay me anything, and I am not going to ept it anyway, I barely did any work this month,¡±


    ¡°You are asking me that? We have been together for seven years, now tell me again why I should suddenly get used to the fact that you are not going to be here anymore?¡±


    ¡°Well, get used to it,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡±


    ¡°Well, we don¡¯t always get what we want, and it¡¯s normal, I mean look at me,¡±


    ¡°Why are you making everything about our rtionship outside the office Katrina? That has nothing to do with this, stop trying to make it seem like that, you can¡¯t just up and quit, it¡¯s not fair, you didn¡¯t even warn me beforehand, and you want me to ept this, I am not going to, okay,¡±


    He voiced losing his temper with her, she was so inconsiderate, how could she make these decisions and just dump it on him, this is why he didn¡¯t trust people, he never believed Katrina would pull a fast one on him just because he couldn¡¯t give her what she wanted, she was no different, she was selfish and only looking out for her gain, she ims to love him yet once again the selfish nature of all the women he has ever been intimate still found their way in, if they don¡¯t get what they want, then they make people pay.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how I am going to get it to you, you already made up your mind to call me selfish and I ept it, yes I can¡¯t separate business from personal life, I can¡¯t and I am sorry, not everyone can be you, and my mental health matters to me,¡±


    She voiced, she was almost crying and he didn¡¯t want her to cry, if this is what she wanted then he had no choice but to let her have it, it was better than having her here and keeping the toxic environment, he just have to ept things and make sure not to make the same mistake again, the mistake of mixing business with pleasure, it always never ends well and his case was no different.


    ¡°I see you have made up your mind and nothing I will say will make you change it,¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    She replied looking at him for the first time since she entered the room, she looked slimmer and had so much sadness in her eyes that he wanted to pull her close and kiss her better.


    ¡°Dude, cut it out, you are the reason she is sad, don¡¯t add to it,¡±


    The tiny voice in his head whispered, and he agreed, he was the reason Kat was quitting, if only he hadn¡¯t touched her, she won¡¯t have thought of quitting, and then there is his family, they are gonna be on his case, his mom hasn¡¯t given him a breathing space even when she said she will not interfere, she calls him and ask of Katrina and he purposely ignores her calls and has been doing that for days now, he just couldn¡¯t understand why they can¡¯t just leave him alone or try to understand that he can¡¯t give what they are asking and what Katrina wants, if only he could, he would have, just to stop her from leaving.


    ¡°Fine, you have what you want, you are free, it was nice while itsted, I hope I see you around,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, I am moving,¡±


    She revealed.


    ¡°Moving? Why? Where? Since when?¡±


    He asked in shock.


    ¡°Somewhere far from New York, I told you I want a fresh start and I mean it,¡±


    ¡°But your life is here in New York, even your family,¡±


    ¡°I guess, it¡¯s time to do me,¡±


    ¡°Where are you moving to?¡±


    He asked, he couldn¡¯t picture New York without Katrina, he couldn¡¯t imagine her anywhere else.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t made up my mind yet, and I won¡¯t tell you either,¡±


    ¡°I see,¡±


    He said, he was short of words, she already made up her mind and he didn¡¯t want her to leave with them fighting so he nodded.


    ¡°I honestly wish it didn¡¯t have toe to this Kat but, you be fine okay.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Thank you for everything Lucas, even though it ended this way, working for you, knowing you, falling in love with you have been a hell lots of rollercoasters but I had fun, Iughed, I cried, I regretted but in the end, even with the kind of pain and hurt I am feeling right now, I still had fun, and my big reveal before I leave, I love you, I have loved you for a long time now, I don¡¯t think that will change soon, and I won¡¯t force it, I am going to grow with it, and when I meet the one who is gonna be mine, I am going to channel all the love I feel right now to that person,¡±


    She said. he didn¡¯t like the thought of her with someone else.


    ¡°Then do the right thing idiot,¡±


    The tiny voice whispered loudly, but he mmed it down.


    ¡°I hope you find happiness Kat,¡±


    He said and went upstairs leaving her there.


    He took his bath and got dressed and by the time he came back down, she had already left, just like that, no final goodbye, no notification, she just left, he tried not to let her leaving affect him, he picked up the USB drive she left, got his things and left the apartment, when he got to the office a few hourster, she already had her table cleared her, she removed every trace of her leaving him with nothing, absolutely nothing to remember her with except the memories of the times they shared together¡­

 Chapter Forty-one

    ¡°Are you going to keep this up? Should I go get Lucas or are you going to move on? Because this is getting really serious, it¡¯s been three weeks and you are still like this,¡±


    Jordan said in a rather harsh tone, Katrina couldn¡¯t me him for getting tired of her, she was tired of herself too, three weeks has passed since she quit her job and told Lucas she was moving on but so far she hasn¡¯t done any of that, the only thing she has done these past two weeks was cry and eat which made her gain weight, she hasn¡¯t even been out of the house for three weeks now, she looked pitiful, when she had left Lucas at the apartment, she had driven to Starbucks and ordered enough junk and had driven home and stuffed herself with it, watched TV, the first day had been great, she didn¡¯t even cry but then reality dawn on her two dayster and since then she has been in absolute pain and hurt.


    ¡°I am sorry Jord, I just can¡¯t help it okay, I wanna stop but I can¡¯t, it as if I can¡¯t control myself or my emotions, Lucas is not even the problem here, I think about anything and I am crying, and also food, I know I like to eat but this, I don¡¯t know but my craving for food increased and just like the tears I can¡¯t control it, I feel like someone has taken over my body,¡±


    She exinedying face up in the bed, the bed that has been her second-best friend for three weeks now, she turned off her phone and had left the outside world outside.


    ¡°Could it be that you are pregnant?¡±


    Jordan asked and she shot up from the bed, it never crossed her mind, she ran to where her calendar was and checked the date, she waste, her periods were neverte but she doubt she would be pregnant may be stressed and her overthinking had dyed it.


    ¡°What? Do you think you might be?¡±


    Jordan asksing to where she stood in front of the calendar.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but I am a monthte, I didn¡¯t see itst month,¡±


    ¡°Wow, girl, time to do a test,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I am pregnant Jordan,¡±


    ¡°Girl, you have been crying like a hormonal woman, eating more than you usually do, okay except you have a dating disorder which doesn¡¯t make sense because eating disorder won¡¯t make you cry every moment, andstly, you are a monthte, you are neverte.¡±


    He said, he knew her so well.


    ¡°Do you think I might be?¡±


    ¡°There is only one way that find out,¡±


    He said pointing at the door, but she didn¡¯t want to leave her house.


    ¡°Would you mind going to get it for me? I don¡¯t feel like leaving the house,¡±


    She pleaded.


    ¡°You are going to have to leave soon,¡±


    He said already picking up his car keys to head out, she followed him to the door.


    ¡°Thanks, Jord,¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t cry while I am away, and what brand should I get?¡±


    He asked, she didn¡¯t know, this was the first time she was doing it, and didn¡¯t know which brand works better and is more urate.


    ¡°Just get different brand, just to be sure,¡±


    ¡°Alright then, see you in a bit,¡±


    He said and left, she went back towards her room, she made a stop at where the gifts were still stocked, she hasn¡¯t gotten a call from the person since thest time, well that could be because her phone was off, whoever it is was one of the reasons she turned her phone off, and the other being that she might call Lucas which will be shameful, she closed the door to the gift room and went back to her bedroom, the doorbell rang, thinking it would be her neighbor or Jordan who sometimes forgets her password she went to open the door, the person there looked familiar but she couldn¡¯t remember where she knew him from.


    ¡°Hi, how may I help you?¡±


    She requested politely.


    ¡°Hello, Katrina, I guess you forgot who I am, am I really that forgettable?¡±


    He asked with a smile.


    ¡°I am sorry, there¡¯s been a lot in my mind, if you don¡¯t mind reminding me,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Nas,¡±


    He replied.


    ¡°Oh my God, I am so sorry I didn¡¯t recognize you, it¡¯s been a while, how have you been?¡±


    She asked wondering if she should let him in, her house was in no ce to receive a guest right now, but then he kept looking inside so she just let him in.


    ¡°Your house is just like I remembered,¡±


    He said sitting down, she offered him a drink but he declined. He has only been in her house once, she couldn¡¯t remember if she had let him into her apartment but she didn¡¯t give it much thought.


    ¡°So what¡¯s up?¡±


    She asked sitting on the chair opposite him.


    ¡°Nothing much, I had something to do in your area and just decided to stop by since it¡¯s been a while that I have seen you, and you weren¡¯t taking your calls, no your number wasn¡¯t going through,¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s because I turned off my phone,¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I thought you had me blocked, you look like hell but the way, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    He asked, she lowered her head.


    ¡°Hmm, let¡¯s just say, I am not in my best state right now,¡±


    ¡°Is it because of him?¡±


    He asked. She had told him on their date that she had feelings for Lucas, which had been why she hadn¡¯t gone for another date with him, he had understood her and they choose to be just friends instead even though they have only met one or two times since then.


    ¡°Yes and no, yes he is the reason or rather was the reason and no because he is no longer the reason,¡±


    She replied, it sounded confusing even to her ears but he nodded like he understood her.


    ¡°Does that mean you are over your feelings for him?¡±


    ¡°Yes, almost there,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good then, so now maybe I will stand a chance with you,¡±


    She wanted to tell him he didn¡¯t still stand a chance but Jordan had told her for her to move on she had to give another man a chance, and she nned on doing just that.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet because right now, it still hurt so bad,¡±


    She answered truthfully.


    ¡°I can wait,¡±


    He said, they talked for some minutes before he stood up to leave, she saw him to the door, she couldn¡¯t say it was nice to see him again, she just felt nothing, when he left she went back to her room, a few momentster she had the door lock click, she got up from the bed again, this time it was Jordan, he looked offended.


    ¡°Hey, Jordan, what happened?¡±


    ¡°I met a crazy dude at the pharmacy and he kept asking stupid questions instead of just giving me what I requested for,¡±


    Hemented.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So, did you get it?¡±


    She asked anxious already, she still felt she wasn¡¯t pregnant and she didn¡¯t want to hope and get disappointed, what more if she is pregnant what¡¯s she going to do? She had kept those thoughts out of her head but now that she had to really do it, she was scared, what would happen if she was pregnant, will she be a single mother? Would Lucas want to be a part of their child¡¯s life?


    ¡°Girl, have you been listening to me?¡±


    Jordan asked and she realized she hadn¡¯t been listening.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I was exining how to use it, like the moron at the pharmacy described.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thanks, I can just read the instructions,¡±


    She said collecting it from him and going over to her bedroom, he followed behind her, talking about the annoying dude he met, if her knowledge of Jordan was right then he just might have found someone he was interested in, she wanted to tell him that but her mind was too much anxiety to even say a word, she dropped the kits on the bed and read the instructions, she looked at Jordan and he noddedying on her bed, she went over to the bathroom and did as the instructions said, the wait was the biggest wait of her life, so she just left it there and went back into the bedroom.


    ¡°Are you done? So soon? What¡¯s the result?¡±


    ¡°No, not yet, I just, I can¡¯t stay there, I am scared, I will go checked back in five minutes, meanwhile Nas was here,¡±


    ¡°Who is Nas?¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me? Nas, remember? The guy you hooked me up with,¡±


    ¡°Oh, the one who showed up at your work?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the very one,¡±


    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t know you guys are still in contact, should I expect something?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I will give him a chance, I don¡¯t roll with him, he is totally not my type,¡±


    ¡°Not bad, I don¡¯t like him either, he shows off too much,¡±


    ¡°And you introduced him to me, such a friend,¡±


    ¡°Shut up girl, I was trying to help your single life, now go check that stuff I am so eager to know if I am going to have a good baby,


    ¡°I am scared shit,¡±


    ¡°If there is a baby you are gonna keep it right?¡±


    He asked, she didn¡¯t know what she was going to do yet.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet, can youe with me?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡±


    He said and they both went to the bathroom her heart beating so fast she could hear it.


    ¡°What does it say?¡±


    Jordan asked before she could check, she blinked and took a look.


    ¡°Oh, God,¡±


    ¡°What does it say?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s showing two lines Jordan, they are all showing two lines¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? You are not pregnant?¡±


    He asked, she couldn¡¯t me him for not knowing.


    ¡°I am pregnant Jordan,¡±


    She revealed, her hands shaking, what was she going to do.


    ¡°Oh my gosh girl, what are we going to do?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Jordan,¡±


    She said truthfully, she has never thought of being pregnant, they had skipped using protection a few times but she had made sure to take an after pill each time, except that one time she had forgotten, but sheter took it, but it may have been toote.


    ¡°First let¡¯s go and sit down, we will find a way okay,¡±


    Jordan said, taking her hands and leading her out of the restroom.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I did it well Jordan, I need to redo it or maybe go to a hospital because I don¡¯t feel pregnant,¡±


    ¡°We will do whatever you want Kathy,¡±


    Jordan said, but Katrina could barely hear him, she felt dizzy and before long she was falling and that¡¯s all she could remember¡­

 Chapter Forty-two

    When she opened her eyes again she was in an unfamiliar room, she looked around and noticed she was in a hospital bed, she tried to get up but she was too dizzy to, she wondered what happened and how long she has been passed out, she closed her eyes and tried to remember what happened and all she coulde up with was her talking to Jordan when she found out she was pregnant, her eyes opened in bewilderment when she recurs that she was indeed pregnant, she thought it was just a dream, she gradually opened her eyes again just as Jordan walked in.


    ¡°Hi baby girl, you are finally awake,¡±


    He said sitting on the chair close to her bed.


    ¡°Yes, but my head hurts so bad, what happened?¡±


    ¡°Your body was too stressed, ording to the doctor which is what lead to you copsing,¡±


    ¡°How long have I been out Jordan?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, about two days,¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s a lie right?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not, your body was so stressed that you have slept for almost forty-eight hours, why didn¡¯t you tell me you weren¡¯t getting any sleep? Did you n on killing yourself? Why did you have to scare me like that?¡±


    He asked tearing up and she realized that it might not have been easy for him, she had tried to sleep but each time it was always restless, not like she didn¡¯t sleep it was just not a peaceful sleep and she hadn¡¯t wanted to bother him with that.


    ¡°I am sorry Jordan, I didn¡¯t want to be a burden to you, you were already doing so much,¡±


    ¡°The fuck do you mean by that girl? By being so careless you not only put yourself in danger but the innocent baby inside you also suffered.


    His words confirmed her fears that she was indeed pregnant.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know I was pregnant, I would have been more careful, I am sorry I put you through stress, I promise it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    She said feeling bad for all the stress she must have put him through.


    ¡°You are forgiven, but don¡¯t do that again, alright, I was so scared,¡±


    He replied getting up to hug her.


    ¡°So I am really pregnant?¡±


    She asked when he sat back down.


    ¡°Yes, when we got to the hospital, I told the doctor everything that happened and they ran a test and indeed you are pregnant which is why when you had left your body to be stressed like that, both the baby and you were struggling to share the little energy you had left which had not been enough and had caused you to copse leaving the baby in distress,¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    He exined and she subconsciously touched her tummy, she whispered a little ¡®I am sorry,¡¯ to the little life that was inside her and promised it that she would be more careful, she didn¡¯t know what she wanted to do yet but one thing was sure that she was going to keep my baby.


    ¡°So what did the doctor say?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was justing from his office and he said so long as you take care of yourself, then you will be just fine, and you are two months pregnant,¡±


    He revealed, Katrina didn¡¯t know how urate that was because she could remember getting her period the previous month, so she wouldn¡¯t have been pregnant then, but then again if she thought of it well Lucas and she broke up over a month ago so there was no way she would be a month pregnant because if that happens it would only mean that the baby isn¡¯t his, which can¡¯t be because he was the only man she has been with.


    ¡°Ddaeng!!¡±


    She said out loud remembering the one time she had forgotten to take the pills and had taken it a littleter, they might not have worked after all


    ¡°What?¡±


    Jordan asked, he looked frightened.


    ¡°Sorry, I just, I remembered, one time I had forgotten to take my after pill and had taken itter, but maybe it didn¡¯t work after all,¡±


    She said finally sitting up, and looking around the hospital room properly.


    ¡°Wait, is this your uncle¡¯s hospital?¡±


    She asked praying that wasn¡¯t the case but she knew the chances were low, if this was indeed his uncle¡¯s clinic then her parents.


    ¡°Jordan!!! What the fuck?¡±


    ¡°What? What did I do? I had no choice,¡±


    ¡°What did you do? There are thousands more hospitals in New York, you know your uncle is gonna talk to my parents, oh my God, what were you thinking?¡±


    Katrina asked already thinking of what she was going to tell her parents, Jordan¡¯s uncle and her dad were pretty close and she was sure he is going to tell her dad, she was hundred percent sure.


    ¡°Calm down miss, uncle is not around right now, and besides I did call your parents, in fact, they were here earlier,¡±


    He revealed.


    ¡°What the fuck Jordan?¡±


    ¡°What? What would you have had me do? You were so down that I had to let your parents know, you will do the same if I was in your ce, I am sorry if you didn¡¯t want them to find out the way they did but I didn¡¯t have a choice, alright?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry Jord, I didn¡¯t mean to sound insensitive, I just¡­ I am¡­ I just don¡¯t know what to do yet and my parents finding out will put more pressure on me, please tell me you didn¡¯t tell them who the father was,¡±


    She said in a pleading voice, God knows she was going to run away if they already knew who her baby daddy was.


    ¡°I am not sure myself so why will I tell them that?¡±


    He asked sarcastically.


    ¡°The fuck? There is only one man and you know that,¡±


    She replied eyeing him.


    ¡°Well, okay, so what are you going to do? Are you keeping the baby?¡±


    ¡°Of course, there is no other way,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know because I would really not like you if you decide not to, but I don¡¯t have a say in it so I would have supported your decision, thank God you decided to keep it, so what next?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean what next?¡±


    She asked even though she already got a clue of what he was asking.


    ¡°You know what I am saying, are you going to tell Lucas?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet Jordan, I don¡¯t know what to do,¡±


    ¡°Ahh, then thank God I didn¡¯t call him,¡±


    ¡°You were going to call him?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I opted to call your parents instead because that was the wiser choice, I knew you will be pissed at me either way but the safer choice was your parents,¡±


    ¡°It was better that you called my parents because I don¡¯t know if I am going to tell Lucas yet, what if he thinks that I nned it just to tie him down, you know Lucas has trust issues, even if I tell him it¡¯s not true he won¡¯t believe me, so, for now, I don¡¯t know yet, let¡¯s just see how it goes,¡±


    She replied, she couldn¡¯t even bring herself to think about how he will react to the news of her pregnancy, she was sure he will use her of getting pregnant just to hold him which she didn¡¯t want, but whether she liked it or not, now she can¡¯t move on from Lucas because the baby was already a bond linking them for life, she woulde up with a better way to disclose it to him so that he won¡¯t feel that he needs to do what right by her just because she got pregnant for him, she didn¡¯t want to be in that situation either.


    ¡°Whatever you decide to do, I will be here for you, which is why I decided to quit too,¡±


    He revealed.


    ¡°What? No please don¡¯t do that, I am not going to like it, please tell me you haven¡¯t done anything stupid,¡±


    She pleaded, there was no way she was going to let Jordan quit a job that was good for him because of her, he might end up hating herter if he doesn¡¯t find a better job.


    ¡°I thought you will like it if the both of us go back to the favored market together,¡±


    ¡°No, please, don¡¯t, please, you are good at what you do, don¡¯t quit cuz of me,¡±


    ¡°Alright, fine, I won¡¯t, I haven¡¯t submitted my resignation letter, I just typed it, but then I am not going to be held ountable for anything I do to that man who knocked you off,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything to him Jordan, I will tell him when I am ready,¡±


    ¡°When will that be?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet, but for now, I need to get myself together and move on from him,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit girl,¡±


    He replied and she smiled, they talked some more before she decided to rest, she was discharged two dayster and her parents insisted that she stayed with them which she couldn¡¯t say no to, even her younger sister came around just to see her, she put in more effort to regain back her health for herself and the baby as the doctor had instructed and she made sure she didn¡¯toverdoo anything including feelingheartbrokenn.


    ¡°Are you ever going to tell who is the father of the baby is? You are already showing Katrina, someone had to be responsible,¡±


    Her mom said and she rolled her eyes, and silently cursing at the phone, the woman has been disturbing her about the identity of the baby¡¯s father for the whole month she had spent with them and even after she returned home, she was almost four months pregnant now and she still wasn¡¯t ready to tell her parents, neither has she been able to tell Lucas, every new week for the past two months she would decide to go tell him but every time she will chicken out, the one time she had the courage, she had called his line with her new number, since she had to change her phone number because her stalker went back to texting her too much, she had even had to relocate just so he won¡¯t know where to find out and that seemed like a long-gone past now. The day she had called Lucas he hadn¡¯t taken her calls and never returned it either, and since she hadn¡¯t dared to try again.


    ¡°Young woman?¡±


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you have a business to run? Why are you disturbing me?¡±


    ¡°Are you honestly going to be like this? You really want to be a single mom?¡±


    ¡°Mom, I already said I will tell you when I am ready, please not yet,¡±


    ¡°When will you be ready, when you give birth? I am sorry if you think I am nagging you but at least give us a name,¡±


    ¡°I wille over during the weekend and we will talk,¡±


    She lied just to get off, she knew she wasn¡¯t going to go over there.


    ¡°Alright, I will take your word for it, make sure you keep your words,¡±


    ¡°I will mom,¡±


    She replied and hung up, she wasn¡¯t going over to her parents ce her mom was going to bully her into telling her who the baby daddy was and she wasn¡¯t going to say a word not until she told Lucas, she felt bad making the decision to keep the baby herself without asking if that¡¯s what he wanted but she hadn¡¯t known what to do then, she had been still hurting so much that her emotions would have gotten ahead of her, if she tells him which she hoped to do before she starts showing for real, whatever he says, she would tell him she will raise the child herself and he didn¡¯t have to do anything or pay anything, but if he chooses to be in the baby¡¯s life, she wasn¡¯t going to stop him either¡­

 Chapter Forty-three

    ¡± Lucas, you really made the mistake of letting her go, why are you so stubborn?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Leah, asked.


    ¡°Can we not talk about this again please, I don¡¯t want to talk about this alright,¡±


    ¡°You are not going to hear the end of it brother, not when you stupidly let a woman that was meant for you go,¡±


    Lc chipped in,  Lucas could only roll his eyes in disapprove, thesedies were out to get him and he wasn¡¯t going to give them the chance to, it¡¯s been over three months since Katrina left, and so far he has been doing well, well not totally true, he had been a mess the first month she had left, it felt like huge chunk of him had been pulled off and it had taken over a month to find the bnce again and now he was okay, two months three weeks, five days and twelve hours since she left him, he didn¡¯t know why he was counting the days and hours but he found himself knowing despite how busy he was, there was always something to remind him of her whether it¡¯s when he forgot a meeting he has to attend or when his new secretaries give him the wrong information or files, or when he was alone in his bed at night, he haspletely deserted the bed in his bedroom and choose to sleep in the guest room instead because even his bed reminded him of her, he had thought initially that she had erased herself from his life but soon realized how wrong he had been, she was everywhere, even right now, the first thing his family say when they arrive l for the grand opening of his new luxury hotel was about Katrina, not even a congrattions or a good job and he knew his mom will say the same if she shows up too.


    ¡°Where are you, young man?¡¯


    Leah asked waving her hands in front of him as if to wake him from his thoughts.


    ¡°I am right here, just stop bullying me already, why did you guyse here instead of going to the house to wait for me?¡±


    He asked wanting the both of them gone, he didn¡¯t know how Leah managed to convince her husband to babysit her toddler just so she coulde to bully him.


    ¡°We are here to ask for Katrina¡¯s house address, I think she changed her number because we can¡¯t reach her,¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to see her?¡±


    ¡°None of your business Mr, she no longer works for you, just give us what we requested for,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have her address, thest time we spoke she said she moving,¡±


    ¡°And that was when?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, three months ago,¡±


    ¡°Lucas?!!!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You mean you have been lying to us all these while, no wonder Katrina wasn¡¯t taking our calls, are you that foolish?¡±


    His oldest sister attacked, he knew sooner orter they will find out that she left him but he had pushed so much but this was unavoidable, they had to be here for the grand opening of his luxury hotel, he spent almost six months or more toplete the hotel and he was proud of how well everything turned out but he admitted that a vital part of everything was missing, Kat, she should be here to see this, she yed a really great role in getting the hotel and he wished she was here, but he had let her leave him.


    ¡°Are you not going to say anything Lucas?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say, I told you she quit her job, am I supposed to hold on to her when she wanted to leave?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are supposed to,¡±


    ¡°Why will I do that?¡±


    ¡°Because you love her idiot, and I still don¡¯t know why that¡¯s so hard for you to get into your head,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about and you guys have to leave now, I have work to do,¡±


    He lied, he had nothing to do here, he had put everything in ce and all he needed to do was take a bath the day after tomorrow and head for the opening of his new baby, but he has been free the whole week and it made him think and those thoughts were thoughts he didn¡¯t want to have, work was the only thing that helped him keep his mind off things, off how much he still missed Katrina¡¯s presence.


    ¡°We will leave if you give us an address or a phone number,¡±


    Lc demanded, her baby bump pupping out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any,¡±


    ¡°Did Jordan quit too, he might know something,¡±


    Jordan that crazy guy, he had  tried asking of Katrina from him but dude shut him out each time, he goes ¡®with all due respect sir, I can¡¯t share anything,¡¯


    And he had given up after a few tries, he didn¡¯t want him talking about him to Katrina and giving her false hope.


    ¡°He is around,¡±


    ¡°Can you get him here?¡±


    ¡°You guys just leave her alone,¡±


    ¡°We are not going to do anything to her, we just want to see her and make sure she is doing fine, not everyone is bad as you are, and she is our friend,¡±


    Leah said eyeing him, all he could do was put a call across to the designing team office and request for Jordan toe to his office,  the crazy guy knocked a few minutester and he watched as his sister rushed on him, they shared hugs and greeting and he wondered just how they became that close.


    ¡°So you are telling us you can¡¯t give us her address or a phone number?¡±


    Lc asked, Lucas, looked on with pity at the man now facing his two crazy sisters.


    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t, Katrina wants a private life which is why she moved and changed her number, I don¡¯t want to disrupt that,¡±


    He said and Lucas finally realized why he hadn¡¯t been able to reach her when he had tried calling her one time, he even went over to her old apartment and was told she moved, he had already known she will because she told him so but he had hoped she was still around.


    ¡°Come on, we are her friends we are not trying to harm her, we just want to see her,¡±


    Leah said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I am sorry,¡±


    ¡°Oh please, you have to take us to her or we will stalk you and find her, what do you mean you can¡¯t? Do I look like a bad person to you? I wanna see my bridesmaid, it¡¯s been over six months since Ist saw her, and we were pretty close,¡±


    Lc replied.


    ¡°You guys let the man be, he already said he can¡¯t do it,¡±


    Lucas put in trying to save the guy but two sets of offended eyes turned towards him.


    ¡°Shut up if you don¡¯t wanna get a beating from me, you are the reason we are bullying him right now, stupid, if you had not let her go we won¡¯t be doing this, so don¡¯t get me mad,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, if we don¡¯t find Katrina just know you are not gonna get peace,¡±


    His sisters attacked him and he raised his hands in surrender.


    ¡°I tried to help you Jordan but as you can see,¡±


    He said and just sat there his ears eagerly listening in on his sisters talking the young man into doing what they ask, he admitted to himself that he wanted to know how she was too, Katrina left a huge mark on him and he hasn¡¯t been able to move on to anyone, he tried going out on dates a few times but he always end up backing out when things wanna get intimate and he decided to not bother again, he made himself believe that it was because he was busy and had a lot on his mind, but in his heart of hearts he knew, he knew it was because no one else stood a chance, there was only one woman he wanted but he had let her go because he couldn¡¯t give her what she asked for, if only he let himself, maybe he could.


    ¡°Okay, finally, see ya, Lucas,¡±


    Lc said picking her purse and he looked at them confused before turning to Jordan who let out a nervousugh.


    ¡°Are you really going to take them to her? I asked you and you refuse,¡±


    ¡°You asked him? That¡¯s interesting,¡±


    Leah said but he ignored her fixing his attention on Jordan.


    ¡°Hmm, Kathy doesn¡¯t want to see you, and she never said the same for your sisters, she might still kill me but at least I didn¡¯t bring you,¡±


    ¡°But she is not even in the country,¡±


    He replied.


    ¡°She is, she just moved apartments,¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even know she was in New York, you are such a loser,¡±


    His sister Leah used.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just tell me when I asked.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but I gave her my words,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him let¡¯s go,¡±


    His sisters both said in unison.


    ¡°Wait,¡±


    He called when they were almost at the door.


    ¡°What?¡±


    They both asked.


    ¡°Can you give this to her? I prepared this for her and was going to give it to Jordan, so now that you guys will see her can you do me the favor?¡±


    He requested handling the special invite he had wanted to give Jordan to give her, he made it for her hoping she would attend.


    ¡°And If she had been out of the country when did you want her to get here? Dude? I can¡¯t believe you are my brother sometimes,¡±


    Lc said collecting the invitation card from him and opening it.


    ¡°Wow, you are not totally stupid are you, this is pretty and different from other invites, I will deliver it since it¡¯s so pretty, but what if she had not been in New York? What were you nning on doing with this?¡±


    She asked and he couldn¡¯t give her an answer, maybe he would have left it in his locker.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go Li, we have a lot to catch up on with her,¡±


    Leah said and they left him standing there, left alone with his thoughts, all he could think about was if she would ept the invitation, what will he do when they meet again, would she still want to be with him? Because right now, if he was being true to himself, he wants her back¡­

 Chapter Forty-four

    ¡°Katrina?¡±


    Katrina heard Jordan call as she got off the phone with her mom.


    ¡°Yes, Jordan? I didn¡¯t hear youe in,¡±


    She said, she had been too immersed with the talk with her mom who still wanted to know who the father of her kid was, but she wasn¡¯t ready to tell her parents just yet, she hasn¡¯t even had the mind to go tell Lucas still even after promising to do itst week, and she saw on TV recently that Lucas was opening the hotels, earlier than she had thought but she wasn¡¯t surprised, the dude had the money, she had made sure not to keep up on him and also told Jordan not to keep her updated in what¡¯s going on at the office, after she found out she was pregnant she had made the decision not to leave New York at least not yet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill me, okay but you have some visitors, I couldn¡¯t say no to them,¡±


    He said with his hands folded down as if he did something bad.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Lucas¡¯s older sisters,¡±


    He revealed and Katrina got up from the bed in haste.


    ¡°What the fuck Jordan? Why would you bring them here?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me me okay, they ambushed me and didn¡¯t take no for an answer, Lucas even tried telling them off but those two are fucking stubborn, they are in the living room,¡±


    He said and she could already make out their voices as they admired the art on disy in her living room, she didn¡¯t know what to say, they were already here and she couldn¡¯t tell him to chase them away neither can she pretend not to be home.


    ¡°You could have at least called me,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have time, I got a call that the head boss wants to see me, thinking he was going to ask for you like he usually does,¡±


    ¡°Lucas asks you about me?¡±


    She asked surprised.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°Excuse you? You said not to tell you about anything and I didn¡¯t want you getting your hopes up, he was just looking out for an old worker,¡±


    ¡°Yeah true, so you got there and met them?¡±


    ¡°Yes and I couldn¡¯t even go get my stuff because they said they had to see you, they are here for the opening of the hotel and will be around for the whole week,¡±


    He revealed.


    ¡°What am I going to do about this?¡±


    She asked pointing to her tummy, she wasn¡¯t showing all that much yet but Lc and Leah were women and very observant women at that.


    ¡°Put on something baggier,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that we help,¡±


    ¡°Well do it, we are staying in here for too long,¡±


    He replied and left, she quickly wore her baggy t-shirt and brushed back her messy hair before checking her appearance in the mirror, she got pretty by the day, and she looked pregnant, she doubt if she would be able to hide it because she had the pregnancy glow to her that anyone could point out but she didn¡¯t want them to know until she tells Lucas, she has to know what his reaction will be first hand not after he hears it from someone else, she walked off her room and had to cover her ears to prevent her from going deaf and Lucas older sisters screamed and rushed to her hugging her tight before she could catch herself, her first thought was, they are gonna know, they are gonna know that she was pregnant and to confirm her fear, Leah looked at her weirdly when they pulled apart, she waited in fear for her to say anything but she didn¡¯t, instead, she hugged her again.


    ¡°Katrina, how could you do that to us? I thought we were close? You left like that and we were trying to reach you but your number wasn¡¯t going through, even before that you didn¡¯t take any of our calls,¡±


    Lc used and Katrina could only bow her head, she hasn¡¯t thought they would want to see her that much, she had felt Lucas will tell them.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say anything youngdy?¡±


    Leah asked, and Katrina let out a breath of relief, it seems her earlier fears were uncalled for.


    ¡°I am sorry guys, I didn¡¯t mean to disappear, I¡­ I don¡¯t have an excuse, it¡¯s just that I¡­¡±


    She couldn¡¯t finish what she was saying because she became emotional, damn those pregnancy hormones always make her do stupid things like crying over little issues.


    ¡°Okay, I will leave youdies to talk, Kat I will see youter,¡±


    Jordan said and left.


    ¡°Girl, I can¡¯t even be offended because I know my brother messed up, but you shouldn¡¯t have taken it out on us, we are innocent you know, we like you a lot even our parents do, Lucas is just, I don¡¯t know what to say about him but rest assured that we put him in his ce, the moron didn¡¯t even tell us you left three months ago each time we ask about you he tells us you are okay,¡±


    Leah revealed as Kat sat with them, she didn¡¯t even know what to make of theiring to her house, she knew they will be in New York because of the new hotel but it never crossed her mind that they wille looking for her after their brother tells them she no longer work for him.


    ¡°I am sorry I didn¡¯t mean to cut you guys off,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, so how have you been? Do you work somewhere else now?¡±


    Lc asked.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t n on working for someone else, I am starting my clothing line soon, but I want it to be in the new year so I am taking the rest of the year off, having been doing anything since I quit, just trying to get myself fit before starting anything,¡±


    She revealed, she had already spoken with some designers and already had some contacts too, all she needed to do was get a space and a few other things in ce, her parents offered to lend her some money if what she has isn¡¯t enough but she was sure it will, another reason she wanted to start in the new year, that way her shop will be up and running before the birth of her baby.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know and you better know we are going toe around and get stuff from you, you can¡¯t kick us out of your life,¡±


    Leah added.


    ¡°Thanks, what about you guys? I am sorry I couldn¡¯te when you gave birth,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I understand,¡±


    ¡°But you can¡¯t miss mine, I won¡¯t understand,¡±


    Lc said.


    ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Good,¡±


    ¡°Where is your little one though?¡±


    ¡°My husband is babysitting,¡±


    ¡°Oh, I guess, are you mom and dad in New York already too?¡±


    She asked, she hasn¡¯t spoken to their mom in a while and she kind of missed her constant calls.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°They will be around by tomorrow morning, dad had a little stuff to take care of back home and mom didn¡¯t want to leave her husband behind,¡±


    ¡°Cool,¡±


    ¡°Mom¡¯s gonna give you an ear full when shees to see you,¡±


    Lc revealed.


    She smiled, they went on and on about different stuff, talking for hours, it was refreshing and Katrina was grateful that they came by, she ordered lunch which they shared while gisting andughing.


    ¡°Oh, less I forget,¡±


    Lc said getting up to get her bag, they wereying on the floor watching a movie, Katrina looked at her as she handed something looking like a card to her.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    She asked already opening it.


    ¡°An invitation for the opening of the new hotel,¡±


    Lc answered and went back to sit where she had been before, she carefully opened the invitation card, it was pretty, maybe Leah or Lc designed it.


    ¡°Wow,¡±


    She voiced when she opened it, it had her name written on it, shocking because she had not been expecting an invitation, as much as her heart wanted it to be Lucas that invited her not his family, she knew that wasn¡¯t the case, he hadn¡¯t even tried to contact her or anything since she left, he forgot about herpletely, which was okay even though she is hurt, it helped her get over him.


    ¡°Yeah right, you ain¡¯t over him girl,¡±


    The voice in her head whispered, but she ignored it there was no need to argue, she knew she was over him.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you choose the pattern? It looks so good,¡±


    ¡°No, Lucas did and it one of a kind, totally different from the one other people got, he made it just for you, he might be stupid sometimes but he has a little sense too,¡±


    Lc said, Katrina knew better than to read any meaning to it, it was just an invitation nothing more.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty,¡±


    ¡°So are youing? Apart from the opening, you have something else you wanna tell Lucas right?¡±


    Leah asked sounding serious and all Katrina could think was that she knew, she was just pretending not to know, they shared a look and Leah nodded as she understood her without her having to say anything.


    ¡°What other thing does she have to tell that moron? Maybe punch him? Because I am up for that, he may be my brother but he is such a loser,¡±


    Lc said she seemed not to notice what Leah had, maybe because Leah have a lot more experience.


    ¡°Shut up girl,¡±


    Leah said before turning to face her again.


    ¡°So are youing? We can help you do some ass whopping if it needs to be done, you know you have to Katrina, you can¡¯t hide it for longer,¡±


    She added.


    ¡°Wait what are you talking about? What am I missing here?¡±


    Lc asked looking from her to Leah, she saw no reason in hiding it from her, she was gonna pest Leah until she tells her anyway so she thought it was better to tell her herself.


    ¡°I am pregnant, Lac,¡±


    She voiced, pulling her shirt back for her to see, she watched the shock then the realization, then the look of betraying directed to her sister run through Lc¡¯s face, finally it settled for excitement.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, this is good news, oh my God, oh my God, we are going to be sisters finally,¡±


    She said happily dancing around the room, Katrina wished she could share in her joy but she didn¡¯t even know how she was going to tell their bother yet.


    ¡°Keep it down Lc,¡±


    Leahmanded and she kept quiet, the both of them stared expectantly at her.


    ¡°You have to tell him, he needs to know, don¡¯t worry we aren¡¯t gonna say a word, not even to our parents until you do it,¡±


    Leah said, holding her hands.


    ¡°Why are you so sure he is the father? I didn¡¯t even say anything,¡±


    ¡°Because we know you Kat and we know how you feel about our brother, he feels the same too, he just too dumb to see it,¡±


    Lc said.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°He does Katrina, he loves you but like I said he is too dumb to admit it to himself,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I can¡¯t believe that,¡±


    She replied, she wasn¡¯t going to delude herself, not when she worked so hard to forget him, he didn¡¯t care about her.


    ¡°So?¡±


    Lc asked eagerly.


    ¡°I will attend and I will tell him,¡±


    ¡°Yes!!¡±


    She screamed in response but kept quiet when Leah gave her a dirty look.


    ¡°Sorry, I am just so happy, I hope the moron won¡¯t ruin it for me, I will castrate him,¡±


    She said.


    ¡°Good, now let¡¯s talk about the dress you are wearing, let¡¯s leave out the over serious talks,¡±


    Leah said smiling at her.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do some online emergency shopping,¡±


    Lc hyped.


    Katrina watched them as they busy themselves choosing dresses from the online shop, she was worried about how Lucas would react to the news of her pregnancy, will he think she did it to trap him, was he going to tell her off?


    ¡°Kat, stop with the sad party, and let¡¯s get you a dress if you choose so that the loser can see what he is missing,¡±


    Lc called, she smiled and joined them¡­

 Chapter Forty-five

    ¡°Are you sure about this Jord? I know I promised Leah and Lc that I will attend but I don¡¯t think I should,¡±


    Katrina said to Jordan while she got dressed for the party, she could imagine Jordan rolling his eyes at her over the phone but she was scared and nervous enough not to care.


    ¡°We talked about this girl, you have to,¡±


    He replied, he was already at the venue as his boss had called himst minute and he had left, he called just to tell her he went ahead to the venue after he was done at the office, she was already dressed, she just didn¡¯t feel like leaving the house, she stood up and checked her reflection in the mirror, the dress thedies had helped her pick was a beautiful blue evening gown, it was simple yet it fitted her so well but she was scared everyone is gonna take one look at her and know she was pregnant.


    ¡°I should just call him and tell him over the phone,¡±


    She said sitting back down in resignation.


    ¡°No waydy, youe to the party and you tell him after, don¡¯t even think about it or I aming over to drag you here myself,¡±


    Jordan warned.


    ¡°Fine, I am on my way,¡±


    She replied and ended the call before Jordan could say more, she got up from the bed before she could change her mind, picked up her purse, and headed out of her house, she got into her car and drive towards the venue.


    ¡°We are doing it today, now or never Katrina Jones,¡±


    She told herself as she drove to the new hotel, it took her about an hour to get there, and all through the journey, she kept telling herself it was the right thing to do.


    ¡°Katrina? God to see you here princess,¡±


    Someone greeted when she got out of her car in the big parking lot that housed numerous other cars, she looked up to a familiar face that she has seen much over thest three months, she had regretted giving him her new address as he has been a constant visitor.


    ¡°Hello, Nas, nice to meet you here too,¡±


    She greeted, she wasn¡¯tfortable in his presence anymore not when he kept pestering her about epting his advances, she had told him she wasn¡¯t interested but he seemed to be the type who doesn¡¯t take no for an answer.


    ¡°Yeah, you have been avoiding my calls, I see why,¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You are back with that loser,¡±


    ¡°Excuse you? Back with who, please I don¡¯t have the strength for this right now, if you don¡¯t mind, I am leaving,¡±


    She said walking away from him but he pulled her back.


    ¡°Let go of me Nas, what is wrong with you?¡±


    She questioned eyeing him.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you give me a chance? What does he have that I don¡¯t? Money? I have more money than he does, face, it¡¯s obvious I am better too so what¡¯s with him that you can¡¯t seem to see me no matter how I try? Do you want me to get him off the way? Will that make youe to me? I can make that happen,¡±


    He voiced, Katrina got scared by the way he sounded and he was holding on too tight and it hurt.


    ¡°Let go of me Nas, you are hurting me,¡±


    She said willing her hormones not to make her cry.


    ¡°You will be mine, whether you like it or not, even if it means getting Lucas out of the way,¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? You sound sick, why can¡¯t you just get it into your head that I don¡¯t like you, even if I am with Lucas which I am not, I am not going to look at you, I said it before you are not my type,¡±


    She almost yelled but she controlled herself and made sure he got his word, he looked scary.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? Is there a problem?¡±


    A security man asked as he walked towards them, Nas let go of her hand, before getting into the car next to hers and driving off without another word, she turned to the security guard and forced a smile.


    ¡°Thank you,¡±


    ¡°No problem, the entrance is that way,¡±


    The security directed, she nodded and walked towards the direction, her hand still hurting from where Nas held her but that wasn¡¯t even her main problem, her main problem was facing Lucas again¡­


    ****Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas looked around again, the event was starting soon, the whole auditorium was almost filled up, with people moving in circles and greeting each other, he has been standing up here and watching his guest fill the ce, but the one person he waited her arrive hasn¡¯t shown up, she wasn¡¯t here yet, her best friend was here already, he saw him earlier and had wanted to ask for her but his pride has gotten the better of him, he thought she would show up but right now he wasn¡¯t sure anymore, Katrina was a woman that kept to time, that she wasn¡¯t here now meant she might not show up, his heart sank at the thought of it, he had looked forward to seeing her here, not that he had anything to tell her but he just wanted to see her again, when his sisters hade back and said she epted the invitation, he had felt whole and happiness that he couldn¡¯t describe, well guess she changed her mind.


    ¡°Lucas? Are you waiting for someone? You have been looking around like you are expecting someone to show up,¡±


    His sister Lc said as she walked up to him.


    ¡°No, I am not, I am just looking at how many people turned up, I wasn¡¯t expecting this many people to show up,¡±


    He lied, if he told her, she would mock him.


    ¡°Liar, don¡¯t worry she will show up,¡±


    She said patting his back.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about,¡±


    ¡°Lucas, just a bit of friendly advice from your beloved sister, if you mess it up tonight, you might not get a chance again, can you really live with that? Don¡¯t say anything just think about it, and make the right choices, do you prefer to keep lying to yourself and lose her for good or are you going to admit it that you can¡¯t do without her? Bear in mind that she is leaving the country for good after tonight, think about how you feel now, and what it will be like if she leaves for good, I am not telling you what to do, but I will like it if you don¡¯t mess it up because I want you to be happy, everyone wants you to be,¡±


    She said and left him there, he looked around again, this was it, he didn¡¯t need Katrina or any woman, he was perfectly okay being by himself, he didn¡¯t want theplications thate with loving someone, even if she doesn¡¯t show up, he will be fine, he wasn¡¯t anxious to see her maybe he just wanted to know that she was okay, that was it, he looked around onest time as he heard the MC of the night telling everyone one toe to the auditorium, he checked the time and it was past seven already.


    ¡°Well, I guess she isn¡¯t going toe,¡±


    He said to himself, he didn¡¯t want to admit it but he felt sad.


    ¡°Get over it,¡±


    He told himself, he looked again as his family began to fill the auditorium too, his mom dad, sisters, and distant rtives, some of which he hadn¡¯t seen since Lc¡¯s wedding, as he made to go down, his eyesnded on someone, someone he hasn¡¯t seen in the crowd, his heart leaped for joy, happiness, and a warmed feeling that he wasn¡¯t sure he had the power to feel enveloped him, it¡¯s her, she was here,  she looked so gorgeous like he remembered, she was wearing a beautiful blue dinner gown, looking all shades of pretty, while she exchanged greetings and hugs with his family, their eyes met and held, he smiled at her but she looked away.


    ¡°Boy, that hurt,¡±


    The tiny voice in his head whispered.


    ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Yeah right, now look at yourself and say that again,¡±


    It whispered before he had time to go over that, the MC called for him, he walked downstairs to the auditorium, he went up the podium, as the MC passed the mic to him, he looked down at everyone sitting and looking at him, his eyes found their way to Katrina, she sat with his family, looking at her up close, she looked different in a good way.


    ¡°What were you expecting? For her to be miserable? Get over yourself dude,¡±


    The tiny voice whispered again, he mped it down and started his speech.


    ¡°Distinguishdies and gentlemen, thank you all for gathering here tonight for the grand opening of the new Evan¡¯s hotel, it took a while to get this project done and I will like to thank everyone who helped in every little way they can, special thanks to Mr. Reuben who saw me worthy and allowed me to start this,¡±


    He said and Reuben waved in the crowd, it has been easier than he thought to get Reuben to attend, he had asked of Katrina and he had told him they were taking time off, Reuben had said the same thing his family members have been ringing in his ears ¡°Don¡¯t make the mistake of letting her go,¡±


    ¡°Also, I will like to thank my parents, sisters, and family for always being there and supporting me, to everyone who works for Evan¡¯s cooperation, thank you so much, you all are part of our sess story, I wouldn¡¯t have gotten this far without you. To every guest present here, thank you for making out time from your busy schedule toe to support me, I am grateful,¡±


    He paused and looked around, everyone had their attention on him, his eyes found Katrina and this time, she smiled at him, that caught him off guard, his heart leaped and his heartbeat increased, it seemed like something changed in that moment, he couldn¡¯t make out what it was but having her smile at him like that, like she was proud of him, it felt healing and he wanted to keep that feeling, he wanted to keep her, he didn¡¯t know how it did but it clicked right there, he loved her, he was in love with her, he had been stupid, he should have known, why else would he have had an invitation card printed out just for her, why else did he still have her photos in his phone? And at his house? The stuff she had left there was still intact, even the bowl of ice cream she hadn¡¯t finished thest time she was at his house, he should have known, but he was a fool, a fool that just knew, he looked at her again before continuing his speech.


    ¡°Finally, I would like to thank someone special and dear to me, she might not know it but I care about her a lot more than she thinks, a lot more than even I think, she yed a huge role in all of this and has been a part of my life, that I took for granted, she was there through the hardest of it, saw me break down and saw me rise, she knows me more than anyone else even my family, I know I messed up but I am going to fix it, thank you, Katrina, for being there, for  being a support even though I am such a pain in the ass,¡±


    He said, looking at her, she looked shocked as the crowd apuded, he smiled at her hoping it was not toote to fix things, he didn¡¯t want a life without her and he had been a fool for not realizing it earlier, he should have known¡­

 Chapter Forty-six

    Katrina was too shocked to say a word or even p, everyone was pping, but her mind seemed to be locked in the past, few minutes ago, Lucas, he said, could it be? Or was she overthinking it, but his words, the way he looked at her while he said them, she reyed it over and over again,


    ¡°Kat? Can we talk?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She looked up in shock as he stood in front of her, she hadn¡¯t known when he left the podium but he was standing in front of her, he looked fresh and handsome as always, his familiar swell hit her nostrils, oh how much she missed that swell, how much she missed him.


    ¡°Kat?¡±


    ¡°Right now, the ceremony is just starting,¡±


    ¡°Go with him Katrina, my dad is giving a speech so, it¡¯s nothing much,¡±


    Leah said patting her, she looked at the podium and Lucas¡¯s parents were there, she didn¡¯t even know.


    ¡°Shall we?¡±


    He asked stretching his hand, she took it and they both walked out of the auditorium, her heart was beating so fast, what did he want to talk to her about? Could it be what she thinks it will be? Or was she overreading it again? She didn¡¯t want to be disappointed, plus she still had to tell him about the baby, she had thought she will tell him after, that she would like to speak to him and fix a date when they can meet, but right, she didn¡¯t know, would she just tell him now and leave the party?


    Her thoughts were cut off when he opened the door to one of the rooms and they both entered, he let go of her hand.


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    He whispered.


    ¡°Huh? Congrattions,¡±


    She said,cking any other thing to say.


    ¡°How have you been Kat?¡±


    ¡°Fine, as you can see,¡±


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°I think we should head back since we don¡¯t have anything to say to each other, the party has barely started and I don¡¯t want to seem rude which is why I followed you, congrattions on the opening of your hotel,¡±


    Katrina blurted out, she wasn¡¯t sure what pushed her to say those words but they were out before she could stop herself and there was no way of getting them back, she knew she had to tell him but not at the party and definitely not at the beginning of the party, okay she was confused and it was showing.


    ¡°I have something to say to you though, I have a lot to say,¡±


    ¡°Well, you aren¡¯t saying anything,¡±


    ¡°I want to but I don¡¯t even know where to start from,¡±


    ¡°Lucas? Really? Lucas Evans doesn¡¯t know where to start from that doesn¡¯t seem like the Lucas I know,¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t me me, can you? I be a different person with you, even I don¡¯t get myself when it involves you,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what you are talking about Lucas, can you go straight to the point? I don¡¯t fancy standing in the middle of a bedroom,¡±


    ¡°You can sit if you want,¡±


    ¡°Can I leave too?¡±


    She asked pointing at the door, whatever possessed her was doing the most and she hope she won¡¯t regret itter.


    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Ddaeng! I will just sit then,¡±


    She replied taking her seat.


    ¡°Are you seeing someone Kat?¡±


    ¡°Huh, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s your business Lucas, we aren¡¯t close, you can¡¯t ask me questions about my private life,¡±


    ¡°Okay, you aren¡¯t seeing anyone, thank God,¡±


    ¡°What? I never said I wasn¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to, I know already,¡±


    He answered smiling, she wondered what was amusing that was making him smile, he left a room full of guests and is here asking her if she was in a rtionship, maybe he was high.


    ¡°Okay, I think I am done here,¡±


    She said getting up and adjusting her dress.


    ¡°I am out,¡±


    She added.


    ¡°I am not done yet,¡±


    He said.


    ¡°Well, I am, we don¡¯t have anything to say to each other,¡±


    ¡°I do,¡±


    ¡°Okay,st chance, what do you want from me, Lucas?¡±


    She asked sitting back down.


    ¡°You,¡±


    He whispered, what was the use of sitting in the first ce because she was up again, she must have heard him wrong.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    She asked.


    ¡°Yes, Kat, you,¡±


    ¡°Wow, I have no words, Lucas, I can¡¯t believe you are doing this right now, have some shame, Lucas,¡±


    She replied angrily, angry at herself, angry at him, what had she been expecting?


    ¡°Why will I be ashamed of wanting you, Katrina?¡±


    ¡°I am just going to leave now, it¡¯s clear you are out of your mind,¡±


    ¡°Wait, Katrina,¡±


    ¡°Wait for what Lucas?¡±


    ¡°I think I am going about this the wrong way, you are not getting what I mean,¡±


    ¡°Oh but I get you, Lucas, you need a quicky and you thought, well here is the good ol¡¯ Katrina, she can¡¯t resist me, well guess what? I can and I am out of here,¡±


    She fired at him, going for the door, what the fuck did he take her for? He thought she was easy and cheap.


    ¡°Oh God, that¡¯s not what I meant Katrina, can you hear me out please?¡±


    ¡°What the fuck did you mean then?¡±


    Katrina yelled.


    ¡°I love you!!¡±


    He yelled back.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I love you, Katrina, that¡¯s what I have been trying to say, I want you with me, not because I need a quicky but because I love you,¡±


    He answered, Katrina couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing, he was joking, he had to be ying a game because there was no way Lucas will love her, he didn¡¯t do love, he told her so.


    ¡°Is that a new strategy Lucas?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not, I love you, Katrina, I know I messed up and it took me quite a while toe to terms with how I feel about you but it¡¯s true, I love you and want you back in my life,¡±


    He said. She couldn¡¯t believe he was saying those words, words she thought she can only hear from him in her dreams but here he was telling her those yet her heart didn¡¯t feel the excitement she thought it will feel, she just couldn¡¯t ce how she took his deration of love, he had all these past months to look for her and tell her how he felt but he waited till now, what if she hasn¡¯te to the party? What if she had relocated? Will he havee to terms with his feelings, it didn¡¯t just feel right with her.


    ¡°I have got to go, I came here to congratte you and I have done that,¡±


    She said turning to exit the room but he held her back.


    ¡°Kat, please, believe me, I love you, I am sorry I didn¡¯t realize on time please, give me another chance, please? I promise I will make it right,¡±


    ¡°There is nothing to make right Lucas, this sudden deration of love is not it, please let me go, I can¡¯t stay here, where were you all those months, why now? I am just starting to get over you please don¡¯t take me back, okay? You don¡¯t love me, you are just saying it now, I don¡¯t even know why you are doing this but please don¡¯t,¡±


    She said taking her hand away from his, but he held her again.


    ¡°I can¡¯t Kat,¡±


    ¡°Lucas!!¡±


    ¡°Please Kat, I know you love me too,¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything because I don¡¯t love you anymore so you can¡¯t fool me, whatever I felt for you ended,¡±


    She lied, she knew her lies were so weak but she had to, he was using those words against her and she will be a fool to fall for them.


    ¡°I love you, Katrina, I want to be with you, even if you don¡¯t love me right now, I can wait, you loved me before and you can love me again,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so Lucas,¡±


    ¡°Katrina, look at me, please? Can you look at me?¡±


    ¡°Why? Lucas? Just why?¡±


    ¡°Kat¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just leave me alone? I was doing fine Lucas, don¡¯t do this to me now, I don¡¯t deserve this please,¡±


    She begged, she was weak again and her lovesick heart was giving in to those words, he was winning again.


    ¡°Katrina,¡±


    He whispereding closer to her and lifting her face to look at him, she did, but what she saw in those eyes made her turn away, she couldn¡¯t believe they were true, no, eyes could lie.


    ¡°Katrina, don¡¯t turn away from me, please, I know I don¡¯t deserve another chance but I am willing to do everything to win you back, just don¡¯t shut me out, please, give me the chance to prove to you that I love you, I was a fool to think I didn¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Can we talk about this after the party? Your guests might be waiting for you,¡±


    She said, she needed time toe to terms with what he was saying as she was still in shock, she didn¡¯t want to make any mistakes, plus she still had to tell him about the baby.


    ¡°If you promise not to run away after the party,¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t, I promise,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°Okay, we will talk after the ceremony ends, you can wait here in this room, and we will talk,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    ¡°Good,¡±


    He said and dropped an unexpected kiss on her forehead, she hadn¡¯t expected it and grasped it when he did.


    ¡°I love you and I am going to do everything to get you back, Katrina,¡±


    He added, she turned and left him there, going back downstairs to the auditorium, she avoided the gaze of everyone, hoping that Lucas¡¯s sisters won¡¯t ask her any questions and thankfully they didn¡¯t, the party went by in a blur, and soon everyone was leaving, she looked for Jordan but couldn¡¯t find him, she was about to call him when she got a text from him saying he already left, she texted him back that she was going to talk to Lucas before she leaves and he responded wishing her good luck, she still wanted to call him and tell him what Lucas said but she knew Jordan will tell her to make the right choices, right now she didn¡¯t even know what that was, will it be fine to ept him or should she go back to being on her own?


    To distract herself she exchanged pleasantries with a few people she knew from the office, some said they didn¡¯t know she had quit because she was always up in the office early and never leaves except Lucas and her were going out or she was going to have lunch and they said they thought she just stayed in the office more since Lucas now had more secretaries, apparently Jordan hadn¡¯t said a word neither had the new secretaries.


    ¡°Kat, you are spending the night here right?¡±


    Lc askeding to stand next to her, she looked tired.


    ¡°Yes, I guess,¡±


    She replied she didn¡¯t know yet.


    ¡°That¡¯s good and I hope you guys can work it out Katrina, my brother might be stupid sometimes but if he says he wants to fix things then he means it, I can¡¯t tell you what to do but I can at least beg on his behalf, please do give him a chance for us,¡±


    She said, Katrina nodded, she didn¡¯t want to promise anything she wasn¡¯t even sure.


    ¡°Goodnight Katrina,¡±


    ¡°Night Lac,¡±


    She responded, and turned to an acquaintance who greeted her.


    After only a few minutes of meeting old co-workers she went upstairs into the room she and Lucas had talked in earlier, she was so tired and her feet hurts, so she took off her shoes andy on the bed waiting for him toe so that they can talk, she concluded she was just going to tell him about the baby as for his deration of love she still didn¡¯t know what to do with it¡­

 Chapter Forty-seven

    Lucas stayed out until thest rounds of guests that were going back to their respective homes left, the ones that were spending the night at the hotel were still around and some were already in their rooms, the whole event had been smooth and it ended about an hour ago, Lucas turned to the staff nearest to him and gave him instructions before heading towards the room he had chosen for him and Katrina, he saw her going that way earlier and it had made him d, at least she still wanted them to talk, she hadn¡¯t believed his deration of love which had hurt but he couldn¡¯t me her, he did worst to her, he just hoped she would forgive him and give him another chance.


    His parents and siblings already turned in for the night, they hadn¡¯t asked him any questions, but he knew they were curious, he hoped he will have good news to share with them by morning.


    When he entered the room, he found her sleeping, she still had her clothes and makeup on so he assumed she fell asleep while waiting for him, she looked ufortable the way she slept, he didn¡¯t want to wake her but he needed to help her sleep right or she might feel numbness when she wakes up, going over to where sheid half on the bed, her foot still on the ground, he helped her into the bed properly, he noticed a great change in her appearance, he had noticed earlier when they hade here to talk, she added some weight and looked prettier, she had this glow that the makeup she wore couldn¡¯t give.


    She must have been doing well without him, maybe he should take her word for it and just leave her alone, he had a chance to be with her, a shining opportunity to be happy, to be loved and he had stupidly let her go, all because of a past mistake, all because one other woman cheated on him and made a fool out of him, he couldn¡¯t believe he took it out on Katrina, Katrina will never be like Loren, he called her selfish but he was the selfish one, the foolish one, but still he wanted her to give him a chance, now that he hase to his senses he couldn¡¯t imagine a life without her in it, he couldn¡¯t imagine her fallen for someone else, he had to get her back.


    He watched her sleep, she rolled over,ying on her back, her stomach bulging out, it looked swollen, maybe she had a little too much to eat, but then she hadn¡¯t eaten much because he had been watching her, she sat with his family so he knew, she had toyed with her te barely eating anything, so why was her tummy looking big unless, no way, she couldn¡¯t be, or could she be pregnant? With his child?


    ¡°Oh my God,¡±


    He whispered as he thought about the possibility of that happening, what if she was really pregnant, it looked so to him, he hoped it was true, that he wasn¡¯t just dreaming it up, if she was pregnant with his child, then he might just have a chance of proving to her that she was meant for him, he never wished so bad for something the way he wished his thoughts were true right now.


    He gently ced his hand over her tummy, held his breath as he waited for the movement that he knew he would feel if she was pregnant, he send a silent prayer to heaven hoping for it to be true, but after feeling her stomach for a couple of minutes without getting any response, the disappointment settled in, she wasn¡¯t pregnant, like he hoped, he made to remove his hand from her stomach and then it happened, that little move, it changed his world, his eyes watered, he felt the movement again and his heart leaped with joy, she was carrying his child, he couldn¡¯t have been happier, this day just got even better, he was going to be a dad, he was sure of the fact that the baby was his, he didn¡¯t need a prophet to tell him that, he knew his woman so well and now he would do everything to make her love him again, to make her be his forever.


    ¡°I am going to fight for the both of you little one,¡±


    He whispered, the baby seemed to agree as it moved again, this time it was more clear, he wiped the stray tears that dropped off, she didn¡¯t look like she would wake up anytime soon, he decided to wipe off her makeup, he got a few wipes from the cab in the room and gently wiped off her makeup, Kat was a heavy sleeper and he remembered when she said she sleeps when she knows she is safe and having her peacefully sleeping right now gave him so much joy and hope that things will work out fine for them.


    After cleaning off her makeup, he took off his own clothes leaving only his undies, heid next to her, ced his hands on her tummy again, he couldn¡¯t resist it.


    ¡°I love you,¡±


    He whispered to both his world, he would not get tired of telling her, of telling them and he was going to make sure to keep telling them every day for the rest of his life as long as Katrina lets him¡­


    ****


    ¡°Oh my God, I slept off,¡±


    Was what woke him up the next morning, he had fallen asleep while watching and waiting for her to wake up.


    ¡°Good morning princess,¡±


    He said, rubbing his eyes to clear off sleep, she got off the bed.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up? I waited for you toe in and must have fallen asleep, you should have woken me up,¡±


    She scolded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to wake you, you looked so tired, plus you know it quite hard to wake you up, you didn¡¯t even know when I removed your make up,¡±


    He said pointing at her face.


    ¡°You should have woken me up Mr.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, next time I will,¡±


    ¡°There is no next time, after today we won¡¯t  be seeing each other again,¡±


    ¡°Kat,¡±


    ¡°No, Lucas, I don¡¯t ept your love, I don¡¯t care about you anymore, you don¡¯t deserve a second chance,¡±


    She let out, he felt sick, her words hurt, was this how she felt when he had told her he didn¡¯t care about her? It was so painful and he felt worst knowing just how much pain he had caused her.


    ¡°Kat, go take a bath, and I will do the same then we can talk,¡±


    He said getting off the bed, his eyes went to her stomach, he wanted to ask her but he needed to get her to give him a second chance first, no way was he going to use the baby, he trusted Katrina enough to know that she wouldn¡¯t keep his kid away from him, he understood why she hadn¡¯t told him, she was hurt by him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, I will do that when I get home,¡±


    ¡°Baby, you know y***¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking baby me, I hate you, Lucas,¡±


    She yelled cutting him off.


    ¡°No, you love me, and you know what? I love you too,¡±


    He said walking up to where she stood.


    ¡°You are wrong Lucas, I don¡¯t love you anymore,¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s say that¡¯s true, let¡¯s say you don¡¯t, but I do, I love you, Katrina, you loved me once, you can love me again, I can¡¯t let you go, Katrina, I can¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°But you did, three months ago, you let me go, you didn¡¯t bother to check up on me, so why now?¡±


    ¡°I was a fool, but I did, I did but I couldn¡¯t find you at your house and your number wasn¡¯t going through, Jordan wouldn¡¯t tell me anything even when I asked nicely,¡±


    ¡°You did?¡±


    ¡°Yes, baby,¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    She asked, he looked at her and knew his answer will go a long way, he chose his next words with care.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, at that time I didn¡¯t know, I just felt that I should see you, maybe because I missed you maybe because my heart already realized it loved you, it took a while for my brain to get the memo, I can¡¯t lie and say I knew, I saw youst night and it all finally clicked, maybe if I had met you when I went to see you, maybe it might have clicked, I don¡¯t know I am stupid and naive when ites to love, I just don¡¯t know how to act which is why I messed it up, but I can fix it, just give me a chance to, please Katrina,¡±


    He said going on his knees in front of her, totally doing away with his pride, he didn¡¯t need that when his happiness was more important.


    ¡°You are such an emotional ckmailer,¡±


    She whispered.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you fool me with words, I can¡¯t, I have to think of myself, not just myself, I have to think of my b**¡±


    He held his breath and waited for her to finish it but she didn¡¯t, he knew what she was about to say before she stopped talking.


    ¡°I am not asking for you to forgive me immediately, I am not asking for you to take me back just like that but please, just give me a chance to show you that I mean every word, I promise, I will show you that I am in love with you,¡±


    He pleaded.


    ¡°Can you get up, you are making me feel bad,¡±


    She said, she looked like she was going to cry, he got off and held her hands.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry, I don¡¯t want you to cry,¡±


    ¡°Are you for real? Do you know how much tears I have shed for you? This is nothingpared to the number of tears that I have shed.¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°I am sorry I made you cry, I promise I won¡¯t let that happen again if you give me another chance,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie Lucas, you are going to make me cry again, and I am the fool here because I am giving you that power again,¡±


    She replied hitting him on the chest, his heart leaped at her words.


    ¡°Does this mean, you are going to give me a chance?¡±


    ¡°Yes moron, how can I say no when you are being so real? Have I ever been able to say no to you?¡±


    ¡°Oh my God Katrina,¡±


    He said hugging her, feeling his world be whole again.


    ¡°I am a fool,¡±


    She whispered.


    ¡°No, you are not, I am going to show you that you are not,¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that,¡±


    She said, he hugged her closer, feeling their baby between them, his world, his family, he wasn¡¯t going to let go, he was going to spend the rest of his life showing them just how much she loved them, just how much he loves her.


    ¡°I love you, Katrina,¡±


    He whispered kissing her neck, he didn¡¯t expect her to respond, it hurt when she didn¡¯t but he understood, he would work hard to get those words from her.


    ¡°Oh, shit,¡±


    She said pushing him off, he got scared that she might take back her words.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Huh, I¡­, Didn¡¯t you feel anything? You know, like a¡­ Huh..,¡±


    She asked tripling on her words, he kind of had an idea what she was trying to say as she was holding her tummy, he smiled.


    ¡°What¡¯s that? Katrina?¡±


    He asked, she was avoiding his eyes.


    ¡°Huh, I¡­, You know¡­,¡±


    ¡°Just say it,¡±


    He persuaded.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°You love me too?¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He teased, he knew that wasn¡¯t what she wanted to say.


    ¡°No, dummy, I am pregnant,¡±


    She let out and covered her mouth with her hands, he just smiled, happy to finally hear her say it confirming what he already knew¡­

 Chapter Forty-eight

    Katrina waited for his words, would he me her and rebuke her for not telling him earlier? She hadn¡¯t meant to just blurt it out but it came out, and she couldn¡¯t take it back now, he didn¡¯t react the way she expected, she looked at him and he wasn¡¯t even shocked, he was smiling, he knew, since when did he know?


    ¡°You are not shocked? You are not angry?¡±


    ¡°No, I already figured it out, I mean we slept on the same bed it would be hard not to notice.¡±


    He replied smiling, this wasn¡¯t the reaction she had been expecting.


    ¡°When did you figure it out?¡±


    ¡°Last night, I was watching you sleep and we¡¯ll I noticed a lot of change, then you turned and it all made sense, I did ce my hand on it to be sure and that moment finding out that you are carrying my baby was the best moment of my life, it feels good to finally have confirmation,¡±


    ¡°How are you so sure that the baby is yours? I mean we broke up three months ago, it could belong to someone else,¡±


    ¡°I am sure because I know you Katrina and also you just told me, why will you tell me if it isn¡¯t mine,¡±


    ¡°Oh, you are not angry? You don¡¯t think I did this intensionally to tie you down?¡±


    She asked watching him for any show of difort but there wasn¡¯t any.


    ¡°Why will I be angry?¡±


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t tell you earlier,¡±


    ¡°I am not angry baby, I am the happiest man on Earth right now, and also I don¡¯t feel tied I feel full and whole,¡±


    He saiding close to her again and holding her hands, she let him hold her, he ced his hand on her tummy where their baby resided and the little one jumped as if weing her dad, she looked up at him with her eyes watering.


    ¡°Oh my God Katrina, it moved, I mean I have felt it move before but this feels so surreal,¡±


    He said with so many emotions.


    ¡°It¡¯s felt that way for me too when I first felt it, and every day it¡¯s brand new the feeling I get when she moves,¡±


    Katrina said biting back the tears that almost dropped.


    ¡°I was such a fool to let you go, Katrina, I missed you so much, I tried to tell myself that I didn¡¯t want you around that I didn¡¯t need you but it was hard, I couldn¡¯t go home and sleep on my bed because it reminded me of you, the office, God every day I kept imagining you been there, the only thing that kept me going was working on this hotel, a distraction but when all the works were done and there wasn¡¯t any distraction again, well I realized how lonely I was, God I am saying nonsense,¡±


    He said letting go of her and covering his face.


    ¡°No, I want to hear them, everything you have to say,¡±


    She said removing his hands from his face, he looked and the emotions she saw there scared her, could she let herself believe, would she be ying a fool to ept him, he looked so sincere that she just wanted to risk it all and believe him.


    ¡°I have nothing more to say, Kat, other than I love you and want to spend the rest of my life showing just how much.¡±


    He said and she knew, she knew then that she was going to take the risk and let him in again.


    ¡°Do you really love me?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help asking again.


    ¡°Yes I do, with my whole heart,¡±


    ¡°Tish, that¡¯s exaggerating,¡±


    ¡°But I do, I love you, princess,¡±


    ¡°Well, if I don¡¯t give you a chance then your family might hunt me down so I am going to***¡±


    ¡°Really!!!¡±


    He let out loudly cutting her off, he looked like a little kid excited for Christmas, he looked nothing like the Lucas she knew who cringe and frown at the slightest talk of love, he must really love her.


    ¡°Yes, plus I don¡¯t think I can handle this alone,¡±


    She said pointing to her baby bump, yes she tried but she knew it would be hard birthing a baby alone, she had so much respect for single parents, she needed someone to rely on through this and for the person to be the one she love the most, it would be a dreame true, yes she still loved him, she never stopped loving him, she tried to fool herself into believing she didn¡¯t anymore but lying to oneself is literally impossible, knowing that he loves her too still didn¡¯t feel like it was real, what if she wakes up and this is all a dream? What will she do?


    ¡°I am not dreaming right?¡±


    ¡°No, you are not,¡±


    ¡°This is real and you love me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it real, yes, I love you,¡±


    ¡°God, I never thought this day wille,¡±


    ¡°Me too, after what happened with Loren, I thought my heart was shut for life that I couldn¡¯t possibly give someone my heart again, little did I know that my heart already belong to someone, I am so slow sometimes,¡±


    ¡°You are not, you were just being careful because once beating twice shy, I feel the same too so I understand,¡±


    ¡°Stop trying to defend me, I did wrong,¡±


    ¡°Of course you did, but I am saying I understand you, okay? But that doesn¡¯t mean I am gonna take it easy on you, you took it out on me and I would have taken my heartbreak out on someone else too but since it¡¯s you, you are going to have to bear it because the one that broke my heart is you,¡±


    ¡°I know and I am ready, just don¡¯t close the door on me,¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t, it hurt but it¡¯s in the past now, you are here now so let¡¯s see how it goes,¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Katrina, you don¡¯t know how much this means to me,¡±


    ¡°Well if you are that grateful then feed me, I am hungry, your kid wanna eat,¡±


    She said as her stomach let out a groan.


    ¡°Yes ma, I will call room service,¡±


    He said, he walked to where the phone was and ced a call across to room service before walking back to where she was, he pulled her closer, she let him and he smiled dropping a kiss on her forehead, she let out a sigh and melted into his hug.


    ¡°I never thought I will get this chance again, I promise you won¡¯t regret giving me this chance,¡±


    He said and she hoped so, hoped that she won¡¯t end up regretting giving in to him.


    She spent the rest of the morning with Lucas¡¯s family as Lucas still had some things to tend to for the proper opening of the hotel by Monday, of course, his family members were trailed when Lucas had told them that he loved her and that they were expecting a child together, they had weed her with open hands and his mom had even suggested that they both go visit at Arizona for the birth of the baby as much as Katrina would love that she wanted her family to be part of the birth too, even if her mom didn¡¯t yet know who the father of her child was she already was making preparations for the birth, so when his mom had suggested it, she just smiled and said when the timees they will decide, when Lucas had left them alone of course his sisters had swamped her with questions of when their wedding will hold and if he had popped the question, she had tough them off and told them she wasn¡¯t ready yet.


    ¡°Kat, I will take you home now,¡±


    Lucas announced as he walked into the room that she was with his sisters, he looked tired.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to, you look stressed, just take a rest, I brought my car, I was just waiting for you toe back before I leave,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I can manage, I will take you home and have the driver bring your car,¡±


    He insisted, she agreed without arguing further, she was tired too and needed time on her own.


    ¡°We will be seeing you around Katrina,¡±


    Leah said as she hugged them and followed Lucas out of the hotel room.


    ¡°I hope they didn¡¯t bother you much, I know they can be pests sometimes,¡±


    ¡°No, they did,¡±


    ¡°Good, so when will I see you again?¡±


    He asked as they got into his car.


    ¡°Anytime except today, I need to be on my own,¡±


    ¡°Okay fair enough, thank you,¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He said as he zoomed out of the hotel.


    ¡°Take care of yourself, Katrina, I will call you,¡±


    Lucas said as they arrived at her apartment about thirty minutester.


    ¡°I will, you too,¡±


    ¡°Thanks again Katrina, I am grateful,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I will go now,¡±


    She said getting off the car and waving him goodbye, she walked up to her apartment and entered her house, she let out a sigh of relief, finally happy to be alone, not that she didn¡¯t like hispany or his family¡¯spany bit do much has happened fromst night to this morning that she needed enough time to process the whole thing, she needed her own time.


    ¡°Bitch? You are just getting home? Wow, I see,¡±


    Jordan saiding out of the room he uses when hees over, she didn¡¯t know he would be here.


    ¡°Yes I just did, Jordan, I didn¡¯t know you will be here,¡±


    ¡°I have been here sincest night, I thought you wille back homete I didn¡¯t know you weren¡¯t going to show up at all, so where have you been a youngdy, and why are you justing back? It¡¯s past three pm and the party ended at ten pm yesterday,¡±


    ¡°Cut it out Jordan, you know where I have been, and right now I M super tired and need to rest,¡±


    She said sitting down and taking off her shoes.


    ¡°Ohhh, what were you doing that you are tired, Missy?¡±


    ¡°Nothing like what you are thinking, crazy, Lucas and I made up, he said he loves me,¡±


    ¡°Of course he does, that¡¯s no news, he is just slow,¡±


    ¡°He said that too, now why didn¡¯t you tell me Lucas was looking for me?¡±


    ¡°Hello? You said not to talk about him and not to tell him about you or where you are remember?¡±


    Jordan responded passing his fingers over her face as if to bring her to remembrance.


    ¡°Oh, anyway, I told him about the baby and he was excited,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s cool, right? You don¡¯t look excited though, is this not what you wanted?¡±


    He asked concerned, Katrina shook her head as confused tears gathered in her eyes.


    ¡°I am not sure anymore Jordan, I mean I am happy and I even told him I will give him a chance but what if I am making a mistake that will cause me more pain Jordan? That¡¯s what I am so scared of right now,¡±


    She voiced.


    ¡°Oh, girl, it will turn out just fine, I don¡¯t like Lucas all that much and I don¡¯t know him as you do but I can say one thing that he does love you, even long before he realized it, but if you have doubts you can just tell him off,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to Jordan, I love him,¡±


    ¡°I know, so try and just go with the flow, go with whatever your heart wants,¡±


    ¡°My heart wants him but my brain feels I am making a mistake,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just your fears talking, for me just give it a try,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you think?¡±


    ¡°Yup, you deserve to be happy, so if Lucas makes you happy be with him and remove all fears okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    She replied, Jordan can¡¯t over and hugged her.


    ¡°You will be just fine,¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡±


    She replied wiping her eyes clean.


    ¡°So when is the wedding,¡±


    Jordan asked, Katrina, resisted the urge to scream, instead, she just walked off leaving him there¡­

 Chapter Forty-nine

    The next couple of days and week was pretty much amusing for Katrina, and it was all because of Lucas, the dude turned to someone she has never seen before, he practically lived with her now as he was there every morning afternoon, and evening, he only leaves to sleep and before she wakes up he is at her house again, right now he was here and chatting with Jordan who took a sick leave to tend to his after surgery, it wasn¡¯t really much of surgery though, he had his wisdom tooth pulled out, he can talk fine now but he took two weeks off and the fact that the owner of thepany is here and not saying anything.


    ¡°Are you both not going home? When did you two be besties and why do you choose to meet at my house?¡±


    Katrina asked standing with her hands on her waist, her baby bump which has be more obvious as the days passes shut up.


    ¡°You should be happy we are here to keep youpany,¡±


    Jordan said


    ¡°I don¡¯t needpany, Lucas? Don¡¯t you have apany to run?¡±


    ¡°No, right now I am on leave,¡±


    He answered smiling.


    ¡°What? You too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I went through a lot of stress recently and my doctor rmended it,¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay but don¡¯t you have somewhere else to be? Why are youzing around someone¡¯s house?¡±


    ¡°I will rather be here because my love is here,¡±


    ¡°Oh gosh, cringe,¡±


    Jordan said covering his ears which made Lucasugh, Katrina wanted the both of them out of her way, they don¡¯t let her do shit and it was getting annoying before she attempts to do anything they collect it from her and do it, she has told them more than a few times that she was pregnant, not sick but they don¡¯t listen.


    ¡°Honestly, I want the both of you out of my house now,¡±


    She said but none of them even listened to her, she had the sudden urge to go get cold water and pour on them, Lucas, Lucas fucking Evans was sitting on the floor in her living room with her best friend watching a movie and eating take out, he even helped her do the dishes when he came in earlier, nothing prepared her for this kind of Lucas, she never thought he would like this.


    ¡°Babe, just let it be okay,¡±


    ¡°Tish, I want you guys out,¡±


    ¡°We are not going anywhere, we don¡¯t have anywhere to go,¡±


    Jordan replied, she felt like smacking him on the head, he was the one giving Lucas mind.


    ¡°Fine stay all you want,¡±


    She resulted, sitting down, she didn¡¯t even like the movie they were watching, the doorbell rang a few momentster and she got up to answer it, she wasn¡¯t expecting anyone, maybe they ordered something again she thought opening the door, her mom stood by the door as her dad walked up to it.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, I didn¡¯t know you guys wereing over why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±


    Katrina asked in shock, she hadn¡¯t been expecting for them to be the one, and Lucas fucking Evans was in her house, this was bad, if only Lucas had left when she told him to, this wasn¡¯t the way she wanted her parents to find out who the father of her baby was.


    ¡°Are you going to let us in or not?¡±


    Her mom asked sternly.


    ¡°Of coursee in,¡±


    She said cursing under her breath, Lucas never listens, well he is gonna get what he was looking for, Jordan saw them first and yelled.


    ¡°Shoot,¡±


    He got off where he was seated to wee them, they exchanged greetings and hugs, Katrina¡¯s eyes went to Lucas who sat awkwardly he didn¡¯t know her parents so she couldn¡¯t me him, but he did greet though and her mom turned to her as if asking her to introduce them.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, this is Lucas Evans, I use to work for him,¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s your ex-boss no wonder I thought he was familiar, what is he doing here are you guys friends? I thought he fired you,¡±


    Her dad said as he sat down.


    ¡°No dad, I quit, he didn¡¯t fire me,¡±


    Katrina corrected, hoping that her parents won¡¯t ask any further questions but of course, that didn¡¯t happen because her mom¡¯s next questions were directed at Lucas.


    ¡°Young man, my daughter no longer works for you so what are you to her that you are at her house, or are you Jordan¡¯s boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Mom!!¡±


    ¡°No, Mrs. Jones the dude is not my type, I can do better,¡±


    Jordan said and both Katrina and Lucas turned to him.


    ¡°What? It¡¯s true,¡±


    He added rolling his eyes.


    ¡°So what¡¯s he doing here,¡±


    ¡°Mom, can me n***


    ¡°I am here because of Katrina,¡±


    Lucas cut in.


    ¡°Oh, I see, over to you,¡±


    Her mom said to her dad.


    ¡°I am just gonna leave, see youter Kat, it was nice seeing you, dad, and mom,¡±


    Jordan said hugged her mom and left leaving just her, her parents, and Lucas who was currently seated awkwardly, she kind of found the whole thing funny, who knew that Lucas could be scared, he looked up at her and she felt pity for him.


    ¡°It¡¯s will be fine,¡±


    She mouthed and he nodded as if he understood.


    Her dad requested water and she hurriedly ran to fetch it, when she returned they were interrogating him and he looked so helpless.


    ¡°What¡¯s your n with my daughter, I am assuming the baby is yours?¡±


    Her dad asked.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s mine, I love your daughter, and if she lets me I n on spending the rest of my life with her,¡±


    He said, she felt the sincerity in his voice and smiled at him but he wasn¡¯t looking at her he was facing her dad.


    ¡°Does that mean you are going to marry her?¡±


    ¡°Dad!!!¡±


    ¡°I am not talking to you Katrina, let the young man speak,¡±


    Her dad scolded and Katrina could only shut up and watch, again if Lucas had left when she told her to he would not have been in this position.


    ¡°Yes, sir, if she lets me and if you give your permission,¡±


    ¡°Oh, but my permission is not needed here seeing as she is heavily pregnant already,¡±


    Dad said pointing at her stomach.


    ¡°I am sorry about that sir, it wasn¡¯t our intention, it just sort of happened,¡±


    ¡°Are you saying it was a mistake?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean sir, I mean we didn¡¯t n for it but it wasn¡¯t a mistake, sir I love your daughter and would marry her right now if she lets me,¡±


    He answered turning to her for the first time, she just smiled weakly as she was out of words.


    ¡°So Katrina? When were you nning to bring him to us?¡±


    Her dad asked facing her.


    ¡°Dad, the thing is,¡±


    ¡°What is? We have been asking for his identity especially your mom has been asking but you didn¡¯t say anything and didn¡¯t tell us he was even around and was ready to marry you, we thought you were going to be a single mother, do you know how hard that was for us to ept,¡±


    ¡°I am sorry dad,¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine, at least we know him now, and we know he is responsible, whatever you decide we will support you,¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Dad, I love you,¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She said wiping away tears that gathered in her eyes,¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡±


    ¡°Now, it became emotional, you both don¡¯t make me cry and young man take care of my baby,¡±


    Her mom said, she went over and hugged her closer.


    ¡°I will ma¡¯am,¡±


    Lucas said and both her parents smiled, the awkward moment was gone, Lucas looked more rxed than he did earlier.


    ¡°We will be on our way now, we are seeing a friend around here and decided to drop by, I hope youe around the house soon, both of you,¡±


    Her dad said as both he and her mom stood up, Lucas did the same too.


    ¡°Of course sir, thank you very much for your understanding,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, so long as my daughter is happy,¡±


    Her dad said and Katrina walked with them to the door.


    ¡°You can go back inside,¡±


    Her mom said when she followed them out of the house.


    ¡°Okay, mom, dad, thanks again,¡±


    She said and they walked off, she stood there for a moment before going back into her house, she met Lucas sitting with his face down.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I am fine, just overwhelmed,¡±


    He said raising his head.


    ¡°Me too, I wasn¡¯t expecting them,¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s cool that we talked about, I had it in mind but I couldn¡¯t tell you because I didn¡¯t want to rush you,¡±


    ¡°You are not rushing me, Lucas, you can tell me things, I won¡¯tsh out on you I promise,¡±


    She said walking up to where he sat and sitting next to him, she held his hand and he covered hers with his other hand and stared at her.


    ¡°Thank you, Katrina, I don¡¯t know his I deserve you,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my line,¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not, you are worth more than I can ever describe, it¡¯s a privilege to have you as mine,¡±


    ¡°Same Lucas, same,¡±


    ¡°Does that mean you love me too?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do, I never unloved you,¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say,¡±


    ¡°I am saying it now, I love you, Lucas, I have loved you for let¡¯s say over sis years now,¡±


    She revealed touching his face.


    ¡°What? Are you for real? Do you mean all those years? Can¡¯t be true,¡±


    ¡°Oh, but it is true Lucas, you don¡¯t know how hard it was to keep my feelings to myself, you wondered why I almost quit right? Well you were going to be married and I didn¡¯t know how to deal with it, so I typed my resignation letter but I couldn¡¯t give it to you because I liked working for you even though you were unbearable sometimes, so I didn¡¯t submit it and as it went you guys broke upter, I am sorry but I felt hopeless,¡±


    She revealed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what to say, I feel stupid for not seeing it,¡±


    ¡°You are not stupid, I am just good at hiding,¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hide from me,¡±


    ¡°Of course not anymore, the worst moments of my life was watching go to different women and knowing you would never be mine, even after Loren, I sort of gave up but then you asked me to y your girlfriend, and Jordan said to get down with you, and you know the rest,¡±


    ¡°Yes, thinking about it now, I kind of have a special feeling for you too, even though I can¡¯t say I was in love with you but I find myself doing shits I won¡¯t do if it were someone else for you,¡±


    ¡°I know,¡±


    He let out a breath and pulled her up so that she was straddling him.


    ¡°I love you baby girl now and forever,¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s not time yet, but I hope I get a favorable answer when I ask,¡±


    He whispered.


    ¡°Depend on what you ask,¡±


    She replied ying with his hair.


    ¡°I love you,¡±


    ¡°I live you more,¡±


    ¡°God I am never going to get tired of hearing you say those words and saying them back to you,¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡±


    She replied and he was kissing her, she didn¡¯t know just how much she missed his kiss, his touch on her, pregnancy made her extra sensitive that when he touched her, her body responded instantly.


    ¡°I want you, Kat,¡±


    He whispered between kisses.


    ¡°I want you too,¡±


    She replied, he carried her into her bedroom where he made sweet love to her, reminding her just how much he could do to her and just how well they fitted in bed, this time it was even better because this time they were both in love, it wasn¡¯t just sex, it was more than that and she couldn¡¯t contain just how happy she was, she shed a few tears, after it was over he held her in his arms and whispered.


    ¡°I love you, Katrina,¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡±


    She replied burying her face in his chest, feeling safe and whole around him, her happy days just began¡­

 Chapter Fifty

    Katrina was woken up by the sound of someone banging on her door, she wondered why whoever was there was banging so hard on her door when the person can just ring the doorbell, she sluggishly got up from her bed, being five months pregnant made her extra tired all the time, if only Lucas was here but he had to travel for a business trip which is why she was alone, Jordan already left for work, he had passed the night at her ce but left early for work, Lucas had wanted her to go to his house while he was away but she had insisted on staying here because his house was too big for her to be alone, he had reluctantly agreed.


    Over thest two months they have gotten even closer and everyday Katrina fell more in love with him, he was everything, he was kind and considerate and didn¡¯t rush her when she had told him she didn¡¯t want to be married yet, he had understood and told her he will wait till she was ready.


    She went to her door wondering who it was, she wasn¡¯t expecting anyone, especially not at this time of the day. she opened the door and regretted it almost immediately when she saw who it was.


    ¡°Nas, what are you doing here?¡±


    She asked, she had told him off a hell lot of time but he keepsing back, at this rate she was just going to have to get a refraining order against him, he was behaving like an obsessed stalker, after their encounter at Lucas¡¯s party, she had been warier of him and told him never to show up in front of her and he had done just that in the first month but he resumed showing up and asking her to be his two weeks ago and this time it was even worst, he even threatened to take Lucas out of the way if that would bring them together, she had told him she didn¡¯t love him and can never love him but he was bent on getting what he wanted.


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡±


    He asked. Katrina shook her head and blocked the entrance.


    ¡°Please go away, I don¡¯t want you here,¡±


    She said looking around, the whole estate was empty as people were either at work or were in school, the fact that Nas had chosen this time knowing that no one was around didn¡¯t sit well with her, she tried to go back into her house but he stopped her by cing his leg firmly on the door.


    ¡°Nas, please, can you just stop?¡±


    ¡°No, not if you don¡¯t give me a favorable answer, do you enjoy seeing me like this? Enjoy having mee here or call you begging for you to be mine? Why can¡¯t you just say yes,¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Because I don¡¯t love you,¡±


    ¡°No, you do, you just don¡¯t know it yet,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t love you, I have a man I am in love you with and we are starting a family together,  I never lead you to believe that I love you, I don¡¯t love you, I never had and never will, I have told you that times without number but you don¡¯t want to listen,¡±


    She yelled hoping the estate security will do their usual rounds right now, she looked around but nobody was in sight, fear was already rooted in her and every moment made it worst, Nas was way bigger than her and stronger not to mention the fact that she is heavily pregnant, if anything goes wrong she will be powerless against him, she should have checked before opening the door, she should have gone to Lucas¡¯s house as he suggested.


    ¡°You are going to be mine princess,¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this Nas, can¡¯t you just take a hint? I don¡¯t love you, I can never love you no matter what you do,¡±


    ¡°Oh, but you are going to love me whether you like it or not,¡±


    ¡°Please leave my house, I don¡¯t have the time nor the energy to drag this issue with you, I already told you my stand.¡±


    She said as she turned to leave again, she didn¡¯t mind smashing his leg with her door, but he pulled her hands, dragged her out of the doorpletely, and before she could remove his hands from hers he pulled something over her face,  covering her nose, it made her dizzy, she struggled to fight him off but he was stronger than she could handle and that was thest thing she could remember¡­


    When she woke up, she was in a car, a moving car, she wondered where the car was going to as she couldn¡¯t remember getting into a car she tried to get up but felt too weak and dizzy, she closed her eyes and gathered enough strength to stand up, she realized her hands were tied and her mouth sealed, why was she is a moving car and why was she tied, she couldn¡¯t remember, thest thing she remembered was opening her door to Nas, telling him off and then struggling to free herself from him.


    ¡°Oh God, no,¡±


    She thought weakly, trying her best to get herself together, Nas, the bastard, he must have drugged her and took her, only God knows where they were going, she still felt sleepy, maybe the effect of whatever she inhaled hadn¡¯t worn offpletely, she open and closed her eyes willing herself not to give in to the sleep but it was no use as she fell right back to sleep.


    When she woke up again, she was in a room and on a bed, she tried to get up, but she felt weak, she closed her eyes, held her tummy where her baby resided, and breath in and out before trying again, whatever she had inhaled must be really strong for her to be this weak but that didn¡¯t mean she would give up, she kept trying, she looked around the room, it had a table and a chair, it was painted in white and had a window too, the room looked neat, she wondered where this was, a beach house? She thought as she could hear the moving of the sea, she tried to get up again, she had to get to the door, she had to leave, she couldn¡¯t stay here, she just hoped the door was open even though she knew the possibility of that happening would be slim.


    When she was finally able to get up and go to the door, it was locked as she had expected, she went to the window and tried to, open it but she couldn¡¯t, it looked like it was sealed or something, she tried a few more time but failed, she gave up and went back to sit on the bed waiting for the bastard to show up.


    She felt hungry and realized she hadn¡¯t eaten breakfast when she had woken up that morning, she had done and chores and decided to sleep for a while before she eat breakfast but then the knock and came and she had answered the door which had to lead her here, she looked around the room looking for something she can use to get the door open but she didn¡¯t find anything, frustrated tears gathered in her eyes but she wiped them off, she needed to be strong, whatever that bastard ns on doing she would not give him the power to see her as a weak vulnerable woman, she will find a way out of here unharmed, she needed to, for her and her baby¡¯s sake.


    The door lock clicked and opened, and her captor came in bearing food, she stood up and walked fast to him andnded a p on his face, he hadn¡¯t expected it as he looked at her in shock.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡±


    He yelled at her dropping the tray of food he was holding most of it had spilled as a result of her p.


    ¡°You are the one who is out of your mind, why did you bring me here? You drugged me and brought me to an unknown ce so you are the one out of your mind, let me go immediately,¡±


    ¡°No way, you are staying here with me, we are going to be married,¡±


    ¡°You are sick,¡±


    She yelled going for the door, he let her go to her surprise, she ran downstairs towards the door that lead to the entrance, she expected it to be locked but it was open, he must not be so wise then, she thought as she ran through the door out into the open, what she met shocked and scared the hell out of her, it wasn¡¯t a beach house near a beach, it was worst than that.


    ¡°No, please no,¡±


    She screamed running to the other side of the house, but it was all surrounded by water and there was no boat in sight, that¡¯s why he had let her leave the room, he knew she didn¡¯t have a way of leaving, she was trapped and she didn¡¯t even know where she was, she turned back at the sound of his horribleugh.


    ¡°Princess, you need to eat, you need strength if you n on escaping which I might have to inform you, is impossible, you can¡¯t run from me, mydy,¡±


    He saidughing, she felt the urge to kill him.


    ¡°I am not yourdy Nas, let me go, is it an offense not to feel the same way? Can¡¯t you take rejection and just move on, I am not the one for you, just let me go,¡±


    She pleaded.


    ¡°You are the one for me, you just don¡¯t know it yet, we just need to spend time together and you will realize it, you are blinded by the love you think you feel for that bastard, as much as I don¡¯t want another man¡¯s child, I can manage and cope with his kid but we will have ours too right after you birth his,¡±


    He said. He was disgusting, the things he was saying were disgusting, she would never marry him not to talk of having a child for him, she would rather die than be married to him.


    ¡°You can see you are hopeless and I have all the power here, just go back inside or you might catch a cold, I don¡¯t think that will be good for you,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, I want to get out of here,¡±


    ¡°Do it if you can, oh and those earrings look like the one I got for you,¡±


    He said pointing to her earrings, Lucas had gotten them for her as an early push present, she didn¡¯t understand why Nas said he got it for her, she has never epted anything from, unless, wait that could be possible, he may be the one who sent those presents,


    ¡°It¡¯s was you all along? You were the one sending those messages and gifts? I should have known,¡±


    She voiced.


    ¡°Yes, my love, I know you liked them, I just had to stop as the agency I used were starting to ask too many questions and I wasn¡¯t ready to give my identity away, but now that you are aware, I can resume if you want,¡±


    He said and she spat out in disgust.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anything from you bastard, I didn¡¯t like any of your creepy gifts or texts, Lucas got me the earrings, I can never wear anything you buy,¡±


    ¡°Okay, at least he had good taste,  can you just go inside now? We can¡¯t stand here all day, I don¡¯t like the sun,¡±


    ¡°Just let me go,¡±


    ¡°Go inside while I am still talking nicely,¡±


    He warned. She decided to go back inside for now, not like there was anything she could do right now, she would however not give up, there has to be a way for her to leave, she needed strength like he said, if she wants to escape and escape she will. she told him to get her food, she knew he wouldn¡¯t do anything to kill her so she eat the food and decided to rest to gather her strength¡­

 Chapter Fifty-one

    Lucas got to Katrina¡¯s house as fast as he could after Jordan called him but it had taken longer than he had wanted because he had been in Florida when Jordan had called, he had been trying to reach Katrina since he woke up but she wasn¡¯t taking her calls so he had called Jordan to go check on her but then Jordan had called sounding worried, he found Katrina¡¯s door open but she wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Jordan, hey, any news?¡±


    He asked as he got in, Jordan was talking on the phone.


    ¡°Wee Lucas, nothing yet, I just spoke with the estate security,¡±


    He replied, which made Lucas even more scared, what could have happened and why did she leave her door open? It¡¯s being over eight hours and she wasn¡¯t back yet, he went into her bedroom and found her phone there,¡±


    ¡°Oh God,¡±


    He voiced as he came back to the living room.


    ¡°I found her phone, where could she have gone to without a car or her phone?¡±


    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this Lucas, Katrina is not the type to go out without her phone, CCTV footage didn¡¯t show her leaving the estate,¡±


    Jordan said, he looked as worried as Lucas did, what on Earth could have happened? Why did he leave her alone? He shouldn¡¯t have left her here, he had a bad feeling but he had brushed it off as just his paranoid mind being overly sensitive because he was going away from her now he wished he had listened and postponed the trip.


    ¡°Have you called the police yet?¡±


    He asked bringing out his phone to do just that when Jordan shook his head.


    ¡°I should have done that but I was overthinking, I am sorry I forgot,¡±


    ¡°Not it¡¯s fine, let¡¯s just concentrate on finding, hoping she shows up soon.


    Lucas replied as the police picked up, he exined to them what had happened and gave the address to her house and they said they will be there in a few minutes, of course, he couldn¡¯t just sit and do nothing, waiting wasn¡¯t going to help him.


    ¡°Do you know any friend that she is close with and might have visited in a haste?¡±


    He asked Jordan even though he knew Katrina would hardly do that, even if she didn¡¯t take her car, why won¡¯t she take her phone or at least lock the door, except maybe something happened with the baby and she had to go to the hospital, he should have thought of that.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Maybe she went to the hospital?¡±


    ¡°No, I called the hospital already, you should know she doesn¡¯t have any appointments for now,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so what should I do? Where should I start looking from? New York is big how do I find her,¡±


    ¡°Calm down Lucas, just calm down, I understand how you feel but it won¡¯t help if you are on the edge, we will find her soon,¡±


    ¡°I hope so, wait, my house, I should go check my house,¡±


    He said running out of Katrina¡¯s apartment, he got into his car and drove home, hoping to meet her there, but she wasn¡¯t, his security men said she hadn¡¯te, his phone started ringing.


    ¡°Jordan,¡±


    ¡°Did you find her there?¡±


    ¡°No, she isn¡¯t here,¡±


    ¡°Oh God, the police are here,¡±


    ¡°I am on my way back just tell them to give me Fifteen to twenty minutes,¡±


    He said going back into his car and driving back to Katrina¡¯s apartment, his whole body on fire, he couldn¡¯t even think properly all he could think about was where could she have gone to?


    He met with the police at her house and went over what Jordan already told them, they asked a few questions and left saying they will get back to him, he called Katrina¡¯s parents who showed up a few minutester, her mom looking so worried that he regretted calling them but he couldn¡¯t keep it from them.


    ¡°What do you think happened? Who would have done this?¡±


    Her mom asked panicking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any idea, I am just so lost,¡±


    He said holding his head, he felt he was to me, she was pregnant and he left her alone by herself, he should have done better.


    ¡°Please find her Lucas, please, find my daughter,¡±


    Her mother cried, he hugged her close, drawing strength from her whileforting her too.


    ¡°I will don¡¯t worry ma, I will find her,¡±


    She replied, her dad who had been silent the whole time stood up and told him, he and his wife would go home now and to call them if he gets any information, when they left, the estate security called concerning a suspicious car that was seen leaving the estates that morning, he drove quickly there, but nothing much he could make out of it, the car did have a pass to the estate, but still, he sent the footage to the police since the car didn¡¯t belong to any of the estate tenants, the police said they couldn¡¯t dere her missing until twenty-four hours has passed so he had to wait for to eithere back or for the Twenty-four hours, he hoped she would be back by then, he went back to her apartment after spending hours at the police station, he met Jordan there.


    ¡°Hey, any news?¡±


    ¡°Still nothing, we just have to wait,¡±


    He said warily, but he knew he couldn¡¯t just sit and wait, he called his security officer and also his private investigator and told them what he needed them to do, just relying on the police won¡¯t do shit, he had to act too and get his woman back, he should have followed his intents and at least gotten her a bodyguard like he wanted to do but Katrina was stubborn, she didn¡¯t let him do anything, telling him that she was nothing special and no one would look at her, but look what happened.


    ¡°I am so worried, what could have happened? We are not getting anything which is making it even more worrying, I just hope she is fine,¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡±


    Lucas replied he didn¡¯t know what else to do, he had done everything he knew how to do there was no use calling her phone because it was in the house, her phone, he thought getting up to go get it.


    ¡°What?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Her phone, what if it was the person sending all those calls and texts?¡±


    ¡°But that stopped a long time ago,¡±


    ¡°True, but still, I can¡¯t rule anything out, he went through her phone, there was nothing suspicious there, so dropped it.


    ¡°Should I make you dinner?¡±


    ¡°No, thanks I am not hungry, I am just going to drive around town and see what I can find, call me if anythinges up okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡±


    He left, got into his car and drove around the busy city, he checked ces he knew she liked to visit hoping to see her there but there was no sign of her, he came back to her apartment, feeling useless, he couldn¡¯t sleep that night, he stayed up till the early hours of the day, his phone close to him hoping to hear good news but nothing came¡­


    ¡°What do you mean there is still no lead? It¡¯s being five days, five fucking hellish days, and still no lead? Are you guys even doing anything?¡±


    Lucas yelled at the officer and his private investigator, they weren¡¯t doing anything, five days and still no lead and all they can tell him is wait, he has been waiting for five days, they were all at Katrina¡¯s apartment, he hadn¡¯t left there since he came, this was where she wasst seen, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave.


    ¡°Son, calm down, I am sure they are doing their best,¡±


    ¡°Mom their best is not enough here since Katrina is still missing, it¡¯s almost a week, I don¡¯t know where she is or what is happening to her, you guys should do more,¡±


    He yelled again.


    ¡°Sir, we are doing the best we can with the limited information you provided, trust me it hasn¡¯t been easy on our side too, working with little or no information, we don¡¯t even have a clue who her possible adopter would be, as no CCTV camera caught anything of him and the car that is assumed she was taken out in was foundst night in an abandoned junk house, at this rate a miracle is what we are hoping for,¡±


    His private investigator said and Lucas had the urge to punch him, he was saying nonsense to his face, his family had arrived two days ago when he had called to tell them, his sisters were at his ce and their mom hade here to stay with, she has been here since she got to New York, his dad was currently in a meeting with themissioner of Police, but it seems all the connections were not enough to find Katrina, the only lead they still had was that it had to be her stalker who took her, he wished he had not taken the issue for granted back then, maybe now she would be here, if only he had looked further into who was sending those creepy messages and gifts.


    ¡°There is someone we should look into too,¡±


    Jordan announced, everyone turned to look at him, the guy looked like he aged ten years, Lucas wondered how he looked like, he hadn¡¯t had any good sleep in five days and his mom had to force him to shavest night before he did.


    ¡°Who is that?¡±


    The officer asked beating Lucas to the question as everyone looked at Jordan expectantly.


    ¡°Nas,¡±


    ¡°Who is Nas?¡±


    ¡°You know him, Lucas, the guy that came to meet Katrina that got you all worked up, remember, I think it was on a business trip,¡±


    ¡°Wait, what does he have to do with this?¡±


    ¡°Well, he has been all over the ce for a long time always showing off, I introduced him to Katrina before I knew he was a crazy man, well Kat had told me, I can¡¯t remember them being in contact since you guys reconciled but before then, she told me he stopped by asking for a chance with her,¡±


    ¡°Does this man leave on her estate?¡±


    The officer asked.


    ¡°No, he doesn¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Can you identify him?¡±


    ¡°Yes of course,¡±


    He responded bringing out his phone to show them a photo, he looked familiar.


    ¡°He was at the estate that day but with a different car, I saw him from the CCTV footage you sent,¡±


    His private investigator said, bringing out his own phone, indeed the way among the people that visited the estate who didn¡¯t live there.


    ¡°Any idea when he left?¡±


    The officer asked as they both turned out to face each other, Lucas felt left out so he walked up close.


    ¡°There is no footage of the car he came in with leaving the estate,¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I found that suspicious but that wasn¡¯t the car we were after do I didn¡¯t give it much thought but what if he changed cars?¡±


    ¡°How is that gonna be possible?¡±


    ¡°It is, there is an underground parking lot in the estate, if it what I think then there is a possibility, I feel so stupid for not thinking about this,¡±


    Jordan said, he looked like he would start crying any moment now.


    ¡°Can you take us there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, should I call Kat¡¯s parents?¡±


    ¡°No, not yet,¡±


    Lucas said. As they all followed Jordan to the underground parking lot he talked about and surprisingly, the car was there, which could only mean one thing, he came with the car and left with the one he took her in, the bastard.


    ¡°I think we finally have our suspect,¡±


    The police officer announced.


    ¡°Yes, I will go and request for the CCTV for the full month or even months back, I want to know exactly when he brought the car he left in here and how long he has been nning this,¡±


    His private investigator said, they took photos of the car, while the officer ced a call across to the office asking them toe to take the car, Lucas was silently through it all, this new finding just further proved that if only he had done a better job at protecting her then this wouldn¡¯t have happened, he just hoped he could find her, every day without her was killing him, he won¡¯t survive it if she is not found¡­

 Chapter Fifty-two

    Katrina got off the bed and looked through the window, she could only see water, in her prison-like room,  she has been able to convince Nas that the seal on the window doesn¡¯t need to be there since she can¡¯t leave through there and he had finally removed it, it¡¯s been almost a week since she got here, precisely six days, by this night it would be seven days and still no hope of her getting rescued, she had tried to find a way, trying to run away every day but as the days came and went, she saw how hopeless her case was, she didn¡¯t know where she never knew a ce like this existed in New York, so she decided to give up on trying to escape and n another way of getting out of here which was to make Nas think she was finallying back to her senses and falling in love with him, she didn¡¯t know how long it will take to build that trust, maybe weeks or months? Would she give birth to her baby here without any help? But so far, he has given her some breathing space, not totally though,st night he hade into the run while she was asleep, she had been so scared that he wanted to do something bad to her, he left thankfully, maybe he changed his mind but only God knows how long he was going to wait, if she stayed here any long longer couldn¡¯t guarantee her safety, he already tried to kiss her twice, what if he decides to take advantage of her how would she fight him off? He talked about them getting married, and how he would shower with love on her, the man was an obsessed psychopath, she didn¡¯t want his love or his money she just wanted to be home and be happy, each time she told him that, he gets offended and locks her up so she has refrained from saying anything when he starts going on about them getting married.


    Her baby was bing restless by the day as if she could sense the danger they were in, right now she was kicking against her womb, she held onto it.


    ¡°I am sorry baby, I am hopeless, I don¡¯t know how I am going to get us out of here,¡±


    She whispered tears gathering in her eyes again, she could count just how much she had cried over thest six days, the tears weren¡¯t stopping.


    ¡°Katie?¡±


    Nas called as he entered her room, she stood up in fear,¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I am going out for a walk, you want toe along?¡±


    ¡°No, thanks,¡±


    She replied, the first time he had asked her to go for a walk with him, she had readily agreed to hope to see someone or somewhere to escape through but there was nothing, he even said it that the next house was on the other side of the ind where a lot of touristse, this part was his private side and no one came this way unless he tells them to, Katrina didn¡¯t know just how rich Nas was until he started telling her things about himself, he was from a very influencial family in Ennd, but moved to New York to be by himself, she couldn¡¯t if he was lying or telling the truth as he didn¡¯t mention which family, the expensive gifts he got her while stalking her and owning a private ind made it believable, the reason he told her those things was so she could know just how huge he waspared to Lucas, she just listened with saying a word, in her heart, she knew money wasn¡¯t what drew her to Lucas, far from it, it was Lucas that drew himself to her, the kind of human that he was.


    ¡°Are you listening?¡±


    Nas asked, she looked up.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I said you can go get what you want from the kitchen, I will be back,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    She said and he left, she sat there in her room, thinking of how Lucas would be feeling right now, would he still be looking for her or would he have given up hope of finding her? The first three days she had thought they might find her but then it never happened.


    ¡°Maybe this is my fate,¡±


    She whispered rubbing her Belle, the dress she wore was new, Nas had taken weeks if not months nning this, he had clothed her sizes, everything, even baby diapers, she didn¡¯t know if he nned for them to live here permanently, if only she found a way out of here, she was sure a boat brought them here but she couldn¡¯t find any trance no matter how much she looked, she got off the bed and walked out of the room towards the kitchen, she already passed the living room but something caught her attention, she did a double check to make sure she wasn¡¯t making it up, but it was still there, a phone, she quickly went to pick it up hoping for it to be on, it was.


    ¡°Oh God,¡±


    She said as she walked fast into the kitchen so that she could see when Nas ising back, she quickly dialed Lucas¡¯s number with shaking hands.


    ¡°Lucas?¡±


    She cried when he picked up the call.


    ¡°Katrina? Where are you? I have been looking for you all over,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I am somewhere surrounded by water, an ind, I think but I don¡¯t know which one exactly, Nas brought me here he is insane, please help me,¡±


    She cried, wishing she could somehow teleport through the phone to meet Lucas, she missed him so much and wanted to be back in his safe arms again.


    ¡°I am doing everything I can, can you give a brief description, where is? Howe you have a phone?¡±


    ¡°He stepped out and left his phone here, please I don¡¯t have much time, he wants us to get married, Lucas,¡±


    She cried, she heard him tell someone in the background, to track the number she was using.


    ¡°Babygirl listen to me alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°I am going to pass the phone to a private investigator and you are going to describe the ind as much as you can, don¡¯t worry, I wille to get you soon, okay? I love you,¡±


    ¡°I love you too, please be fast,¡±


    She replied and his voice faded into the background as another man took over, he asked her a couple of questions, which she answered as much as she could.


    ¡°Is that all there is?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I need to go now he ising back,¡±


    She said in fear as she saw himing.


    ¡°Katrina hang in there, I aming to get you,¡±


    ¡°Please do so fast,¡±


    She said and quickly ended the call, deleted Lucas¡¯s number, ran to the living room ced the phone back and ran back into the room she has been using, andy on the bed pretending to be asleep, a few momentster, Nas entered, he walked straight to where sheid, her heartbeat increased with each step he took close to her, did she drop the phone toote? Did he see her? Would he confiscate the phone? She prayed for the universe to help her and not let any of it be true.


    ¡°Katie? Are you sleeping, baby?¡±


    He asked stroking her hair, God she wished she could shove him, she hated his touch, hated the sight of him, after a few moments, he left, she stood up and went to sit by the window watching to see it any help woulde, now that she had spoken to Lucas, she had hope again that she might be able to get out of here, she just hoped Lucas shows up in time.


    When is heing?


    Katrina thought, she has been sitting here for hours and there still wasn¡¯t any boat or aircrafting, she was beginning to lose hope again, what if they couldn¡¯t locate where she was? What will be of her? Would she end up giving birth here?


    ¡°God please,¡±


    She pleaded, it was already getting dark.


    ¡°Why did you do that Katrina? I thought we are finally on the same page? Why do you choose to be so stubborn? Did you think I won¡¯t find out?¡±


    Nas asked, as he walked into her room, he was holding a gun, Katrina stood up in fear, she didn¡¯t even know he had a gun.


    ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t know what you mean, what did I do?¡±


    She asked feigning ignorance, her heart beating so fast, what if he decides to pull the trigger what would she do?


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you don¡¯t know what I am talking about, there is a camera in the house stupid, did you think I will leave you by yourself without supervision? Just one test and you failed, now you have to bear the consequences of your action,¡±


    He said, he looked livid and out for blood.


    ¡°I am sorry, please don¡¯t do this,¡±


    Katrina pleaded in fear as he got closer to her, she didn¡¯t even know what to do, she couldn¡¯t even run, where would she run to? She wished Lucas was here already it¡¯s been over eight hours since they talked and he still wasn¡¯t here.


    ¡°Shut up,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill me please,¡±


    She pleaded to cry and to fall other knees.


    ¡°Who said I am going to kill you? We are getting married remember? I am going to kill the bastard that wants to keep us apart, won¡¯t you like that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, please,¡±


    She yelled even more scared, suddenly wanting Lucas not to show up here, would hee alone? God please no, she didn¡¯t want anything to happen to Lucas.


    ¡°Yes, I am going to kill that bastard and everyone who dares toe between us, you are mine, you and the baby mine, and that¡¯s how it going to remain, I can¡¯t let him have you again,¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He said suddenly dropping the gun and moving close to her, he forced her up and into an embrace, she kicked him out of fear, he staggered back, his face reddened with anger as he picked up the gun again, her eyes widen in fear as he pointed it at her.


    ¡°I am sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to do that, you were hurting me,¡±


    She begged.


    ¡°You are lucky I love you,¡±


    He said getting back up and moving closer to her, he held her face, the tip of the gun touching her face.


    ¡°You are lucky I love you but still,¡±


    He yelled andnded a hot resounding p on her face, she hadn¡¯t expected it as he hadn¡¯t raised his hands on her since she got here, she held her face in shock as hot tears gathered in her eyes, this was too much for her to bear.


    ¡°I told you not to provoke me, I told you that already, but you never listen, you are acting up, I told you but you won¡¯t listen, now see what you have done,¡±


    He yelled,


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    He added pulling her along with him.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to Nas, I don¡¯t want to be with you, I don¡¯t love just let me go please, I can¡¯t love you,¡±


    She cried, she was sure to help was on her way which was why he wanted them to leave, she couldn¡¯t leave now.


    ¡°It either you follow me now or risk getting that bastard killed trust me, I won¡¯t think twice before pulling the trigger, I don¡¯t mind if I end up in jail my family will bail me out in no time, but he would be gone, now choose wisely, you don¡¯t have much time,¡±


    ¡°Please just let me go,¡±


    ¡°No way, you are mine,¡±


    ¡°I am not, please,¡±


    She pleaded, but didn¡¯t listen, he dragged her along out of the house into the open and through a part she never knew existed, howe she never saw it? It was there all along, she thought it was water but it wasn¡¯t, it was just made to look like water, the part lead to wererge boats where she couldn¡¯t believe it, he was going too fast, she didn¡¯t want to leave, if they left now Lucas won¡¯t find her.


    ¡°Nas, the baby,¡±


    She yelled feigning pain hoping he would buy it, he didn¡¯t listen to her, she picked up a wood she saw and held on to it, she heard the sound of an aircrafting from a distance and knew she needed to do something to buy time, help was here and she couldn¡¯t leave now, she used all her strength to push him, hended on the ground, before he could get up she used the wood she had picked up to hit him three times before running away while he called her back, threatening to shoot her, she didn¡¯t stop¡­

 Chapter Fifty-three

    She ran as much as her big tummy could let her, he was chasing her and threatening to shoot, she was betting on the fact that he couldn¡¯t kill her and hoped he won¡¯t, she passed the house, running towards the palm groves, hoping to get a good hiding spot, she looked back, he wasing, she dashed into the palm groves and hid, hoping and praying that he won¡¯t find her, she wasn¡¯t sure anymore if she had heard correctly or if she has imagined the sound of the ne earlier, it was already dark, so she hopped the night could serve as hiding for her, she didn¡¯t mind swimming out of here but there was no way she was going with Nas.


    ¡°Come out,e out, where ever you are,¡±


    Nas voiced, he was close, she heard her breath praying for him not to find her.


    ¡°Please,¡±


    She pleaded silently.


    ¡°Found you,¡±


    He said with an evilugh that brought tears to her eyes, he pulled her out of her hiding ce and pped her hard, not just once but twice, she had bad luck why else was everything turning out bad for her, she has to be the most unlucky person on Earth.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you just listen? You thought they wereing to get you? Do you think they will find you? You keep making me do things I don¡¯t want to do, keep letting me raise my hands on you,¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone please,¡±


    She cried biting his hand hard, he let go and let out a curse, he hit her again.


    ¡°How can you say you love me and you keep raising your hands on me? You don¡¯t love me, you are just a sick obsessed psychopath,¡±


    She cried out, he was going to hit her anyway so she might as well put him in his ce.


    ¡°You are the one doing it, you are making me do it, it¡¯s your fault, don¡¯t me me, why will I raise my hands on you if you just shut up and do as I say? You keep causing trouble,¡±


    He let out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking care, I am not going anywhere with you,¡±


    ¡°Shut up, shut up, don¡¯t make me beat you up again, just shut up, you are mine, mine forever, we are going to have a beautiful family together, you, me, that bastard child you carry and our own children, you are mine Katrina,¡±


    He yelled pointing the gun at her.


    ¡°I am not yours, I never was and never will, wake up and stop this already, just stop it, you can¡¯t keep this up, just let me go,¡±


    She cried but he wasn¡¯t listening to her.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t, we belong together, where ever I am is where you are going to be, oh, I can¡¯t wait to start our family,¡±


    ¡°I am not going with you, Nas,¡±


    ¡°Oh but you will,¡±


    He said, she could feel his evil smile, he pulled her hands and started dragging her towards the direction she had been running to before she went to hide, she wondered if there was a way out from there, she knew there was an open field, could it be that the aircraft she had heard earlier was his? If so doesn¡¯t that mean he ns on flying out of here? Where else will he take her to? She couldn¡¯t say and didn¡¯t want to think about it, she couldn¡¯t leave with him, her whole body ached and her baby was restless her arm bleeding.


    They got out into the open field indeed there was an aircraft, at the far distance where he was pulling her to, she didn¡¯t know if it had a pilot or if he would be the one taking them himself, he seemed to be a little distracted so she took advantage of that distraction and pushed him again with all her strength, and ran back towards the part they came from before he could get himself off the ground, she put enough distance between them but he got up and was running towards her, catching up fast, she gathered all her strength to increase her speed, she couldn¡¯t get on that helicopter, no, she just couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Stop running or I am going to shoot you,¡±


    He yelled at her, but she didn¡¯t stop, she couldn¡¯t stop, she didn¡¯t want to go with him, she was betting on Lucas being on the way here for her and praying he would get here fast.


    ¡°Katrina, stop or I am going to shoot, don¡¯t fucking y with me, I can disable you and take you home to Ennd like that, I don¡¯t fucking mind,¡±


    He yelleding after her, she couldn¡¯t run fast enough because she was tired already but she couldn¡¯t let tiredness stop her.


    ¡°Katrina!!!¡±


    Before the loud bang of a gun shoot rocked the night, she fell, feeling dizzy all of a sudden, she tried to steady herself but it wasn¡¯t working, she was losing herself, and getting consumed by darkness¡­


    ****


    The loud bang of the gun made Lucas mind jump in fear, it took a lot of time before they could locate where Katrina was being held and took over two hours to get here, he just hope they haven¡¯te toote, he said a silent prayer to the most high as the head security team that came with him on the speed boat started giving out information, they had wanted him to stay with the helicopter at the other side of the ind where his dad, Katrina¡¯s dad, and Jordan were, of course, he had refused, why will he stay there when his woman and his kid, his whole life were here, bring held captive by s mentally unstable man, yes after digging into Nas background they discovered he had series of mental issues over the year, this wouldn¡¯t be his first offense but his family was mad rich that they could keep his name clean even with all his shady past, well he finally bite the wrong bait because Lucas nned on making him pay for every one of his evil deeds.


    ¡°Are you sure you will be fine?¡±


    Liam asked Lucas for what seemed to be the hundredth time.


    ¡°Yes, Liam, I will be fine as soon as we can find my woman, I am wearing a bulletproof verse just in case right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I just wanted to make sure, we are all ready, we are getting onnd soon, I am sure he already heard using and might try to leave, even though chances of him being able to leave were high but that dude can be sneaky so we will be splitting into groups,¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time, let¡¯s go,¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He yelled as he got off the boat and ran in the direction the gun shut hade from, he needed to find Katrina before anything else, needed to know she was okay, she kept running, not looking back to see if the others followed him, he walked through the palmgroves hoping to catch a glimpse of Katrina, he just wanted to find her, wanted her back in his arms, he was never going to let go of her ever again, never going to let her leave his sight less than few seconds no the minute he finds her he was going to propose to her, he brought the ring with him, he already nned on poping the question when he returned from his trip then this diaster had happened, he was going to find her, was what yed in his head as  he continued through the part even though he didn¡¯t know where it will lead him, he was just going in the direction his heart lead and hoped it will lead him to her, he made a turn and bumped into someone, he wanted to yell but the bump, a baby bump, a pregnant woman, Katrina?¡±


    ¡°Katrina?¡±


    He voiced, she looked at him, eyes widenng in fear, it was her, he found her.


    ¡°Lucas, we have to leave now, he has a gun, he said he will kill you please let¡¯s go,¡±


    She pleaded, pulling him along, she looked so weak, she could barely move a few foots more before she copsed against him.


    ¡°I have found her,¡±


    He said into the earpiece he was made to wear, as he heard on to his woman, he checked her pulse, she was doing fine, he needed to get them out of here.


    ¡°Where are you guys?¡±


    ¡°Where the palm groves are, the south pole,¡±


    He said holding on to her.


    ¡°Kat, baby, let¡¯s get out of here,¡±


    He whispered as he carried her up, she lost so much weight, he didn¡¯t know if she had been eating, when he had tried to lift her before he went on his trip it had been hard but now, he easily carried her, it brought tears to his ears thinking of how much she would have gone through in the past couple of days, she wasn¡¯t even talking.


    ¡°Kat? Can you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Please Lucas, take me out of here,¡±


    She said in a weak voice, he didn¡¯t need to be told twice.


    ¡°I am carrying her back towards the way I came,¡±


    He said into the earpiece, to the men, he hoped they find that bastard soon.


    ¡°Stop right there if you still want to leave,¡±


    Well, he guess the bastard found him, he stopped with Katrina still in his arms, he wasn¡¯t scared for himself, he was scared for her, she held onto his hands, shaking from fear, it made him angry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here please Lucas,¡±


    She pleaded and he was going to do as she said but as he made a move the mudafucker, released another shot into the air.


    ¡°The next shot will be on you, I am a good shooter and I aim for kill, just drop the woman you are holding and walk off this ind and I will let you leave,¡±


    The bastard yelled, Lucas wanted tough, likeugh out loud, did he really think he will be scared by his words and leave Katrina for him?


    ¡°Do it right now bastard,¡±


    Lucas dropped Katrina, before turning to face Nas, the idiot was in every shape bad, Katrina must have gotten to him, if the situation wasn¡¯t that serious he would haveughed bug there was a gun, even though he had bulletproof on, Kat didn¡¯t have any, he couldn¡¯t afford to make mistakes, he would wait and follow the instructions of the team leader who was currently telling him to stall him, maybe the control room had finally been able to locate Nas too which is why they knew he found them.


    ¡°Dude, do you really think your family will be proud of you the way you are now? I mean they have had to clean up your mess since you were Eighteen and you are above or almost forty and they still need to clean up after you? I would be ashamed if I were you,¡±


    ¡°No, Lucas, I said stall him not annoy him,¡±


    Liam yelled into his ears.


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business, just give my woman back to me,¡±


    ¡°What? Your woman? You are sick, my woman is not your woman, you obsessed moron and she will never be yours, over my dead body,¡±


    He replied meaning every word.


    ¡°Katrina, I tried to not kill him but he is asking for it,¡±


    Lucas wanted to spare a nce at Katrina who was holding on tight to his arms begging for then to run, but that would mean taking his eyes off Nas, which might endanger them.


    ¡°We are close,¡±


    Came the voice of redemption he smiled, they were going to be just fine.


    ¡°We will be fine baby, he can¡¯t do anything,¡±


    He whispered to Katrina, as he watched his mene from behind the bastard, Kat must have seen them too because she let out a gasp of surprise.


    The next couple of moments were a ruckus, it was filled with Nas¡¯s screams of displeasure asking Katrina toe back to him, amidst everything he finally asked her.


    ¡°Katrina, marry me,¡±


    He said. not as a question but as a statement, he slipped the ring on her finger before lifting her and carrying her back with him towards the boat as his team took care of the rest part¡­

 Chapter Fifty-four

    ¡°Are you ever going to give me an answer?¡±


    Lucas asked as they sat together in Lucas¡¯s room in Arizona, it¡¯s been a month since the incident with Nas and a lot of things have happened since that time, first, she had to spend the whole of her first week back at the hospital, her family pestering her with their love and attention, then Lucas¡¯s mom made it clear she wanted them back home in Arizona for the time being, Nas was arrested at first but then his medical records proved that he is infact not mentally okay, he was sent to the mental health care center, of course, he didn¡¯t want that but that¡¯s what the Court ruled, Katrina didn¡¯t want to be roped into many legal dealings as she didn¡¯t want to keep having to recount every of her experience so she had told Lucas that she didn¡¯t want to be a part of whatever legal actions that were going to be taken against him, so far all she knew was that he was sent to the mental health care center, she didn¡¯t know the rest of it even though she knew Lucas wanted him in jail.


    ¡°Are you ignoring me again mydy?¡±


    ¡°No, why?¡±


    ¡°Aha ha, you are ignoring the question, you just answered me but you didn¡¯t answer my first question,¡±


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s the question?¡±


    ¡°Really? Is that how you are going to be? I am going to get everyone on my side and tell them to bully you into giving me an answer, serious Kat, it¡¯s been over a month, this silence is killing me,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of answer you want from me Mr. Evans, I am still wearing your ring, so what are you saying?¡±


    She answered showing him the ring that has never once left her hand since he ced it there, she had even answered him when he asked but maybe he didn¡¯t hear over all those noises, it was one hell of a trumatic experience but she was strong enough to get over it, she still sees medic because of it but she was fine, she had all the love from her family, Lucas family, friends and of course Lucas, so she got over the unfortunate incident quick and her baby was doing well and growing well too, she looked really big now at six months pregnant, as the year slowly draws to an end, she realized that she has a lot of things to be thankful for because at the beginning of the year, it had only been a wish and now everything that she wished for was a reality, she was with the man she loves the most, with her family and soon she would be a mom too, even though she hadn¡¯t nned for it, she couldn¡¯t give up her baby for the world.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t answer the question, I need a confirmation, what if you are just wearing the ring because you liked it?¡±


    ¡°I did answer you when you asked, maybe you weren¡¯t listening,¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember, you fell asleep Al through the ride back, you didn¡¯t say anything to me,¡±


    ¡°I did, right after you asked,¡±


    ¡°Really? How did I miss it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡±


    ¡°Could you say it again,¡±


    He asked looking like a child excited for Christmas, every day he showed her a different side of him that just proved that love can change a man, these days he barely let her out of his sight, he respected her decision to still not have a bodyguard but instead he was acting like one.


    ¡°I need a question, what am I answering to?¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡±


    He said getting down on his knees and holding her hands, she thought he was going to take the ring off to do it again, so she covered the ring.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take my ring off,¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡±


    ¡°I am listening,¡±


    ¡°Katrina, I don¡¯t know what in the world I did to deserve all the love you have shown me and I don¡¯t think I will ever be worthy of it, I still have ¨¤ot to learn, of course, I still make some crazy mistakes but I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I am not a man of many words, I just love you and want you to be my wife if you don¡¯t mind,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the question?¡±


    She asked teasing him.


    ¡°Yes, it is,¡±


    ¡°Okay, then, you are on, I will take the offer,¡±


    She answered holding his face with both of her hands and kissing him.


    ¡°I love you, Lucas,¡±


    ¡°I love you more, Kat, thank you,¡±


    ¡°No, thank you,¡±


    He kissed her again as their baby jumped as if she was happy for them.


    ¡°I think someone else is happy,¡±


    She said cing his hands on her tummy, where the baby was doing her own happy dance Lucas bent and dropped a kiss on her tummy too, she smiled happily, she was happy, everything was fine and exactly how she wanted it to be, the universe decided to reward her with the most beautiful things in life that she never thought she deserved.


    ¡°Shall we get married before our baby is born?¡±


    She suggested suddenly wanting them to be married soon.


    ¡°Sure, whatever you want mydy, if you want us to get married today, then let¡¯s go do it,¡±


    ¡°Not today, maybe next month, I am in my sixth month already and the due day is in three months, so next month?¡±


    ¡°Sure, of course, I am going to be a married man,¡±


    He responded excitedly, he was much more excited than she thought he would be.


    ¡°So the date?¡±


    ¡°Whichever you pick,¡±


    He replied getting off and pulling Katrina up with him, he hugged her close, she smiled and patted him on the back.


    ¡°I am so happy baby, I love you so much,¡±


    ¡°I love you too, are we going to tell them, I am sure they already know,¡±


    ¡°I think they do, the ring is pretty much obvious, let¡¯s decide on the date,¡±


    ¡°I think thest week of October will be cool,¡±


    ¡°Sure, it¡¯s game on baby, you are going to be mine forever,¡±


    He said trying to carry her up, which was an epic fail, she justughed at him as he gave up and sat on the floor breathing heavily in a dramatic way.


    ¡°Okay, I can¡¯t wait for that angel to be born so that I can carry her mom,¡±


    ¡°Soon,  and we haven¡¯t decided on a name yet, we don¡¯t even know the gender, what kind of parents are we?¡±


    ¡°The kind that likes surprises, and I don¡¯t know what name to pick,¡±


    ¡°Huh, okay, I came up with a few with Jordan but he said none of them are cool enough,¡±


    ¡°I am sure we will get one if we look well enough, there is no rush, we still have three months to decide,¡±


    ¡°Three months, is not a long time, Lucas, not to mention we will be busy next month with wedding preparations.¡±


    ¡°You really want us to get married next month?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I just said that, I don¡¯t want to wait anymore, I don¡¯t want a morous wedding, just a cool one with close friends and family, we can get married in Arizona too, my parents won¡¯t mind,¡±


    She replied.


    ¡°What did I do to deserve you?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t, I am just being nice,¡±


    She teased.


    ¡°I know right,¡±


    He said pulling her closer.


    ¡°I love you, baby girl, now and forever and ever,¡±


    ¡°I love you too, just so you know Ie with a lot of baggage, I am a whole package,¡±


    ¡°I know and I ept it all, you have to ept mine too,¡±


    ¡°I already did, I love you, Lucas,¡±


    ¡°I love you more princess,¡±


    He said and sealed our love with a kiss¡­


    ¡°We are getting married,¡±


    He announced the next morning, to the delight of his family members who cheered on.


    ¡°When is it?¡±


    Lc asked, she looked heavily pregnant too, she was due in a week, and was happy about it, she said her little one was making her do things that weren¡¯t in her nature, that she needed to meet her to give her a piece of her mind, Katrina had had a goodugh when she had talked about it looking at serious.


    ¡°Next month, thest week of October,¡±


    ¡°Oh my gosh, yes, I would be a free woman by then even though I might still look awful from popping, honey, you are carrying out next kid,¡±


    She said to her husband who agreed without argument.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want a big wedding, and we are getting married in Arizona at the chapel,¡±


    Lucas said, his mom wasn¡¯t saying anything, she looked at her and saw that she had tears in her eyes, Lucas stood up and went to give her a back hug.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t cry,¡±


    ¡°I am happy, I finally got everything I wanted, this is the best news, thank you, Katrina, you did the most,¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ma, I just got lucky,¡±


    ¡°But still thank you,¡±


    Everyone took turns in congratting them, Leah, her husband, Lc¡¯s husband and Lucas¡¯s father, even the kids, it was a joyful moment that Katrina was happy she could witness, after breakfast, she called her parents and Jordan and told them the good news, everyone one was happy for her and her parents didn¡¯t have a problem with her getting married in Arizona, in fact, her mom said they will use the opportunity to explore the beautiful state, preparations for the wedding started almost immediately, it was both hectic and fun, she loved every moment of it¡­


    Almost four weekster, Katrina stood in front of the mirror in her wedding dress, she had chosen a simple flowery dress, that was more of a maternity gown than a wedding gown but she loved it, her parents and sister were here in Arizona, her rtives, and close friends too, Jordan just left a few moments ago, he was Lucas¡¯s best man, she still couldn¡¯t tell how those two got so close, when Jordan had told her Lucas wanted him to be his best man, she had been shocked and in disbelieve, even after confirming from Lucas who had said Jordan was the closest friend he had right now, she felt like he was stealing Jordan from her but not in a bad way, she loved it that her soon to be husband and get best friend got along, she had someone she thought would be nice for Jordan and was nning to introduce them tonight, he hade from New York even though she had just told him once about her wedding, he was a nice guy and she was going to y a cupid.


    ¡°Is my baby girl ready to be married?¡±


    Her mom asked as her parents walked in, she turned to face them smiling.


    ¡°Yes, mom,¡±


    ¡°I am so proud of you darling,¡±


    Her dad said hugging her, her mom and sister joined in the hug too, her younger sister was her bridesmaid and she looked amazing in her dress.


    ¡°Thanks, Mom, Dad, I love you guys, and you too baby sis,¡±


    ¡°We love you too,¡±


    They all chorused, her sister helped her do finishing touches and they left the house together, Lucas¡¯s mom had insisted on Lucas using a hotel the family-owned to get ready, while she got ready at home, she wanted the old traditional way when the bride and groom don¡¯t meet until the church, she hasn¡¯t seen Lucas sincest night and missed him so much, she couldn¡¯t wait to see him and be married to him, their happily ever after already started and she knew she was going to be happy for a long, long time, knew fallen in love with Lucas all those years ago and taking her chances this year was the best decision she ever made, the happiness was all hers and she would enjoy it to the fullest, she finally got everything she wanted, her forever¡­

 Chapter Fifty-five (the end)

    ¡°Your wife is on her way to the chapel son,¡±


    Lucas heard his mom say and his heart skipped a beat, this was really happening, he was getting married today to the love of his life, it still felt surreal even though it was happening, during the preparations for the big day, each morning he wakes up and doubts for a moment if it was really happening and she reminds him each time that it was, he still didn¡¯t know if he deserves all the love and attention she gives him, if it was okay for him to feel this much happiness and love, a little over a ten months, ago, he had thought himself incapable of love and being loved but now, getting ready for his big day, the day he thought he was never going to witness, was like a dream, a dream he didn¡¯t want to ever wake up from.


    ¡°Mom, this is really happening? I am getting married? Kat really loves me?¡±


    ¡°Of course son, all are happening and Katrina loves you, you deserve to be loved my dear and you got the best, I just know your life is going to be a happy one, I am so proud of you son, you, and your sisters,¡±


    His mom said hugging him, his sister Lc put to birth two weeks ago, she got over her due date and had been scared she might give birth on his wedding day, that didn¡¯t happen though, she was all bubbly andughing and being a whole mood, teasing about not wanting to fall in while being head over heels with his secretary, that was fun but at the same time not fun, if only he had realized earlier but then, maybe back then wasn¡¯t their time, their time came and it happened, when he had sent invitations to Reuben whose house this whole happy experience started from he had been excited and said he had been waiting for it and almost thought it will nevere, and of course, he came today, so did their close friends and most of his workers, he already knew the day will be perfect.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go, you don¡¯t want to bete,¡±


    His eldest sister Leah said as both his sisters and dad walked in.


    ¡°I am proud of you son,¡±


    His dad said patting him on the back.


    ¡°Thanks, Dad,¡±


    ¡°Yes we are all proud of him for making the right choices whether in business or his love life and now he is starting a family, I just know you are going to be a great husband and father,¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Leah,¡±


    ¡°I am proud of you baby brother,¡±


    ¡°I am not a baby anymore, I am going to be a dad soon,¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, but you are still my baby brother,¡±


    ¡°And mine too,¡±


    ¡°You guys, I am not a baby,¡±


    He protested his mom and dad startedughing at him, they always made fun of him, a peck of being the youngest in the family, he just have to ept that he can¡¯t outgrow being their baby.


    ¡°Yes, you are,¡±


    Leah replied, he pulled her in for a hug as his mom, Dad and Lc joined the hug, his family, he knew they got his back always.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡±


    Leah said one more time, and they left the hotel, he was gonna be a married man by the end of today and he couldn¡¯t wait¡­


    ¡°Herees the beautiful bride,¡±


    Lucas looked up at the entrance, eagerly and nervously waiting when the door opened, his heart stopped for a moment, his whole life stared back at him, from the entrance of the chapel, she was wearing the gown they had both decided on and she looked breathtaking, she did take his breath, and when she smiled held her dad¡¯s hand and started working towards him, he felt light-headed.


    ¡°Dude, are you going to faint?¡±


    His best man Jordan whispered, he looked at him before facing the entrance again.


    ¡°No, but I feel like it,¡±


    He whispered back, staring at the love of his life, his woman, his whole world, who said love wasn¡¯t real? Who said happily ever after wasn¡¯t a thing? How wrong that person must have been because he just got his, it took a while but he still got his happily ever after, he smiled brightly as Katrina¡¯s father handed her over to him, hugged the both of them and went to take his seat, he turned to his world and smiled at her.


    ¡°You look so beautiful baby, I love you,¡±


    ¡°I love you too, and you are breathtaking,¡±


    She replied as they turned to face the priest, they exchanged their vows in the presence of their loved ones, the priest pronounced them men and wife and Lucas couldn¡¯t contain his emotions, his eyes watered as he kissed his bride, his wife, his forever, life just got even better¡­


    (One month and Two weekster)


    ¡°Wifey,¡±


    Lucas called as he walked up to her where she sat in their room, they were still in Arizona even after their wedding, after the birth of their baby then they will return to New York, Lucas for once didn¡¯t want to go back to New York, he liked it here, being with both his extended family and beloved nuclear family, still, Katrina¡¯s parents and sibling were New Yorkers and deserved to be near their daughter too, these days he worked mostly from home, except it¡¯s a pressing issue that requires his attention, he left most of the job in the good hands of his directors, do far it was going smoothly, he hoped it continues that way because he wanted to concentrate on his family.


    ¡°Wifey?¡±


    He called again, his wife was sitting at the far end of the room her back to him, marriage to Katrina had been one of his best decision, being with her is everything, she is everything.


    ¡°Katrina? Why aren¡¯t yo** baby? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    He asked walking faster to her, She had her eyes closed and looked


    ¡°The baby, it¡¯sing,¡±


    Okay, that wasn¡¯t what he was expecting.


    *****


    ¡°Hold up, we still have two weeks, how are you giving birth already?¡±


    Lucas asked Katrina as another wave of pain passed, she almost let out a breath of relief but she knew that wasn¡¯t all, Lucas looked so confused that she felt pity for him but that didn¡¯tst, the pain that hit her again sent her into full mode, she yelled at him to go get help but he wasn¡¯t even functioning properly, well fuck it, she thought trying to get up by herself bad idea, the cramp got even worst, she cried out, he got himself back at that moment and tried to help her up, she dragged his hair.


    ¡°I said Go! Get! helppppppp!!!¡±


    She yelled yacking at his hair.


    He ran out of the room looking sacred, the dude was hopeless, a few momentster, his mom, dad, and siblings who had been visiting too came rushing to their room, his sisters rushed to her side and helped her get up, the cramp was less now and she could feel her legs again but she knew it wasn¡¯t over, far from it, this was just the beginning.


    ¡°Lucas, why are you standing there, go get the driver, or do you want her to give birth here?


    Leah yelled at him, Katrina looked up at her husband, he was hopeless, he ran off as they helped her out of the room, she had first felt cramps the night before but she had thought it was just the normal thing but it has gotten worst, she didn¡¯t want him to panic so she hadn¡¯t told him until well, it got to this extent, then she realized their baby wasing two weeks early.


    ¡°Time to meet the new addition to the family,¡±


    His mom said excitedly as they helped her into the car, throughout the journey to the hospital, she couldn¡¯t recall much, just pain and Lucas scared face, when they got to the hospital, she had thought he would seat out the delivery and just wait outside but he insisted oning with her, she couldn¡¯t lie she was grateful he went in with her even though he copsed right before she gave birth and came to when the doctor woke him to cut the umbilical cord even while cutting her husband had looked so pale, she had wanted tough.


    Their baby was born at exactly eleven Fifteen am, four hours after she got to the hospital, she couldn¡¯t say it was an easy birth but it wasn¡¯t so bad when she looked at her baby girl for the first time, it was worth all the stress, worry everything.


    ¡°Our little angel is so precious,¡±


    Katrina said as she watched their baby sleep with her husband by her side a few hours after, he still looked out of it, she would never let him see the end of it, he looked like he just went through hell and had a one on one with Satan.


    ¡°Yeah, but I  won¡¯t call her an angel, she literally made both of us go through hell, yours worst, me I was just there losing my shit and being so scared and fainting, that was the first time I lost consciousness in my whole life,¡±


    He said shivering.


    Sheughed softly at his expression, patting his shoulders.


    ¡°She is an angel, just look at her, an angel,¡±


    ¡°Yes, she is but you are more than an angel Mine, you did all the work and you are still smiling so brightly,¡±


    He added, she smiled at the new nickname, he always calls her the sweetest names and it made her heart full each time.


    ¡°I like this one, Mine,¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are mine,¡±


    ¡°And you are mine too,¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡±


    ¡°Now about the name, she is here, we are bad parents for not picking a name before birth, let¡¯s do that now, we never got to decide,¡±


    ¡°I think we did,¡±


    ¡°We did?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Asteria, remember? A star? Remember the night we were looking at the night sky?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do, and I love it, our baby star, Asteria Evans,¡±


    ¡°Sound so much better when you say it, Mine,¡±


    ¡°Of course, you will say that,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, even Asteria will agree,¡±


    She looked at their little star she was sleeping soundly, her world was here and she couldn¡¯t be happier, she had just given birth and she wanted to be a mom again soon, yes, maybe in the next one or two years, a younger sibling for baby star won¡¯t be bad.


    ¡°What are you thinking about Mine?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, just siblings for Steria,¡±


    ¡°So soon?, Aren¡¯t you scared of going through that again?¡±


    He asked, he looked genuinely scared, she was afraid being present in the delivery room had scarred him for life.


    ¡°Of course, I want more, don¡¯t worry, it will be less stressful next time,¡±


    ¡°Really? Because I don¡¯t want you to go through that again,¡±


    ¡°Yes, sweetie, I promise,¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine, we work on that but for now, I want to enjoy being with my little star and her mom until our moones too,¡±


    Sheughed at the name he had already given their unborn baby, her home was gonna one happy and cheerful home, she just knew it.


    ¡°Thank you so much for everything Katrina Evans, you are my life, you and our princess, you guys mean the world to me, I am never going to let you guys go,¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t let go either, we love you too much,¡±


    ¡°I love you, Katrina,¡±


    ¡°I know, and I love you more,¡±


    ¡°Forever?¡±


    He asked.


    ¡°Yes, my love, forever,¡±


    She hugged him closer, yes forever, that¡¯s what it¡¯s gonna be, loving Lucas and being with him and their children was how she wanted the rest of her life to be, growing old with the man she fell in love with, whom she thought would never be hers and who the universe collectively agreed to let her have, yes she got it all, Everything¡­


    The End¡­


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