Catherine's POV
I think I have gotten what I wanted now, I wasn't only chased out of the house but also out of the company and embarrassed in front of everyone.
I straighten my clothes and let out a shaky breath. Just a week ago, things weren't this bleak or uncertain.
Instead of calling for an uber, I walked off the company grounds and continued walking away. My mind was hazy and I needed to clear my mind.
As if the heavens had heard my thoughts and decided to mock me, thunder clap across the sky and a light downpour began to shower over my head.
I didn't bother running for cover or calling for a car, I kept walking. I can't tell how long I have walked for until a loud honk broke the walls of my mind.
I ignored it but it persisted for a few more times until I stopped and turned around, the car also stopped beside me and an umbrella shield me from the rain.
The hand that clasped around the umbrella handle caught my attention and I slowly look up to meet his gaze.
The stranger I had impulsively signed a marriage certificate with a few days ago, whom I barely knew anything about except for his name which was also unfamiliar was standing with an umbrella over my head.
"You are soaked, why are you walking under the rain without an umbrella?" He asked, the middle of his brows pulling together.
"I… didn't know it was going to rain". I replied still not coming out of the daze yet.
Without another word, he put an arm around me and helped me into the car that was parked beside us.
I barely noticed anything that was happening around until we got back home, atleast that is what I have to call the house we both occupied now since I have been discarded by my parents.
While changing out of my soaked clothes, different thoughts surfaced in my mind and I knew I have no reason not to do what struck me the best.
I need to show them, all of them. My parents, my sister, and Dane that I could be more than they could ever imagine.
I have been too accepting all my life, living for them while neglecting myself. Prioritising duty over my own happiness, but all of that has finally ended.
And they put an end to but I'm going make them regret it.
A light knock sounded on the door and I went over to check who it was.
I was surprised to see a maid carrying a tray of warm milk.
"Are you feeling better now?" Gerald popped up from behind her and I forced a smile to dismiss him but to my surprise he took the tray out of her hands and walked inside the room.
I followed him with my eyes and still couldn't understand why he was doing all these, he is exceptional sweet and kind that his gestures was sending signals to my mind.
"Thank you". I said softly, the situation in the room had grown awkward and I have no idea what to say to him.
"How much do you love your parents?" He asked suddenly, turning to face me, I noticed that his eyes had grown slightly cold.
"Love?" I chuckled humorlessly.
"Love is never going to be the word to describe them, ever again". I replied bitterly and he nodded.
"Will you let me handle them?". He asked and my heart skipped a beat at the question.
I would love to do something like that, but no I won't do that.
I want them to feel a lifetime of regret, my father to know that I am not useless. And for Anna to know that Dane isn't the only man alive.
"I want to do it myself. I want them to regret all they have ever said or do to me". I replied, and he nodded.
He picked up the cup of warm milk and handed it to me.
"Whatever you need, you just need to name it. I will do it for you". He said softly and I smiled sadly at him.
By night time, the video of me being dragged out of the company by the securities had become a scandal all over the net and it was going viral than the wedding saga.
It was as if someone was intentionally putting everywhere it was almost like a virus that it made me switch off my laptop in frustration.
My phone vibrated on the bed beside me, drawing be out of my thoughts.
I paused at the name displayed on the screen. It was my father.
Breathing in and out, I answered the call braising myself for what he was about to say again.
"Where are you?" He asked, in a surprisingly soft voice.
"Somewhere". I replied, my voice devoid of any emotions.
He had drained me of any that I had left.
"Are you determined to ruin the family's reputation?" He asked again in a cold voice.
"You have casted me aside, whatever happens to your family is none of my business". I replied and ended the call.
The hand that held my phone trembled slightly, this was the first time ever that I have talked to him like that.
I have never had enough courage to do it. But he and the rest of them had crossed the line. It felt good to say those words out.
For dinner, I was surprised to see Gerald seated and waiting for me.
He smiled as I walked in, and like the last time he pulled out a seat for me. Our hands touched briefly as I moved to sit down.
He smelled of tobacco and a minty musk. And I found myself inhaling deeply involuntarily.
"Are you free this weekend?" He asked as we sat down.
"Yeah". I nodded, there was nothing I was doing anyway. I'm currently jobless too.
"Good". He nodded in satisfaction.
"Huh?" but he smiled and shook his head.