Early morning arrived like a slow burn, as if the world wanted to savor every lingering second, minute, and hour of her pain. It was frustrating for Cathie, who had closed her eyes all night yet couldn't find sleep.
Three years of love and friendship shattered like glass. Just when she believed she had finally found the man who would truly love her for who she was, everything turned against her. After countless disappointments over the years, Jake was the only one she trusted enough to let into her life and build a genuine relationship. But fate had betrayed her.
For all those years, she had loved men for who they were; one had humiliated her heart over money, while others had rejected her because she couldn't give them children. It wasn't that she couldn't have a child; each time she became pregnant, she suffered miscarriages for unknown reasons. This had become her nightmare.
The light seeped into her vision like the silent pain awaiting the day. Cathie groaned as she turned her head sideways, pulling the duvet closer around herself.
Suddenly, there was an urgent knock at her door.
"Why?! Why?! Why does everything seem to conspire against me?" she shouted into the vast room. But the knocking continued steadily.
"Fine! Coming!" She barked back, adjusting the duvet as she prepared to face whoever was outside.
The door creaked open gently.
It was Rose… standing before her in a tailored grey suit with perfectly styled hair.
"Good morning, ma'am," Rose said. "Aren't you ready for work? It's already 8:35 AM."
Cathie's expression shifted to reflect a bitter reminder of what lay ahead; she felt trapped in a nightmare and the word "work" weighed heavily on her. More pressing was what her father had said earlier… she needed to get married within a week… just one week.
Cathie reluctantly rose from her comforting cocoon and began to undo the ties of her robe as she moved towards the bathroom door. "I won't be spending much time at work today; have them organize my files… I'll pick them up myself. And before I forget…"
"She stepped into the bathroom and continued from behind closed doors, "Call Ms. Lawra now… to prepare a contract file for me on my terms. I need a marriage contract."
Rose paused for a moment, then nodded slightly with an understanding smirk. She didn't need anyone to explain her terms; she was already aware.
Her heels clicked against the floor as she stepped outside.
Before long, Cathie was dressed in her stylish dark SUV coat, perfectly accessorized with chains, makeup, and impeccably styled hair. She climbed into the back seat of the car just as it took off.
"Have you prepared all the essentials?"
"Yes, Ma'am… they're all ready," Rose replied, one hand firmly on the steering wheel and the other casually resting on the polished center console.
The drive from her house to her office was short, and with her car's speed, it was covered in no time.
The doors opened softly as Cathie exited the back seat and made her way quickly into her workplace.
"Good morning, Ma'am," "Ma'am good morning," casual greetings echoed from every corner as she entered. She focused on these polite exchanges, hoping they might ease some of the pressure building within her.
"All the files are arranged, Ma'am," said a voice from a secretary Rose had asked to prepare earlier.
"Good. It looks like I won't have to waste any time," she said, turning back to Rose. "Since we're all set, we need to head to court immediately."
Rose nodded in agreement and picked up the papers from the secretary before following behind Cathie once again.
Forty minutes later…
They arrived at the courthouse basement, which had a familiar scent of polished stone and old paper… a mix Cathie had grown accustomed to over the years. Her heels echoed softly alongside rolling briefcases that bounced off the walls as she and her assistant made their way through a maze of corridors.
Cathie's long strides allowed her to cut through the bustle without acknowledging the busy people weaving around them.
Finally reaching the office door, Mrs. Lawra looked up from the documents neatly spread across her desk. "Oh, Cathie," she said. "It's been a while. I didn't expect to see you coming into the Marriage Registry yourself."
Cathie allowed herself briefly, returning the quite polite smile towards her.
"I don't plan to stay long," she replied.
Mrs. Lawra nodded slightly as she cast a glance toward her assistant, offering a quiet smile before turning her attention back to the documents on her desk. Their conversation was swift and direct, with legal terms flying across the polished oak surface. Cathie rarely wasted words, and Mrs. Lawra appreciated that. Within minutes, signatures were secured, instructions exchanged, and the files safely tucked into Cathie's folder.
Without further delay, Cathie stood up, adjusted her blazer, and headed toward the elevator. The courthouse had been orderly and methodical, but now the outside world beckoned.
The elevator door opened with a gentle ping, exposing the lively lobby where the marble floors shone brightly in the afternoon sun. Her heels clicked decisively as she walked ahead, holding her files tightly against her chest, with her assistant following closely behind.
"Bumped!
Coffee splattered across the pristine front of a dark suit; the hot liquid spread rapidly. Cathie froze, narrowing her eyes as she looked up at the man who had crossed her path. He was tall, impeccably dressed, and handsome, but none of that mattered. A hint of amusement glimmered in his eyes, instantly putting her on edge.
"Hey! Do you mind watching where you're going?" she snapped, lifting her chin.
His calm demeanor was infuriating, he didn't apologize right away. Instead, he smiled coolly, almost as if he were teasing her. He bent down to dab at the coffee with a napkin.
"I'm… uh, sorry," he said finally.
"Sorry?" she repeated sharply, glancing at the dark stain spreading across his suit. "Is that your idea of paying attention?"
He straightened up, undeterred by her icy attitude, his gaze was fixed on hers until she hissed out a breath.
There was something unsettling about his calm presence; he didn't even flinch at her own intensity.
Damnit!... Does he have any idea who he's dealing with?
Cathie huffed angrily and climbed into the car as her assistant settled into the driver's seat and they drove off."