บท 70: Throbbing Hearts

Katherine did not know what to say after what Frederick Park told her. She clutched the side of her dress as she felt her heart pound in her chest. The two of them were standing side by side as if they were watching the crowd together.

"Our family's name is held in high regard in this country. We can't afford to put any taint on it even a small speck of dust. Damien had always been respected and admired by a lot of people. So his every move is being watched by many. Do you know what will happen if the word comes out that he's been favoring a little secretary in his company? I'm sure I don't have to tell you… You're a smart woman, aren't you, Ms. Miller?"

Katherine clenched her jaw as she held back her tears. His every word was like a stab in her heart because they weren't only reminders… they were obviously a threat and the way he spoke carried a tone that made her feel like she'd want to cower in fear. She stood and held her footing despite feeling her knees start to tremble.

"I don't blame you though. My nephew is rich and especially attractive to the ladies. He had his fair share of women by his side from affluent families… So if he's showing you favors now, don't take it to heart. He's just trying out different flavors."

"Why are you telling me this?" She finally found her voice and hearing that she wavered, Frederick Park felt satisfied.

"I'm merely reminding you to stay in your place. Damien was left in my care after his father died. I am looking out for my nephew. You understand what I mean, right?"

Just in time, Lexi walked towards them with a fake smile on her face. "Uncle Fred, my father is looking for you."

"It was a pleasure chatting with you, Ms. Miller. Have a good night." Frederick Park walked away and went to find Lexi's father.

As soon as he left, Katherine breathed in and blinked to stop the tears from falling. Lexi came to her side with a wicked smile plastered on her face. "Enjoying the night, Ms. Miller?"

Katherine had only gotten out of Frederick Park's aura, now another annoying one came. She was determined to ignore her as her mood was already sullen.

Lexi let out a laugh, "You look like you've been slapped. Did Uncle Fred give you words of wisdom just now? I'm telling you, Katherine… Damien's family could only accept me for their nephew. I mean… look at you, who would want you?"

There were a few people around who turned their gaze towards them as it was Lexi's intent for them to hear. Lexi did not care about her image as she felt entitled because of her status.

Because Katherine did not want to sully Damien's reputation, she chose to remain quiet and did not mind Lexi's words though her tongue was itching to retort. And Lexi thought that Katherine didn't have the guts to fight back because of the same reason. She was still pissed when Katherine played her that one time, so she did not hold back.

"It's easy to understand… You're just not worthy. You're nothing but a pretty face." Lexi laughed as she walked away and left Katherine under everyone's scrutiny.

Not wanting to stay there, she turned around and walked out of the hall only to bump into Damien.

"Where were you?" he asked.

As soon as she saw him, she immediately curled up the corners of her mouth as though everything was fine despite feeling like her heart had been crushed. "I was looking for you inside, Boss."

There it was, Damien knew that there was something wrong with the way her eyes looked. However, she smiled at him like nothing's wrong. "Are you okay?" he probed.

Nodding her head, she answered, "Of course."

Markus walked up to him and said, "Boss, Mr. Amari wants to speak with you."

"Okay," Damien nodded before he faced her and said, "Let's go inside."

Katherine went with them back inside the hall and entertained more business partners all throughout the party.

It was already ten in the evening when the party was about to end and Damien was already feeling tired. Originally, they were going to stay in the resort but because he had a meeting early in the morning back in the city the next day, they opted to go back. He instructed Markus to stay behind to see the rest of the event and make sure everything was fine.

In the car, Damien was still concerned about her being quiet ever since the second half of the party. He thought that she was only tired but he noticed that she was only staring at the dashboard as if she was in deep thought. They were already a few minutes away from the hotel when he asked, "Katherine… Is everything okay?"

Just like earlier, it was as if a switch was pressed. Katherine smiled at him as she answered, "Yes, I'm just a little tired."

Nodding, he remembered what she said at the penthouse before they left. "Earlier… You said that you wanted to talk after the party. Is there something that you want to say?"

Katherine looked away and clutched her hands together. Her heart started to drum and she hated that he chose to talk about it now when they were in the car. But as much as she wanted to prolong it, she knew that she had to talk to him. This was probably the biggest lie that she would have to tell him and even convince herself that it was the case.

Noticing that she was hesitant, Damien added, "You can tell me anything." His voice was low as though he had already expected it.

Slowly, Katherine opened her mouth, "I don't think I can be with you."

As soon as he heard those words, Damien felt like there was a lump in his throat. He squeezed the steering wheel and clenched his jaw as he listened to her add:

"Actually… I don't think I am worthy to even think about being with you."

He breathed out before he replied with an obvious rueful tone, "Don't you think I should be the one to worry about that? You're the only one worthy of me."

"I appreciate that you think of me that way, President Park. But, I would like to focus on my work as your secretary instead," she lied with a straight face.

He chuckled mockingly, pissed at what she just said. The car came to a full stop in front of the hotel and he asked as he turned to face her, "How could you lie so easily?"

Katherine stared at the dashboard and did not dare to look at him. If she did, she feared that she was going to take back the words that she said.

"I know you're lying, Katherine. Don't tell me you don't feel anything for me.

"Did someone say something to you while I was away?" he asked but she still did not respond.

He was already pissed and to add to that, he started feeling frustrated… and hurt. "Were you just playing with me the whole time then?"

"I'm single, President Park, just like you. Weren't we just fooling around?"

"Bullsh*t."

"I don't believe that. You can't even look at me in the eye." Damien didn't know what to think. He knew that there was something wrong but she was unwavering.

Exasperated, he let out a wistful sigh, "Don't you want to be happy, Katherine?"

She clenched her hand so hard that her knuckles turned white as she responded with a toneless voice, "I don't need men to be happy."

He stifled a mocking laugh when he heard her answer. She's not the only one who can be prideful. "You know what? Fine. If that's what you want." He pressed a button on the side and the doors unlocked.

With a trembling smile, Katherine bowed slightly before she got out of the car. She hurriedly headed towards the elevator and as soon as she got inside, her tears came streaming down her face. The seconds felt like hours inside the small space and when she got inside the penthouse, she broke down.

She could not believe that she hurt him.

Thinking that it was stupid if she was going to stay there after what she just told him, she grabbed a bag and filled it with her clothes. "Great. You screwed up," she muttered to herself.

…

Meanwhile, as soon as Damien got inside his penthouse, he took off his coat and bowtie. Holding the tie in his hand, he gripped it before placing it on a nearby table and headed towards his mini bar. He poured himself a shot of whiskey and drank it in one go.

He laughed at himself for even expecting her to feel the same way he did. "That's right. They always leave you anyway. What's new?" he told himself, feeling like a big joke.

Wanting to drown himself with alcohol, he poured another shot in his glass.

He was just about to drink it when he heard the sound of his door as if someone was about to enter. With furrowed brows, he went to see the door open. Standing by the door was Katherine with red and misty eyes, gazing at him with a melancholic look.

Feeling bitter, he stared at her with a cold expression yet he could feel his heart throb just by the sight of her.

"Why are you here? What are you doing in a man's house looking miserable? Didn't you say you don't need men to be happy?" he bit out.

A tear rolled out from her eye when she absorbed the harsh words that he said to her.

She bit her bottom lip as she hesitantly walked towards him and bravely said, "I don't need men, Damien. I only need you."

And just as Katherine said those words, she pulled Damien by the collar and crushed her lips to his.