Katarina’s POV
How can you miss someone you see every day?I had been asking myself this question for weeks now. Sadly, I have not found the answer yet.We were at the grand ballroom for the charity ball that the President was hosting. It was also a party to meet in one place all the girls he dated previously to get to know them better. After tonight, he will end the selection process and choose his bride.I watched him as he entertained guests - other country’s nobility, influential persons, and other heads of state.In his arms was Ms. Emily Jones, the airline heiress. When she arrived, she already zeroed in on Regor, latched herself to his arm, and never let go.I watched her as she remained glued by the President's side, acting like she was his First Lady. And I felt a pin-prick of pain in my chest.Jealousy slammed me so hard. I could barely breathe.From all the ladies the President had dated for the operation wedding bellsKatarina’s POVThe children and I were having breakfast when I received a phone call from the President.He wanted me to come to his office the minute I reported for work.“What does Uncle Regor want?’ Dion asked when I put the phone down.“Nothing. He just wanted me to go to his office.” I told him distractedly. I am half-worried. Regor would not issue an order like that if the matter is not pressing.“Does it have anything to do with the magazine report about you and Uncle Marlon?” It was Daphne who clued me in.“What news?”“Mom, the news said that there is a brewing romance between you and Uncle Marlon. Is that true?” Daphne asked.I bit my lip. I looked at my daughter and realized that Daphne has indeed grown up.“Whatever you hear about Uncle Marlon and me is not true,” I told her.“But mom! Uncle Marlon told us." I looked at my first-born start
Katarina’s POVThat morning, former Senator Rodriguez called me for an emergency meeting with me. I did not even have time for breakfast when I received his secretary’s call. The President kept on calling me, but I do not know what to tell him. I do not want to invite his anger and cause a problem within the political party. So instead of taking his call, I turned my phone off and hope that he would not raise h*ll in the office on what I did. I looked at the black monitor of my phone and sighed before I put it inside my bag and continued walking. I was surprised to see Marlon sitting at the table with Senator Rodriguez. When Marlon saw me come in, he sprung upon his seat and walked over to meet me. He guided me over to the table under Senator Rodriguez’s hawk-like eyes. I stood beside former senator Rodriguez’s chair out of respect. I was about to open my mouth to greet him, but he beat me to it when he handed me a rec
Katarina POVAll morning, I was in tenterhooks. My landline and mobile phones kept on ringing for reporters who wanted an interview to get my side. Apparently, a tabloid blind item hinted at an affair between the man occupying the highest public office in the land and his assistant. Allegedly, the closed-door relationship had been going on for months now.The President's public relations team advised me to stay inside my suites with my children and with strict instructions to refrain from answering any phone calls. They also suggested that I turn off my mobile phones for the time being.I was shaking while I paced back and forth in our small living room.All the while, I could feel Daphne’s eyes following my every move. She was sitting in a corner- worry lines dotted her innocent and young face.It made me feel guilty. How I hate seeing my kids unsettled like this. “Mom, is it true?” Daphne asked when she could not take th
Regor’s POVI was furious. I wanted to hit at someone.I kicked the door open to my study before I came in. I met the shocked faces of the people occupying the room - my father, Senator Rodriguez, the party council, and my public relations team.They were all stunned by what I did. I was never this brusque. I did not know that they convened there. But it was perfect for me.“Would everyone be kind enough to leave this room except former senator Aldeguer?” I commanded in a challenging tone.I heard the sounds of shuffling feet and chairs before I saw them leave. One by one, they trekked out of the room until I was left alone with my father.I was still catching my breath after my earlier outbursts when I looked at him. He sits at the head of the conference table, calmly watching me while my hands closed into fists, teeth gritted and body trembling in barely contained anger.To anyone, I may look like a tiger ready to pounce.
Katarina's POVI was inside the bathroom, hugging with the toilet bowl as I vomited repeatedly. This scene has been going on for a month now. Daphne had been getting worried.I heard someone furiously knocking on my door, followed by a shout. I instantly got alarmed. I know we are safe here - the senator promised that he would not bother us again.Much as I would like to stand up and satisfy my curiosity, I continued my stomach’s ongoing battle with the commode, emptying its contents.Then I heard the door to the bathroom swing open, and warm hands gently caressed my back.I stiffened. I know that touch. My body will never forget his touch. The recognition brought instantaneous tears to my eyes.After emptying the contents of my stomach, I slumped on the tiled floor - too tired with my recent debacle with the bowl. All the while, Regor’s hands kept on touching my bowed head. I could not face him yet. I fear that because I w
Regor's POVIt was hard to break off the engagement with Emily Jones. At first, the family wanted to sue me for publicly shaming her, but they at the last minute decided against it.Nevertheless, my lawyers got their hands full, preparing for any untoward incident. What clinched the cancellation was when Emily and I met two weeks ago. I apologized. Of course, the apology also came with a hefty donation for her foundation, one I am glad to oblige.“I sure envy Ms. Dimalanta.” She told me when we shook hands after we signed the documents releasing each other from any encumbrances concerning our botched engagement.With raised eyebrows, I asked her why.“Any girl would be lucky if a man loves her dearly. The whole nation may hate her now, but she has the heart of the man who lords over this nation.”I smiled bitterly at that. I hope Katarina knows that but she was nowhere to be found.Still, I have high hopes for my people. I g
Katarina's POVThat same day, Regor married me in haste. We became husband and wife through a civil ceremony officiated by the mayor of the island community where we are currently staying. Our small attendees included my children, Gino and Marlon, who stood in as our witnesses. I have some reservations, though, but Regor would not have any of them. He told me that he does not want our baby to be born out of wedlock.“Besides, it would be the most fitting ending to our beginning.” He said which made my heart flutter crazily.I know that while he did not tell me yet that he loves me, but his willingness to stand by me and our baby is enough. I, too, am not being vocal about my feelings. I do not know. Although I find it easy to give him full access to my body, it was so hard for me to verbalize my feelings.“I would have wanted a grander wedding, but given the circumstances, we can not do it,” Regor told me apologetically after we sign
Katarina's POVI was already settled on the makeshift birthing bed when Dr. Vanderhurst arrived. Regor timed my contractions. It is now down to five minutes apart.I gripped his hand when another contraction hit me.“Ahhhh!” I shouted in pain. “You're ready to go.” Dr. Vanderhurst told me after she timed my contractions to one minute apart. She explained to Regor that my cervix is a hundred percent effaced and dilated at ten centimeters, which means that anytime now, the baby will be out.I breathed in and out in my mouth, recalling all the breathing practices we went through. Regor contracted a pregnancy class instructor to come in once a week. She also provided me with a video tutorial on how to time my breathing with my contractions.I started pushing when Dr. Vanderhurst gave me the go-signal. Then I tucked my chin to my chest as another pain seized me. All the while, Regor was with me. He did not let go of my hands. He kept