♣ CHAPTER 16 ♣
Kate stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the silver necklace around her neck. Her dress hugged her body in all the right places, elegant and simple.
She took a deep breath. It was her friend's big day, and for the first time in a long while, she felt… alive. Free. Not trapped under business contracts or cold glares.
She picked up her phone and glanced at it. No messages. Not from William. Not that she was expecting one.
She walked down the stairs and found him sitting in the living room. He was in Suit, his Tie and Cold stare in place.
"I'm heading out," she said.
William didn't look up. "Where?"
"To my friend's event."
"But you didn't make mention of that to me in our conversation last night."
"I'm not supposed to tell you that,after all you don't notify me when you're going to an event."
He stood slowly. "I'm sending a driver with you."
"I can drive."
"You're not going alone."
Kate rolled her eyes. "Are you protecting me now?"
William's eyes met hers. "I don't trust your uncle."
Kate scoffed. "What does this have to do with him?"
"I just have a bad feeling."
"You always have a bad feeling."
"This time it's worse."
She grabbed her clutch. "You don't get to control where I go."
"I'm not controlling you. I'm warning you."
Kate stepped toward the door. "Then save your warnings for someone who listens."
—
The event hall was alive with music, laughter, and clinking glasses. A banner that read "Tina's Beauty Empire Grand Opening" hung above the entrance. Kate stepped in and was immediately hugged by her old friend.
"Kate!" Tina squealed. "You look amazing!"
Kate smiled. "So do you. This place is beautiful."
"I'm so glad you came."
They moved around the hall, greeting familiar faces. Old classmates. Business acquaintances.
People Kate hadn't seen in years.
For a few hours, she laughed. Danced and Took photos. She felt like herself again.
But not everyone in the room shared her happiness. There were always haters, lurking around.
"Well, if it isn't the spoiled heiress," a cold voice said.
Kate turned to find Claudia, an old rival from school. "Claudia. Still bitter after all these years?"
"You're the one who vanished when your family fell apart," Claudia sneered. "Now you're back, acting like a queen."
Kate smiled, calm. "Maybe because I am."
Claudia scoffed. "You think marrying William Dray makes you special? Everyone knows it's a contract marriage. You're just a tool."
Kate's smile faded. "Careful. Tools can be sharp."
Before Claudia could reply, a small group started arguing near the buffet. Two women were yelling. A man stepped in. Many Drinks spilled. One slap, two and fist. Then chaos.
The Security rushed in.
Kate stepped back, looking stunned.
Tina ran up, her eyes wide. "I don't know what happened! They weren't even invited."
Kate helped calm the crowd. "It's okay. Let's just move people back. Let the security handle it."
The fight eventually died down. The rest of the event picked up again, though the energy was a little tenser. Still, Tina's speech went well. The ribbon was cut and Cameras flashed.
As the night ended, Tina pulled Kate aside.
"Thank you for coming. Really."
Kate hugged her. "I'm proud of you."
"Be careful," Tina whispered. "Some people in this city wear smiles but hold knives."
Kate nodded. She knew that too well.
—
Later, Kate stepped out of the building,her heels clicking on the pavement. The black car waited for her. The driver opened the door without a word. She slid in.
William wasn't inside.
But he had been there.
She'd noticed him once, in the corner of the hall, talking to someone she didn't recognize. He never approached her.
THe Never made a scene. But when Claudia got too close, he stepped in briefly and pulled a waiter to intervene. When the fight broke out, she saw him signal someone in security.
He'd been protecting her the entire time.
But from the shadows.
Kate sat in silence the whole ride home.
When she entered the penthouse, William was sitting by the window, sipping a glass of whiskey.
"You looked busy," she said.
He didn't turn. "So did you."
Kate stepped closer. "You were there."
He didn't answer.
"You watched everything."
"I had other matters to attend to."
"Like making sure I wasn't embarrassed in front of people who hate me?"
William looked at her finally. "You handled yourself well."
Kate narrowed her eyes. "So you trust me?"
"I never said that."
She stepped closer. "But you care."
He sipped. "Don't read into it."
"I already have."
There was a long pause.
Kate turned away. "You say you don't care, but your actions say otherwise."
William stood. He Walked past her. "Go to bed." He said.
Kate followed him. "I won't be played, William."
He stopped. "Then stop playing yourself."
She stepped right behind him. "You're cold. But you're also the only one who's ever looked out for me when it mattered."
He didn't look back. "Don't mistake protection for affection."
Kate whispered, "Too late."
William's breath hitched. But he didn't reply.
He walked away.
Kate stood in the hallway, her heart racing.
---
Kate followed him into the hallway, her steps fast and stubborn. "You can't just walk away every time the truth gets close."
William stopped at the edge of the hallway, his jaw tight. "What truth, Kate?"
"That you care."
He turned slowly. "Don't start."
She stepped closer. "You showed up at that event. You didn't have to. You protected me when you thought I wasn't watching."
"I didn't do it for you," he said coldly. "I did it because your fall would affect my name."
Kate laughed bitterly. "Then why didn't you leave me to drown when Claudia tried to humiliate me?"
William's eyes darkened. "Because you don't deserve to be embarrassed. Not like that."
"Exactly. So stop pretending you're made of stone. You're not."
He moved toward her, voice low. "And what do you want, Kate? A thank you? A kiss? An apology?"
"I want the truth!" she snapped. "Why do you keep showing up for me when you claim you don't care?"
His stare was fierce. "Because I hate seeing people take advantage of you."
She blinked. "You think they're taking advantage of me?"
"Your uncle. The fake friends. The media. You walk into places like you're safe, but you're not."
Kate's tone softened. "Then why not say it? Why not admit you don't want anything to happen to me?"
"Because that would mean something," he said sharply. "And I can't afford to mean anything right now."
She stared at him. "You think feelings make you weak?"
He stepped back. "I know they do."
Kate took a deep breath. "Then you'll spend your life being cold and alone."
"Better than being burned again," he said flatly.
Kate didn't answer.
She just turned and walked to her room, closing the door softly behind her.
On the other side, William stood frozen…his fists clenched, he breathed hard.