Married to the Cold Billionaire (English)

Chapter 10

Catherine

Catherine wasn't sure if Travis had already left the mansion for the office because she didn’t hear the sound of his car leaving. But she figured he probably had, given the time at the moment. Maybe she was just too deep in thought to notice or heard it.

During the days she had been staying there, he would always leave the mansion. It really seemed like he was allergic to seeing her, because even on weekends, he would go out just not to see her.

Catherine just shook her head to push the thought away. She decided to get out of the room since her stomach was already growling. She'd been hungry for a while now, and the milk she drank earlier wasn’t enough to make her feel full. Next time, she thought, she’d bring some biscuits to the room so she’d have something to eat when she's hungry.

She was just about to stand up from sitting on the edge of the bed when her phone rang. When she picked it up to see who was calling, she saw that it was her friend Brad.

She quickly answered the phone call. “Hello?”

“Oh, Catherine,” Brad said on the other end of the line.

“Hmm… what made you call?” she asked after a moment, curious about the reason why is he calling her.

“Just checking up on you,” he replied to her. “You haven’t contacted me since you asked me to bring you your cravings,” he added.

Catherine bit her lower lips. “Oh, sorry, Brad. I’ve just been really busy these past few days,” she apologized.

“Anyway, how are you?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” she answered.

“And how’s Travis treating you?” he followed up. She looked down at her hand, which was red from being splashed with hot milk earlier when she heard his question.

She didn’t answer immediately as memories of how Travis treated her surfaced.

“Is he still treating you coldly, Catherine?” Brad asked when she didn’t reply. “f**k that asshole,” he added angrily when he still hadn't responded.

She took a deep breath. “Let it go, Brad. What matters is that he’s not physically hurting me,” she said.

“Emotional pain is worse, Catherine,” Brad told her, hia voice filled with irritation and something else. “So, before you completely lose yourself, leave that Travis. Don’t wait until he’s drained you of all your strength,” he added, concern evident in his voice

Catherine couldn’t find the words to respond to that. Yes, she knew Travis didn’t love her. She knew that no matter what she did, he would never love or accept her as his wife because the only one he wanted to love was Lianne. Lianne was the only woman he wanted.

And even though she knew that, she still couldn’t bring herself to leave him. Maybe because a part of her still hoped that Travis would change how he treated her. She was still hoping that one day, Travis would accept her as his wife. That someday, he would love her the way he loved Lianne.

Catherine wanted their child to grow up in a complete and loving family. She wanted her child to feel the kind of love it truly deserved from both parents. And every night, she prayed for that.

“I don’t know what to do with you, Catherine,” Brad said when she remained silent. Frustratiom ia very evident in his voice.

“Just support me in this, Brad,” was all she could say.

Brad didn’t answer. She only heard him sigh. And in the next moment, Catherine changed the topic. They talked about other things until she finally said goodbye when her stomach growled again. She was really hungry now.

She placed her phone on the bedside table and grabbed the glass she had used for the milk so she could take it downstairs.

Once she stepped out of her room, she walked straight down the hallway and went down the stairs. After a moment, she was already in the kitchen.

She found Lily there. “Hello, Lily,” Catherine greeted her. “Has Travis already left?” she asked. “Were you able to give him his packed lunch?” she added

Lily didn’t answer right away, but eventually nodded, making Catherine smile. She immediately began thinking of what she could cook again for Travis tomorrow.

“Will you be eating now, Ma’am?” Lily asked a few moments later. “I’ll prepare your breakfast.”

“Yes, please,” Catherine said with a smile.

She sat down at the dining table while waiting for Lily to prepare her meal. “Have you eaten yet?” she asked. “If not, join me,” she offered.

“We’ve already eaten, Ma’am Catherine,” Lily answered.

“Oh,” she said. “Next time, let’s eat together. It’s better to eat with someone,” she added.

“If that’s what you want, Ma’am,” Lily replied with a smile

“Yes, that’s what I want,” Catherine said. She usually ate alone, and sometimes, she would even eat in her room when Lily brought food there, especially when she didn’t want to go downstairs while Travis was in the mansion.

Whenever she ate alone, she always felt sad. She felt alone. She often felt pity for herself, eating all by herself. She longed to have someone to eat with.

When Lily finally served her breakfast, Catherine began eating in silence. She hadn’t even finished half of her meal when she suddenly stopped upon seeing someone enter the dining area.

“Lily, make me a coffee. And I’m going to eat—”

Travis didn’t finish his sentence when his eyes landed on her. She immediately noticed the furrow of his brows when their eyes met.

Why is Travis here? Didn’t she assume he had left for work? But based on what he was wearing, it looked like he never left. He still wearing his pajama and t-shirt.

“Y-yes, Sir. I’ll prepare your coffee and get your meal ready,” Lily said a moment later, clearly nervous.

Catherine avoided looking at Travis. She bit her lower lip as she placed down her utensils. She hadn’t finished eating yet, but she felt she had to leave since it looked like he was about to eat.

She grabbed a table napkin and wiped her mouth.

She stood up from the dining table.

“Y-you’re done eating, Ma’am?” Lily asked, making Catherine look her way.

She smiled at her when their eyes met. “Y-yes, Lily,” she lied, even though she was still hungry. “Please clear it up, okay?” she added.

She didn’t wait for Lily’s response as she quickly stepped out of the dining area. Since Travis was by the doorway, she had no choice but to pass by him.

She was careful not to meet his eyes because she noticed that his brows were still furrowed.

She managed to pass him, but she didn’t get far before he suddenly grabbed her arm tightly, stopping her.

“What kind of drama is this, Catherine?” he asked coldly and firmly. His brows nearly met in a deep scowl.

“I’m not being dramatic, Travis,” she replied. “You’re going to eat, right?” she said. “I just want you to eat in peace. And I know you won’t be able to do that if I’m around,” she added, her voice heavy with bitterness and pain. As she spoke, it felt like her heart was being squeezed with a big hand.

She felt Travis pause, and she took that chance to pull his hand off her arm. Once free, she continued walking away from him.