Heir’s Redemption

Chapter 18

CATERINA’S POV

The day was finally here. My eighteenth birthday was tomorrow, along with my induction ceremony.

My mom has been planning this ceremony for months, making sure it was perfect. Knowing her, it would be perfect—she would spare no expense to make sure it was perfect.

Not only that, but she’s been on my case more than usual. She dragged me to the doctor about a month ago, putting me on birth control.

It was a good thing that she did that, but it just made it awkward between us. It was like she knew I was gonna be sexually active once I turned eighteen.

She said “Birth control is just a precaution. We don’t want you having any unplanned babies, even though children are blessings.”

Children were blessings, but I sure as hell didn’t want any right now either.

I just didn’t know how to explain that to her.

I’ve been waiting for my eighteenth birthday forever. I’ve been waiting for the day to finally be with Rámon, but it feels like we’re anything but close anymore.

So much distance is between us.

Since that night he came over out of no where, I thought things would change—but they haven’t.

He’s still distant and disappearing off the face of the earth all the time. He barely responds to any of my calls or texts anymore, so I don’t even bother.

Maybe he was right—maybe I deserved better than him.

But I don’t want anybody else but him—I love him and only him.

“Happy birthday Cat!” Sage yelled out over the loud music of the club.

All of us siblings, including my friends were at one of our clubs, celebrating my birthday early.

The clock just struck twelve, officially commencing the start of my eighteenth birthday.

Rámon was no where to be found—but that honestly wasn’t a surprise.

The twins just had their twentieth birthday a couple of days. They made sure to live it up and party like they had no worries.

I’m surprised they’re still alive after how much they drank—but here they are, partying even more.

“Happy Birthday Cat!” Others around us cheered out as they took shots, celebrating my birthday.

I smiled and made sure to put up a front, but inside I was sad.

The one I wanted, wasn’t here and was no where to be found. It was like he abandoned me all over again.

Did I not mean anything to him?

Jade plopped down on the leather couch next to me as people partied around us in our VIP section.

“Happy birthday Cat.” She smiled as she held up a shot of tequila for me.

I reluctantly took it and downed it, knowing I needed the buzz.

Jade hasn’t really made any appearances lately, considering she blew up as a model. Her picture has been all over New York and every modeling agency has been recruiting her for work.

I’m not surprised, she’s a beauty.

We never really got along, but I’m happy for her. She was still family after all.

“Where’s Rámon?” She asked out, making me sigh out.

“I don’t know. I think he’s still working.”

“That’s a bummer.” Her smile conflicted her words, letting me know she still wanted Rámon.

I’m sure she was loving every second of this.

“Vinny’s always busy with work, but he came to celebrate with you tonight.” She spoke back, making me roll my eyes.

“I’m not Rámon’s babysitter, Jade. If he’s busy, then he’s busy.”

“Yeah, but you’re his girlfriend. He should be here celebrating with you.” She countered, making me meet her gaze.

She tried to portray herself as the innocent woman who just wanted to play nice, but she was anything but that.

“We have plenty of time to celebrate together, Jade.” I smirked, “After all, I plan on going back to his place tonight.”

My words made her eyes flicker with malice before she concealed it quickly.

She was such a jealous b***h— it was easy to get under her skin.

“If you’ll excuse me.” I said sweetly before getting up and walking away.

I wasn’t gonna waste any more of my time playing nice with her.

I left our section and found a more quiet place in the club. Once the music wasn’t too loud, I pulled out my phone and gave Rámon another call.

The line rung and rung, but it went to voicemail—just like all the other calls.

My heart hurt, knowing I wasn’t a priority for Rámon.

Even though Jade was a total b***h, she was right. Vinny was always busy with work, but he made time for me because he knew it was important.

What the hell is Rámon’s excuse?

I turned my phone off and stashed it into my purse. I pulled my shoulders back and kept my head held high.

If he wasn’t gonna make me a priority, then I wasn’t gonna give him the time of day anymore.

I was tired of being second best to whatever had his attention and time.

I deserved better.

Now, I’m gonna go and drink my sorrows away. It was my birthday after all, I deserve to celebrate and live it up.

Another day is never promised.

I’m just grateful to finally see eighteen.

…

RÁMON’S POV

I think I’ve finally lost my mind. Veronica’s driving me crazy and it’s only been a month and a half since I found out about her pregnancy.

I bought her an apartment a couple of days after the paternity test. I couldn’t deal with her living with me, it was torture.

I furnished the place and made sure she had everything she could possibly need. I thought by doing that, she would stop contacting me so much, but that wasn’t the case.

Like tonight, I should have been out celebrating with Caterina for her birthday, but I was here with Veronica.

She called me crying, saying she was in pain. I drove over there quickly, thinking something was wrong with the baby, but the baby seems to be fine.

Now, she wants me to do all of this stuff for her and keep me here, knowing I have places I need to be.

I know I should tell her to piss off, but I’m honestly worried that she will threaten my son against me.

She’s such an evil b***h and I know that if she doesn’t get her way, she’ll try and take my son away from me.

As much as I hate this situation, I want to know my son. He is the light in all of this darkness.

He is my heir.

“Rámon!” Veronica whined out as she curled up on the couch, looking pitiful. “Can you feed me some soup?”

“Veronica.” I complained, “Sit up and eat it yourself. I need to leave.”

I checked my watch, seeing that it was already after 1am.

“Please Rámon. Our baby is hungry.” She whined out again, making me roll my eyes.

One of the maids I hired for the apartment, walked over with a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup.

I took the bowl and took a seat next to Veronica.

“Sit up so I can feed you.” I sighed, waiting for her to sit up, knowing she was so f*****g annoying.

Once she sat up, I blew on a spoonful and fed it to her. She had a smug smile on her face, loving every second of this.

“Thank you Rámon. It means a lot to me that you’re stepping up to the plate.”

“Whatever Veronica.” I muttered as I shoved another spoonful of soup into her mouth, not even blowing on it this time.

“That was too hot!” She complained as she scowled at me.

I was pleased internally, but my face was cold and void of any emotion.

“Maybe you should feed yourself then.” I countered, making her pout.

“Why are you so mean to me? Don’t I mean anything to you?”

“Veronica.” I groaned, “Please don’t start, I don’t want to argue with you.”

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over chest and pouted like a child.

I sat the bowl of soup on the table and stood up.

“Since you want to act like a child, I’m leaving.”

“Why? So you can go and be with Caterina?” She sneered, “You act like I don’t know you’re supposed to be celebrating her birthday with her.”

A cold glint flashed in my eyes as I glared down at her.

“What’s so special about her anyways?” Veronica scoffed, “She’s not even that pretty.”

“Veronica!” I snapped out, “What the f**k did I say about having her name in your f*****g mouth?!’

“What? I’m just being honest.” She rolled her eyes and ignored my anger, “You might as well tell her about me and your son. It’s not like she’s gonna stay with you after she finds out.”

I balled my fists at my sides, feeling like I wanted to rip her throat out—but she was right.

I still haven’t told Caterina about Veronica being pregnant. I just couldn’t—I don’t want to lose her yet.

I know it’s selfish, but I’m a selfish bastard.

I love Caterina and I don’t want anyone else to have her. She’s mine and she will always be mine. I just need to figure out a way to deal with all of this, without having to tell her.

Because if I do, she will leave me.

“We need to talk, because things aren’t gonna work out how you think they are.” I firmly stated as I took a seat on the couch across from her, “First of all, you and I will never be together.”

My words hurt her as she dropped her jaw in offense.

“You will have my son and partly raise him. I will provide for the both of you and be there for my son, but that is it.” I stated firmly, “I love Caterina and will marry her one day. She will be my wife and the mother to all of my children, including the son you are birthing.”

She scoffed before laughing maniacally. “You really think she’s gonna raise your illegitimate child?! You’re more stupid than I thought, Rámon.”

I growled, warning her.

“Let’s be real Rámon.” She cackled, “You just want to take her virginity. Just be honest about it and stop acting like you have to settle down with her.”

“Shut the f**k up Veronica!” I snapped back, “If you continue to speak nonsense and act like this, I will make your life a living hell.”

Her eyes widen in fear as she hugged herself.

“Do you really think I won’t f*****g kill you once you give birth?!” I threatened, “Be lucky that I am providing for you and putting up with your bullshit.”

She wanted to say something, but advised against it.

I stood up and buttoned my suit jacket before walking to the door.

“Take care of yourself Veronica, and stop calling me.” I instructed, “If you don’t feel good, call the doctor. I’m done with these games.”

With those last words, I walked out of her apartment and slammed the door behind me.

I nodded towards one of my men guarding her apartment. “Make sure she doesn’t leave.”

He bowed his head, “Got it boss.”

I left, knowing I needed to try and catch Caterina before she went home.

I’m sure she was pissed at me.

I pulled out my phone and tried to give her a call but it went straight to voicemail. I tried again, but it went straight to voicemail again.

“Come on Caterina, pickup.” I sighed.

I called Vinny and he answered after the second ring.

“Vinny.”

“Where the hell are you man?” He asked out, sounding frustrated.

“I got held up with some business. Where’s Cat? Are you guys still out celebrating?”

“We’re leaving man. Cat’s drunk and I need to get her home.” I heard yelling in the background, before Cat’s sloppy voice sounded out.

“Cat chill out, you need to relax.” Vinny tried to coax her but the yelling continued.

“I want to f*****g talk to him! Give me the damn phone Vinny!” Cat yelled out, letting me know she was pissed.

“Give her the phone Vinny, let me talk to her.”

I heard Vinny grunt before he handed the phone over to Cat.

“Look who finally picks up their phone.” Cat slurred out sarcastically, “I guess you just don’t pick up the phone for me.”

“Caterina.” I sighed out.

“No! You don’t get to speak!” She yelled back, “Listen to me when I tell you that I don’t want anything to do with you anymore!”

“Caterina.”

“No, f**k you Rámon!” She snapped back, “I don’t ever want to see you again! So stay the hell away from me!”

With those last words, she hung up the phone.

I took the elevator down to the parking garage while my mind raced.

I was totally f****d—She hates me.

What the hell was I supposed to do now?