Chapter 5
1036 Words
Two Years Later
Catherine never thought time could move so fast, yet here she was—two years older, two years wiser, and a mother to the two most beautiful children she had ever laid eyes on.
Motherhood had reshaped her world in ways she never expected. The moment she had held her twins for the first time, their tiny hands grasping her fingers, she had known she would do anything for them. And now, two years later, her life revolved around them—her little miracles, Liam and Lily.
Both of them had inherited their father’s striking features, something that made Catherine’s heart clench every time she looked at them. Liam had the same dark, unruly hair, and Lily had those piercing blue-gray eyes that had haunted Catherine’s dreams since that night. Their resemblance to Alexander Kingston was undeniable, and yet, he had no idea they even existed.
Catherine had thought about finding him, truly considered it after Nikki’s insistence. But where would she even start? She knew his name now, thanks to the news of his engagement that had nearly shattered her resolve two years ago. But she had convinced herself that she and her children were better off without him.
She had built a stable, fulfilling life for herself and her twins.
She had thrown herself into work, expanding her business, making strategic partnerships, and ensuring financial security for her children. She wasn’t just the same Catherine Jones from two years ago—she was now a force in the industry, a woman who had built her company from the ground up while raising two kids.
Still, there were moments—quiet ones in the middle of the night—when she wondered. Would he have cared? Would he have been there for them? Or would he have walked away, his glamorous life more important than the family he never knew existed?
She shook those thoughts away every time they surfaced.
Because none of it mattered.
She had everything she needed.
Catherine exhaled as the boardroom door closed behind the last of the executives. The long meeting had finally come to an end. "That will be all for today," she said, dismissing the meeting. The second she sat back in her chair, exhaustion threatened to take over.
Then her phone rang.
Seeing the caller ID brought an instant smile to her face. She could already feel the fatigue from the day melting away as she picked up.
"Mummy, mummy! Are you going to read us a bedtime story today?" a tiny, excited voice chirped through the phone.
Catherine’s heart softened instantly. "Of course, sweetie," she said warmly, shifting her tone from CEO to doting mother.
"Mummy, can you get me the Lego you promised when coming home?" her son, Liam, piped in eagerly.
She chuckled. "Have you been a good boy to your nanny today?"
"Yes, Mummy! I even washed my hands after eating!"
Catherine laughed. She knew her son well—if he said he "washed his hands," it likely meant half the bathroom was drenched in water. Still, his innocence melted her heart, and she couldn’t bear to disappoint him.
"Oh really? Then I’m definitely getting you that Lego set."
"Yayyyy!" Liam squealed in excitement.
"I love you, Mummy," her daughter whispered sweetly.
Catherine’s chest tightened with overwhelming love. "I love you too, my babies. But Mummy has to get back to work now, okay?"
"Okay, Mummy! Byeee!"
"Bye, babies." She ended the call, still smiling, her heart full.
She loved them more than words could express, to the moon and back, and beyond.
A sharp knock on the door snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, adjusting her posture.
Her assistant, Nicole, stepped inside. “Ma’am, an invitation just arrived from your father.”
Catherine frowned. Another function? What was her father planning this time?
"Alright, thank you," she said, taking the envelope from Nicole’s hands.
Nicole nodded. "Yes, ma’am." With a small smile, she closed the door behind her.
Catherine tore open the invitation and scanned the contents.
It was a gathering of elite business leaders from around the world—a chance to expand her company’s connections and influence.
She decided she would attend.
After all, it was just another business event.
Catherine adjusted the cuff of her elegant navy-blue dress, ensuring it sat perfectly on her wrist as she took a deep breath. The grandeur of the ballroom was breathtaking—chandeliers sparkled overhead, the soft hum of conversation filling the air, and the scent of expensive perfume lingering in the atmosphere.
Tonight was an important night. This wasn’t just any event—it was a networking opportunity that could push Tech Industries to new heights.
She glanced down at her twins, Liam and Lily, both dressed impeccably for the occasion. Liam wore a tailored little suit, his tie slightly askew despite her multiple attempts to straighten it, while Lily looked like a princess in a soft blue dress with matching ballet flats. They were the picture of perfection, and she felt a wave of pride.
“You both remember the rules, right?” she whispered as she knelt beside them.
“Yes, Mummy,” Liam responded. “Be polite, don’t run.”
Catherine smiled, smoothing down his tie. “That’s my boy. And you, Lily?”
Lily beamed, swaying slightly on her feet. "Be a good girl."
Nikki, standing beside them in a stunning emerald gown, chuckled. “They’re more well-behaved than most adults in this room.”
As the night progressed, Catherine found herself gliding through conversations effortlessly. CEOs, investors, and tech entrepreneurs approached her, exchanging ideas and discussing potential collaborations. She was in her element—charming, strategic, and sharp.
“This is a great opportunity for Tech Industries,” Nikki murmured in her ear between introductions.
Catherine nodded, taking a sip of champagne. “I know. If I can close at least one strong partnership tonight, this trip will be worth it.”
Just as she turned to greet another business leader, her entire world came to a standstill.
There, in the middle of the room, stood Alexander Kingston, holding Lily in his arms.
Catherine’s breath caught in her throat.
- Writer
