C.E.O x C.E.O

Ch. 7 - Exes And Ohs

Katherine couldn't describe the tightening in her chest when she sees James, whose now sitting at the vanity of a dressing room, a cut under his eye, harmed from the failure of the spotlights. None of it would've happened if she'd just rejected the invitation. James didn't even want to go to begin with. It was all because of her.

"Why the frown?" James then asks, clearly not as effected by the incident as she is, for his eyes remain rested and sharp. But he's looking at her, awaiting an answer.

So she answers, with a weak smile. "I'm sorry, Jamie."

He tilts his head. "For what?"

"For dragging you here. If I didn't, you wouldn't be hurt."

James then stands, towering over her. Then, his expression softens. "It's just a small cut. I'm fine."

"You're still cut."

It's then when James rolls his eyes. "And you're acting like your five-year-old just got hit by a car."

Katherine then chuckles, slightly. She doesn't deserve to, but James would surely be upset if she keeps sulking, and what he said is kind of funny to her.

Still, almost getting crushed by spotlights is a big deal. Katherine is sure that nothing James says to reassure her would work, because it's not fine.

He could've died. And it would've been her fault.

James doesn't need to know that though. She doesn't want him to waste his time comforting her, not when he was the one who nearly died, when he was the one who should be reassured. And it wasn't just the near-death experience she's guilt-ridden of.

It's also Selene. Had Katherine read the invitation thoroughly, she wouldn't have opted to mess with James simply because she thought he and Dmitri could use some quality time together or something. She may not know the extent of James and Selene's past relationship, but she knows enough to understand that they would rather not see each other again, yet her actions had pulled them together to collide.

He's distressed about it, she's sure, despite the smiles and greetings onstage. He wouldn't have been so insistent on leaving beforehand if he wasn't.

And it's all because of what Katherine had walked in on a week ago. James probably doesn't even remember that night.

It doesn't help that the other guy is in this very room with them.

Dmitri stands leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, talking to Tamara in hushed voices. How did he know just the right time to run up onstage and push the two people out of harm's way? Katherine has always been an overthinker. It's too perfect that Dmitri knew about it before it happened. But she doesn't want to accuse him, doesn't suspect him, in the case the man actually did save their lives.

Plus, who would go through that much trouble to seem like a hero? Dmitri's cocky, but not that cocky. Maybe he just has really good reflexes. If anything he should be thanked, rewarded.

Then, two knocks on the door. Rushed knocks, followed by the door creaking open.

Selene steps in. Katherine's heart skips a beat. It's been so long since she's stood this close to her.

She's way more gorgeous than she remembers up close. Or maybe it's because it's been so long.

A surprised smile appears when she spots Katherine. "It's been forever."

"Indeed it has," Katherine replies when she nears them.

Selene's expression quickly drops into a concern right after. "I'm sorry this is how we reunite." She says to James. "Are you alright?"