Whisper Destiny

Chapter 26

~ Natasha ~

The blinding flash from the cameras makes it impossible for me to see the audience. I've never experienced so many people taking photos of me as I have today. I can't deny that I feel a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. Despite the chaos, Catherine's thumb, slowly, rhythmically caressing the back of my hand. Her touch is gentle, almost absent-minded, and from the look on her face, the expression she wears suggests she is unaware of this unconscious gesture of comfort.

Catherine thanks the audience one more time before ushering me and my parents backstage. I can sense the heightened security as a group of guards surrounds us, trying to hold back the eager media as they're desperate to be the first to break our story.

"Let's get all of you to the VIP holding room," Louisa, Catherine's best friend voice cuts through the crowds and commotion at the backstage and close behind her, there are Chase and our PR team.

Catherine's grip on my hand tightens as we navigate toward the VIP room, the crowd swelling around us. I try to pull my hand away, but the sudden chaos backstage makes me leave it for now. Along the way, I notice people stopping Catherine to congratulate her—or rather, us. Most of them are the stunning models from today's event, their flawless appearances making me feel a bit self-conscious. I can tell Catherine is close to them by the way her body language softens when she hugs them, and my mind can't help but wonder if one of them might be involved in a scandal with her.

Once we're in the privacy of the VIP room, I quickly say with a sarcastic tone to Catherine, "I don't think I have the option to run away from you now, Ms. Ortiz," glancing pointedly at our intertwined hands. She quickly realizes it and releases my hand, whispering an apology.

Her attention shifts to Louisa and our PR team. My father and mother are also involved in the conversation, discussing how they expected the announcement to make waves, but not to this extent. The team is scrambling to ensure everything is under control. I'm not particularly interested in what the worst-case scenario might be, preferring to let them handle it.

"Natty, you've gone viral on social media! Like super viral, I think the site is crashing down because of you and Cate. Everyone is talking about both of you right now. You were even out-trended Harry Styles' concert!" Chase whispers excitedly, showing me his phone. Sometimes, I wonder he's will be straight just for Catherine. His obsession is overrated.

I take the phone from him when a specific picture immediately catching my eye. It's an image of Catherine and me gazing at each other, a look that could be mistaken for a loving glance, that we're falling deeply in love with each other. But deep inside, I can't deny, we both look good in the picture. Amidst everything happening tonight, I suddenly realize how stunning Catherine looks in her burgundy, open-back sleeveless gown featuring a leather high collar. The gown hugs her model-like figure, accentuating every graceful curve. She looks like she stepped straight off a runway, radiating confidence and poise.

I scroll through a few more photos on Chase's phone while he babbles excitedly about the event. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. A handsome man, looking like a mix of Spanish or French, I can't specifically point out, enters.

"My apologies," he says, scanning the room. His politeness is noted, making me glanced at him from top to toe.

"Cate, do you have a second? Can we talk?" His eyes lock onto Catherine's, trying to communicate something unspoken.

"Now is not an appropriate time, Mr. Ortega," Catherine replies in a monotone voice. I see a flash of hurt in his eyes before he clears his throat, trying to say something else.

But Catherine cuts him off firmly, "I'll see you in the office later, if that is okay with you." He surrenders with a simple "okay" before leaving with clear frustration on his face.