Whisper Destiny

Chapter 38

~ Natasha ~

"Alice et Moi..." Louisa said, her voice carrying a hint of familiarity. The name rang a bell. She was the one they were talking about on the plane. I observed her closely; she looked absolutely beautiful, like a figure from a classic painting. What was it with Catherine? All her acquaintances seemed too good to be true.

"Long time no see. How are you?" Louisa continued when the silence stretched.

"I'm great," Alice replied, her gaze returning to Catherine with a familiarity that hinted at a shared past.

"Cate..." she tried again, her voice softening.

"Hi Alice. Long time no see," Catherine finally spoke, her tone calm and composed, as always.

"You look great. You always do, but now you look absolutely stunning," Alice said boldly, her words hanging in the air like a provocative challenge. I felt a ripple of surprise at her audacity.

"May I have the pleasure..." Alice began, but Catherine cut her off smoothly.

"Let me introduce you... Natasha Grayson, my wife. I believe you two have never met before," Catherine said, stepping close behind me. Her proximity sent a shiver down my spine, the scent of her perfume mingling with the air. Wearing heels today, I stood nearly at her height; since she's only in her sneakers. Her warmth radiating as she stood so close that goosebumps erupted on my neck. I was grateful for my loose hair tonight, which hid my reaction.

Alice let out a laugh, light yet tinged with defiance. "Do you think I'll ever stop chasing you, even with her in the picture? You know me better than that, Cate!" Her boldness was palpable. I couldn't see Catherine's reaction, with her positioned behind me, but Louisa's discomfort was evident.

Alice began walking towards us, her gaze sliding over me before fixing on Catherine with an intense focus. "I miss you, Cate. I miss us, I've tried so many times to reach out to you, why did you block me from your life?" she said in a slow, longing tone, each word dripping with nostalgia and yearning.

She reached out, trying to pull Catherine's hand, but Catherine stopped her with a firm, controlled gesture. "There was no 'us' before Alice, and there never will be. I would appreciate if you respected the boundaries."

We are starting to gather attention from the customer in the restaurant. Thank god it's an exclusive restaurant, hence they're trying not to pry on us so much.

"Oh come on, Cate," Alice persisted, her voice gaining a desperate edge. "I know you never wanted to pursue anything with me because you felt our connection. You feel something for me, but you're scared and I understand why. I will prove my worth to you, I'll never leave you, ever. And trust me, I will never give up on you. I've proved to you now and even if I have to wait another ten years. Because I know, in the end, you'll be mine." words hung in the air, her confidence unshakable. Alice's words hung in the air, each one a challenge, a declaration of her unwavering determination.

Her words sparked something deep within me, a painful reminder of my relationship with Nick and his relentless attempts to control me. I felt a familiar knot tighten in my chest, a mix of anger and protectiveness. I knew Catherine was strong enough to protect herself and not to be controlled by this woman, yet the need to assert my presence and show Alice how to behave respectfully surged within me. I took a deep breath, feeling my spontaneous and unguarded self return.

I turned to Catherine, and she was clearly surprised by my unexpected action. But my action was disrupted the moment my eyes locked with Catherine's. The worst part was that my gaze involuntarily drifted to her lips, the memory of their taste pulling me in with an almost magnetic force. The need to kiss her again was intoxicating, and I could feel my heart thumping rapidly in my chest. I'm not the physical affection type of girl but the pull from Catherine is something that I never felt before.