Why Don't You STAY

A GLIMPSE OF CONCERN

𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬'𝑺 𝑷𝑶𝑽 :

I heard a gentle knock on the door. "Miss Catherine, may I come in?" Robert asked, his voice soft and polite.

"You don't have to ask, Robert," I replied with a smile, waving him in.

Robert entered with a warm smile, carrying a tray laden with my favorite breakfast treats. "Good morning, Miss Catherine! How are you feeling today?" he asked, setting the tray down on my bedside table.

I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "I'm all good, thanks, Robert. You're a lifesaver!" I exclaimed, eyeing the delicious spread before me.

Robert chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Aww, Miss Catherine!" he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Just then, Robert's expression turned serious. "Mr. Hernandez asked me to inform you that you'll be accompanying him on a business trip to Singapore for two weeks. He suggested you pack accordingly and go shopping for anything you might need. The guards will escort you to the mall, as Ace is busy with some errands and will be joining you in Singapore."

I paused, taken aback by the sudden announcement. "Oh... okay," I said, trying to process the news.

Robert nodded sympathetically. "Shall I inform the guards that you'll be ready to leave for the mall in an hour or so?" he asked.

I nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. "Yes, please do, Robert. Thank you."

Robert smiled and bowed slightly. "You're welcome, Miss Catherine. If you need anything else, just let me know. I'm right here."

With that, Robert closed the door and left me to ponder the unexpected turn of events.

After a leisurely breakfast in bed, I got ready to tackle the day. I slipped into a simple yet chic short floral dress, paired with sandals. A quick glance in the mirror revealed the remnants of last night's ordeal - a swollen face and bruises that seemed to stare back at me. I winced, knowing I had to cover up the evidence. A few swift strokes of concealer and foundation later, I looked almost presentable. Almost.

As I settled into the car for the ride to the mall, I felt a mix of excitement and relief. I had a few essential items to pick up - dresses, bags, heels, jewelry, and more - to ensure I was adequately prepared for the two-week trip to Singapore with Dad . My mind began to wander, thinking about all the things I needed to get done before we left.

Just then, my phone buzzed with an incoming text from Ace. I smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. He had taken care of informing the university about my upcoming trip, and I wouldn't have to worry about missing any lectures. The professor would send me audio recordings, and I could stay on top of my coursework even while abroad.

As for my friends, I hadn't mustered the courage to tell them about my trip just yet. I wanted to break the news to them in person, but the bruises on my face made me hesitant. Olivia, in particular, had a sixth sense for detecting trouble, and I knew she would sense that something was off. I decided to put off the conversation until I could face them without arousing their suspicion.

The car pulled up to the mall, and I took a deep breath, preparing myself for a day of shopping and socializing. Little did I know, this trip would be the start of a whole new adventure.

As I wandered through the bustling mall, my legs aching and my eyes drooping, I couldn't wait to escape the chaos and retreat to the comfort of my home. I had picked up a few essentials, but now my exhaustion was catching up with me. The guards trailing behind me only added to my frustration, and I felt like a celebrity or a rich, spoiled kid, judging by the whispers and stares from curious passersby.