After a week of doctor-mandated hiatus, and Killian's insistent coddling.
I found myself at corner roads with Killian to get back to work. Killian, however, wasn't as quick to embrace the idea.
His voice, tinged with concern, resonated in the room. "Catalina, we could find a replacement, at least until you're fully recovered. I don't want to risk your health for work."
His worry was touching, but the thought of another woman working closely with him had me breaking out in sweats. Not like I would ever admit.
"Killian, I appreciate the concern, but no one else understands the nuances of this job like I do. I can't let someone else handle it, handle you."
His sigh echoed the conflict within him. "I just don't want anything to happen to you again."
A genuine smile played on my lips. "I promise to be cautious. And I trust you to trust me to take it easy."
His gaze lingered on mine, a silent conversation between us.
"I will be fine," I assured him.
His expression softened, but the concern lingered still. "I just don't want you pushing yourself too hard. You mean more to me than any work, you know that, right?"
A warmth spread through me at his words. "I know, Killian, and you mean a lot to me too. But work is a part of who I am, just like you are. I need this, not just for the job but for myself. So unless you are ready to let me go to the parlor then let me continue my role."
He nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Alright, but promise me you'll take it easy. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, you'll let me know immediately."
"I promise," I said with a reassuring smile.
He drove me to work, still grumpy that he didn't convince me to stay home.
The office door creaked open, revealing the familiar sight of my workspace. I smiled, I didn't expect to miss it.
What I didn't expect was to find Diana there, occupying my chair.
The shock on my face must have been evident because, in an instant, she leaped up, rushing toward me with a wide, infectious smile.
"Catalina!" Diana exclaimed, enveloping me in a hug that felt like a long-lost embrace. "I'm so glad you're okay. Killian told me not to come see you because he wanted to have you all to himself."
I glared at Killian who shrugged and ducked into his office.
Coward.
"Diana, I can't believe you're here. How did you...?"
She cut me off with a mischievous grin. "Well, Killian might have mentioned that you needed some rescuing. I couldn't stay away, could I?"
A chuckle escaped me. "Thank you, Diana. I owe you more than I can express."
Her expression turned serious, and she held my hands. "Catalina, we're friends. I wasn't going to sit back and do nothing."
Her smiles lacked the brightness I usually saw in them.
"Thank you," I held her, "What happened?"
Curiosity danced in my eyes as she took a deep breath. "I left Zach."
The words hung in the air, and I stared at Diana, the realization of her news sinking in. "You did?"
She nodded, "Yes, Catalina. It was time. I deserve better, and I finally dared to walk away."
A surge of relief bubbled within me. "Diana, I'm so proud of you. You deserve all the happiness in the world."
Tears shimmered in her eyes, reflecting her fear. "Thank you for saying that. But I am going to channel my energy into working till I heal."
"Don't overdo it. I need you here with me. Don't hesitate to come to me."
She nodded, after a last hug. She finally left to go over to see the parlor.
I took a deep breath and picked up the new weekly reports on my desk.
As I immersed myself in work, the rhythmic hum of the office seemed undisturbed until Killian burst through my office door.
His usually composed demeanor was replaced by a palpable sense of urgency.
"Catalina, we need to leave. Now," he declared, his words slicing through the calm like a storm.
Confusion etched across my face, I questioned, "Leave? What's going on, Killian?"
"No time to explain. Trust me, we have to go," he insisted, gesturing for me to follow.
As we hurried towards the exit, the atmosphere outside my office betrayed an unusual tension.
The distant murmur of voices and the persistent click of cameras hinted at something amiss.
Guards surrounded us, forming a protective barrier as we ventured into the chaos beyond.
"What's happening?" I pressed the urgency in my voice mirroring the turmoil within.
Killian's jaw clenched, his gaze never wavering from the path ahead. "Paparazzi. It's all over the news. We need to get you out of here."
My heart stopped. The news of my abduction reached the media.
The world outside was a frenzy of flashing cameras and shouting reporters.
My heart raced as I struggled to comprehend the sudden turn of events. Guards ushered me into a waiting car, shielding me from the onslaught of questions.
Killian took the seat beside me, the gravity of the situation etched on his face.
As we sped away from the chaos, I turned to him, my eyes searching for answers. "Killian, please tell me what's going on. Why were they after us?"
He sighed, a heavy exhale that seemed to carry the weight of unspoken truths. "the company is under scrutiny. There are allegations of money laundering, and investors are pulling out fast."
The words hung in the air, a storm of disbelief raging within me. "Money laundering? But that's impossible. How could this happen?"
I checked the records, he wasn't laundering money through the company.
Killian's eyes met mine, a mix of frustration and determination. "I don't have all the answers yet,"
He clicked away on his phone. Probably damage control.
The gravity of the situation dawned on me.
"Oh my God!" I whispered.