Chapter 230: Mine [2] Catherine sighed, looking away, shaking her head as she closed her eyes. "I should have let you in," I murmured. "Given what you had for me a... chance." "A-Ares, it’s too late for that." She said as if there was no hope for us. "I was wrong to leave you like that..." She continued in a shifty tone. "I’m sorry." "I don’t blame you... I gave you a reason to leave." She sighed again. "You love me..." I said, my gaze softening. Years ago, I wouldn’t even think of that word or even utter it, but now it was all I could exist around because her love... was my saving grace, because it was pure and good and she had it for a broken man like me who didn’t have the faintest idea of how to cherish it. "Loved," She corrected, despite seeing how much I have brought to the surface. I felt heat coiled through me when I recalled what I saw through the binoculars. A week ago, when Reed kissed her. "You said you’re here for both of us, but I hate to disappoint you." Her words pulled me out of that image, and I buried my bloodlust in order not to chase her away with my sudden change of demeanor. "Catherine—" "Esme is drawn to you. You are all she could talk about ever since she met you. The truth is, I’m not mad; I’m actually happy that I didn’t screw up the chance of her ever meeting her father. It’s good you’re here. She wants to talk with you, and I won’t stop her. All I want is for her to be safe and happy. That’s all that matters to me, the only reason I sit here and talk with you." She didn’t stutter in her words, showing she meant business. "You can be a part of Esme’s life, but that’s all you get. What we had was all a contract. I’m not your wife or your lover." I exhaled sharply, keeping still despite her words puncturing holes into me. "I understand." Catherine blinked at my words, almost like she didn’t expect me to say that. It took a while before she shut her mouth and got a grip on herself. "Thank you for understanding." I do understand, baby. But not in the way you think. I knew from the start that winning Catherine back wasn’t gonna be easy, given everything that had happened between us, but it’s a challenge I’d gladly take. Baby steps. I’m gonna be every breath she takes, her every thought that floods her mind, and I’m gonna become her world. Their world. A smile stretched my lips. "Can I see Esme today?" Catherine’s mouth hung still, trying to grapple with the fact that I had agreed to her conditions. "Y-Yes..." she replied, looking behind me. "I have to pick her up from school first." "I’ll wait." She pushed to her feet, walking a few paces before pausing. I took the mug even though the coffee had turned cold and sipped. This new body language of confusion was pleasing to see, I could tell she wanna look back at me but didn’t. Catherine took off her apron, saying a word or two to her waitress before exiting the diner. My eyes followed her all the way until she got to her car. My phone rang, and I picked up without looking at the caller. "Give the word, boss," Nico said through the line. "I would gladly shoot this fucker in the head." I could already picture him in position, the sniper rifle, braced and ready, waiting for my command. I tapped my finger against the table, slow and steady. "Don’t..." I replied, thinking of that moment Esme was happy to see him. I don’t want her to be sad. As much as my bloodlust runs, I pushed it aside. I had something else better in mind. A way to deal with Reed for good. I heard rustling in the background. "Dammit! I was hoping to put a bullet through his skull." "How is the plan coming up?" I asked. "Well, he’s gonna be held up for a week or two." "Make it more until I say otherwise." "Got it, boss." I ended the call. I had bought a large plot of land just at the outskirts of Penrose. Here, Reed worked with the construction team and spent most of his time away, so this couldn’t be more perfect. I heard the bells from the door, and the Shrieff Palmer walked in, taking off his hat. When he saw me, he smiled and came to me. "Mr. King, good to see you." He stuck his hand out, but I didn’t return it. "Ahem! I see you found your way to Honey’s Diner. It’s the best in town." "It is..." I agreed. "Ms. Walker is just as lovely as the pastries and coffee here," he complimented. "She’s very passionate about her work, which makes this establishment stand out more." Catherine was always passionate about anything she did, which was the second reason I made her my secretary. Spending those years with her made me realize how much she could pour her soul into anything she puts her mind to. Which is why these conditions she gave were more true than when she told me she didn’t love me anymore. Esme was her entire focus, and it was clear her happiness didn’t matter except for hers. "Is that so?" I replied. "It is... a single mom, and she does everything right." "Single?" "Right as rain." "I thought she lived with a guy." He narrowed his eyes. "How do you know that?" "Small town." "Oh! Well, that is right too... but they are basically roommates if you ask me. I honestly thought we were gonna have a wedding or something soon enough, but guess those two aren’t just it." "I see." He cleared his throat. "I hope you enjoy your stay here, trust me, Penrose is just the right town to lay low and live country life to the fullest." "You’re right, Shrieff..." I sipped my coffee. "I think I’m gonna enjoy my stay here very much." He struck a nod and walked over to the counter. Each time I heard the bells, I kept looking before a foreign sensation took over me. I’m anxious. When I met Esme yesterday, it was brief and perfect, but this felt like it was gonna be more, and I didn’t know how to think or act. It was an hour or more before I heard the door, and my eyes moved at speed. I saw Catherine walking hand in hand with Esme. Her little neck stretched as if searching for someone. Then she felt the weight of my gaze, and she turned her head, a wide grin blooming on her face.