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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Deception?

Thomas' possessiveness towards Catherine stemmed from a complex web of past experiences and deep-seated insecurities. As Thomas reflected on the intensity of his feelings for Catherine, he began to unravel the origins of his obsession.

In the tender years of Thomas's childhood, happiness was a rarity within his household. He was born into a family where the seeds of love failed to take root between his parents. Their union was a product of familial pressure rather than genuine affection. As Thomas reached the age of seven, his father developed an illicit connection with his mother's close friend, a clandestine liaison that unfolded behind his mother's back.

On a fateful day, while wandering into his father's study, Thomas stumbled upon a sight that would forever alter the course of his innocence. His father was entwined with the very woman, their embrace a silent betrayal that rendered Thomas speechless. The young boy retreated to a secluded corner, his tears flowing in silent streams, yet his lips remained sealed, harboring the pain he couldn't vocalize.

Then came a day, like any other day, when the walls of their home reverberated with heated arguments.

"I won't consent to your divorce! You dare to even indulge in an affair with that woman while still in a marriage with me?" Thomas's mother's voice echoed, tinged with anger and a fierce determination.

"We were never in love to begin with. Your marriage to me was a mere transaction for wealth and status. So, why cling to this marriage when it serves us no purpose?" His father's retort was cold, detached, devoid of sentiment.

"You have no right to speak after your unfaithfulness and abandoning your family for that young girl!"

With those words spoken, a storm erupted within their household. His father's frustration boiled over, culminating in a violent outburst that was directed towards Thomas's mother. The blows landed without mercy, accompanied by a torrent of verbal abuse that left no room for tenderness. The sounds of those slaps, a haunting cadence that dominated the atmosphere of their home punctuated the days that followed.

"Please, father, don't hurt mother anymore," Thomas wept, his voice a fragile plea, unable to shield his mother from the wrath that consumed his father.

"If you want me to stop, then have your mother sign the divorce papers," his father's words were like a chilling decree.

"Mother, I beg you, please accept the divorce and free yourself from this torment," Thomas implored, tears streaming down his cheeks, his heart aching for the end of his mother's suffering.

Time blurred the lines of their existence, and eventually, his mother succumbed to the weight of reality. She signed the divorce papers, and Thomas grew up in the absence of his father's love. Those losses etched scars into his heart, gradually eroding his faith in love until destiny introduced him to Catherine.

When Thomas first met Catherine, something inside him stirred. Her radiant smile, her caring nature, and her unwavering support ignited a spark within him. For the first time in his life, Thomas felt seen and cherished, as if Catherine could see past his flaws and appreciate him for who he truly was. This validation became addictive, fueling his desire to possess her completely.

However, as their relationship deepened, Thomas began to fear losing Catherine. He worried that her love and attention would shift elsewhere, just as he had experienced in the past. His desperate need to hold on to her transformed into a possessive grip that he couldn't let go of.

"Catherine, I really want to know why you behaved inappropriately towards Thomas in front of many people. This not only affects Thomas' motivation and morale, but also has a negative impact on the company as a whole."

"I sincerely apologize for my actions, but I didn't intend to cause any discomfort or demotivation for Thomas. I just wanted to have a serious conversation with him."

"However, you can see that dragging Thomas in front of others is not a good way to address an issue. We have arranged a separate space for team members to have private discussions if any issues arise."

" I admit that I didn't choose the right approach to tackle this issue. I will learn from my mistakes and commit that this won't happen again."

The phone call's conclusion coincided with Catherine's weariness settling in. It directed complaints towards Catherine after an incident involving Thomas at the film set. It had been an exhausting afternoon for her.

Nicole drove to the film set to pick up Catherine.

"Oh dear best friend! What on earth happened to you? I heard that you're facing backlash from the management for involving Thomas while on set?"

"Hold on! I think we need to find a quieter place to talk, and I'll fill you in. Right now, I'm in desperate need of a brief nap. It's been quite a draining day!"

"Rest well."

Inside the cozy car, the soft music playing on the radio swiftly lulled Catherine into a state of slumber. In no time, they had arrived at their destination.

"Rise and shine, Catherine. We've arrived."

"What? A bar? That sounds fantastic."

Catherine and Nicole entered a bustling and vibrant bar. The music was pulsating, infusing the atmosphere with cheer and dynamism. The stage lights illuminated the scene, casting a dazzling array of hues onto the walls.

Taking a seat near the bar counter, Catherine and Nicole engaged in conversation, sharing laughs and savoring the drinks the bar had to offer. The friendly and swift service staff contributed to their comfort, creating an ambiance that was both relaxing and enjoyable.

"Do you know what? That director's name is actually Thomas, and in our previous encounter, he posed as Matt to meet me. Quite a deceitful imposter."

"A scheming masquerader indeed. I can't fathom why someone would resort to such antics with you, Catherine."

"A cunning charade," Nicole chuckled.

However, as Catherine scanned the faces around the bar, she recognized a few familiar ones, and the fear of being recognized gripped her. She started feeling anxious and tense. Despite her efforts to maintain composure, an underlying sense of dread persisted.

Nicole noticed Catherine's distress and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She gently spoke, "Don't worry, Catherine. We're in a crowded bar, and there are so many people here. It's highly unlikely that anyone will recognize you. Just relax and enjoy this time with me."

Catherine tried to take deep breaths and looked directly into Nicole's eyes. Slowly, she began to feel more at ease and made an effort to overcome her unease. They continued chatting and immersed themselves in the lively atmosphere of the bar, enjoying each other's company like true best friends.

Catherine sat in the living room, scrolling through news articles on her mobile phone. Suddenly, a headline caught her attention: "Catherine Spotted at Bar with Assistant, Leaked Photos of Dates with Thomas at Restaurant and Film Set!"

Her heart raced, and a sense of anticipation gripped her as she clicked on the article. Within it, a series of candid photos captured Catherine and Nicole during their night out at the bar. They were seen laughing, chatting, blissfully unaware that their moments were being surreptitiously documented.

The narrative then shifted to Catherine's rendezvous with Thomas at an upscale restaurant. The snapshots portrayed them seated together, radiating vibrant smiles—a tableau of camaraderie and intimacy that was hard to miss.

Finally, the article delved into a private conversation between Catherine and Thomas on the film set. An image showcased them standing close, captured from behind, evoking an atmosphere of warmth and closeness.

Catherine felt a jolt of shock and bewilderment as she took in these images. She could hardly fathom that something had uncovered and laid all of this bare before the public eye. A sense of emptiness enveloped her, and she grappled with anxiety over the repercussions these revelations could have on her personal life.

A cascade of critical comments emerged, aimed at Catherine.

"Indeed, a celebrity seeking scandal. Utilizing such controversies to captivate public attention."

"How could you shatter our trust like this, Catherine? We thought everything would culminate in tranquility."

The disparaging remarks from Catherine's fans, as they read about her rendezvous with Thomas and saw images of her at the bar, left her feeling profoundly melancholic and wounded. She couldn't fathom why some of her own supporters had lost faith and pointed fingers at her over past scandals.

Social media comments oozed with malice, brimming with venomous words that unjustly chastised Catherine. Fans who once stood by her and even those who had been indifferent before, now voiced their disappointment and ire. They felt Catherine had betrayed the trust and support they had lavished upon her.

Catherine felt the sting of these verbal lashings, as if each word was a blade piercing her heart. The malevolent rhetoric and unfounded criticism eroded her confidence, rendering her unworthy of the fans' adoration and love.

As Catherine's tumultuous uproar unfolded with mounting weight, her management company decided to maintain a stoic silence, despite the cacophony tarnishing her public image.

"Catherine, you must understand, our duty is not to pacify the public. Let these controversies surface, seize these moments to shine." The company's abandonment, coupled with the fans' defection, plunged Catherine into the depths of despair.

However, amid these trying times, Catherine also discovered her true fans, those who believed in her and supported her through the scandals, understanding that everyone has the right to love and find happiness. These genuine fans sent words of encouragement and sincere affection to Catherine, urging her not to let negative words affect her spirit and self-belief.

Despite her hurt and sadness, Catherine resolved not to let the pessimistic comments shatter her morale and confidence. She knew that only her true fans and those who cherished her would grasp the reality and stand by her in these challenging moments.

Yet, within the shadows, two figures emerged-one with a smirk, reveling in the online chatter. On the other hand, the remaining figure brimmed with anticipation, crafting a meticulous plan for a triumphant comeback.

Will Catherine find a way to navigate this predicament in the times to come?

A month later

"Catherine, you truly are a breathtaking bride!" Nicole exclaimed.

"Nicole, you're overly generous. Beautiful to such an extent?"

Both women laughed joyfully in the makeup room. Today, Catherine appeared as a radiant bride, her smile beaming with vivacity. Her bright and dazzling smile had the power to instantly capture the hearts of everyone around.

"I hope you'll be the happiest woman in the world, Catherine," he whispered softly, his eyes filled with genuine warmth and longing.