Jack had been unable to stop thinking about conquering Catherine for a while now. In fact, in recent times, he had come to realize that he not only wanted to change his relationship with Catherine but also to build a strong and reliable bond with her.
He had pondered extensively on how to approach Catherine gracefully and respectfully. He desired to win her over, to show care and respect towards her. He had decided to begin by becoming her best friend, someone she could rely on and share everything with in life.
Gradually, he began to intervene in Catherine's life, transforming her into his own.
Upon learning of Jack's decision to pursue Catherine, Tiffany felt a twinge of envy and resentment stir within her. She couldn't fathom why Jack had chosen Catherine over her. Feelings of jealousy and anger began to consume Tiffany.
The things that belonged to Catherine were the very things Tiffany wanted to possess. Their previous relationship was built upon Jack's fascination with Catherine's novelty. And Tiffany merely aimed to make Catherine lose the person she loved the most. Eventually, Jack and Tiffany would part ways too.
"I will surpass you, Catherine. Just wait," Tiffany said, seething with anger.
"...".
Catherine and Thomas had a romantic relationship based on a contractual marriage. The lack of security began to make Thomas experience pangs of jealousy towards Catherine. He started feeling uneasy and insecure when he saw Catherine getting close and talking to others, especially Jack.
Upon returning home, Catherine lay exhausted on the sofa.
"It feels so relaxing." Her moment of joy was short-lived as persistent knocking at the door disrupted her peace.
"Such a bother, I'm coming." She muttered irritably.
The last person she expected had finally arrived. The source of all her troubles had made her life a constant fatigue.
"Do you know how hard we've been looking for you?" Catherine's parents barged into the room.
"You're truly useless. You're wealthy and famous, while we've been struggling," they scolded.
"You two aren't my parents. I don't have parents like you. You're just gambling addicts, only reaching out to me for money," Catherine spoke in helplessness as if gnawing on her pain.
"You claim to be my parents but abandoned me to chase after your extravagant pleasures until you lost everything and remembered this child. You're not deserving."
"What are you saying, you useless child? Don't think having some money and fame gives you the right to treat us like this." Catherine's father, in his anger, slapped and pushed her to the ground.
The loud noise from the neighboring room caught Thomas's attention. Glancing at the clock, he noted it was past 11 p.m. Why was Catherine's room so tumultuous? As if sensing something was amiss, Thomas hurriedly reached her door and knocked repeatedly.
Catherine, as if finding a lifeline, rushed to open the door, as if someone might come and strangle her.
"Thomas, can you help me get rid of these people?" Thomas noticed Catherine's flushed cheeks and teary eyes, like a vice gripping his heart. Who were they to make Catherine this distraught?
"Wow, guess who's here? That must be your husband, Catherine. It's quite sad we weren't invited to our daughter's wedding, isn't it?"
"But why aren't they living together? Let me guess, it seems like this is a fake marriage, doesn't it?" Catherine's mother shrugged and said.
The current state of Catherine and Thomas's relationship was influenced by the people present before them, so when Catherine heard those words, her disappointment surged with a powerful force.
"Oh, so this is your husband, huh? Your marital harmony seems distant. How about we spread this on social media? It might make a sensational story," Catherine's mother taunted.
"Thomas, can you please find a way to make them leave? I don't want to see their faces."
Thomas, heartbroken, looked at her and then called the police to remove these intruders from the property. Catherine remained ensnared in fear and disappointment. Thomas stood by her side, offering her the safest refuge, and he vowed to make those who caused Catherine pain pay dearly.
Three days later, headlines about Catherine's parents caused a social media uproar. "Catherine's parents confirm rumors are false." It was a video where Catherine's parents apologized for spreading falsehoods and tarnishing her reputation, as well as extorting money from her.
"Hello, we are Catherine's parents. We apologize for spreading false information about Catherine. The previous news was fabricated by us to pressure her. We have faced due consequences. We apologize again to everyone and Catherine."
Catherine's mother added, "I'm sorry for the trouble caused to Catherine. We know she's a filial and kind child. But due to gambling, we went astray and wanted to exploit her love. We don't expect her forgiveness, but we hope she won't hate us anymore. Sorry, my child."
Only Thomas on the other side of the screen truly knew what had transpired. After being released by the police, the thugs attacked them. When they woke up, the gang leader came and slapped Catherine's father repeatedly, saying with a menacing tone.
"Who hit and pushed Catherine? I heard you owe a massive debt. My boss is willing to cover it all, but you must apologize to Catherine; otherwise, you'll know the consequences."
"We agree, we'll repay all the debts, and I'll do anything."
"Furthermore, there's one more condition. You both must leave this city and never get close to Catherine again. If not, these slaps will be nothing compared to what's waiting for you," the gang leader finished with a sinister laugh.
Without saying anything, everyone knew that if they went against his wishes, the consequences for their lives would be steep. If touching the person he loved meant paying the price, he was willing to do it.
After receiving the money, Catherine's parents quickly offered their apologies to the traditional community. Following that, they hastily departed to another city, ensuring no one could recognize them. However, Thomas believed that no matter where they went, they would eventually return to their old habits and get entangled in gambling once again. Hence, he handed them a commitment letter, insisting they sever all ties with Catherine before receiving the money.