I stopped what I was doing and glanced at Gary. I knew this would happen when I stepped through those doors holding Ares’ arms. They were always sprouting nonsense behind my back, which wouldn’t be the first time.
"So?"
Gary’s mouth hung open at my reply.
"That’s the joy of rumors, can’t tell which is right or wrong, and hence the mystery spans. They are still stuck in their timeline, worrying about other people’s lives when they should focus on their own."
"Damn! And here I thought my husband had a mouth on him. Aren’t you worried this is gonna destroy your three years of hard work?"
"Do you believe them?" I asked.
"Catherine, I have known you since you worked at the bottom, of course, I don’t. Though I never expected the boss would be... interested, nor you."
"Then that is all I need." I went back to my work. "At least one person believes me."
"I don’t know where you get your mind of steel from."
"I worked with the devil and now I’m married to him." I stapled the papers together. "Nothing can surprise me anymore." I walked away, and my heels click-clacked sharply.
Unbelievable. It’s one thing or the other. I really drove myself straight into the abyss, and I don’t even know what to think anymore.
Dawdling on whatever they say will only affect me in an unhealthy way. I had enough on my plate already; the least I can do is pretend their words never bothered me.
As I walked the aisle, eyes flew at me on cue, and they weren’t discreet with their whispers.
It’s about time I got a reward for being the star of the show in this fucking company.
"Oh my god! Is that the Goddess?"
I froze instantly, and I whipped my head to Athena, who came out of nowhere.
As usual, she dressed as if she were attending a social event. A long belted coat with gold buttons, a wide-brimmed hat, paired with gloves and a handbag, all white. She succeeded in taking my position as the star of the show in just one second.
"Cat!" She waved excitedly.
No, no, no! What is this crazy bitch doing here? Was blocking me yesterday in the penthouse not enough?
She came to me, her pointed-toe heels making snappy noises and dousing out the noise of murmurs.
The others took out their phones and took pictures.
Great!
"Mua! Mua!" She blew air kisses to both sides of my cheek.
"What are you doing here?" I gritted my teeth, trying to be discreet with my annoyance.
"I thought I stopped by."
"You already did."
"I saw no reason not to come here..." She took a brief look around this place. "This place brings back unpleasant memories, but now you’re here, let’s make better ones!"
"Sure!" I agreed.
"Really?" Her eyes lit up.
Oh, hell no!
"Gary!" I called.
He came forward. "It’s certainly an honor to meet the Goddess. I’m a fan of your work. I did your collections once, and it was amazing."
Gary was a crazy fan, and his timing couldn’t be more perfect.
"Thank you," Athena said sweetly. "Did you try my futuristic collection?"
"Uh, yes? I’d kill for those heels!"
"Gary will take you on a tour," I cut through their fashion talk.
Gary looked like he had just won a lottery and nodded his head profusely.
"But, Cat..." she whined.
"I’ll join you when I finish this." I turned on my heels and hurried out.
Phew! I barely escaped that.
This day is getting worse. I don’t think anything can top this. I stepped into the executive suite, halting when I found Ares there, going through a file, but he wasn’t alone.
Gina Hale from the marketing department stood beside him. Ares was deeply focused, and she kept inching closer as if to give her an option about something.
Over the years, working here, Gina always found a way to bring things to Ares personally. I’d always rolled my eyes at her attempts to push her face right into Ares’ vicinity. She did it well, almost too well, and if you weren’t paying attention, you wouldn’t notice.
I don’t know why I felt a twisting feeling right now, as I watched her point something, purposely brushing her finger against his and making her voice more... softer.
"Ahem!"
"Oh, Catherine! I looked for you, but I didn’t see you."
Of course, she didn’t. She walked right past me when I was working the printer, throwing her foul mood at me as usual.
"Mrs. King," Ares corrected out of the blue, still concentrating on the file.
The silence was loud, but those two words held volumes, and Gina grew apprehensive.
"R-Right, apologies, Mrs. King."
I didn’t miss the undertone of envy. I just gave her a smile that didn’t reach my eyes in return.
"Work on this." Ares handed her back the file. "Next time you need my input, ask my wife. She’ll bring your suggestions to me."
"Y-Yes, Mr. King," she stuttered, disappointment plastered on her face.
Gina neared me to pass the door, but said in a voice only I could hear. "Slut."
I set my foot right in front of hers, and she stumbled against the wall for support.
"Sorry! You should watch where you’re going."
Her cheeks burned in humiliation, and she hustled out.
I eyed her until she left and brought my gaze back to Ares. I have been avoiding him ever since, and now that I am finally alone with him, I feel like bolting.
"I should file this." I clenched the papers, attempting to go into the office, but he stopped me.
"Catherine."
I froze in place, hearing his footsteps get closer, drowning out the sound of my pounding heartbeat.
"Athena’s here!" I spoke up quickly.
Ares’s lips twitched, and I thought he might chuckle. "She likes you, which is rare for her."
I don’t like the sound of that.
"Well, I don’t need her stalking me."
"Stalking you?"
"Yes, she’s looking into my personal life, and I’m not comfortable about it."
His gaze sharpened. "Why didn’t you tell me about this?"
"B-Because I didn’t think anything about it until now."
I hope he bought that, but his menacing steel gaze rattled me.
I drew in a sharp breath when he took a step closer to me.