Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Things were getting better for Kate cos Bianca has been nice to her and Alvin was away on a trip. So no one bother her that's why she was humming at that moment snapping her finger and twirling to the music.

Dante Lorenzo was pleased by the way she was moving her hips to the music. He stood by the door smiling looking at her, she wasn't ready to stop so he had to take a seat to watch which she noticed and turned her head startled.

" I didn't mean to stare but there is little I can do with the way you move that ass. You're something, Kate. You'll make a beauty queen maybe miss universe" he complimented closing the space between them to his surprise she didn't back down

" Thanks. I'm in a good mood today" she laughed sitting on her desk while he followed her standing in front of her

" Well, I'm here for a reason. So can we talk over lunch? Believe me, it's about work. So shall we" he stuttered inexplicably close to her, he took her hands in his staring at her lovingly.

" You are hungry, right? It was barely a whisper as he leaned over giving her time to push him off. She blinked but chickened out at the last moment moving her head to the side

" I should get my jacket. Give me a minute" she voiced reaching for it while he blinked accepting her decision.

A plate of foie gras was placed in front of them. Dante opened the bottle of wine filling their cup.

" I learned you're planning an event for the company" he paused watching her eat

" Not really. There's an event planner. I'm just the one organizing it. You know making sure they get what they want" she demonstrated with her hands picking the glass of wine

" I guess, we're in this together. I'll provide the necessary capital. See what I mean" he winked as she blinked staring at him

" Okay. What do you do for a living? I know you're an ambassador. There must be something" she stated with anticipation

" Guess? Maybe from where we met, how we interacted. There's something there. Don't you think? He challenged sipping his drink

Kate scoffed checking him out, his million dollars suit, his gelled hair, his shining bright eyes, his unwavering spirit. His confidence then occurred to her

" You're a lawyer. A successful one at that" she guessed. He raised his brows impressed staring at her with admiration

" How did you know?

" Lawyers are always against infidelity, assault, and forced marriage. You are so certain of helping me" she smiled as he leaned on the chair with his index finger on his lips with admiration

" you're such a smart woman pity I can't see much of it " he teased as she giggled eating her food

" You're right I'm a lawyer and I'm good at it. Have you found the recordings and proof of his assault? You can take photos too " he advised serious this time

" Dante, he doesn't force himself on me. No! He has never done that. He doesn't hit me either and no blackmail. I...." She stuttered ashamed to tell him she was submissive to him for her family

" You know that's a lie. There was a hand imprint on your face the day we met. He hit you didn't he? A man as muscly as him hit you. Imagine the impact. We need to bring him to justice. I promise we will win " he said certain of it

Kate dropped her fork staring at him as if saying you won't understand.

" You know what? Let me show you something" he said wiping his lips with a serviette then helped her up.

" Where are you taking me? Dante? She called but he ignored her holding her wrist. She stopped protesting and followed him quietly till they reached their destination

" Dante, I don't think this is a good idea" she protests uncomfortable with the loud music

" I know you're shy. We both know you love dancing. You're good at it. Step one to freedom" he announced moving to the music as she giggled laughing at his clumsy moves

" A dancing man on a suit? She asked still laughing. He scoffed dragging her into the dancefloor

" Then teach me. C'mon" he cooed taking his suit jacket off while she walked away shyly. He followed her holding her back

" Enjoy yourself, Kate. No rules " he coaxed

" No rules" she repeated giving him her jacket then joined the dancefloor. Dante smiled going all out dancing and screaming with her.

They left the club after he noticed she was drunk. He assisted her out while she kept dancing saying cuss words which were amusing to him then she startled him

" Isn't that my husband! Dante froze then looked in the direction and frowned while she burst into a burst of loud laughter poking him

" I got you. You should have seen your face. Your scared face. What a scary name. Alvin. Don't you agree? She laughed poking his cheeks then fell, he didn't catch her on time but ran to help her up which she refused still laughing

" I got this. Hmm.no rules which means I own myself. I can do anything I want " she announced as Dante smiled lying beside her

" Are you hurt? He asked with concern but she said nothing looking at the starry sky counting the stars

" Do you like stars? Well, I do. I love the way they shine differently meaning all things aren't equal. Some stars are brighter and bigger than others. They stand out in the milky way galaxy. I used to think I was that star. Orion but seeing the way things turned out I discovered I am the least favored one. The shiniest stars attract others which isn't good in my perspective. It attracts trouble, competition, and hatred. Don't you think so Dante? She asked facing him.

Dante supported his head with his hands on his jaw watching her dictate her life with stars.

" Do you know what I think? We, humans, make our destiny by the choices we make. You feel this way cos of the choice you've made. I'm not saying it's your fault, everyone makes mistakes but the will to learn from it matters. Kate" he called softly caressing her cheeks

" Have you learned from your mistake? She said nothing peering into his tender eyes then looked away from him

" I don't know. Have I" she seemed to be asking herself than him then he hovered over her

" Yes, you have. Whatever he has on you, we can deal with it" he coaxed but she stirred uncomfortably with their position

" You've no idea what he has done for me. It's not something I can repay him with. I guess he had a point when he said I've nothing to offer him. Cos I don't. I've nothing to offer literally. Just me and my ego" she complained which didn't seem too well with him

" That's a lie. You didn't put a gun to his head when he did it. You owe him nothing. That man has broken you, Kate. Let me help you. I love you Kate" he tells her wiping a tear escaping from her eyes then kissed her.

Kate woke up scared and baffled panting from a dream about her drunken night. She drank a cup of water looking at the wall clock.

" Mrs. Reagan, you've got a visitor" Miranda stated waiting for her response

" Miranda, how did I get home last night? " She asked

" A taxi dropped you off. You were drunk so Lisa attended to you. You don't remember?

' not really. Thanks. I'll be down soon" she stated as Miranda nods then left.

Kate climbed down from the staircase minutes later to see the visitor and was surprised to see Dante. She missed a footing and almost fell. Dante ran to her helping her down.

" Good morning ma'am" he greeted not sparing the luxurious house a glance. His attention was on the woman in front of him

" Good morning Sir. How may I help you? She went straight to the point

" My sister told me to deliver this to you" he smirked handing her a parcel. Kate took it telling the maids to leave

" Do you have a hangover? I didn't mean for this to happen" but Kate stared deadpanned at him opening the parcel not acknowledging him. She was pissed he had the perfunctory to come to her house what if Alvin was around?

" You may leave Sir. I'll get back to you when I get to the office. Thank you" with that said she turned to leave

" I'm sorry I came. I was worried about you" she listened then left while he watches.

He twitched his mouth recalling their late-night encounter then left.

Hurriedly, she closed the door heaving a sigh of relief while resting her back on it. She dropped the parcel on the table then called her mother. It's been a long she heard from them.

" Kate sweetie, how are you? I was just thinking about you" Kate smiled picking flowers

" I'm fine. How is your health? Is your sugar level okay?

" Thanks to Alvin I don't have to worry about it. Louis is a doctor too. So yes I'm fine. Sweetie, you married a good man. Why haven't you given him a child yet? Children complete the home. What's wrong? She asked detecting her silent treatment

" Nothing Mom. Alvin is a good man no doubt but I'm not ready to be a mother yet. Maybe when I'm in my thirties. I'm almost thirty. " She coaxed smiling.

" What does he has to say about that?

" He..... It's fine by him. I'm so happy you're okay. Where's Louis? She inquired trying to be positive.

" Working. There are nurses taking care of me. We have maids too. A Gardner and a chauffeur. Alvin insisted of course. I just want to know if you're happy with him. Does his family like you? Is Alvin treating you well? Are you happy baby girl? She emphasized every word. Kate almost broke down in tears but she controlled herself

" I'm a happy mom. Very happy. " She smiled weakly as Alvin's call came in

' I'll call you back. Love you" she ends the call then answered his

" Hello, Alvin!

" I won't be home for the next two months. Don't bring strangers to my house. Don't spend the night outside and don't get drunk at my house am I clear? She frowned wondering how he knew about that

" Yes " she waited for him to end the call

" And Kate, don't dare me. Know your limits" he warned then hung up.

In a luxurious suite, David was staring at the photos in his hands.

" This isn't enough. I want something that can drive him crazy" he yelled at someone

" I don't think she's that smitten with him. " A lady stated

" But he is. An ambiguous man can do anything to get what he wants. He'll get her. We just have to make it quick before it's too late. "

He looked like he was ready to murder someone which made the lady cower before him.