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Novel Catalog
Chapter 12
Catherine stood up, her body stiff with tension, and made her way back to the house. She packed her belongings quickly, not wanting to disturb her friend’s sleep. At 2:00 a.m., she was already on the road, driving to the nearest five-star hotel, her mind racing with uncertainty.
Inside the hotel lobby, she handed her credit card to the receptionist, but it was returned to her moments later.
“I’m sorry, but this card can’t be used,” the receptionist said, apologetic yet firm.
Catherine was taken aback. She tried again, handing over another card. Yet, after several failed attempts, she finally realized the truth—every single one of her credit cards had been suspended by the Jones family.
Over the past few years, she had earned millions from various projects. Yet, she had handed it all over to Sally, keeping nothing for herself. She had been relying on the credit cards provided by Jeffery for her daily expenses, but now even those were no longer usable. All she had left was a pay card, with just over 10,000 dollars on it.
The receptionist, now visibly irritated, spoke coldly. “If you can’t afford to stay here, there’s a guesthouse down the street. Take a left at the main entrance, and you’ll find it about 300 yards away.”
Catherine felt a rush of indignation. “Is this how you treat your customers?”
“I’m just being honest,” the receptionist replied, her tone flat. “You shouldn’t be in a five-star hotel if you can’t afford it.”
Catherine’s frustration mounted. She never imagined that someone from the affluent Jones family would be humiliated like this. She started to speak up. “I can afford it, I—”
She reached for her pay card again but hesitated. The cheapest room at this hotel was at least 2,000 dollars per night. In her current situation, it was hard to know when she would return to the Jones household. She was jobless and homeless. If she spent the rest of her money now, how would she survive in the future?
The receptionist cut her off, her voice dripping with contempt. “Stop pretending. Just leave. This isn’t a place for people like you.”
Swallowing her pride, Catherine grabbed her suitcase and left, her footsteps echoing in the quiet lobby. With no available rooms at the more expensive hotels, she wandered the streets aimlessly until she found a budget hotel, one that charged only 100 dollars a night.
Unbeknownst to her, a passerby took a picture of her entering the cheap hotel and shared it in their high school group chat.
At the veterinary hospital, Shaun stood waiting by the door, his jaw clenched tight. His thoughts were consumed by regret over his marriage to a woman he barely knew.
Fifteen minutes later, Dr. Lewis emerged from the surgical room.
Shaun stepped forward immediately, his anxiety written all over his face. “How’s the cat?”
Dr. Lewis adjusted his glasses, then offered a smile. “Your cat is two weeks pregnant.”
Shaun’s expression froze. “What?”
“Congratulations,” Dr. Lewis said, still smiling. “A new addition to your household.”
Shaun took a sharp breath, fighting the urge to snap.
Two weeks? That would mean it happened before they moved to Melbourne. Some random male cat must have taken advantage of Fudge while they were still in Canberra. If he ever found the culprit, he’d make sure it paid.
“Um… you don’t seem happy about this news,” Dr. Lewis said, noting Shaun’s reaction. “Should we… get rid of the kittens?”
His tone softened, sensing Shaun’s displeasure. “We can perform a spaying operation if you prefer, but that would be cruel. The X-ray shows there are three kittens. It’s considered good luck…”
Before he could continue, Dr. Lewis felt the temperature drop as Shaun’s gaze turned icy.
Immediately, the vet fell silent.
Shaun’s voice was low, his frustration palpable. “Do pregnant cats throw up like human mothers?”
“It depends on the cat,” Dr. Lewis answered, offering a comforting smile. “Some people think it’s digestive problems when it’s actually pregnancy-related.”
Shaun’s mind clicked into place. It made perfect sense now.
He even found himself blaming Catherine for it. He remembered how he had pushed her earlier, his mind clouded with anger. He had wrongly accused her.
He rubbed his temples, trying to ease the building tension. His thoughts drifted to Catherine. What was she doing right now?