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Novel Catalog
Chapter 22
Catherine’s inner conflict deepened as she spoke candidly about her choice to work in a small company despite her impressive background. Her decision to remain independent, to avoid using her family’s name or relying on connections, highlighted her desire to carve her own path rather than fall back on the safety net of her wealthy upbringing. She wanted to be respected for her own abilities, not for the privilege she was born into. Her explanation to Shaun, though somewhat brimming with frustration and pride, showed that she was determined to face the world on her own terms, even if it meant enduring the discomfort and struggles of starting from the bottom.
Shaun, on the other hand, found himself admiring her resilience. His life had been surrounded by people constantly vying for status and wealth, yet here was Catherine, who not only rejected the superficial comforts of her family’s wealth but also refused to use her connections to bypass the hard work required to make a name for herself. It was a perspective he wasn’t accustomed to, and for the first time, he saw her in a new light — not just as the woman who often annoyed him with her cheeky comments, but as someone who could stand on her own two feet, no matter the challenge.
As the two of them worked together to gather the leaflets, the dynamic between them shifted slightly. Shaun, usually aloof and distant, showed a surprising gentleness in offering his help. It was a rare moment of care from someone who typically seemed indifferent to those around him. Catherine, on her part, found herself flustered and distracted by his presence — a feeling she hadn’t expected. The brief, seemingly innocent gesture of him bending over to help pick up the leaflets stirred something within her, though she quickly brushed it aside. But the thought lingered in the back of her mind, embarrassing her with its unexpected intensity.
Her reaction to the situation — the warmth on her cheeks and the flustered feeling that overwhelmed her — made her question her own feelings. Was it because Shaun had shown a different side of himself, or was it something more? She had spent so much time trying to guard herself from her emotions, but moments like these made her realize just how much she had buried beneath her tough exterior.
Shaun, noticing her discomfort, didn’t press the matter but instead gave a firm suggestion that she rest. It was an odd offer from someone who typically wouldn’t show much concern for others, yet his insistence on her well-being made Catherine question her initial judgments of him. He wasn’t as heartless as she had believed, and this realization unsettled her. The moment she almost lost her balance only further emphasized her vulnerability, but his quick action in steadied her left her feeling both grateful and perplexed.
Despite her refusal to stop and rest, Catherine reluctantly got into the car, unable to ignore his persistence. As she tried to downplay her physical condition with a lie to her boss, it was clear that her personal boundaries were being tested. She had always prided herself on being independent and in control, but Shaun’s presence, his concern, and the subtle shift in their interaction had created a crack in that armor.
The tension between them continued to build, and though she tried to push it away, Catherine couldn’t help but feel as though something was shifting — not just in her relationship with Shaun, but within herself.