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Novel Catalog
Chapter 2
Freya blinked, momentarily dumbfounded by Catherine’s sudden change in demeanor. Then, a sly grin spread across her face as she gave Catherine a thumbs-up.
“He’s tall,” Freya remarked, her eyes twinkling. “Very tall, indeed. I’m on your side! His uncle’s appearance is perfect. Even Ethan doesn’t compare to him. His wealth and power are on par with the Lowe family’s.”
Catherine paused for a moment, considering Freya’s words. Her friend was blunt, but she spoke the truth. If Rebecca had the Lowe family backing her, Catherine’s position at Jones Corporation could be at risk.
“You’re right,” Catherine murmured, her resolve beginning to firm. “I can’t let that happen.”
Freya’s eyes narrowed with concern. “You need to find someone just as powerful and influential if you want to secure your place. And I think his uncle might be the perfect match for you.”
A sense of determination washed over Catherine. She wasn’t going to let this slip through her fingers. She grabbed Freya’s purse impulsively, rifling through it for her lipstick and foundation.
Her face, which had previously been clouded with doubt, now glowed with renewed confidence.
Freya watched her with wide eyes. “Uh, are you sure you can handle him?”
Catherine tossed her a playful look. “He’s just a man, right? Hah!”
With a quick flick of her hair, Catherine held a half-full glass of red wine in one hand and strutted toward the man, her posture oozing confidence.
As she got closer, she couldn’t help but admire his features—sharp, striking, and impeccably handsome. His clean, dark brows and the perfectly sculpted bridge of his nose made him appear almost otherworldly.
“Hi,” she said, her voice low and sultry. “Sorry to bother you, but could you tell me the time?”
She tapped his shoulder twice, and when he slowly opened his eyes, Catherine was momentarily stunned. The word devil flashed through her mind. His gaze was intense, as though he could see right through her. Her heart skipped a beat.
For a few seconds, her mind went blank, but she quickly regained her composure and flashed him a bright, charming smile.
“I think our first encounter here might just be the start of our happiness.”
Shaun Hill raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, “I’m not a doctor. I don’t provide treatment.”
Catherine blinked, taken aback by the coldness of his response. “What?”
“You’re insane, aren’t you?” His voice, though calm, was laced with contempt.
Catherine stood there, stunned, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Was she not pretty enough? Was she doing something wrong? She was, after all, a well-known beauty in Sydney. Why had this man reacted like that?
I’m not insane, just lovesick, she thought, trying to salvage the situation.
“I’m actually ill,” she said with a small, sheepish smile. “I’m not insane, just… lovesick.”
Shaun raised an eyebrow slightly, intrigued by her words, but didn’t speak.
“Actually,” Catherine continued, her voice taking on a playful tone, “I think I started feeling lovesick when I met you.”
Her words seemed to catch his attention just enough for him to glance at her again.
“They say that when you meet the love of your life, you can’t help but feel happy. And right now, I’m feeling exactly that.”
Shaun rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration. “Alright, I get it. You may leave now.”
His indifference stung, but Catherine was determined not to back down. She’d come this far, and she wasn’t about to let him go without a fight.
“Pretty boy,” she said boldly, stepping a little closer, “Could I add you on WhatsApp?”
Shaun remained lounging on the couch, his eyes now closed as he leaned back, exuding an air of aloof elegance.
“Pretty boy, could you give me your number?” Catherine pressed on, undeterred. “Pretty boy, could you tell me your name?”
She took a step forward, her voice filled with playful flattery. “Pretty boy, you look even more irresistible with your eyes closed.”
Shaun’s eyes snapped open, a look of annoyance crossing his face as he glanced at her. “What exactly do you want?”
Catherine, without hesitation, replied, “I want to marry you.”
Shaun’s lips twitched into a slight smirk.
“Wait,” Catherine added quickly, “If I’m really not planning on marrying you, then I guess I’d be a scumbag, right?”
She straightened up, her voice becoming more confident. “But actually, I’m quite a catch. I’m 22 years old, graduated from the University of New South Wales, and I’m a competent woman who knows how to balance both my personal and professional life. I’ll pamper my husband, I’m financially stable, and I don’t have any bad habits. And above all, I’m not a fickle lover.”
Shaun stared at her, speechless for a moment. He rubbed his eyes as if trying to make sense of what was happening.
Catherine raised her hand, her voice taking on a mock-serious tone. “I swear, from now on, I’ll treat you well and promise everything I’ve said.”
“Shut up,” Shaun interrupted, clearly fed up. He stood up abruptly, his tall figure towering over her.
Catherine looked up in surprise, realizing just how tall he truly was—well over six feet. His physique was impressive, and his presence overwhelming.
“If you want to marry me,” Shaun said, his voice cold and distant, “bring your birth certificate and meet me at the registry office at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.”
He stared down at her, one hand casually tucked in his pocket, before turning to leave.
Catherine, stunned, stood frozen for a moment before she stammered, “Are you… are you serious?”
“You can give it a go,” he replied nonchalantly, looking away as he turned and walked out.