His Regret

~~~CAT'S POV~~~

"What's going on?" Nate asks as soon as we get inside his office. That is exactly what's running on in my mind right now. How did Mr. and Mrs. Vann know that I was sick? And how did they find out about Nate and I's relationship?

And most of all, what kind of stunt are they pulling outside? Why are they acting strange by letting everyone hear about my relationship with Nate and how accepting they are towards it?

I was about to stay in my office but Nate pulled me to him and gestured for me to come with him. And in all honesty, I was glad he did because I wanted to know what was going on.

"We heard about the rumor," Mr. Vann said as soon as he got to sit on the sofa. Mrs. Vann sits beside him while Nate pulls me to sit beside him. I wonder how they found out.

"And I can't believe you let that kind of rumor spread around the company," There was disappointment in Mrs. Vann's voice and for a moment there I thought that she was upset that I was rumored as her son's mistress. But Mrs. Vann was quick to eliminate my worries.

"And I can't believe you let them label Catherine as your mistress. She deserves better than that!"

Nate squeezed my hand which he hasn't let go of since we stepped inside the building. "I'm sorry, Mom. But I am already making everything right. How did you learn about the rumors?"

Mr. Vann scoffed, "This is my company, Nate. Do you think I wouldn't know what is going on here? If I didn't see you walk in holding her hand, I would have taken her back away from you. I am still in need of an assistant even though your mother has already taken the position. She would even love it if she passed the position back to Catherine."

A faint smile appeared on my lips at Mr. Vann's statement. I've always known how they care about me. They were not just my bosses, they were like parents to me. And I wouldn't feel it that way hadn't they treated me as their daughter.

I heard Nate sigh beside me. "How did you know that we are now in a relationship?" He asked though Mr. and Mrs. Vann saw us holding hands as we walked in. Is that enough to say that we are in a romantic relationship? It seems that the old couple knew about it before we came.

"When we heard about the rumor, we went to your house last night only to find out that you were not there. Aenid told us that Catherine was sick and that you've been taking care of her since then. They already told us about the two of you."

Nate and I looked at each other. So it seems that Aenid tattletale it to their grandparents.

"Dad, Mom, I love Catherine and-" Nate was cut off when Mr. Vann raised his hand.

"We know, son. We were just disappointed that a rumor like this has to spread before you make your move on her," Mr. Vann said, making us both confused.

"You knew?" Nate asked.

"Of course, son. We've known that you are head over heels in love with Catherine for years." Mr. Vann said.

I looked at him and then at Nate confused and I saw Nate was also looking at him with confusion.

"How did you know?" Nate asks.

"Come on, son. Whenever we are having a video conference your eyes would always drift behind me where Catherine is taking notes instead of me. Unfortunately, Catherine always prefers not to be seen. Shy little thing. And you would always ask about her randomly though you are trying to be subtle about it, you are my son and I know you." Mr. Vann said, making me flushed with embarrassment.

All this time, they knew about Nate's feelings towards me.

"And besides, it was your mother's intention. She set up that video call making it seem like an accident but the truth is, she intended for the camera to show Catherine instead of me. She was just testing how you would react to seeing her. Your Mom always favors Catherine. If you ever plan on getting married again, she hopes it would be her," Mr. Vann added and I felt Nate suddenly tense.

"What?"

Nate's reaction surprised me. I didn't expect that, or did I? Is he angry?

It was obvious that Mr. Vann was talking about that video call that Nate told me about when he first saw me. That video call that until now I don't have a memory of. It looks like Nate doesn't like the fact that his Mom played a matchmaker without him knowing. All these years, he thought that it was just an accident, but it turns out that his parents purposely did it.

I understand his reaction. I understand that he might have felt that he was being played. But why do I feel disappointed and hurt? If it wasn't for that video call, he wouldn't have known me. Or probably he might but he wouldn't feel the same way. He might have hired a different assistant before he took over the company and I might have been working in another company right now.

He said that he fell in love with me on that video call. So if that didn't happen, there is a possibility that he might not fall in love with me. And if he met me later on and found out about my illness, he would not entertain the notion of falling in love with me. He might distance himself from me.

I lowered my head trying to hide the hurt in my eyes.

"Why would you do that?" Nate released my hand and threw his hand in the air. He was obviously mad at what his parents did. Then I suddenly felt that I shouldn't be here.

He fell in love with me on that video call and now he has me as a burden. Of course, if he could turn back time, he would wish for that 'accidental' video call to not happen.

No. No. No. I knew it. I shouldn't have agreed to this relationship.

"Son, I was just thinking of you. It has been years since you lost her. And I hadn't seen you happy. Your daughters need a mother and you also need someone that will love you and make you happy. Someone that will make you and your daughters complete. And I knew that Catherine is a perfect person for that." Mrs. Vann explained in a soft tone and I could feel her gaze on me. But I refuse to look up to her. I knew that I would only see pity in her eyes.

"But you shouldn't have done that! If I wanted to be happy, I would be. You do not have to do such things as if I were a teenage boy. You should just inform me," Nate said though his voice is not as angry as before it was still laced with disappointment.

As of now, I want nothing but a reason to be away from here. I do not want to stay here and listen anymore. He already said and showed how disappointed he is about that video call. And I do not want to hear what he might say more.

I am already in pain emotionally and psychologically, I think this is enough for the day. I can't have more.

And as if God answered my prayer. I heard my phone ringing from my office. I immediately excused myself at the first ring. I stood up and walked at a quick pace. I heard Nate call me but I refused to look back and just focused on walking away.

"Look what you've done-" I heard Mrs. Vann say but I didn't hear everything as the door was already closed.

I grab my phone that is on the table with a trembling hand. "Hello," I answered without looking at the caller ID because I am in a rush to leave this place.

"Hey, Cat it's me," I heard Grace from the other line as I walked out of my office. "I was calling your phone but you are not answering. I heard that you are back to work and that you and Nate came together holding hands. Is it true that you two are already together? I mean, you know, in a relationship? It is already the talk of the town. Words came from his parents. Is it true? Oh God, Cat! I am so happy for you! You deserve this! I am sure-"

It was rude. And I am not normally rude. Especially to my best friend but I did. I cut her off by hanging up. I am in sort of emotional distress right now because I am starting to doubt if I did the right thing in agreeing to be in a relationship with him. And the last thing I need is someone talking to me about my relationship with Nate and how I deserve this. How I deserve to be happy?

No, Grace. I don't deserve to be happy. I will only hurt him and myself in the process.

I need to think.

I need to calm down and think.

I need to be somewhere.

Anywhere but here.

So I quickened my pace towards the elevator ignoring the look from employees I passed by. As soon as I left the building, I started to walk while trying to get a taxi or an Uber or whatever it is available that would take me away from here.