From Dust To Dynasty

2

Daniel, returning, saw the look on his face. “Do you know her?” he asked, following Caleb’s stunned gaze.

 Caleb couldn’t respond. Cathy’s strictest rule had always been to keep their relationship private. No posts, no public appearances, nothing. Nobody knew except a few of Cathy's friends. “Is… is she Cathy?” he asked Daniel, a desperate hope in his voice.

 “Yeah, Catherine Rowan,” Daniel confirmed, oblivious. “She just got married to the son and only heir of Callahan Corp, the richest man in the city.”

 The words hit Caleb like a physical blow. *Married?, richest man?* His mind raced. *Maybe she’s just substituting for her friend. She told me she was attending a birthday party. Maybe it’s a play.* He dropped his toolbox with a clatter and pushed through the crowd, following them as they left the stage.

 “Cathy!” he called out, grabbing her hand from behind.

 She spun around, and seeing him, snatched her hand away as if burned. “Who are you?” she demanded, her eyes wide with panic.

 “Cathy, what’s happening?” he asked again, tears welling in his eyes.

 At that moment, Tony and Cathy’s friend, Jessica, walked over. “Babe, who is he?” Tony asked, his arm wrapping possessively around Cathy’s waist.

 Before Cathy could answer, Jessica chimed in smoothly, shooting Caleb a look of pure venom. “Oh, he’s no one. He’s just the guy who delivered chicken for Cathy’s birthday once. I think he has a little crush on her.” She laughed dismissively. “Isn’t he the person that came to fix the electrical issues?”

 The humiliation washed over Caleb in a hot, sickening wave. He looked at Cathy, pleading with his eyes for her to say something, to end this nightmare. She simply stared back, her expression unreadable.

  Tony’s expression relaxed. “Oh,”Tony sneered. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a thick wad of cash, and flung the thousand-dollar bills at Caleb’s face. “Here’s a thousand dollars for fixing the machines.” and continued “Isn't this what you wanted? Get on your knees and pick it up. That’s what you’re a servant who follows my command.”

 Laughter erupted around him. Sharp, cruel, and unforgiving. He could hear Cathy’s friends, their voices laced with mockery. He was utterly, completely broken, He was speechless, couldn't utter any word.

 “How dare someone as filthy as you, have a crush on my wife” Tony scuffed while his leg was still on Caleb's back.

 It was Daniel who finally pushed through the crowd. “Hey! Get off him!” he yelled, helping a trembling Caleb to his feet. He shot a venomous glare at Tony and Cathy before steering Caleb towards the door. “Let’s go, man. Let’s just go.”

 Caleb stumbled out into the rain, leaving his toolbox, his money, and the last remnants of his heart on the cold, marble floor.

 The answer was clear. He had been a fool For trusting the wrong person. 

 He had just straddled his bike when he heard someone approaching him. It was Cathy, holding his toolbox, a pristine umbrella held over her head. He dropped his helmet, unable to look at her.

 “I thought you might need this,” she said, her voice soft, feigning a generosity that felt like another slap in the face. She placed the toolbox at his front. “Listen, Caleb… I’m sorry you had to see that.”

 “You have to understand,” she went on, her tone shifting into one of gentle admonishment.

 He remained silent, his jaw clenched.

 she continued, her voice a low, accusatory whisper. “I waited for you, but You saved for months just to get me something. You gave me a stuffed animal during my birthday, and you starved yourself to do it. I’m doing this for us, Caleb. I’m doing this for you.”

 “For us?” The words were acid in his mouth. “Catherine, for us? You denied me, humiliated me. You hid me. You never even wanted me to touch you, but look at you with him. I saved to get you those gifts. I made that effort because I wanted the best for you, Cathy. And this…?” He wiped furiously at a tear rolling down his cheek.

 “I chose my future caleb! This is my chance. Tony can give me a life you never could” she retorted, her voice hardening. “I can’t keep living like this, look at my mates going on vacations! Showing expensive gifts but all I get from you is stuffed animals and leftover restaurant food, just the time I spent with Tony look at me!”

 “I get it, I couldn't give you the life you wanted” he said, his voice breaking. “But did you ever love me? When did it start… with him?”

 She twisted her hands, her gaze falling to the ground. “Four months ago, I…”

 “Wow.” The single word was laced with a universe of pain. “Four months. And you’re already married, we have been together for a year Cathy a year, But…But” he stammered “ why did you lie to me that you were going for your friend's birthday party?, why?.” He looked up, his eyes empty.

 “I need more. I deserve more. You can’t blame me for that. Maybe if you weren’t just a delivery man, things would be different. This is your fault, Caleb. Not mine, I never wanted you to find out this way, that's why I lied.” Cathy retorted 

  “Well I no longer have anything to say, I am happy for you, be happy okay?,”

 He switched on his bike, the engine roaring to life. “Before I forget Congratulations, Mrs. Callahan.” He told her.

 As he sped away, Catherine watched him go, the look of feigned turmoil on her face melting away into a cold, hard sneer. "Acting isn't for me," she muttered to herself, turning on her heel. "Useless man. Did you think I would end up marrying someone as poor as you? mtcheew Over my dead body."

 She walked back toward the pulsating lights of the club. "B

abe!" she called out, her voice bright and cheerful. "The electrician just left, baby.”