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Trying to be Cathleen
The last bites of food disappeared from their plates, leaving only crumbs and smears of sauce. Olivia couldn’t help but continue to stare at Cathleen, her gaze drawn to every little detail. She compared Cathleen’s eyes to her own, noticing the subtle differences in color and shape. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t understand what it was about Cathleen that had captivated Xavier so completely. And even more confusing was what had caused him to marry her. As she studied Cathleen’s features, Olivia couldn’t deny the other woman’s beauty. Her lips were full and perfectly shaped, with a natural rosy hue. Her skin was flawless like a porcelain doll brought to life. She could have easily graced the pages of a fashion magazine or walked down any runway with confidence. It was no wonder Xavier had fallen for her charm and elegance.
For Olivia to look like that, the studio would have to put on so much makeup for her to get that face that Cathleen had on. Gazing upon Cathleen, her perfect features highlighted by the glowing firelight, the woman couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. How could anyone be so effortlessly flawless? Every movement seemed to radiate grace and charm as she laughed and chatted with the man who should have been her father-in-law, not Cathleen’s. It was a constant reminder of what had been stolen from her-first her husband, and now his wealthy family and lavish home. And yet, there Cathleen sat, as if she owned the place, basking in the warmth and luxury that the woman could only dream of. A bitter taste rose in her throat as she realized just how much she resented this woman who seemed to have it all.
Finn’s gaze narrowed as he noticed Olivia studying Cathleen’s features with a disturbing intensity. Every time Cathleen made a gesture, Finn caught Olivia mimicking her movements with eerie precision. It was like she was trying to become Cathleen, imitating her every move and mannerisms. Even when Cathleen paused, Olivia continued to mirror her, the obsession in her eyes growing more unsettling by the second. Finn leaned closer to Olivia and said, “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
Olivia almost jumped out of her chair. She hadn’t expected anyone to talk to her. Everyone was having a good time listening to Cathleen’s jokes and how she was talking about Paris. How much she had enjoyed her stay there.
Olivia almost jumped out of her chair, her heart skipping a beat, as a voice suddenly interrupted the lively chatter around her. Caught off guard, she looked up to see who had spoken to her. The room was filled with laughter and the warm glow of conversation as everyone listened intently to Cathleen’s tales of Paris. Olivia couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy at how much joy the city had brought to Cathleen. Just then, she noticed an exotic scent wafting through the air-perhaps a reminder of Cathleen’s adventures in the City of Love. “But then, Olivia, you can stop trying to be like her. You can never be like Cathleen.” He purred in her ears as he turned to look at his uncle. He knew full well that Xavier wasn’t going to do anything, even if he saw him flirting with Olivia because his father was there. Finn smiled as he caught the way Xavier was looking at him. Finn continued: “Cathleen is special and simple, and she doesn’t have to try as hard as you do. Olivia was on the verge of tears, but how could she? According to the introduction Cathleen had given, she was Cathleen’s friend.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
“I can see you are already trying to flirt, boy. But I don’t approve. She seems like a woman who tries so hard.” The old man commented, and Olivia felt like a bucket of dirty water had been thrown in her face. At first, she wanted to annoy Cathleen with her lingerie. She had never thought there would be visitors in the house. “I’ve told you before to stay far away from loose girls.” Xavier just stared at his father as the old man spoke. He couldn’t even stand up for Olivia because what she was wearing was inappropriate. So he just kept quiet and looked the other way.
“My grandfather has always been very fond of Cathleen. But I never thought he would like her to be his daughter-in-law. The relationship between Cathleen and my grandfather has gone way too far since the time when the girl was too young. Granddad can read her like a book. Olivia turned her face toward Finn, bringing her face too close to Finn’s. Since no one was paying attention to her, she decided to flirt with Finn, trying to make Xavier jealous.
“Why are you telling me all this?” Olivia asked Finn. A wicked grin twisted Finn’s lips as he finally caught Olivia’s eye. His plan was coming together perfectly-he would use her to destroy the fragile union between his uncle and Cathleen. The glint in his eyes betrayed the darkness of his intentions, a cunning predator ready to strike at any opportunity. He had finally gotten her attention. Unaware of the danger that lurked behind that devilish smile, Olivia fell for it. Finn’s mind raced with possibilities and schemes, all aimed at achieving his ultimate goal.
“Because we want the same thing: you want to get my uncle back, and I want to get my girl back.” A wide, dazzling smile broke across Olivia’s face as she heard Finn refer to Cathleen as his girl. Her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and her eyes sparkled with delight, revealing the deep affection she held for the news she just heard.
“So, Cathleen was your girlfriend before she married your uncle?” A mischievous glint sparkled in Olivia’s eyes as she posed the question to Finn, her lips curling into a diabolical grin. Little did she know that Cathleen was a stern and uncompromising woman. Finn had never dared to lay a hand on her; his interactions with her were limited to chaste kisses on the cheek and forehead throughout their entire date. It was clear that Cathleen held all the power in their relationship, and Finn was content to follow her lead.