A Slip of the Tongue

The Breaking Point

Cathy stood in front of her mirror and sighed.
Something was wrong with her.
Ever since movie night, she had been unable to think clearly.
Every time she closed her eyes, she remembered Stewart sitting beside her.
She remembered how close he had been.
How his shoulder had brushed against hers.
How he barely paid attention to the movie.
And somehow, that bothered her more than it should.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered.
She grabbed her hairbrush and started brushing her hair.
Stewart was her boss.
A cold and serious billionaire.
Nothing more.
At least that was what she kept telling herself.
Unfortunately, her heart refused to listen.
A few minutes later, she walked into the dining room.
Stewart was already there.
As usual.
He sat at the table with a cup of coffee in his hand.
The moment she entered, his eyes lifted.
Their gazes met.
For a brief second, the room seemed smaller.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither looked away.
Then Cathy quickly pulled out a chair.
"Good morning."
"Morning."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
As if he hadn't spent the entire movie staring at her.
Cathy grabbed a piece of toast.
The silence became awkward.
Thankfully, Lucas arrived.
"Good morning, beautiful people!"
Cathy laughed immediately.
Stewart did not.
Lucas sat beside her.
"Did either of you miss me?"
"No," Stewart answered.
"That hurts."
"You'll survive."
Lucas placed a dramatic hand on his chest.
"Cathy, do you hear how he treats me?"
"Every day."
"And you allow it?"
"I enjoy it."
Lucas pointed at her.
"You're becoming evil."
Stewart hid a smile behind his coffee cup.
The breakfast continued peacefully until Lucas suddenly snapped his fingers.
"Oh, I almost forgot."
"What?" Cathy asked.
"There is a charity event tonight."
She blinked.
"A charity event?"
"Yes."
Lucas grinned.
"I need a partner."
"Partner?"
"Someone to keep me from dying of boredom."
Cathy laughed.
"And you picked me?"
"Obviously."
Before she could answer, Lucas continued.
"So? Will you come?"
Cathy thought about it.
She had never attended a luxury charity event before.
It sounded exciting.
"Sure."
"Perfect."
Lucas looked pleased with himself.
Across the table, Stewart's jaw tightened.
Nobody noticed.
Except Stewart.
The rest of the morning passed quickly.
By afternoon, Stewart sat in his office reviewing documents.
His assistant stood nearby.
"Sir, will you be attending tonight's charity gala?"
Stewart didn't even look up.
"No."
"Very well."
The assistant paused.
"However, several important investors will be attending."
Stewart stopped writing.
His eyes slowly lifted.
"Investors?"
"Yes, sir."
The assistant handed him a list.
Stewart glanced at it.
Then he thought about Cathy.
And Lucas.
Together.
At the event.
For some reason, the idea annoyed him.
Deeply.
"I'll attend."
The assistant blinked.
"You will?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No, sir."
The assistant quickly looked away.
Because everyone in the company knew one thing.
Stewart hated social events.
Yet somehow, he was suddenly interested.
Very interesting.
That evening, Cathy stood inside her room.
A beautiful dark blue dress hugged her figure.
The material flowed elegantly around her legs.
She stared at herself in the mirror.
For once, she felt beautiful.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
A maid entered.
"Miss Cathy, everyone is waiting."
Cathy nodded.
"Thank you."
She took a deep breath and headed downstairs.
The moment she reached the entrance, Lucas froze.
"Wow."
Cathy laughed.
"What?"
"You look incredible."
A small blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Thank you."
Lucas offered his arm.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
Together, they headed toward the venue.
The ballroom was breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
Soft music floated through the air.
Elegant guests filled the room.
For a moment, Cathy felt completely out of place.
Everyone seemed wealthy.
Powerful.
Important.
Lucas noticed her discomfort.
"You okay?"
"A little nervous."
"Don't be."
He smiled warmly.
"You belong here."
His words helped.
A little.
Then suddenly, the atmosphere changed.
People began whispering.
Heads turned toward the entrance.
Cathy followed their gaze.
And her breath caught.
Stewart had arrived.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit.
His expression remained calm and unreadable.
Yet somehow, he commanded attention without trying.
The moment he entered the room, his eyes found Cathy.
Immediately.
As if nobody else existed.
For a second, he simply stared.
She looked beautiful.
Far too beautiful.
The dress suited her perfectly.
And Stewart found himself unable to look away.
Cathy felt her heart stumble.
Why was he looking at her like that?
Lucas cleared his throat.
Neither of them reacted.
Lucas cleared it again.
Still nothing.
Finally, he laughed.
"You two are weird."
Both immediately looked away.
The evening continued.
Guests talked.
Music played.
People danced.
Then Lucas suddenly held out his hand.
"Dance with me."
Cathy hesitated.
"I don't know."
"Come on."
After a moment, she smiled.
"Fine."
Lucas led her onto the dance floor.
They laughed as they moved with the music.
Across the room, Stewart watched.
And hated every second of it.
He knew Lucas meant nothing by it.
But that didn't help.
Because jealousy wasn't logical.
It didn't care about reason.
It only cared about possession.
And Stewart was beginning to realize something dangerous.
He wanted Cathy all to himself.
The realization unsettled him.
Before he could think further, another man approached Cathy.
He appeared wealthy.
Confident.
And far too interested.
Stewart watched him lean closer.
Watched Cathy take a small step back.
Watched her uncomfortable smile.
That was enough.
Without thinking, Stewart crossed the room.
The stranger was still talking when Stewart appeared beside them.
"Cathy."
Relief flashed across her face.
The stranger frowned.
"And you are?"
Stewart's gaze turned cold.
"Someone telling you to leave."
The man's confidence immediately weakened.
A few awkward seconds later, he disappeared into the crowd.
Silence followed.
Cathy stared at Stewart.
"What was that?"
"You looked uncomfortable."
"I could have handled it."
"I know."
His voice softened.
"But I didn't want to wait."
The words hit her harder than they should have.
A strange warmth spread through her chest.
Unable to handle the tension, she walked toward the balcony.
A moment later, Stewart followed.
Cool night air greeted them.
The city lights sparkled in the distance.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Finally, Cathy turned toward him.
"Why are you acting like this?"
Stewart remained silent.
"Why do you keep getting angry whenever another man talks to me?"
Still silent.
"Stewart."
His jaw tightened.
The battle inside him was becoming impossible to win.
Then finally, he looked directly into her eyes.
"I don't like it."
Cathy's heart pounded.
"You don't like what?"
His voice dropped lower.
"I don't like seeing other men near you."
The world seemed to stop.
Cathy froze.
Neither noticed the shadow standing near the balcony entrance.
A figure who had overheard every word.
And judging by the dangerous smile spreading across their face...
Trouble was about to arrive at the mansion