Love Beyond Numbers

KATHERINE TURNER POV

As a romance novel lover, I thought I knew a thing or two about love but my own divorce from a manipulative gaslighter taught me that real life happily ever after takes a lot more work.

As I sat on my couch, nursing a glass of wine and staring blankly at the TV, my friends burst through the door like a tornado. "Time to celebrate, girl!" Lucy exclaimed, holding up a sparkly dress. "You're finally free from that maniac!"

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't know, guys. I'm not really feeling up for it."

But Angela was insistent. "Nonsense, Kat! You need to get out and live a little. No more hiding behind those frumpy clothes and that sad face."

Before I knew it, they'd dragged me into my bedroom and were rummaging through my closet.

"No way are we letting you wear that ugly sweater," Lucy said, holding up a faded gray thing. "You need something that screams 'I'm free and I'm fierce'!"

They emerged with a dress that made my eyes widen. It was red, tight, and had a neckline that plunged dangerously low. "You can't be serious," I said, but they just laughed and shoved me into it.

It was right to say the last time I wore a tight dress was years before I met Max, ever since we dated and eventually got married, it had always been loose clothing.

His reason? "I don't want to share you, and dressing flirtatiously will attract horny low-life guys."

It made sense, or so I thought. Next thing I knew, we were at a club, surrounded by pulsating lights and thumping music. I felt like a fish out of water, but my friends were determined to get me to let loose.

"So how do you feel, baby girl? When was the last time you went out for fun babes? You suddenly turned into a 61-year-old," They teased and a faint smile escaped my lips.

They were right though, I couldn't remember the last time I stepped into a bar not to talk of a club, even though I was 39 years old.

"Forget about him, and focus on yourself and your daughter," Angela shouted over the music. "Tonight is all about you, Kat. Time to start afresh"

At the mention of my daughter, my smile flattered, I knew Charlotte was not happy with my decision.

She loved her father, and I did too, until his manipulation and gaslighting became too obvious.

I thought I could continue to endure it. Sixteen years of marriage seemed worth saving, but when I saw him that night with a slutty-looking redhead while Charlotte was out for a school project and I was exhausted from work, I knew it was enough.

He didn't want "guys all over me" and didn't like "ungodly clothing," but he was screwing a redhead with makeup that could paint a canvas.

As the party continued, I noticed a tall, handsome guy with piercing blue eyes who seemed to see right through me. My eyes followed him as he made his way to the bar and ordered a drink.

"Oh my gosh! Guys, look at that hottie," Lucy cooed.

"Yeah, and he's a young guy," I emphasized the last words.

"But it seems he's staring at you, Kat, and age is just a number, it is to celebrate your win." They winked at me and shared a laugh.

Our eyes met, he truly was staring and I found myself gulping, his eyes were fierce and hypnotic.

I couldn't take my eyes off his chiseled body and hot looking face. He might be young but not for the night.

I hesitated for a moment before saying, "Well...maybe it is time for a change." I smiled.

"That's the spirit, girl. You go, girl!" Angela cheered.

They handed me a drink for confidence, and I made a weird face as the alcohol hit my throat.

I took a deep breath; maybe a night of freedom was what I needed.

I approached the bar where he sat, and soon we started talking even without asking for his name.

I blurted out that we should get a room, and to my surprise, he accepted.

I gulped down the remaining drink in my glass and caught my friends' eyes, telling me to enjoy myself.

We couldn't wait till we got into the room and started making out in the elevator.

I inhaled the musky scent on his body, feeling my lips down there becoming moist every second.

The ding of the elevator announced our arrival at the hotel suite.

His hands fumbled with the key as we stumbled into the room, kissing passionately as we made our way to the bed.

We gently pulled each other's clothes off, continuing to explore each other's mouths. The bulge in his pants was visible, but he took it slow.

He slowly traced his fingers along my cheeks and lips, sending a shiver down my spine.

I saw a dragon tattoo on his chest. It looked sexy on him and turned me on the more, before I could touch him, he stiffened.

He flipped me to face the other way and continued touching me with his soft yet masculine hands.

As our bodies drew closer, my mind raced. Was I being reckless? He was young, I should stop but the lady down there wanted him badly.

I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol playing pranks on me or if I wanted to escape my past. But I knew I was attracted to him.

I decided to enjoy the moment since it was a one-night stand and I was never going to see him again.

Little did I know, that one-night stand would change my life forever.

ADRIAN STERLING POV.

The blaring of my phone woke me up, reminding me that my team was waiting for me in the airport to return to the USA.

Groaning, I reached over to silence the noise, my eyes still heavy with sleep. As I turned back, I noticed the other side of the bed was empty.

Disappointment washed over me. The lady in red had left, and I didn't even know her name.

A smile crept onto my face as I recalled the previous night. Leaving my hotel room for the club downstairs had been the best decision.

The moment I saw her, I was captivated by her freckled face and blonde hair. But it was her dress that really did it for me. Red-my favorite color.

The dress complemented her skin perfectly, and the night we spent together was unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

I stretched, my muscles pleasantly sore from the night's activities. I got out of bed and headed to the shower.

I hoped I would see the lady in red again someday. But for now, I have work waiting for me in the USA.

ADRIAN POV

I raised my glass to my lips, savoring the burn of the whiskey. At 27, I had closed a major business deal that would take Sterling Enterprises to a greater height.

And according to my Dad, that was my last test to become the new CEO. I was engaged to be married to his business partner's daughter.

I wasn't affected by that, I had always loved working in the company and finally, I was going to be the new CEO.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror in my room as I unbuttoned my shirt, smiling from ear to ear.

As I peeled the shirt from my body, my eyes shot to the dragon tattoo on the left side of my chest.

Memories came running back, no amount of alcohol could ever drown them out. When I was 8, I lost my older brother, Ken, who was 13 then.

He was my hero, my protector and my best friend. We were playing in the woods near our estate one summer afternoon.

Ken warned me not to go near the steep, rocky slope, but I was young and adventurous and didn't listen. I ran off.

Ken chased after me, calling my name but I was too caught up to notice the danger. As he reached out to grab me, he slipped on the gravel and tumbled down the slope.

I watched in horror as he fell, hitting his head on a rock. I ran down as quickly as I could, my heart in my mouth.

When I reached him, he was barely conscious, blood trickling down his forehead. I cradled him in my arms with tears falling down my face.

"Ken, please, I'm sorry, get up," I begged. With his last breath, Ken placed his hand on my left side, over my heart.

"I told you to be careful," he whispered before his eyes shut dead. That! Left a scar in my heart that can never heal.

My father never let me forget it. He blamed me and denied me access to therapy. Therapy, he said, was for the weak.

So I grew up carrying that guilt, having nightmares about that day and relieving the moment I lost Ken over and over again.

Dad pressured me to become what Ken would have been and I had to shoulder all his responsibilities, denying me childhood privileges.

The pressure to live up to my father's expedition was immersed and it shaped me to become the man I am today, determined but hurtled.

I got the dragon tattoo over the place Ken had touched while drawing his last breath, and I made it sacred. No lady touched me there.

As I took another sip of my drink, Lilian burst inside with a smirk on her face. She was the last child.

"See who is celebrating without me." she pouted, I smirked. She was too dramatic. "Dad is waiting for you in the observatory."

KATHERINE POV

The plane's comedown jerked me awake. I blink away the sleep from my eyes. It had been two years since I broke free from Max's manipulative grip.

The divorce settlement granted me a considerable portion of our assets, enough to start afresh, and full custody of Charlotte.

Even after the divorce, Max had been manipulating and influencing Charlotte and the only way to break her free was to start afresh. In the USA.

As the plane landed on the tarmac, my heart thumped with hope and fear. I glanced over at Charlotte who was slumped on her seat.

Her headphones blared music that I could hear clearly from. She hadn't said much since we boarded the plane.

Her rowdy nature had grown stronger and she grew apart from me with each passing day. I longed to bridge the gap between us but she kept pushing me away.

As we stepped out of the airport into the bustling streets of Portland, I felt overwhelmed. Charlotte walked a few steps ahead, her shoulders crouched.

Life as a single mother had not been easy. I would lay awake at night questioning my decision. Should I had endured Max for my daughter's happiness?

Was I wrong in choosing my happiness and what was right? Charlotte was done with high school and instead of finding something productive to do, she spent her days out, often coming home late at night.

One evening, after a grueling job hunt, I came home to find Charlotte's room empty. I panicked as I dialed her number but went straight to voicemail.

Hours passed and I was about to call the police, when the door opened and she strolled in indifferently, clutching a shopping bag.

We were just a few weeks in the city, who did she know? "Where have you been?" I demanded.

"Out," she mumbled, glowering at me. "Why do you care?"

"I care because I'm your mother, Charlotte!" I shouted, frustration boiling over. "You can't just go out without my knowledge."

"Whatever, I'm fine," she snapped, brushing past me to her room and slamming the door behind her.

Max had planted the seed of manipulation in her heart just like he did mine, but I was determined to break her free.

I applied for several jobs, hoping to get my hands busy. One evening, as I prepared dinner, my phone buzzed with an email notification.

It was from Sterling Corps, a job offer outlining a permanent position with benefits and a substantial salary.

Relief flooded through me, but so did a wave of uncertainty. Could I juggle this demanding job and still be there for Charlotte?

I didn't have a choice, I had to prepare for Charlotte's college fees and expenses. I glanced at her, sitting on the couch with her headphones on.

"Charlotte," I called softly, but she didn't respond. I walked over and gently pulled off her headphones. "I got a job offer," I said.

She looked at me, her expression. "Good for you," she muttered, before turning away and blaring music.

KATHERINE POV

On my first day at Sterling Corps, I felt small compared to the magnanimous bustling going on around me.

The building was elegant and modern, it was a place I never imagined I'd work. I stepped into the elevator, my palms sweaty and took a deep breath. You've got it, Kat.

I met my supervisor, an almond-eyed woman named Sherry who showed me to my desk.

The day was a blur of introductions and orientations and I loved it. As I settled Into my new role, I felt relieved, I never knew I would enjoy it like I did.

The work was challenging but manageable, back at home Charlotte's silence still spoke volumes.

I was enjoying my work, grateful not to think about Max or any negativity, but what I was unaware of was the past was about to force its way into my present.

Few weeks had passed since I started working in Sterling Corporation. Everyone was on deck as we heard the CEO was going to be on seat and he wanted to meet all the new employees.

"Katherine, you missed yesterday, why did you go home so early?" Zoe, my closest seat partner, said drawing her chair closer.

"What happened?" I looked curious. Had I missed some important information?

"The new CEO came in briefly after work ended and a few of us were opportune to see him, he is such a young handsome guy, you would literally eat him when you see him,"

I burst into laughter as she watched her. "So what happened?"

"You don't feel anything?" Zoe rolled her eyes, "I'm sure your emotion will surely change when you see him," I smiled and continued working.

"How young are we talking about?" I asked typing on my keyboard.

"He is twenty-nine," I glanced at her in awe, "but you can never detect, he looks mature." she quickly added.

"Twenty-nine? Zoe, are you not thirty-three and married?" I was amused.

"So? It's not bad admiring such a hot young guy, age is just a number," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears.

My mind drifted to that night with that young hot stranger, Lucy and Angela had said the same ; age is just a number.

I shook myself out of the reverie, that was the past. Nothing of such could happen again. It was just the heat of the moment. Not having sex with a younger guy again.

It had just been a few weeks but Zoe and I had bonded. Funny enough, I didn't know what the CEO looked like. I was grateful I got the job.

After a few hours of work, I got up to use the bathroom. When I returned, I noticed the office was unusually quiet, none of my colleagues were at their desks.

My phone beeped with a message notification from Zoe. "Get your ass into the big room ASAP, the hot CEO is here," I hurried through the corridors, my heels clicking at every step.

"Shoot," I cursed as she heard chattering inside, "I was only gone for a minute," How embarrassing.

Bracing myself, I pushed through the translucent door, and everyone went quiet as all eyes were on me briefly before turning to the guy who sat on the chairman's chair.

I felt like I was drowning as eyes were on me briefly before they turned to the man delivering the speech.

"Now, the CEO, Mr Adrian Sterling would address you all," My eyes darted embarrassingly to the CEO and my eyes widened in horror.

The CEO of my workplace was the young guy I had a one-night stand with in a hotel in the United Kingdom two years ago.

Our eyes met and I felt like vanishing into thin air, my cheeks had never turned that red before, I could feel it burning.

I tried to maintain my composure but I couldn't ignore the rapid beating of my heart.

Calm your nerves, Katherine. He won't recognize you. But as our eyes met, I knew he recognized me.

I looked at my sweaty palms and could hear him introducing himself. How did we get here? All I wanted to do was run out of the room, home, and scream into the pillow.

I tried to keep her attention on his word but my mind kept spinning. I didn't know I was going to be face-to-face with him again.

And the fact that the guy happened to be my employer in my workplace, my face turned red with embarrassment as she remembered those details of that night.

I wished I could see the two devils who encouraged me to meet him, I would...

The staff clapped and I was thrown out of my reverie, our eyes met briefly again before he shifted his attention back to the room.

"Before I conclude, I would like to hear your names and departments. Please introduce yourselves one by one."

ADRIAN POV.

What a twist of fate! I never would have imagined I would see the lady in red so soon.

Not only was her dress red that night, but there was a deep blush of red on her cheeks, and I couldn't help but smile.

The employees began introducing themselves in turn, and I smiled at them. When it got to her turn, she introduced herself briefly without meeting my gaze.

"Sorry, I can't hear you Miss," I said and she looked up embarrassed.

She gulped. "Katherine Turner, Financial Analysis Department." I locked eyes with her with as she spoke.

I nodded to her introduction and moved on. Soon the introductions were finished and I dismissed the room.

Kat was the first to file out. I couldn't help the grin on my face. I stayed behind and a senior staff gathered my papers and we both headed to my private office.

The senior staff left and once I was alone, I picked up the landline and dialed the HR department.

"I need you to prepare a background file on an employee–Katherine Turner from the Financial Analysis Department," I requested. "Make it thorough."

I hung up the phone and leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming the desk. I remembered her vividly.

Even with her dyed black hair, I still recognized her, I had always secretly wished I would bump into her again when I went to the UK. But here she was in my own company.

I got the information about her and dived into it. The background information on Katherine was comprehensive.

However, one detail caught my attention and left him puzzled, her marital status was listed as 'Miss'. I found myself wondering how a grown beautiful woman remained single.

My mind drifted back to our chance encounter two years ago. She was undeniably beautiful and sweet and knowing that she was single brought a smile to my face.