Femme Fatale: The King's Deadly Temptress

Lying on her bed, Katherine closed her eyes but the only thing she saw was the scene outside her door on repeat. 'How could he be so sure about how he feels?' she wondered. Here she was, trying to convince herself not to fall for him but saying that was being dishonest to herself.

He had done nothing but care for her ever since they met yet although she liked him, there was a nagging feeling that was not allowing her to fully accept that. It was as though she was afraid that if she gives in, she'll be very vulnerable.

Katherine went on dates a few times before but none of them really lasted for more than a week or two because the moment that they would start getting serious and get to know more about each other, she would suddenly back away and not see them again. She wondered if she had been broken-hearted or betrayed before which was why she was so afraid of being in a relationship.

She liked how they were at the moment, no strings… no commitments… no expectations which would mean no disappointments. 

So Katherine feared that if she allowed herself to really fall in love with Damien and be with him, what if it will turn out to be just another mistake? Because if it will end up that way, she could imagine how it would suck for her. She already does not have a past, will she also lose her future?

Her head turned to the right where her Damien pillow was. She laid on her side to gaze at it and an image of him lying there on the bed with her appeared in her imagination.

"I like you, Damien…"

The image of Damien almost seemed real when he gave her a gentle smile. She curled up in her bed and nuzzled her head on the pillow as she closed her eyes and hugged it to sleep.

…

Meanwhile, Damien felt anxious after what he said to her. For the first time, he didn't feel confident about himself. For many years, he had gone out on dates with women and seen them throw themselves at him and though he didn't really pay attention to every single one of them, he didn't remember ever worrying if the other will accept him.

And the realization suddenly hit him – it was actually the first time that he confessed to someone. And having to wait for her to accept his affection was making him uneasy.

Dating Lexi back then was not even something that he initiated. They grew up together and because their families have long been acquainted, it wasn't difficult for them to start dating as no one opposed their relationship. However, looking back, Damien didn't think that he had ever felt the same emotions that he was experiencing with Katherine.

But being with Lexi before was like a job. He didn't mind that they went out and saw each other for a few years but all there was in their relationship was really just a physical connection. But since they have known each other since they were kids, somehow, he still took care of her.

However, it was different with Katherine. She had made him feel a whole lot of different feelings at the same time. And not knowing whether she wanted to be with him or not actually made him nervous. If she decides not to be with him, what happens then?

…

Park Estate

In the living room of the huge mansion, Frederick Park was drinking his evening tea while watching the news on TV. His Assistant Mr. Jung arrived at his side and handed him a brown envelope.

"Chairman, this is the result of the background check of the Young Master's secretary." 

Receiving the envelope, Frederick Park took out the papers inside and skimmed through it. Seeing that Katherine was an orphan and had a very ordinary background, his expression was unreadable.

He didn't trust people with such an ordinary background because you don't know what they really want. Most of them want to climb the social status and marry into an affluent family. Though there are those who are humble and want to live a normal life without fame and excess wealth, would he really risk it?

But family wealth aside, he couldn't just let anyone marry into the Park family. Not when they have a secret that no one outside of the family except for a few people must know about.

"Hmmm… She doesn't seem like a threat as of now. But keep an eye on her in case something looks suspicious." He gave the envelope back to his assistant and added, "By the way, has my son returned?"

Footsteps were heard from the side and a tall man appeared before him. "I'm home, father." William gave a bow of respect to his father.

"Mhmm. Where have you been? How was the contract signing this afternoon?" Frederick asked without looking at his son like he always does.

"I just had dinner with the executives. It went well as expected."

"Good. We're going to the opening of Damien's new resort this Friday."

"Ah, I see." A knowing smile formed on his face as he imagined what fun he would have there. Thinking about Katherine's innocent face, he looked down the floor and spoke, "I will bring Lexi with me. I'm sure my beloved cousin would not mind."

Frederick Park glanced at William and saw the expression on his face. He scoffed as he got up from the chair and headed towards his bedroom. His son always makes trouble for him, he had gotten tired of telling him what to do and what not. "Do not forget who you are, William."

"Trust me, father. I haven't," William replied with a grin and told himself, 'I have always been like this.'