THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 33: I’ve Missed You So Much, Kathleen

The fresh air did a great job in clearing Kathleen’s messy mind and by the time they got to the coffee shop she had gotten a full grip on her emotions.

Shawn got a comfortable table for them to sit and a barrista came over to take their order after giving them a warm welcoming smile.

As usual, Shawn wanted his coffee black while Kathleen added some cinnamon flavor to hers for an extra burst of energy, pairing it with some almond nuts.

While waiting for the barista to return with their order, Kathleen’s eyes wandered around the shop.

The coffee shop was encased in glass walls and from where they sat, one could easily see people come and go from the shop. It was half full and most of the people looked like they just came around to chill off as they chatted animatedly with their companions.

Others had their heads buried in a book or magazine and occasionally took sips from their cups.

Her nose also took in the invigorating rich aroma of coffee. The antique paintings hanging on the wall gave a homey feeling to the whole place, making it easy for one to relax and blend in with the lively atmosphere around the coffee shop.

Shawn had been studying Kathleen for some time. This was the first time since they met that he had the opportunity to pay close attention to her appearance.

He noticed that she didn’t gain weight at all but had maintained her figure perfectly only adding a little weight at the right places. She now had a matured and graceful aura around her that made her more attractive. "I’m sure she’s not aware of what a femme fatale she has turned out to be," Shawn thought.

He couldn’t help but stretch his hands across the table to hold her flawless, slender hand that were as white and delicate as a fairy’s.

Kathleen was reminded of the presence of the gentleman opposite her when she felt a warm hand on the back of her palm and quirked a questioning eyebrow.

"Kathleen, I’m missed so much." Shawn confessed with an enchanted look in his eyes.

Her forehead furrowed in a frown. "I hope you didn’t take what happened in the elevator serious?" She responded heartlessly.

"What do you mean by not taking it serious? Kathleen that was us. The real us that we missed for a long time. You can’t just pretend that nothing happened."

Of course Kathleen knew, things would have gotten out of control if the elevator did not stop the time it did, but she would never admit to it.

"Of course nothing happened. I was just acting along as a weak defenceless woman trapped in an elevator with someone stronger than me. Who knows what you would have done to me if I resisted?"

Shawn was speechless, how come he didn’t realize that Kathleen was this shameless before.

"Hey, I know what I saw. you can’t deny your feelings just because you wish to, Kathleen."

He stared at her poker face and how she was lying through her teeth without batting an eye.

"Women, they can never be sincere."

The clock on the wall read 3:35pm and he suddenly realized he came here to discuss something with Kathleen, he has wasted 10 minutes already.

"Forget it, let’s get down to the reason why we are here," Shawn decided not to pursue the subject any further, besides, he couldn’t keep up with Kathleen.

"Better," Kathleen readily agreed in a triumphant tone.

"Kathleen, can you tell me what happened to you after you left." Shawn begged. "And please, don’t give me that damned programmed response."

"Programmed response?" Kathleen echoed with furrowed brows. "And what might that be if I may ask?"

"It’s none of your business or it has nothing to do with you," Shawn said with a frown.

Kathleen couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Shawn was confused "What’s funny?"

"You my dear. The way you said it."

"I’m not wrong though, because that’s what you always say each time I ask you a question."

"So, how have you been all these years?"

"I’ve been fine."

Shawn ignored her perfunctory reply.. "Then why didn’t you contact me after you survived the accident?"

"Why would I contact you? Who knows whether you wanted to end my life and did something to the aircraft so that that part of your life that brought shame to you would be wiped away forever?"

"Is that how you think of me, Kathleen?" Shawn’s voice was rough with pain. "I admit I was hurt and did something foolish back then, but I never wished for you to die no matter what happened. I have always loved you and still do. You are the only woman in my heart."

"Really? So you still have a heart?" Kathleen smirked in disdain.

"Where was that heart when you almost strangled me to death? Where was that heart when you called me terrible names? Where was that heart when I was shamelessly kicked out by your family? How dare you talk to me about having a heart, Shawn Hudson?"

Kathleen didn’t like thinking about her past but with Shawn’s constant reminder the wounds she thought have been healed was opened again and again.

Shawn was helpless and didn’t know how to respond to Kathleen’s attacking questions. He grabbed his forehead in pain, pressing hard onto it, and roared in a suppressed voice. "Damn it! Kathleen, I also suffered, it was neither easy for me too!"

"Why wasn’t it easy for you? Was that not what you wanted all along? Like I said the last time we met, I don’t want to have anything to do with you again."

Why did that sound so familiar? Shawn was alarmed

"Kathleen, you can’t possibly mean that? I..."

Kathleen cut him short, "I’m sorry Shawn, the time for this meeting is up and I have to leave."

Shawn glanced at his wrist watch and saw that it was 4:05pm on the dot.

’Damn! There was still so much to talk about.’

"When next can we see again?" Shawn asked wondering how time flew so fast.

"There is no need for us to see each other seeing we have nothing to talk about."

"We sure do. Just to let you know this discussion is far from over."