486 Showing Our Appreciation

"I am so happy for you!" Katherine beamed. She hadn't let go of Alianna yet as she truly felt excited for her.

"Thank you! I wouldn't want any other girl! I just knew it has to be you."

"Oh, but wait…" Katherine pulled away looking worried. "When is the wedding? I wish to do a lot for you, but I don't want to disappoint you… I'll be quite busy with work these days. I really hope I can do my duties as your Maid of Honor."

Alianna smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Kath. I understand… And I'm taking my time, so you don't have to stress about anything really… Also, Caleb and I haven't decided on a date yet. I have mostly listed down my favorites so we can go over it when we can. And I can set up an appointment with you, so you won't have to worry about it. Just promise me you won't avoid my calls again."

"Really sorry about that. I just had too much on my plate this week while I was away… And then I just came back yesterday… Things happened..."

"Well, I can clearly see that. The gossip columns are hot! Didn't know you were so bold like that, Katherine... Letting the whole world see you smooching my cousin?" Alianna teased.

"Oh, my god! Was that you?" Jessamine chimed in and simultaneously whipped out her smartphone. "I rarely use social networking sites, but I opened it a couple of hours ago to check on some stuff. There was a post that has been coming up my feed and I thought the image looked familiar… No wonder! I could have sworn I recognized the dress in the picture since you wore it last night."

"You… saw each other last night?" Alianna wondered.

"Ah, just a couple of minutes. Damien had to drop something off for Jeffrey at the hospital." Katherine quickly dismissed it naturally and exchanged glances with Jessamine who realized that she slipped. Then, she continued, "Anyway, that gossip will die down soon. I don't even want to check it. I feel like I will have a headache if I do."

"You should enjoy the attention at the moment. You're the only one worthy of being on the columns with him anyway. This way, all those girls who are still wishing to get a piece of him could finally back off." Alianna rolled her eyes and did a double-take when she realized she was still holding the other item in her hand. "Ah, here… This is for you. My invitation acceptance gift!"

Confused, Katherine looked at the paper bag and arched a brow. "Huh? There's such a thing?"

"Of course! You accepted my invitation to be my Maid of Honor, so you get to have this gift. I suggest you use it tonight." She winked.

Receiving the paper bag, she lifted it up in front of her and the words "La Folie: House of Lingerie" was written on it. 

Katherine hadn't even seen what was inside the bag yet and she was already smiling and chuckling. She couldn't help but be reminded of that night. Was Damien going to be in for a surprise… or was she?

Placing the bag on the counter, she peered inside and saw two pieces of carefully wrapped lingerie—one in black and one in wine red. She reached in and pulled out the black one, unwrapped the soft mesh fabric covering the pieces, and held up the lingerie in front of her. "Holy—this is…"

"What's that?" Damien's voice reverberated in the room as he appeared.

"Nothing." Katherine all but shoved the delicate piece back in the paper bag. She didn't mind Damien seeing it, but Caleb and Jeffrey also sauntered into the room. 

However, she kept the grin on her face as Damien came to her side and pulled her to him. "I already saw that," he whispered to her ear, his low, hot voice tickling her skin.

"Li, ready to go?" Caleb asked Alianna. The latter pouted and leaned against her man complaining, "Ah, so soon?"

"You already—we already invaded their privacy," Caleb corrected himself when she knitted her brows at him. "I'm sure they're tired and need to rest too."

"Fine…" Alianna turned her head to Damien and huffed. "I'm still mad at you." When Damien cocked a brow, she added, "But… I'm sorry. Next time, I'll let you know."

While the two couples were conversing, Jeffrey went to stand next to Jessamine. "Hey." He smiled at her when he met her eyes, and ever so subtly, he held her hand—and to his relief, she didn't pull away.

Soon, the visitors were leaving and Damien and Katherine said goodbye to them in the foyer.

"I'm really excited for you, Ali… And thanks for the gift," Katherine said as she exchanged hugs with Alianna.

"No biggie. I'll see you in a few days?" Alianna bid farewell to Damien afterward and left with the rest. Then, the two pairs disappeared into the elevator.

As soon as they were alone, Damien activated the security alarm and locked the penthouse. He swiftly picked up Katherine bridal style, causing her to yelp in surprise, "Damien! W-What are you doing?" She giggled, her arms already hooking around his neck.

"We already wasted an hour because of them. We can't waste any more time," he said as he carried her.

"Why are we heading towards the kitchen?"

They reached the island counter and he nodded at the "La Folie" paper bag. "We can't let that go to waste. My cousin worked so hard for this brand. We must show our appreciation by using it efficiently." 

Katherine couldn't help but laugh at his words. She snatched the paper bag and hugged it as Damien immediately headed towards the master bedroom. "Do I have to wear this tonight? Kinda time-consuming to change into it and then only to be taken off right after, don't you think so? Can't I just strip bare out of this dress?"

Arriving in the bedroom, he set her down and pressed her against the wall. "Either way, Kitten... As long as I can have my way with you tonight."

She pressed her lips to him and told him, "You can have your with me every night, Damien."