More to so called cousin

Cathy's pov

Cathy walked back to Isabella, her heart still somersaulting as she tried to calm herself. She forced a smile, hoping it would hide the storm inside her. It was just a slip, she told herself. Adrian only helped her, that was all. Nothing more.

But still, she couldn’t forget the way his hands had felt around her waist, and the way his dark eyes had looked into hers.

“Cathy, are you alright?” Isabella asked, tilting her head.

“Yes,” Cathy said quickly, blinking as if that would clear her mind. “I just… tripped a little, that’s all.”

But Isabella didn’t seem convinced. She had seen the way Adrian had held her, making them look like lovers caught in a moment. With that, she leaned closer with a playful smirk. “You tripped right into the arms of the hottest guy in the room, didn’t you?”

At that, Cathy’s cheeks burned, and she muttered, “Shhh, Isabella, what are you saying? Have you forgotten he’s my cousin?”

Then Isabella laughed quietly and continued to tease. “I know, right? But seriously, you two looked great together.”

" that's crazy…” Cathy muttered, but her voice betrayed her. She looked away, pretending to watch the crowd, and that was when she saw her mother walking across the hall.

Mrs. Stewart looked stunning. She wore a long emerald gown that shimmered under the lights, with crystals tracing the neckline. Her brown hair was pinned up elegantly, and a pair of diamond earrings sparkled each time she moved.

A waiter in a neat black uniform followed behind her, holding a tray of champagne glasses.

In that moment, Isabella followed Cathy’s gaze and giggled softly. “ wow, your mum is glowing tonight."

“ yeah she does,” Cathy replied immediately with a small smile.

But before she could turn away, Isabella added in a teasing voice, “And speaking of glowing, why don’t you introduce me to your mysterious cousin? He’s been stealing the spotlight since we got here.”

Cathy frowned instantly. “Isabella, no. Don’t start.”

“Oh, come on,” Isabella said, already tugging at her hand. “He’s just standing there. What’s the harm?”

At that, Cathy gave her a glare that could kill. “Because I barely even know him myself. He just got here. And besides…” She hesitated, glancing toward where Adrian was speaking to her father. “It would be weird.”

“Fine,” Isabella said, pretending to surrender. “But if you won’t introduce me, I’ll do it myself.”

With that, Cathy groaned and muttered, “You wouldn’t dare.”

Then Isabella whooped. “Watch me.”

Before Cathy could stop her, Isabella was already pulling her across the hall. Cathy sighed deeply, trying to fix her expression. She wore a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, hoping no one would notice how uneasy she felt.

As they walked closer, the music softened. Cathy’s stomach tightened when she saw Adrian again. He was standing beside her father, talking quietly, with a glass of champagne now in his hand. The soft light above reflected against his black suit, making him look even sharper and almost intimidating.

As for Adrian, he had noticed them coming. Now that they were there, his gaze shifted slightly toward Cathy with an unreadable look.

With that, Cathy quickly looked away.

Just then, Isabella boomed out cheerfully, staring at Cathy’s parents first, she knew how to play her game well. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart! You both look absolutely stunning tonight.... hmm such a perfect match!”

At that, Cathy’s father laughed warmly. “Thank you, Isabella. You look lovely yourself.”

Then Mrs. Stewart added, “We’re glad you came, dear.”

As for Cathy, she stood beside Isabella, forcing a polite smile, but her heart beat faster when she felt Adrian’s eyes on her again. She didn’t dare meet them.

In that moment, Isabella said, turning to Adrian as if she had just noticed him, “And you must be the cousin Cathy has told me about. Nice to meet you, I’m Isabella.”

With that, Cathy immediately pinched Isabella so hard, without even thinking. What the heck was she talking about? Why would she drag her into that?

As the pinch hit, Isabella groaned slightly but didn’t stop smiling.

Then Adrian gave a faint nod, his lips curving slightly as he muttered, “ I'm Adrian.”

“Nice to meet you,” Isabella said brightly, shaking his hand. “You look so serious… You should smile more. It makes people less nervous, and makes you more handsome. Even though you already are.”

At that, Cathy almost choked on her breath. “Isabella…” she whispered under her breath, feeling awkward.

But Adrian only smiled faintly and said, “I’ll try to remember that.”

Then Mr. Stewart dug in to the conversation, “Well then, let’s go greet some of our guests. Cathy, Adrian, Isabella.. you can all stay and enjoy the evening.”

“Of course,” Mrs. Stewart added gently. Then she turned to Cathy, brushing her shoulder affectionately. “Sweetheart, enjoy yourself, okay?”

At that, Cathy nodded, still trying to keep her composure. “Yes, Mum, I will.”

Her mother smiled, then looked between her and Adrian for a brief moment before walking away with her husband.

After that, for a moment, none of them spoke. The air between Cathy and Adrian felt strange, tight, and quiet. As if the sound around them had dimmed again.

But then, Isabella broke the silence first. “So, Adrian,” she said playfully, “how long are you planning to stay here?”

“Not sure yet,” Adrian replied immediately. “Maybe a few months.”

“That’s good,” Isabella said, sipping her drink. “I guess we’ll get to know you better.”

Just then, Adrian’s phone rang out from his pocket. He dug his hand in, pulled out his phone, and checked the screen. The moment he saw who was calling, his expression changed, sharp, distant. Over that, Cathy noticed it instantly.

Adrian looked up from the phone and muttered to them, “Just a second,” then started walking out of the party hall.

As he left, Cathy breathed out the air she’d been holding. Then she glanced around and saw her parents talking with one of their business partners.

She looked back at Isabella and immediately grabbed her arm, muttering with irritation on her face, “What the heck were you doing, Isabella? Why would you tell him I’d been talking about him? Do you know what that means? Gosh!”

With that, Isabella whispered, “Calm down, Cathy. It’s not like that. I was just trying to make everything seem normal, just getting to know him.”

Cathy stared at her and replied. “Seriously, you can be really annoying sometimes, you know.”

Then Isabella smiled and muttered, “Well, maybe. But your cousin is really hot, trust me.” She hugged Cathy slightly and whispered, “I have to grab a drink and dance.”

Afterward, she let go of her and started walking toward the drink section where a waiter was attending to guests.

Cathy glared at her as she watched her disappear into the crowd of people who were still dancing, chatting, and drinking.

Just then, her mind drew back to when Adrian’s phone rang, to how his expression had changed when he saw the call.

Something about it felt off. What could have made his face change like that?