Chapter 1331:
Johnson said, “Catherine’s managing alright. As for the matter with Gillian, who turned on her, she has made peace with it. But…” He trailed off, sounding resigned. “She has started pulling away from me again.”
Belinda’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? She’s avoiding you again? Why?”
Lucas, equally confused, turned to look at Johnson.
Johnson explained, “I think it’s because of my mother.”
Lucas’ brow furrowed. “Has your mother figured out you have feelings for Catherine?”
Johnson shook his head. “I doubt it. But that night, after everything went down, I got home and hugged Cathy in the garage. My mother saw.”
Belinda’s eyes lit up with a playful glint as she smirked. “Well, look at you, Johnson! Making moves!”
Johnson gave a bitter smile at her teasing. “Honestly, I acted on impulse. Seeing Cathy so shaken, I just felt for her and hugged her. I didn’t expect my mother to see us.”
His expression turned grim. “Lately, I’ve noticed my mother’s been more cautious around Cathy. When it’s just Cathy and me at home, the housekeeper’s always hovering upstairs, like she’s keeping tabs on us. I bet Cathy has picked up on it, too. That’s probably why she’s been avoiding me. Even in the mornings, she makes sure not to run into me.”
After he finished, Belinda and Lucas exchanged a look, both seeming a bit resigned.
Lucas said, “Sounds like your mother’s getting suspicious. She might be trying to nip any spark between you two in the bud.”
He paused, then cautioned, “You’ve got to tread carefully, Johnson. You know how much your mother resents Catherine’s mother. If she finds out you’re into Catherine, she’ll surely cause a huge scene.”
Johnson’s face grew even grimmer.
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He knew Lucas wasn’t exaggerating.
That was exactly why he hadn’t dared share his feelings for Cathy with his family.
Until he was certain of Cathy’s feelings for him, he couldn’t take the chance.
Johnson said, “Thankfully, Zoie is still my cover. To everyone else, we’re together. But my mother is constantly inviting her out—shopping sprees, spa visits. She’s already acting like Zoie’s part of the family.”
Belinda raised an eyebrow. “And how’s Zoie taking it?”
“She never declines. She’s there every time. That’s why I warned her, asking her to stick to our agreement and remember her real identity.”
Belinda’s face grew serious as she said, “You’ve got to keep tabs on Zoie, Johnson. Don’t let her start thinking there’s more to this than there is.”
“I understand,” Johnson said with a resolute nod. “If she oversteps, I’ll end things with her immediately.”
“Smart. Just be cautious,” Belinda replied.
After a short pause, her expression softened, a smile creeping in. “And about Catherine—don’t read too much into it. She might just be stepping back to sort through her own feelings.”
