--Cassie--The knock on the door sounded again. “Cassie, are you alright?” Michelle’s voice was soft, but there was an edge of concern.“I’m fine,” I replied, my voice hoarse. “Just give me a minute.”"Call Alessandro," I heard Michelle say, her voice tinged with urgency. It was that moment that stirred me awake, pulling me out of my groggy haze. I blinked, trying to adjust to the dim light in the room. Groaning softly, I sat up, my body heavy with exhaustion.Deciding to see what the commotion was about, I opened the door to my bedroom. They practically burst in, their worried expressions quickly replaced by confusion. Their frantic energy seemed misplaced, and I couldn’t help but sigh at their dramatics."What were you even thinking?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at the group as I stepped back to give them room. Ignoring their flustered explanations, I moved toward the closet. Naturally, they followed, as if I were a ticking time bomb they couldn’t leave unsupervised."You think I’m
--Cassie--Her words caught my attention. The horse was indeed commanding, his posture exuding dominance, much like Alessandro himself—his presence was unmistakable. And it made me think back to the boy at the orphanage, the one who had seemed to have that same intense, almost dangerous energy."Don’t go near him, Michelle, or he’ll kick you so hard that you’ll land in the hospital," Stephanie warned sharply. Michelle hesitated for a moment, then backed away quickly, clearly respecting the warning."Sorry for getting here late," a voice suddenly interrupted our moment of silence. I looked up to see the man who had been tending to the horses earlier. He was leading one of the horses away from the field, and though his tone was apologetic."Why do they bow?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. I had noticed this ritual every time someone addressed me, but this was the first time I was asking about it. Stephanie’s response was careful as if she wasn’t sure how to answer."It’
--Cassie--We rode over to where the girls were, and their laughter filled the air. They were busy taking pictures with their helper, who seemed to be capturing every moment of their excitement. "Valerie and Vanessa are going to be so jealous," one of the girls said, and I couldn't help but chuckle.I knew exactly who they were talking about. Valerie and Vanessa were the two girls who always seemed to crave the spotlight, and they were infamous for their antics. To put it bluntly, they were the school’s biggest troublemakers, but I’ll spare you the harsh language—though, in all honesty, that’s the truth. They always had to be the center of attention, traveling the world, posting pictures in exotic places, and dating the basketball team captains just to keep up their image."Who are those girls?" Stephanie asked, clearly curious about the conversation.I raised an eyebrow, ready to indulge her curiosity. "I’ll gladly tell you who they are," I said with a smirk. I noticed the other peop
--Cassie--We had finally made it to the karaoke room, a private space tucked away in the building. The door clicked shut behind us, and Michelle smugly slipped the keys into her pocket, flashing a mischievous grin.“Leave the key at the door, please,” I said, trying to sound reasonable.She laughed in response, brushing off my request. Instead of complying, she sauntered over to the stage, clearly relishing her role as the instigator of chaos tonight.The room itself was cozy but spacious enough for our group. Soft, ambient lighting gave the space a warm, inviting glow, while colorful LED strips around the stage and ceiling hinted at the fun to come. A sleek karaoke machine stood front and center, with a pair of microphones resting neatly on its stand. Plush booths lined the walls, offering plenty of seating, and a fridge stocked with drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—waited temptingly in the corner.I slid into one of the booths, watching as the girls gathered around the machi
--Cassie--Yes! He’s so talented, Cassie. You missed the best part of the night,” Hailey said, her excitement bubbling over.“Wonderful,” I muttered, sarcastic. “Now go take a shower before you make me regret letting you back in here.”As the water in the bathroom began to run, I laid back on the bed, my eyelids heavy. The room grew quiet again, save for the muffled sound of the girls chatting and laughing in the bathroom. Maybe, just maybe, I could steal a few more minutes of sleep before their next round of chaos.The night had been long, and I could only hope the morning would be more forgiving.“Who is that?” I asked her, genuinely puzzled by their excitement.Hailey gasped, looking at me like I’d just confessed to not knowing who Beyoncé was. “You don’t know him?” she repeated, her tone dripping with disbelief.“No, should I?” I asked, now more curious than ever about the mystery man who had them all buzzing.“Cassie,” she said, shaking her head dramatically. “He’s Alessandro’s b
--Cassie--But as the helicopter soared higher, I realized my assumption might have been wrong. Scattered between the vast greenery were houses—no, mansions. These weren’t your typical country homes with white picket fences and rustic charm. They were architectural marvels, each more opulent than the last. Expansive estates with manicured gardens, infinity pools, and ornate fountains gleamed like jewels amidst the sea of trees.“Definitely not the countryside,” I whispered under my breath. The isolation of the area, surrounded by acres and acres of forest, gave it a secluded feel, but the sheer luxury of the homes rivaled that of the finest neighborhoods in New York.Despite the awe-inspiring scenery, my mind wandered. I wasn’t particularly interested in this shopping trip. The idea of buying trinkets or clothes felt trivial compared to the weight of everything else in my life. Still, I had one small goal: to find a souvenir for Aunt Sophia. She had been dropping hints for weeks about
--Cassie--"I went shopping for the clothes in your wardrobe he sent me to buy, and I got all of them here," Hailey added, looking pleased with herself."That’s why they look so beautiful," Michele and Hailey said, glancing at their outfits, the fabrics rich and elegant, the colors popping under the bright lights.I looked down at my own attire, the floral dress I had picked from the wardrobe, one that cost thousands. It felt simple in comparison to their designer pieces, and yet, it was still a luxury piece. I didn’t know how to respond. I didn’t want to sound ungrateful, but I couldn’t help feeling that all this excess wasn’t necessary.I didn’t want to hurt Stephanie’s feelings by telling her that I didn’t need any more clothes or expensive gifts. After all, she had been generous, and I didn't want her to feel bad for doing something she thought would make me happy.I simply kept quiet, smiling faintly as the others continued chatting, the girls already planning what they would buy
--Cassie---Yesterday was utterly exhausting. After the trip to the mall, I felt as though I’d run a marathon, both physically and emotionally. Stephanie’s words about replacements arriving at the shop within thirty minutes proved true. By the time we left, the shop was already buzzing with new staff, seamlessly filling the roles of the dismissed employees. It was almost eerie how efficient the entire process was.What unsettled me even more, however, was how Stephanie took every opportunity to announce to the shop attendants that I was Alessandro’s wife. Every store we entered, she would say it as if it were some badge of honor, and I would cringe internally each time. I didn’t want anyone to know. It wasn’t that I was ashamed—it was more that I wasn’t certain of my future with him. What if things didn’t work out? What if I left him one day? But Stephanie dismissed my concerns outright, insisting that such a thing wasn’t going to happen.Despite my insistence that I didn’t need or wa
"I was busily eating my food, savouring every bite. I was enjoying it so much. When I felt a sharp pain sear through my abdomen."Ahh!" I screamed, dropping my spoon as I clutched my belly."Why, what is wrong?" Alessandro came to my side immediately, looking all scared with fear as well as concern written all over his face."I feel so much pain," I said to him as the pain became more and more unbearable as I struggled to find my breath."Let me get the doctor." Without looking at me, he ran out of the room."Hailey and Michelle rushed to my side while Auntie Emily told me to breathe in and out as everyone looked scared of what was about to happen. ‘’Breath in and out, dear,’ Aunty Emily said, despite the tension in the air.The door opened and a nurse rushed to my side. "Can you please raise your legs? I would like to check", the nurse said to me Sensing the tension in the room as wellI obeyed, wanting to have this baby out of me soon."You are now eight centimetres dilated," she
--Cassie--The massive doors of the mansion swung open, and Alessandro drove through the entrance, the car gliding smoothly over the stone-paved driveway. The house stood in silent grandeur, its towering structure bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.As I stepped inside, I noticed the eerie stillness that had settled over the place. It seemed like everyone was already asleep. Not wanting to disturb anyone, I made my way straight to the kitchen, determined to prepare my meal myself. The hunger gnawed at my stomach, urging me to move quickly.I gathered the ingredients I needed, placing them neatly on the counter. With a flick of my wrist, I turned on the stove and cracked an egg into a sizzling pan, the rich aroma instantly filling the air. The gentle hum of the toaster and the quiet bubbling of the oatmeal on the stove created a soothing rhythm in the otherwise silent kitchen."Amore," Alessandro's deep voice called from the hallway."I'm in the kitchen!" I yelled back, keeping my fo
--Cassie--“Bambina,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, thick with restrained desire. The husky timbre sent a shiver down my spine, making my breath hitch. My heart pounded against my ribs, a frantic, unsteady rhythm that mirrored the sudden heat surging through my veins.His dark eyes roamed over me, devouring every inch as though he were memorizing the sight, branding it into his soul. There was something primal in his gaze, a possessiveness that made my stomach tighten and my knees weak. Slowly, deliberately, his fingers reached behind me, brushing the curve of my back as he deftly unclasped my bra. The whisper of fabric against my skin sent a fresh wave of anticipation coursing through me. The delicate garment slipped away, leaving me completely exposed beneath his heated scrutiny.A sharp gasp escaped my lips as I took in the intensity of his expression—raw, hungry, reverent. The evidence of his own desire pressed insistently against the fabric of his boxers, a silent testame
---Cassie--I am officially nine months pregnant, and honestly, I feel like a whale."Cassie, what have you been eating?" Aunty Emily exclaimed when she saw me.I just smiled at her, unable to find the words to explain that it wasn’t just cravings—it was hunger that never seemed to end.Aunty Sophia and her mate had just returned from a cruise after being away for about three weeks. This was the first time they'd seen me in all this time. Today, we were having a family dinner at her house, and she had invited Aunty Emily, Hailey, Lorenzo, Marco, Alessandro, Stephanie, Lalia, and me."The babies are both four kilos each," Alessandro said, his voice tinged with awe as he looked at my swollen belly."Are you serious?" Aunty Emily laughed. "Then they already weigh more than you did, Alessandro."Everyone chuckled, and I couldn't help but smile, though I could feel the weight of the truth in her words. I was carrying a lot of extra weight, but it was for a good cause. "Hello," her mate s
--Cassie--A sudden knock at the door broke the comfortable silence in the room."Someone’s knocking. Check who it is, Alessandro," I murmured, nudging him lightly.He groaned, stretching lazily before getting up from the bed. We were both curled up under the covers, waiting for the extra bed the nurse had promised to bring in an hour. Until then, Alessandro refused to leave my side, insisting he needed to be close to me.I watched as he made his way to the door, his steps slow and reluctant."Come in, Aunty Emily," Alessandro said, pulling the door open."You’re awake!" Aunty Emily’s voice was filled with relief and joy as she stepped inside."Yeah, I am," I replied with a small smile, watching as she made her way over to the sofa."I brought you some chicken soup, rice, and fresh fruit," she said, setting a bag down and beginning to unpack the food. The aroma of the soup instantly filled the room, making my stomach growl in anticipation."Thank you, Aunty Emily," I said sincerely, w
--Cassie--We couldn't stop staring at the nursery. Everything had been put in place yesterday, and the room now felt complete. The soft pastel walls, the carefully chosen decorations, and the neatly arranged furniture created the perfect space for our baby.I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward Dennis—he had been a tremendous help, making sure everything was set up just right.The rocking chair was positioned beside the crib, a cozy spot for late-night lullabies. The changing tables stood just beside the chair, creating a seamless flow between the essentials. In the corner of the room stood the wardrobe, already filled with tiny outfits I had carefully folded and placed inside. Each little onesie and blanket held the promise of the moment I would finally meet them—our babies.A warm smile tugged at my lips as I ran my fingers over the soft fabric of a baby blanket. But before I could fully savor the excitement, a sharp pain shot through my abdomen."Ugh!" I groaned, doubli
--Cassie--The sharp trill of my phone broke through the quiet, drawing my attention away from the half-eaten toast in front of me. I glanced at the caller ID. Genevive.“Hello, Genevive,” I said, pressing the phone to my ear.“Cassie! Tell your bodyguard to let me in,” she snapped, frustration coating her tone.I frowned, confused. “Blake?”“No, it’s someone else. I’ve never met him before. And, honestly, he’s driving me crazy!”“Okay, give me a minute. I’ll sort it out,” I replied, trying not to laugh at her exasperation. I hung up and turned to Juliet, who was setting plates on the dining table.“Juliet, who’s on duty at the gate today?”“A new guy,” she replied without looking up.“What? Where’s Blake?”“He has gone to hospital appointment with Marcy,” Juliet answered, placing a glass of orange juice beside me.I let out a sigh. “Can you tell him to let Genevive in? She’s waiting at the gate.”Juliet nodded and moved to the intercom at the far end of the room. Her voice was calm a
--Cassie--Today, Alessandro decided to start setting up the nursery since the baby would be arriving soon. I eagerly offered to help, but he insisted that he just needed me there to guide him on where I wanted things placed."Bambina," I heard him call from the nursery."I'm coming!" I responded, quickly slipping into my pants before stepping out of our bedroom.The nursery was right next to our room, and as I walked in, I noticed that Alessandro hadn't started yet. He stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, surveying the empty space."You haven't started yet?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."I was waiting for you," he said with a small smile. "I want to know where you think the wallpaper should go."I walked further into the room, imagining the layout in my mind. "The crib should go here," I said, pointing to the far wall. "So, I definitely want the wallpaper behind it. Something soothing, maybe a starry night theme."Alessandro nodded thoughtfully. "And where will you keep the
--Cassie--It’s already twelve o’clock, and guests will start arriving soon. “Go and get ready,” Aunty Sophia said, heading towards the kitchen.“Looks like I’m right on track,” Lalia remarked, following me.We entered the elevator together and rode up in silence. Once inside my bedroom, I sank onto the plush sofa, Lalia sitting beside me.“Alessandro still hasn’t arrived?” she asked, glancing at the time.“No, I was just about to call him,” I replied, reaching for my phone resting on the sofa cushion. Just then, Alessandro walked through the door.“Sorry I’m late, Bambina,” he said, his voice laced with exhaustion. “There were rogues around, and we had to take care of it.” His usually neat hair was disheveled, a clear sign he had been running his fingers through it in frustration.I offered him a small smile. “I understand.”“I’ll get ready in the next room,” Alessandro said, heading into the closet to grab his pink shirt.Lalia shot me a puzzled look. “Why is Alessandro wearing pink