Cassandra’s POV
I woke up the next morning to the shrill sound of my phone ringing. Groggily, I fumbled for the device, glancing at the screen to see Nathaniel’s name. My heart skipped a beat as I answered the call.
“Hello?” I said, my voice thick with sleep.
“Cassandra,” Nathaniel’s voice was curt, lacking warmth. “The business trip has been canceled. I’ve already returned to the country. You’ll need to make your way back on your own. Your tickets have been sent to your email. Be sure to catch the next flight.”
I sat up, my mind racing. “What? Why? Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” Nathaniel replied tersely.
“Huh? But I can’t go alone–” I was frozen in my stand when I heard the three beeps.
“He hung up?!”
Stunned, I stared at the phone in my hand. What had happened? Why had Nathaniel left without me? Had I done something wrong again?
The thought consumed me as I checked my email and found the ticket he mentioned.
“How can he just leave me…” I sighed heavily. Not only did I have to deal with my fear of heights again, but I was also left to fend for myself in a foreign city.
Packing my belongings with a heavy heart, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Nathaniel was angry with me. Was it because of the incident with his lenses? Or maybe my mistake with the hotel booking? The uncertainty was overwhelming.
At the airport, I had to deal with a crowd of people who, like me, were running after their flight. I have never felt more alone than ever.
The pit in my stomach grew as I boarded the plane, my anxiety spiking at the thought of flying without any support. I found my seat and sat down, trying to steady my breathing. Next to me, a man with a friendly smile was already settled in.
“Hi, I’m Sebastian,” he said, extending a hand. “Looks like we’ll be travel buddies.”
I managed a weak smile and shook his hand. I never thought I would be making friends at the airport, but he seems nice.
“Cassandra. Nice to meet you.” I said in a soft tone, only enough for him to hear.
As the plane prepared for takeoff, I felt the familiar dread rising. My hands were clammy, and my heart pounded in my chest. The engines roared to life, and I gripped the armrest tightly. Sebastian glanced at me, noticing my distress.
“First time flying?” he asked, his tone gentle.
I shook my head, unable to speak. The plane started to ascend, and I panicked, reaching out and grabbing Sebastian’s hand without thinking.
My nails dug into his skin as I squeezed tightly, my fear overriding any sense that I had.
Sebastian winced but didn’t pull away. Instead, he patted my hand with his free one. “Hey, it’s okay. We’re just taking off. It’ll get smoother soon.”
I tried to focus on his words, but my anxiety was relentless. As the plane leveled off, I finally started to relax, only to realize with horror that I was still clutching Sebastian’s hand. Worse, there were faint blood marks where my nails had dug in.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” I gasped, releasing his hand. “I didn’t mean to—”
Sebastian laughed, waving off my concern. “It’s fine. I’ve had worse. Besides, I could tell you were scared.”
I blushed, feeling incredibly embarrassed. “I just... I have a fear of heights. And flying. Pretty much anything off the ground.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, reassuring me with a smile. “I’ve met plenty of people with the same fear. It’s more common than you think.”
“I see…” I tried to hide my face with a scarf wrapped around my neck.
“And maybe next time, you should never fly alone. It is rare to meet people like me, you know?” He seemed proud of it.
I don’t know whether he is bragging about it or he is just trying to use his humor to put me in a steady state. However, one thing's for sure… he is easy to get along with.
And maybe, it wouldn’t be bad talking to him about how frustrated I was with what Nathaniel did.
“I came here with someone. But then, he left me last night so I was forced to go home alone.” I said. “I don’t even know what mistake triggered him to leave, I was left to wonder.”
“Hmm? Does he know you’re afraid of heights?” He asked.
“Yes, kind of.” I could feel my lips slowly pouting from how much I wanted to sulk.
As we chatted, my earlier worries about Nathaniel began to fade. Sebastian had a way of making everything seem less daunting. When the flight attendants came by with drinks and snacks, he never hesitated to get me some tea, saying it would help calm my nerves.
“I appreciate your kindness,” I said sincerely. “I’m sorry again about your hand. I owe you one.”
Sebastian chuckled. “Tell you what, you can make it up to me by treating me to a meal once you get your first paycheck. Deal?”
I smiled, feeling genuinely relieved. “Deal. I promise.”
“Wait for me to get my paycheck from Sinclair Co.” I laughed and paused. “Being a secretary sucks.”
The rest of the flight passed more smoothly than I had anticipated. With Sebastian’s company, I found myself almost forgetting my fear. He told me stories about his travels, making me laugh and distracting me from the turbulence.
As the plane taxied towards the gate, Sebastian and I continued our conversation. He was genuinely interested in my work and life in New York, and I opened up to him more than I had expected.
"So, you're a secretary at Sinclair Co.," Sebastian remarked, his tone curious. "That sounds like a big company. Are you from New York originally?"
I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. "Yes! I live in Central Park South, courtesy of my boss. It's part of my job package."
Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise. "Central Park South? That's amazing! I live in the same area," he exclaimed, his excitement matching mine. "What a small world!"
I couldn't help but laugh at the coincidence. "It is! What are the odds we would end up sitting next to each other on this flight?”
“Certainly unbelievable…” I can hear the amusement in his tone.
“As for you, where do you work?” I curiously asked. He looked neat and wealthy, I feel he’s working big time.
“Oh well, I work at Nexus Associates.” He said. “It’s not much.”
I don’t know that place… “I see.” I just smiled it off.
“We’ll have to meet up sometime,” Sebastian said with a grin. “Maybe grab a coffee or explore the neighborhood.”
“Definitely,” I agreed eagerly. “And I owe you that meal, remember?”
Sebastian chuckled. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s not everyday you meet someone who lives in the same building.”
As we collected our bags and headed out of the airport together, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of optimism. Despite the uncertainties with Nathaniel and my job, meeting Sebastian felt like a stroke of luck. Maybe things were finally looking up.
We exchanged numbers and said our goodbyes. I was hoping to come with him since we live in the same city, but he told me he needed to go somewhere first.
As I made my way home, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much the trip had changed.
How many emotions have I felt today?
While looking out at the cab’s window, I realized that we were now passing by the huge market of flowers.
For a minute, I had the initial thought…
“Could you please wait for me?” I asked the driver. “I just want to get some flowers first.”
“Ohh? For your boyfriend?” He looked at me with eyes full of malice.
“Sir?!” I panicked as my face blushed hard. “I-I was trying to get some flowers for my b-boss.”
He only laughed at me and stopped his car at a popular flower shop. “Hurry on, your boss might be waiting.” He emphasized the word boss.
I slammed the door shut and marched inside, feeling embarrassed.
What was I thinking…
Is it an apology flower or am I getting confused with my feelings now?
Cassandra’s POVI stood outside Nathaniel’s office, holding a bouquet of carefully chosen flowers. They were a peace offering, a gesture of apology amidst the tensions and misunderstandings that had plagued us recently. I am not sure whether he would like it or eventually despise me more. However… When I thought of him during that drive, what would I lose?I hid the bouquet behind me, hoping it would surprise him. This way, if he ever got angry just by my presence, I could easily leave and not fuel the fire anymore. With a deep breath, I knocked on the door. In my mind, there were so many thoughts fighting with each other. It was like I was entering a lion’s den and would very much prefer to carry protective armor with me. Uhh… why is apologizing so hard? “Come in,” Nathaniel’s voice called from within.Pushing the door open slowly, I stepped into the spacious, impeccably decorated office. Nathaniel was seated at his desk, engrossed in a stack of papers. He looked up as I entered
Nathaniel Sinclair’s POVI stood at the window of my office, gazing out at the city skyline bathed in the soft glow of dusk. Inside, Cassandra lay on the couch, her chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath.She looked… beautiful when she was fast asleep. When her eyes were closed and her long lashes were visible on her bare face. I completely underestimated her. The truth is, I hired her because I wanted to bring a stupid playtime in my workforce whose life I can make miserable. I only took interest in her because she’s clumsy, poor, and apologetic about everything. I never once thought she’d be smart enough to save me when I could have died a while ago. And on top of that… offering me flowers as an apology? Pathetic. But looking at it now… she might be the only person I can tolerate. When I am with her, it’s hard to keep my professional distance and give her a hard time. What is so special about this woman that I cannot do anything bad to her? What is it with her that I
I couldn’t even lie about not enjoying that night. The way his hands were as delicate as the wind… while he caressed me and made me feel loved and treasured in ways I could never anticipate, I do not know what to do anymore.The memory of his touch lingered on my skin, a phantom sensation that both comforted and terrified me. His fingers had traced patterns of tenderness, each stroke full of intimacy that I had never known before. I felt cherished in those moments, his gentle touch deliberately defying the harsh reality I often faced at work. It was as if the barriers between us had melted away, leaving only raw, unfiltered emotion in their wake.But now, as I lay next to him, the early morning light filtering through the curtains, fear gripped my heart. Waking up beside him, seeing Nathaniel's peaceful, sleeping form so close to mine… How could I possibly predict what was about to unfold? My mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. What would this mean for us
"Could you please stop clicking your pen?"Kate’s whisper barely broke the silence that enveloped the office, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. Her polite plea is nothing against the grating sound of my pen's incessant clicking, clearly showing my restless nerves. Sitting idly with no tasks from Nathaniel, an unsettling unease lingered in the air, leaving me with nothing but the repetitive tap of the pen for company.The unusual absence of instructions from Nathaniel had raised eyebrows among my colleagues, who were accustomed to his unrelenting stream of orders, no matter how trivial. My own confusion mirrored theirs, amplifying the sense of unease that had settled over the office. I can feel what they are all feeling... all because I have experienced those before.In a moment of uncertainty, I turned to Kate for reassurance, my voice was full of emotions that churned inside me. "Do you think he holds a grudge against me?" I asked, my words quivering with the weight of u
I couldn’t even lie about not enjoying that night. The way his hands were as delicate as the wind… while he caressed me and made me feel loved and treasured in ways I could never anticipate, I do not know what to do anymore.The memory of his touch lingered on my skin, a phantom sensation that both comforted and terrified me. His fingers had traced patterns of tenderness, each stroke full of intimacy that I had never known before. I felt cherished in those moments, his gentle touch deliberately defying the harsh reality I often faced at work. It was as if the barriers between us had melted away, leaving only raw, unfiltered emotion in their wake.But now, as I lay next to him, the early morning light filtering through the curtains, fear gripped my heart. Waking up beside him, seeing Nathaniel's peaceful, sleeping form so close to mine… How could I possibly predict what was about to unfold? My mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. What would this mean for us
"Could you please stop clicking your pen?"Kate’s whisper barely broke the silence that enveloped the office, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. Her polite plea is nothing against the grating sound of my pen's incessant clicking, clearly showing my restless nerves. Sitting idly with no tasks from Nathaniel, an unsettling unease lingered in the air, leaving me with nothing but the repetitive tap of the pen for company.The unusual absence of instructions from Nathaniel had raised eyebrows among my colleagues, who were accustomed to his unrelenting stream of orders, no matter how trivial. My own confusion mirrored theirs, amplifying the sense of unease that had settled over the office. I can feel what they are all feeling... all because I have experienced those before.In a moment of uncertainty, I turned to Kate for reassurance, my voice was full of emotions that churned inside me. "Do you think he holds a grudge against me?" I asked, my words quivering with the weight of u
“We should order.” Killian said. He was seated in front of me and we chose the nearest restaurant so it would be easier to go back. I was actually glad that Nathaniel did not dragged the conversation we had further. He immediately let me go as soon as I said that I am going to eat some meal with Killian instead of spending my lunch with him. I thought he’d be so mad and would make my life more difficult again by ordering me with so many useless othings. I thought he’d have me fetch some water again but hopefully, he just went silent which gave me the reason to dash out his door. He did not held my hands nor hold me back with just one word again. However, deep inside, despite being glad, I am feeling guilty. Am I too bad now? My feelings are contradicting with one another. I am glad but then again, I am not. It felt ridiculous how I am so confused with emotions that should have been clear in the first place. ‘Hey.” Killian flicked my forehead which brought me back to reality. “Ouc
I looked at Sebastian, who was standing in front of me, stealing glances from the man sitting in front of me. I knew that this might come off as something he did not expect or see coming. I also felt guilty knowing I had promised him a meal when we arrived. The fact that I still haven’t fulfilled that says so much about me. “Sebastian, I did not expect to see you here,” I whispered in the air as I fixed myself. I rose from my seat and made sure I would be on the same level as him. “I did not expect to see you here either. Is he… your boss? The one who left you in the airplane?” He curiously asked. “What? No.” I laughed. “This is hmm… Killian Luther. He is one of my boss’s stockholders.” I introduced him.“Hi, it was nice meeting you.” Killian stood up and offered his hands for a handshake. He seemed nice and cool about it and was extremely friendly. I could not describe what I am feeling seeing these two men shaking their hands as if they came here to meet for business purposes.
Nathaniel’s POV“Where is he going?” I whispered to myself, watching Killian rush out of the room. His face was flushed, his brow drenched in sweat, and there was a tightness in his posture that made my stomach twist. It was clear from the way he was moving that something was wrong—he’d been crying.My jaw still ached, the sting from his punch lingering. I was surprised I hadn’t needed a chiropractor to straighten out my face. It was a good thing I wasn’t weak—otherwise, that hit would’ve left me crumpled on the floor. That man... he was definitely stronger than I had anticipated.“I don’t know,” his mother replied, her voice calm but tinged with concern. She watched him leave, a faint line of worry etched on her face. “It looks like he’s needed at the hospital. He’s always been like this, prioritizing his work above everything else.”“Is that so…” I murmured, glancing at the door he had just stormed through. The tension in the room had thickened, and the last thing I wanted was to st
Killian’s POV“One woman was rushed to the hospital after suffering a fatal injury. An eight-wheeled truck reportedly crashed into her, threatening her life. The doctors are still in search of her family, and she is currently undergoing surgery.” The words from a guest’s phone echoed in the room, sending a chill down my spine.I was about to check the news on my phone when suddenly, mine started ringing. Without hesitation, I picked it up, hoping it was someone I knew, maybe someone who could offer some distraction from the overwhelming emotions flooding my chest.“Hello?” I tried to steady my voice, but it was hard. My throat was raw from crying, and every word felt like it was being squeezed out of me. I could barely breathe, my chest tight with the weight of it all. My tears had come down in a relentless stream, and now they seemed to have dried up, leaving a cold emptiness.I waited, my heart pounding, trying to focus on the sound of the voice on the other end. It was heavy breath
Cassandra’s POV“Cassandra, stop!” His voice was louder now, firm and filled with anguish. “You don’t have to listen to her. Don’t let her push you away.”I clenched my fists at my sides, summoning every ounce of resolve I had left. “Killian, please,” I said softly, my voice cracking. “Don’t make this harder.”He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto mine. “Harder? Watching you walk away is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said, his voice breaking.Tears blurred my vision, but I shook my head, refusing to let them fall. “This isn’t about what you want, Killian. It’s about what’s best for you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.“You think this is what’s best?” he shot back, his frustration evident. “Letting her dictate my life? Pushing you away?”His mother’s voice cut through like ice. “You’ll thank me one day, Killian. She’s nothing but a distraction—a liability. You’ll see that I’m right.”I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I turned and walked away, my steps hurried
Cassandra’s POVThe sharp sting across my cheek left me momentarily frozen, my mind racing to process what had just happened. My skin burned as though it were on fire, and instinctively, my hand rose to touch the spot, trying to dull the pain.It wasn’t just the slap that stunned me—it was the sheer venom behind it.“None of this would have happened if you hadn’t shown up!” Killian’s mother seethed, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. Her eyes were cold, filled with disdain as she stepped closer, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “What’s your relationship with Nathaniel, huh? Are you scheming something wicked for my son?”Before I could even respond, Killian was by my side, wrapping his arms around me protectively. “Mom, what the hell are you doing?!” he shouted, his voice shaking with both anger and fear.I could feel his hands trembling as they gently touched my cheek, his eyes scanning the redness that had begun to spread across my skin. “Are you okay?” he whispered
Cassandra’s POVThe words stung as they left my mouth, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. I couldn’t afford to let him see how his persistence rattled me, how his proximity made my heart race in ways I couldn’t control.For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—hurt, frustration, something else I couldn’t name.I turned away, chugging the rest of my drink in an effort to drown the tension between us. “Besides,” I added, my tone quieter now, “we both know how this would end. Your family would never allow it. They’d see me as nothing but a threat to their perfect little world.”His brows furrowed, but I didn’t let him speak. “You know I’m right,” I said, my voice sharpening again. “I’ve seen how families like yours operate. Wealthy, powerful—they protect their image at all costs. They’d make my life hell, Nathaniel. Just like today. They’d push me into a corner until I had no choice but to walk away.”I paused, the memories of his family’s icy di
Cassandra’s POVI thought I would finally be able to go home, escape this unbearable atmosphere, but I was wrong. Killian had been called over to his parents' table, leaving me behind. So, there I was, tucked away in a corner, holding a glass of champagne like a lifeline, watching the world around me as though I were a ghost.The Luthers were the picture of unity, gathered in their little circle, speaking in low, sophisticated tones that carried an air of exclusivity. Their laughter rose above the quiet hum of the room, light and effortless, as if the world existed solely for their enjoyment.And then there was me.The outsider.I felt the weight of it settle on my chest, heavy and suffocating. I wasn’t just out of place; I was a world away from these people, their conversations about business, legacy, and things I couldn’t even pretend to understand. I sipped my champagne, the fizzy liquid doing nothing to soothe the gnawing ache of my loneliness."Lord, if you’re listening," I thoug
Cassandra’s POV“Who did you come with tonight?” Killian’s voice cut through the tension, his tone light but his words sharp enough to provoke. “Have you finally found yourself someone worth bringing to an event, or are you… lonely?”The corner of Killian’s mouth twitched, hinting at an inside joke I wasn’t privy to. From the way Nathaniel’s lips curled into a smirk, it was clear this wasn’t their first verbal sparring match.Nathaniel chuckled, a low sound that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Lonely? Hardly.” He lifted his glass lazily, taking a sip as his eyes flicked to me, lingering just a second too long. “But no, I didn’t come with anyone. I can’t seem to find someone who compares to the beauty of the woman you brought tonight. Quite the catch, isn’t she?”His gaze felt like a spotlight, making my skin prickle uncomfortably. I gripped Killian’s hand tighter, hoping he didn’t notice.“Is that so?” Killian replied smoothly, a teasing edge in his voice. “Well, don’t worry. You’ll gro
Cassandra’s POVEveryone… they were all so foreign to me. Their polished appearances, the way they moved and spoke—it all screamed wealth and status. It wasn’t just the designer clothing or the champagne glasses they held; it was in the way they carried themselves, as though they owned the world. I felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, too dull to fit into their gilded picture.The way they toasted champagne and seamlessly discussed mergers and investments left me in a haze of inadequacy. What could I possibly contribute to this? That I was a secretary for the biggest company in New York City, and their son—Killian—was out of his mind for dragging me into this?I glanced at him as he walked confidently beside me, his every move exuding a natural charisma that seemed to command respect from everyone around us. He greeted people effortlessly, exchanging names and smiles with men in tailored suits and women adorned in glittering jewelry. I didn’t recognize a single face. These weren’t peop
Cassandra’s POVI stared at the words for a moment, my pulse quickening. I felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement stir in my chest.I took a deep breath and gave myself one last glance in the mirror. “You’ve got this,” I whispered to myself. No matter what happened tonight, I was ready.I made my way down the stairs, my heart pounding as I approached the door. But when I saw him standing there, my steps faltered for a moment. Killian looked nothing like the man I was used to. He was wearing a perfectly tailored business coat, and his presence seemed to demand attention. His charisma radiated off him, stronger than I had ever felt before. It was as if he had stepped into a whole new version of himself, one I hadn’t seen until now.He turned toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “God, you look as beautiful as ever,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with admiration. I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, but it was more than just a compliment—it felt genuine, like he tru