I couldn’t shake the sense that something was off. Killian had been quieter than usual, his gaze distant even when we sat side by side. His words, when they came, felt like placeholders for thoughts he wouldn’t—or couldn’t—share. Every glance told me he was keeping something from me. I didn’t need to ask why there were men stationed outside our house, their figures half-hidden among the shadows of the trees. The last incident had rattled him. He was being careful, protective as always and I totally understand it.“Killian,” I murmured, my fingers brushing the cool surface of the window, “Can I go outside? Just for some air?”He looked up from his laptop, his eyes softening as they met mine. For a moment, his guard slipped, the edges of his face relaxing. “Alright,” he said, closing the laptop with a quiet snap.He stood from the couch, moving with the silent precision that had become his second nature. Killian always accompanied me now, shadowing my steps, his presence like an unspo
I took a deep breath and sighed nervously. my heart was rising too fast. I couldn’t shake the feeling of uneasiness. I could feel my hands getting cold, and it was shaking as I looked at my hands that were holding flowers. All I knew was that I didn’t want this. I hated this. If I could just run away from this... I would. The door slowly opened in front of me. I felt my heart was about to burst as I watched it unfold. Soft instrumental music played in the background, but the loudness of my heart dominated. I was immediately welcomed by unfamiliar people on each side of the aisle. I started walking down the aisle with a heavy heart and a messy mind. The back of my mind was telling me to just fucking turned my back and run away from all these unfamiliar gazes and fake smiles, but I knew that I couldn’t. This is the least I can do for my family. I don’t want to disappoint them. “You’re very beautiful, my daughter.” I looked at my side and saw my father. I almost forgot tha
“Dad, please!” “My decision is final, Cassandra!” he said in his strict voice. He looked done with this conversation. I shook my head. I couldn’t believe him! “I don’t know that man!” “You will know him once you two get married.” He sighed deeply and then his eyes softened. He held my hands. “You have to do this for our family, hija. You already reached 25 years old. It was already in the agreement of your grandfather with the Lannister family that you’ll get married to their only son.” Tears formed slowly around my eyes. I felt a pang in my chest knowing that I couldn’t do anything. “Dad, I’ll do a-anything, not just this one.” My voice was desperate. I looked at my father pleading. I couldn’t care less if I was trying to sound and look pity. “I’m sorry, hija, but this is final. I already talked to the Lannister family.” He looked at me apologetically. I felt betrayed. How could my own father do this? He didn’t even hear my side, if I wanted this or not. I was about
My stepmother raised her hand and was about to slap me when we heard a footstep. “What’s happening here?” It was my father. Was this some kind of drama? I was really tired and just wanted to rest, but here I was! Just great. I saw Vina crying as she ran to my father. She hugged him as if she was a kid who got her candy taken away from her and wanted someone to tell her about it. “Dad Cass doesn’t want me here. I can feel it!” Here we go with her nonsense statement again. What a great actress she is. My father looked at me disappointedly. My lips parted, I couldn’t believe him. I wanted to say a word and defend myself but I chose to shut my mouth instead. My father did change. It started when my mother died. “Vina will have your room now. Just sleep now in the guestroom. You’ll leave tomorrow morning since you’ll be preparing for your wedding.” His voice was serious and firm. Vina looked happy as if she just won. She even gave me an irritating look. I turned my back and d
Katrina did come back before lunch. We were now sitting on the couch. I guessed we were about to talk about the preparations for the wedding. “Let’s start with the venue of your wedding.” She looked at me attentively. “Where do you want it to be held?” “Uhh... wait. Am I just the only one who will decide for everything?” I couldn’t help but ask. I was curious as to why I was the only one here. “What about Killian?” She stopped for a moment before she sighed. “Mr. Lannister said that the decision about this will be left to you.” I chose to shut my mouth and didn’t ask further. Right, it was his money to spend. All I had to do was decide. “I only want my wedding at the church.” She nodded at me and started writing on the paper that she was holding. We still talked about some things like the styles and designs. I kept my focus on the conversation. “About the guest list. Just give me a list of those people you want to invite to your wedding.” I don’t have that many f
“You may now kiss the bride.” My heart was about to explode seeing him tilting his head and leaning closer to me. He held my waist and pulled me closer to him, making my palms land on his chest. I didn’t have the time to process everything that had happened because my mind went blank the moment that Killian’s lips landed on mine. It was just a simple kiss. I couldn’t read his expression as if kissing me was nothing to him. I shook off the feeling of disappointment and just forced myself to smile at the people in front of us. The reception was nice and the food was delicious. Everything around the area was screaming luxury, and even the people invited were a bunch of wealthy people who I know were invited by Killian. My lips were already tired from smiling. We kept on talking with different people, and mostly, it was Killian who they had a long conversation with. Killian arm was wrapped around my waist while he was talking with someone. I couldn’t leave because I didn’t want
I realized that I was just wearing my nighties and didn’t even have a brassiere inside. I immediately turned around and was about to walk away when I heard his voice. “Cassandra.” I stood still in my place when I heard his cold voice. I bit my lower lip before I turned around. I saw him looking at me intently; he was sitting on the stool chair. “What are you here downstairs?” he asked with his usual voice. “Have some milk.” My voice almost came out as a whisper. I felt really uncomfortable and embarrassed right now because of what I was wearing. “Then come here.” I nodded my head and entered the kitchen. After stirring my milk, I sat on the stool chair that was just beside him. I could feel the weight of his stare at me as I drank my milk. “Ouch!” I couldn’t help but shout in pain. I didn’t notice that the milk was still hot. Am I that distracted? “Careful,” he said in his deep voice and shook his head as if I did something stupid. “I think I burn my tongue.”
I stepped down from the airplane. I can really feel that we are now out of the country, the air and atmosphere feel different. We are now in Paris. I was just looking outside the window of the car, admiring the view. The excitement and happiness I felt at this moment were immeasurable. I noticed that the car stopped. As I stepped outside the car, my jaw dropped, seeing how big the house was in front of me. “You own this?” I glanced at Killian who was just on my side. I still couldn’t believe it. “Yeah,” he responded shortly and started walking towards the house. I immediately followed him. Stepping inside, I was greeted by the warm, rich scent of aged wood and polished leather. I was welcomed by the beautiful interior of the house. There was a big chandelier in the high ceiling. I felt someone pulling my waist making me yelp. It’s Killian, he is on my back. “Watch your step,” he whispered in his deep firm voice. I was so distracted by admiring the interior that I didn’t n