Chapter 2: The Stoneworth Estate

Cassandra’s POV

Clink. 

I heard the ring drop to the ground as I turned and walked away.

I hopped into my car and pulled away, without even so much as a glance back.

He wanted to cheat on me? Fine. He could have sex with whomever he wanted.  I was done! I’d call Cameron to come and pick me up, and I’d go home. Back to the estate. Back where I belonged.

 I rolled down the windows and cranked up the radio. Relief flooded through me. I felt like a weight had been lifted – a Jordyn-sized weight. The wind blew through my hair and I felt free, really free.

Back at the apartment, I hauled out my suitcases and a few things. I didn’t need to take everything; I could replace most of my clothes. Then I called my brother.

“Hey, Cameron. It’s me. Come pick me up? I finally left Jordyn.”

“Say no more. I’m on my way.”

I waited for my brother in the foyer. He pulled up in a hot, red Lamborghini. He got out and rushed towards me, scooping me up into a crushing bear hug.

“I can’t breathe,” I mumbled into his shirt.

He released me and laughed. “Is this it?” he asked, grabbing my suitcases.

I took one last look at the house, and nodded. “Yup. This is it.”

“So, Cassandra,” Cameron said as we ripped through the street. “Are you finally ready to take over Stoneworth Enterprises?”

“Nah,” I chuckled. “I know the family business is very successful, but I’d like to focus on my own business, Hot House Flower, for a while.”

“I don’t blame you.” He flashed me a smile. “Your company has done really well. Mom and Dad are proud of you, you know.”

“They are?” I wasn’t sure. The expectations were high in our family as far as business went. Our family company was one of the most successful and popular companies on the East Coast. I’d been nervous to start my own company, since it was assumed I’d take over the family business. Fashion had always been my passion though. And I wanted to follow my heart. So I’d etched out a small fashion company. Before long, though, it was highly successful. 

In fact, Hot House Flower was now a widely worn brand. Celebrities, influencers, and socialites all wore my designs. I’d been neglecting my business for a while though, to focus on my marriage. It was time to get back to work. I was happy to hear that my parents were proud of me. I had big plans for my company, and their support meant the world to me. 

“And speaking of the parents,” Cameron said. “They’re off sailing the Mediterranean on their annual holiday. So we have the whole estate to ourselves.”

“Wonderful,” I smiled. I hadn’t been home in awhile. I was looking forward to being home again. We rode in silence for a bit. I watched the scenery fly by.

“Okay, I have to ask,” Cameron said, interrupting my thoughts. “What made you finally decide to take the plunge?” He side-eyed me as he drove.

“You mean to leave Jordyn?” He nodded. “I don’t love him anymore,” I lied. I still loved Jordyn because love doesn’t just disappear overnight. But it was complicated. I was heartbroken. He was cheating on me and I simply couldn’t tolerate that. I didn’t want to get into it though with Cameron. So I kept my answers short and simple.  

Cameron could sense that I didn’t want to talk about it. He reached over and squeezed my hand.

“Well, I’m happy you FINALLY came to your senses.”

My family hadn’t approved of Jordyn, and they made it very clear. But I’d been head over heels for him, so I’d dismissed their concerns. I was young. And stubborn. And I thought I knew better than them.

Oh, how wrong I’d been.

We pulled up to the gate then. Jordyn clicked the opener and the gates swung open.

“Welcome home, Cassandra,” he said.

It was just as I remembered it. A gorgeous mansion on a sprawling ten acre estate. Tennis courts, horse stables, rose gardens, a swimming pool – you name, the Stoneworth Estate had it.

Our butler, Mr. Toth, met us in the driveway. “Miss Cassandra,” he said, bowing his head. “What a pleasure to have you home.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” I replied.

He took our things and Cameron linked his arm to mine.

“What should we do first?” he asked. “Martinis and charcuterie by the pool? Or a stroll through the garden? We just renovated the theater room. We could chill and watch N*****x?”

“That all sounds great,” I said as we walked into the foyer. “But I want to take care of this divorce, first. Can you call Dillon? I’d like to get started on the divorce papers.”

Dillon was Cameron’s best friend, and a hot shot divorce lawyer.

“I already did,” Cameron winked. “He’ll be coming by soon.”

That’s Cameron for you – always two steps ahead.

It was dusk, so we chose a lovely cabernet and sat on the deck overlooking the grounds. I could smell the sweet scent of roses in the air. God, it felt good to be home. To have maids and private chefs again. To be waited on hand and foot. Don’t get me wrong, I worked my ass off when I came to my company. But here, at the estate, I didn’t have to do laundry or wash dishes. There were a lot of benefits to being filthy rich

I clinked glasses with Cameron.

“To new beginnings,” he winked at me.

“To home,” I smiled back.

Not even half an hour later, Dillon pulled in.

He climbed out of his yellow Porsche. He looked handsome, tanned skin, blue polo shirt and beige khakis.

“Cassandra!” he smiled, waving up at us.  

“What am I, chopped liver?” Cameron scoffed in good humor.

“I see you all the time. I haven’t seen Cassandra in ages,” Dillon smirked.

“Come on up, Dillon,” I called down to him. “We’ll pour you a glass of wine. Are those the divorce papers?” He was clutching a brown leather briefcase.

“You bet,” he smiled. “Cameron and I have been waiting for this day for a long time, Cass. It’s about time you dumped that sleaze! I drew up the preliminary papers months ago.”

I chuckled. Months ago? Apparently, EVERYONE had been waiting for me to divorce Jordyn.

“So it’s pretty straightforward,” I said to Dillon once we were all settled in the study. “I don’t want anything from Jordyn. Not even a penny.”

“I had a feeling you’d say that,” Dillon remarked, sipping his wine. “I think you’ll be very pleased with the papers I’ve drafted.”

I looked over the papers. “Everything looks great,” I said. “Except for one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I’d like to add a clause in the agreement. I will pay Jordyn $10. That’s his entire compensation from this marriage.”

Cameron and Dillon raised their eyebrows. “Ten dollars?” Dillon asked.

“Yup,” I confirmed. “That’s all that asshole is worth. Ten. Measly. Dollars.”