Chapter 5: An Unlikely Hero

Cassandra’s POV

I felt my cheeks flush with anger. I was both furious and ashamed. Furious at Jordyn for causing a scene like this in front of so many people, and ashamed that people were whispering about us behind their hands.

Jordyn was making me look like a fool, with Ellie on his arm, a smug smile plastered on her face. How could he do this to me? Did he not care about me at all?

I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I was shaking. I wanted to rush out of the crowd, but I was frozen to the spot. My feet wouldn’t move.

Just then, I heard a voice reverberate through the restaurant. Someone was speaking into the microphone on the restaurant’s stage. All eyes turned to the stage.

I turned, only to see Dillon, a charming smile on his face.

“I’d like to announce that all bills will be covered by me tonight,” Dillon said. “Food, drinks, desserts – the tab’s on me. So drink up! Eat up. I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful evening.”

The crowd erupted into applause, shocked by Dillon’s generous offer.

I stared at him, stunned. Dillon was going to pay? For everyone’s meal? My gosh, that would cost a fortune!

I flashed him a perplexed look.

But he gave me a reassuring nod and signaled for me to leave. I understood immediately. He’d taken the microphone to steer the attention away from Jordyn and I. With all eyes still on Dillon, I stepped around Jordyn and left the restaurant unnoticed.

I wandered back to my car, feeling downcast.

I didn’t understand how our marriage had become like this. Jordyn was accusing ME of first approaching him? Of being the one to instigate our entire relationship? That wasn’t true.

It had been him! Jordyn had approached me first. He’d taken me out on dates and showered me with affection. It was one of the reasons I’d fallen in love with him.

But now he was accusing me of only loving him for his money? That was preposterous. It made me sound so shallow. Did he really think that of me? That I was just some shallow gold digger? That our entire marriage had been built on false premises?

And what about the car accident? He’d actually insinuated that I had something to do with Ellie’s accident. In front of everyone.

Did he not know me at all? I could NEVER be involved in something like that. I wouldn’t even hurt a fly, let alone an actual person. I’d felt horrible for Ellie after the accident. She’d slipped into a deep coma. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, not even my worst enemy.

My heart felt so heavy, I thought it might drop right through my stomach.  

“Well that was…something.”

A voice interrupted me from my thoughts. Dillon was standing in front of me. His tone was teasing, and his green sparkled as he looked into mine.

“That was a disaster,” I replied, shaking my head.

But Dillon chuckled, one hand in his pocket.

“You know, the next time you want to give the restaurant a dinner theatre performance, you really should get paid.” I knew he was joking and trying to lighten the mood, but I was still too embarrassed to find the humor in it.

“I’m so sorry,” I told him. “I’ll pay you back.” I felt awful that Dillon was footing the bill for the entire restaurant. Sure, lawyers made good money, but it was a high-end restaurant and the bill must have cost him a small fortune.

“Don’t worry about it,” he smiled. “I’ve taken care of everything. And I’ve made sure none of it will be posted online. “I wanted to take you out for an expensive dinner. And that was one hell of an expensive tab.”

I laughed and thanked him sincerely.

“I should have stepped in sooner,” Dillon said, dropping his smile, his face serious. “Jordyn caused such a scene and I should have stopped it. I’m sorry that it took me so long to intervene. I hate that he tried to embarrass you publicly like that.”

“It’s not your fault,” I replied. “I’m sorry our dinner was ruined.”

 Dillon nodded. “That’s my only regret of the evening,” he said. “That I didn’t get to have a nice dinner with you. I guess we’ll just have to try again another time.”

I was touched. Dillon was clearly a kind, generous man. He’d just bailed me out of a tough situation, and I was just about to tell him how grateful I was for his kindness when my phone rang.

It was Stella.

“Cass,” she said, her voice rushed. “I have news. BIG news. You won’t believe it. We just got an invitation to…” Stella paused for dramatic effect. “To attend a business banquet. The invite came from the host himself. He’s inviting a ton of successful CEOs from the industry. Including us!”

Stella was right; I couldn’t believe it. This was HUGE for us and our company. Not only was it recognition of how successful our company had become, it was also a fantastic opportunity to find potential partnerships. We’d never been invited to an event like this. My mind reeled with the possibilities.

I hung up with Stella and smiled at Dillon. I happily told him the good news.

“I’m so happy for you,” he said, his face breaking out into a smile.

 But then I saw his expression change. He furrowed his brows and looked troubled.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Well, I agree that this is a huge opportunity for you and your company. It’s just that, um, this business banquet? I’ve heard about it and…” His voice trailed off.

He clearly had something to tell me but judging from the expression on his face, he was reluctant.   

“Dillon, tell me. What’s wrong?” I prodded him.

His eyes met mine.

“I could be wrong, Cass. But I’m pretty sure the banquet is hosted by….

….Jordyn’s company.”