Cassidy's POVQuietly and thoughtlessly, I drove up to my estate, the car's noise an annoyance to the burst of racing thoughts that filled my mind. The mansion stood before me, its sprawling facades bathed in a soft golden light, its hum a reminder of this place, which had been that sanctuary for me but also the location of memories I would wish out of my head. Memories of a time when I had let love slip through my fingers. When I had let him slip through my fingers,But not this time.I pulled the car and stepped forward, heels clicking against the polished stone driveway. The air was filled with the scent of jasmine from the garden, yet it soothed nothing in the tense chest. I had heard they returned from their retreat in France. If I joined forces with them, I needed to use the plan.I hadn't even had time to knock when the double doors swung open to our butler, Charles, whose otherwise perfunctory nod at me was the only response."Miss Cassidy, your parents are in the sitting room
I climbed upstairs into my old bedroom, that place which I once thought was the best sanctuary. The room looked almost the same as I had left it: soft lavender walls, creamed carpets thick enough to make your shoes sink into them, shelves packed with books and childhood keepsakes. Yet tonight it felt heavy, weighed down by what I had asked my parents only moments ago.I settled myself on the edge of the bed and gazed over the moonlit garden outside my window. My father's words circled in my head: "If this blows up in your face, don't expect us to clean up the mess."Was I playing a dangerous game? Probably. But isn't that what love is always supposed to be?I pulled out my phone and hesitated with my thumb hovering over Grant's number. Calling him seemed too direct, texting him took away the formality. A compromise was eventually reached: scrolling through his latest photos online, most of which, unsurprisingly, featured Lena.She was perfect as always. Her lustrous blonde hair, radia
Cassidy's POV Clearing my throat, I offered my hand with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Williams."He shook my hand, but held on just long enough for me to feel it was quite definitely an engagement. "The pleasure is mine, Cassidy; may I call you Cassidy?"And with a pained smile, I said, "If you want.""Perfect. Follow me." He marched me into a very big office and walls filled with art which screamed wealth yet eccentricity. The desk was sleek and basic, but Julian didn't even start to sit behind it. He perched himself on its edge, posture casual, waving at me to sit opposite him."So," he began, clasping his hands together, "you're here to pitch me on why I should turn down Lena Reynolds and sign with you instead. Bold move."I straightened my back, steeling myself to stay professional. "I believe my proposal speaks for itself. It is not just about numbers; it's about long-term growth and a partnership based on values. Lena's approach is aggressive, yet I lack the fore
I took a steadying breath, reminding myself why I was here, and met Julian's stare. "I think we both know why I came up here," I replied, my tone firmer than I felt.Julian smirked, setting his drink down and walking towards me. Each step brought him closer, and his fate had the audience captivated. When he got to me, he tenderly brushed a loose strand of hair from my face, sending a shiver up my spine."You are so determined," he murmured, his gaze locking with mine. "It's... intriguing.”He tilted his head so close that our faces almost touched, his intention quite clear. My heart raced as I felt the heat radiate from him, his scent-a blend of sandalwood and something undeniably masculine-suggesting its tendrils within the air. His lips were just about to brush mine when I stepped back, reaching into my purse."Wait," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.Julian paused, watching with curiosity while I took out the file containing the contract. I extended it to
The morning light streamed through the curtains and brightened the entire space. I lay reminiscing about last night's events. Julian's rhythmic breathing next to me reminded me of the line we crossed.I carefully slipped out of bed and gathered my clothes, dressing quietly. I needed to put some space between me and him, to think about what this meant for me personally and professionally.As I reached for the door, the silence was interrupted by Julian's voice."Leaving so soon?"I turned to find him propped up on one elbow, watching me with an unreadable expression."Preparing for a meeting later," I said, controlling my emotions, so I wouldn't sound too defensive.He nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving mine."About last night..."I lifted a hand to stop him."Let's keep it professional, Julian. We both know what's at stake."A flicker of disappointment perhaps crossed his face, but he covered it quickly."Of course, I'll see you at the office."With a curt nod, I left the room, my
Grant's POVThe view from the office has always calmed me. The city laid out before me a labyrinth of possibilities and opportunities, and yet today it failed to quell the spreading storm in my mind.Leaning against the chair and listening to the faint sound of the air conditioner breaking the silence of my office, my thoughts were already competing. Cassidy, the deal, then the ever-rising pressure to remain on top in an industry that cost everything for just one misstep.I managed to grab the coffee just in time when suddenly a fierce knock came on the door, pulling me out of my reverie. Gloria, my ever-efficient secretary, stepped in with her tablet in hand, her expression uncharacteristically tense.“Grant,” she began, her tone brisk, “we have a problem.”I set the coffee cup down, already sensing this wasn't going to be good news. “What is it?”Gloria hesitated for a brief moment before continuing, “It seems Fortex is trying to pull out of the partnership. Their legal team just se
Grant's POV Lena hesitated, but she didn't stop. Instead, she sped up and hopped into her slick black car, leaving her long hair swinging beside her."Lena, stop!" I called and closed the distance.Finally, she got her head around, looking thoroughly peeved and somewhat unsettled. "What do you want, Grant?""You know what," I said, my voice cold and biting. "Fortex. What the hell is the sudden drop all about? What is really going on?"Lena folded her arms and tapped her red-spiked nails on her biceps. "You're asking the wrong person. I'm not the one who made the decision.""Don't play coy with me," I growled, stepping close. You're too much into Fortex to not know about this. Spill.""Oh!" She sighed, looking around the garage to make sure we were alone. "Fine." You want the truth? There are three reasons Fortex is pulling out, and none of them are pretty.""Go on," I prodded, low and dangerous."First," she said, meeting my conditionally fiery glare, "they're pulling because Julian
Cassidy's POV Grant's jaw tightened as he read the words on the card, his expression growing darker by the moment. I could almost see the wheels turning in his mind, calculating risks and benefits."Of course he does," he muttered under his breath."Grant," I said cautiously, "you don't have to go. If you think it's a trap or-""I'm going," he interrupted, his voice firm.I blinked in surprise at his sudden decisiveness. "Why? He hates you. He'll try to use this against you."Grant's mouth twisted into a grim smile. "Maybe. But not his father. Mr. Williams might see value in our presence, and that is a leverage I will not pass up.”The frown creased my brow as the world spun in my head. "So would you really walk right smack into Julian's territory just to please his father? What if this backfires?""It won't," he says with full confidence, although I still cannot tell if he is trying to convince me or himself. "Julian may hate me, but his father plays a different game." If he sees us
Lena's pov I turned around, unable to hold his gaze any longer. And whether my body trembled because of the cold rain or from a cacophony of emotions raging inside me, I do not know. My clothes stuck to my skin. And I wrapped my arms around myself, as though it might shield me from him and that gaze that measured into me as if he might still care.While I stood still as a statue, he spoke to me softly, whispering, "Lena, you do not need to do it alone anymore". Bitter laughter choked out of me when I shook my head and stepped back, trembling slightly. "What is it you want to know, Grant? " What exactly do you think I've been doing?" He turned at me, glaring fury into my eyes. "Oh no! You don't get to swoop in after years of silence, disrupt my life, drag me to some godforsaken resort, and act like you're my savior. That is not how this works."He ran a hand through his wet hair, frustration evident on his face. "You think I don't know how much I've hurt you? You think I don't reply
Lena's POV I walked straight to the door, it banged shut behind me by a sound that resounded around the whole house like the beating of my heart. All was a blur in my vision- a cocktail of rage and absolute disbelief. Grant's words seemed to ring loudly even being drowned by that sound; they cut through my defenses like a knife. As though everything he did to drag me away from his wedding and among some other guests at this lonely resort would fix himself for those years. In short, he was wrong. Very wrong.I hurried through the corridor, my steps heavy against the wooden floors. The air outside smells thick and humid, but as soon as I stepped outside, it felt like a release of breath. I wouldn't have cared where I was or how far he had brought me away from civilized areas. All I could think was that I had to be away from him. I needed space to think, feel, and breathe.It was the moment I pulled out my phone to call someone-anyone-that I realized there was no service. Of course. Wh
Lena's POV His words flooded over me like a tidal wave, threatening to pull me under. I wanted to be angry, to scream at him for his complete recklessness, but part of me-a small, fragile part-wanted to believe him. Wanted to believe he meant every word. "Just what do you mean by that?" I asked, my voice shaking. "You can't just get up and decide in the middle of your wedding that you want me." That's not how this works, Grant. "I know I messed up," he said, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I used to make so many mistakes, Lena." But not again will I be able to leave you.”I shook my head, as I could feel storm-like emotions swirling inside me. "Do you even know what you just did? This is more than just a thing between us, Grant. There are real and tangible consequences. Cassidy, your family, my reputation, how am I supposed to face any of those after this?" "I will fix it," he said positively, with blazing eyes. I don't care what it takes; I will do whatever is r
Lena POV The room was silent. It was almost too silent, as the realization came crashing down on everyone. They didn't move. They dared not breathe. I couldn't breathe. Frozen in place, my hand instinctively reached out to him, almost as though the weight of his words had shattered the world around me.Grant took hold of my wrist and pulled me toward him. His grip was strong and urgent. He didn't look back at Cassidy, didn't say a word to anyone. Instead, he tugged me toward the door, his face set in determination.I knew the entire room was watching me, but I didn't care. I hardly noticed anything else about it as he pulled me from the altar, away from the church, away from everything of today. His touch was a lifeline, and I didn't know if I was hanging onto him or him to me.The church doors opened, and outside was a waiting black car. Grant brings me to the car and opens the door for me, all without a single utterance. He slid in beside me, never letting go of my hand. The driver
Lena's POV I couldn't believe it. The weight bore down on me like a ton of bricks as I walked into the grand, candle-lit church, my heels all the while clicking sharply against the marble floor around me. Roses and lilies filled our air along with the faint sound of a string quartet playing in the background. Everything looked so perfect, so immaculate, as if this was some kind of dream I didn't belong in. But that was it; I stood at the back of the church to witness the marriage of ex-husband Grant to ex-girlfriend Cassidy.There was no knowing how I had ended up at this event and even less why I allowed myself to say yes to attending. The only thing that mattered was the deal I had to secure. I was here for business, not for love, not for any personal vendettas, even though I couldn't deny the bitter taste in my mouth as I watched them stand at the altar. This was a business transaction wrapped in a veil of romance. I was never superstitious enough to think that one day I would be
Lena'S POV There was no fear of who could keep me awake late at night. Damien's offer rang through my head, both a blessing and a kind of challenge. Some part of me wanted to take him up on it, to accept the security that his family business could provide, but the other part knew that I might never be independent if I relied on his money and could never be indebted again. Independence was everything to me. As the date of the wedding approached, I could not deny that a part of me longed for some sort of stability. The entire time struggling and fighting to maintain control just began to wear me down. There would be times when I could just take a break and breathe but would then remind myself what the stakes were in my company's future, my heritage, so the brakes were off. On the night before the wedding. I stood staring at myself in the mirror of my bedroom. Hanging on the back of the door was the lovely, delicate dress that I was going to wear and leave it till I decided it was tim
Lena's POV The days afterward became somewhat of a blur due to meetings, phone calls, and strategy sessions. I had to be on my toes all the time because all I could think of was how and where to keep maintaining the lead. But no matter the work, one thought would not leave me alone: marriage. Grant had agreed to go ahead, but the precipice between us seemed so palpable. It was not merely the heat of the deal; it was something deeper, something unsaid. I could not push it aside any longer.I knew that as the weekend approached, I had to speak with him. The man was evading the truth no longer. Pretending that everything is okay can't go on...with a looming wedding. Time to find out if we really want it this way or are really trapped.That night, after a long day at work, I rolled up to Grant's apartment. I knocked at the door with no niceties, and he opened the door for me. The first thing that caught my attention was his eyes-the same exhausted, haggard look that had been haunting my
Lena's POV “Now Grant,” I began, maintaining a calm voice. We have been through that. The wedding is a major issue in all this. " We must show the Grahams that we are committed.”“I know, but he hesitated, and I could easily hear that in his voice. “It was not just the Grahams anymore, Lena. It is me. I don't know if I can pretend anymore, not after all that's happened."Exhaling, I tried to think of the right words that would help. "You are not pretending, Grant. We both know that. This is about securing the future of the company. If you back out now, it is not just the wedding that is at stake. Everything is."There was a prolonged silence at the other end. My heart rate started climbing as I felt that the seconds were stretched out. The decision was difficult, and I knew that I had to push him to the edge. He could not afford that luxury of indecision anymore."You can't back out now," I repeated this time with more gravitas. We're together in this. I'm going to do everything with
Lena's POV He realized that this was not only about the wedding or the deal. It was about the unwinding thread of a relationship that once seemed solid, built on mutual respect and understanding. Somewhere along the way, that condition had started to fray, and now, here I was forced to sew it back together.My phone rang no sooner had the vibration stopped as I received another call from Damien. I didn't know whether to answer or not since I had no idea what to expect from him now. The last time we talked, I said a firm no to the help he offered, although part of me did appreciate what he had tried to do.“Lena,” his voice came from the loudspeaker, smooth and confident as always. I wanted to check in. How are you holding up?”Sighing and leaning on the window frame, I answered, “I’m managing.” That was me trying to keep my tone even. “But there’s a lot to figure out.”“I know,” he said. “I don't expect you to do it on your own.” If you change your mind concerning my offer, I'm here.