“The trial has concluded. Ms. Cassandra Harper Anderson has been convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to life imprisonment!”The final judgement pierced through the silence of the courtroom, echoing through its vast hallways. Lifetime imprisonment?!I didn’t hear a word beyond that. All at once, those two words seemed to be the only things I could make sense of. I never realized till now that it would take merely two words to pause your life and crumble everything that you’ve built in it so far.How is this possible? How could the judge be so biased? Was he bribed by Becky? I couldn't help but anxiously glance at Enzo.Enzo and his associate falling into a deathly silence driven by astonishment and denial. On the other end of the room, laughter and celebrations began. Hugs were exchanged, congratulations were conveyed, and victory was celebrated. Becky leapt into Calvin’s arms, and he dipped down to meet her for a kiss. The new couple celebrated their win over their enemy, an
Enzo’s POVI vividly remember the time when Cassie left me. It was decades ago when her adoptive parents came to take her to her new home. Cassie was reluctant to go. She didn’t want to go at all. When her new parents asked her why, she said she didn’t want to leave me. I wonder if she even remembers that episode now, but it was something I could never forget. It felt like the first time someone was choosing me, the first time someone cared about me. Ever since then, she remained a significant person in my life. As she eventually left me that day, it felt as though she was taking a part of me too. Somehow, nothing changed till this date. I watched as the police took her away, standing by myself all alone and helpless. She didn’t even look at me as the vehicle moved, perhaps she couldn’t bring herself too. The farther she went from me, the more unreachable she seemed. With every passing second, I realized that I was losing her once again, and something within me told me that this ti
Cassie’s POV Life inside the prison was exactly how I expected it to be. Miserable. There was no life, no beginning, and no end. It was a vicious cycle of doing the most mundane things, with not a soul to talk to, not a confidant to vent to. One just had oneself, and one had to make peace with that. The only time I saw people was during breakfast, lunch and dinner when people were fighting for their share of food. The quality of treatment of convicts was poorer than I’d expected. I had to fight for basic needs such as food and clean water. Since we were here after committing a crime, nobody deems us worthy of receiving such basic commodities although the government provides it to us. Apart from the food breaks, we are allowed an hour in the morning and another in the evening to spend outside the confines of the cell, and most people engage in an activity or service in the prison to kill time. I was reluctant to partake in any of those activities, simply because I knew I didn’t bel
A nurse was called to tend to my wounds, but not a single soul asked me how I acquired it. I guess nobody spoke about such things in a prison, as they merely did not care for the safety of the prisoners. There was no place to complain about the issue either, so that left me with just one option: comply. I had to comply with the unsaid rules and norms of this place and give in to the power of other people when they demanded it. If I had to survive in this place for the rest of my life, I had to be submissive to its demands and my fellow inmates. But I could not do that. Even if I tried, how long could I possibly dance to someone else’s tunes? Surviving here was a challenge in itself, and listening to other people’s commands was another task altogether. “I need to make a phone call." “Are you sure you want to waste your phone call so soon? It’s been just a week since you’ve come here. Mind you, you’re only allowed one phone call per month.” The guard said. “I’m sure,” I said.
Enzo’s POVI felt exhaustion taking over my body as I stared at the screen before me. I saw seated in the backseat of my car and my driver was sitting in the front. I need to work on a document to share with a client but I couldn't focus. My thoughts were drifting to Cassie. I was wondering how she was doing and if she was okay. I would have to force myself to focus back on work, as worrying about her will hardly do us any good. If I wanted to help her, I would have to wrap up my pending work and give her case my undivided attention. Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked at the task at hand and started working on it. Within a few minutes, I finished writing the document and saved it. I was busy typing away when I heard my phone ring. I grabbed the phone with annoyance. When I read the caller ID, it only revealed an unknown number. Clicking my tongue in dismal, I cut the call and went back to writing my email. After about five minutes, I finished all my work. I closed my laptop and
Calvin’s POV I had a throbbing headache when I came back from the office. This week had been pretty hectic. I barely had any time to take a break. The only good thing was that Cassie was finally out of the way. I could peacefully focus on better things now.Becky had gone shopping earlier in the day and didn’t return yet. I took that chance to go to my room and rest for a while. I quickly showered and got ready for a nap. As I made my way to the bed, I noticed that the trash box in my room was filled. Beside it lay another paper bag which was also filled with things. Curious, I walked toward it and looked inside. It was a photo frame. And it looked familiar. When I pulled it out, I realized that it was my wedding photo. I was shocked to see it in the trash. Becky must have thrown it there, now that Cassie and I were divorced. It felt strange to look at our picture now. My heart felt heavy. Cassie looked so happy back then, as it was her dream to marry me. But it wasn’t mine. I did n
Calvin’s POV The party was in its full swing but I hated every minute of it. I was having a bad headache, and I couldn't wait for the party to end. However, Becky seemed to be having the time of her life. She was really enjoying the party, and I didn’t have the heart to scold her. So I just kept quiet and sipped on my beer. Soon, Jonathan came up to me and started chatting. “How does it feel to be finally divorced, Calvin?” I rolled my eyes at him. “Well, so far so good.” “What sort of a question is that, man?” Kylie, my other friend replied. “It’s a divorce at the end of the day. And divorces are not rosy.” “Yes, mine wasn’t either.” I said. “Come on, man.” Jonathan said, “You hated Cassie, remember? Good riddance. Look at Becky. She’s your woman now. Aren’t you happy?” “I am.” “See, that’s what I’m looking for.” “How is Cassie, by the way?” Kylie asked, “Any news about her?”“Oh, didn’t you hear?” Jonathan said, “It seems like Cassie got beaten up in prison recently.” “Wo
Enzo’s POVAs I entered the room I found Cassie sitting on the right, her eyes looking aimlessly ahead. Her eyes were hollow, her lips parched. To put it mildly, she looked lifeless. She didn't look toward me until I came to stand before her. But when she finally did, her face gave away nothing. I expected her to be angry with me for persistently showing up here despite her refusal to meet me. But she wasn't. She was just dead. It was right then that I saw a brace on her left hand and I widened my eyes in surprise. “What happened?” I asked, kneeling to get a better sight of it. As I examined it, I realized that it could perhaps be a fracture.“I sprained my hand.” Came her monotonous reply. “How?” She remained mute at that. Her response was weird, why wasn’t she saying anything? “Cassie?” I asked again. “What happened?” “I.. got into a fight.” “A fight?” I asked, “Why?”“You don't need to know."“Did someone attack you?’ “I'm not going to tell you.” I sighed. I knew that pushin
I couldn’t believe this woman. She didn’t change a bit. Every time she finds an opportunity to exploit, she makes sure she gets it by hook or by crook. And that’s exactly what she’s doing now too. I clearly underestimated how smart my mother could be when she wanted something.“Of course you are, Mrs Harper.” Mrs Ashford said. “You’ve raised Cassie all these years. You must attend her engagement.” Mrs Ashford was not familiar with my mother’s game. She probably thought she was meaning well, but the truth couldn’t be farther from it. “Thank you, Mrs. Ashford.” She said, “I wouldn’t miss her engagement for the world.” “Of course, you won’t.” I said, walking away from her. Mrs Ashford followed me as I got the dress packed. As expected, the two evil women left us alone after they got what they wanted with victorious grins on their faces. Shaking my head in dismay, I walked out with Mrs Ashford and got into the car. She noticed my troubled face and reached out for my hand. “Don’t wor
I folded my arms across my chest, glaring at her. Did they plan this? Of course they had to. There was no way they were here by coincidence. They were so eager to kick me out of their lives back then, so why did they want to speak to me now? “Fiona?” Mrs Ashford said, “What are you doing here?” Right. I forgot they were friends. Great. “Mrs Ashford, I just came to meet my daughter-in-law.” She said, “I wanted to see how she was doing. I heard there has been a lot going on in her life after the divorce…” “First of all.” I said, “Calvin and I are divorced. I’m no longer your daughter in law. And you never treated me like one when I was married to your son, so I don’t get why you’re talking to me now. If you’ll excuse us, I need a lot-” “Oh, don’t be so upset, Cassie.” She said, “What has happened is in the past. You know we don’t have to remember everything. Why can’t we make a fresh start?”“A fresh start?” I scoffed, “I’m already doing that and I urge you to do the same.” “No, C
As I walked along the pavement of the busy streets of New York, I couldn’t help but miss the smell of the ocean, the humid air that added curls to my hair and the fresh breeze that kept me alive. Miami turned out to a perfect escape for Enzo and I. After spending our days by the ocean, strolling through the streets and exploring beautiful cafes, flying back home left a longing in my heart. I couldn’t wait to go back to Miami. “Hello, dear.” Mrs Ashford said as she saw me approaching her. Opening her arms open for me, she welcomed me into a warm motherly embrace. “You look wonderful. How was your trip?”“It was perfect.” I said, pulling away from her hug. “When have you come back here?” “Just last night.” She smiled. “I promised I would help you pick the dress, didn’t I?” “Oh, you didn’t have to come all the way here for that. I could’ve asked one of my friends to help out.” “But I wanted to be here.” She said, “I never got to celebrate my daughter’s wedding. Life’s giving me a se
I watched with anticipation as Enzo spoke to that man. The man’s face twisted with fear, and before I could understand why, he got up from his seat and headed outside. Enzo came back to the table with a neutral expression, making sure nobody suspected anything. Once he was seated, I turned toward him to ask, “What did he want?” He shook his head, “He was someone from the press. He wanted pictures of us together.” “Press?” I frowned. He didn’t look like he was from the press. Why would he ask me to take care of Enzo if he was a journalist? “I don’t think so…” “He was under a disguise so he would look like a tourist.” He said, “It’s fine. It’s nothing we should be worrying about. I warned him to not bother us anymore.” I nodded, but somewhere deep inside, I knew that the man was not telling the truth. There was more to the story than he let on. But for now, I let it go. If I saw him again, of course, I would confront him. Right then, Enzo touched my forearm. When I looked toward h
He was looking at me with a curious gaze, as if he was trying to figure me out. “Excuse me?” I said, urging him to move. “You’re Cassandra?” He asked. He didn’t seem like a native english speaker. “Uh… yes.” I said, “Do I know you?” He shook his head, “No.” He said and glanced behind him toward our table. “You’re with him?’I looked at Enzo. “Yes. What do you want?” “Nothing.” He said, stepping away. “You take good care of him, young lady.” I frowned, but took the chance to walk away. As I walked back to the table, Enzo turned around to reach out for my hand. As I took the seat beside him, I turned around to see if the man was still there. He was gone. “What’s the matter?” Enzo asked, looking at my confused face. “Nothing.” I said, turning away. “It was nothing.” ***After lunch, Enzo took me to one of Miami’s tourist attractions- Wynwood Walls. It was an art museum of sorts situated in the streets, with many famous artists displaying their work there. As a fellow art lover
The next morning at breakfast, I made everyone some coffee for their hangover. After Enzo and I went to bed, the party continued till morning downstairs. It was Phoebe’s birthday today, so we had an entire day planned. Sadly, we'll probably have to cancel a few of them today to let these guys rest. “You were wild last night.” Enzo complained, “How long did the party go? Three? Four?” “Three thirty in the morning.” Leo said, clutching his head, “I’m just glad we made it back to the villa in one shape. We were drunk off our faces last night. It’s a miracle one of us hasn't jumped into the ocean.” “Jesus, I should not have left you guys alone.” Enzo said, sipping on his coffee.“It’s fine, Enzo. at least we had a blast.” Phoebe said, looking toward me with a sorry look. “We missed you. I hope you’re rested well for today.” “I am.” I said, tucking behind a strand of hair. “Wait.” Phoebe said, catching my hand mid air. She examined my finger then and showed it to Enzo. “Is that an eng
I lost track of time as I fell into bliss. By the time I found my way back to Enzo’s lap, I was utterly exhausted, yet not satisfied. “Tired already?” He said, brushing some wet strands away from my face. “Shall we go to bed?” “No.” I said in a stern tone, fixing him with a glare. “Get your hands off of me and let me do my thing.” He gave me an amused look and watched me struggle against him. He then stabilised my hip, and that’s when I found the chance to wrap my hands around his dick. And then, I slowly guided it toward my slit. “So wet, baby.” He said, taking me in for a kiss. “Always.” I said, and gently started rubbing against him, coating his length with my wetness. I could feel it harden with every stroke, his breath growing heavy with each passing second. When he had had enough, Enzo gripped my grips tightly, forcing me to freeze. Then, he took his dick and thrust it into my vagina. “Ah!” I groaned as he suddenly filled me up with his girth, digging my nails into his sho
I groaned against his lips, and before I knew it, I was straddling his thighs. “Enzo…” I whispered against his lips, “I need you…” “I need you too, darling.” he said, and pulled us both back until he rested against the headboard of the bed. I stared into his fiery eyes burning with desire. Holding his jaw, I dropped soft kisses along his neck, travelling down toward his collar bone. As I climbed back up, his lips seized mine at once, holding them captive. Right then, his hands travelled to the sash of my robe and gently tugged at it. The loose cloth came apart at his mercy, parting to reveal my torso. Without breaking the kiss, Enzo’s hand travelled in to graze the skin of my chest, his fingers quickly spotting my erect nipple. “Ugh!” I groaned as he pinched at it hard. Breaking away from the kiss, I looked at him. He smirked as he saw my face, “That good?” He said, “How about this then?” He proceeded to pull the robe away from my mound and dipped his head to take my nipple int
“What is your problem, Cassie?” He mumbled, looking at me in absolute defeat. “I’m sorry?” I said. “What are you doing?” He asked, “Is this some sort of a punishment? Do you want me to die of an early heart attack or something?” I widened my eyes at his absurd words. “Enzo, come on. Don’t be silly.” I said, pushing aside a strand of wet hair. Enzo sighed and got up from his place. Fetching a towel, he went to sit behind me and put the towel to my head. Rubbing my head gently, he asked, “Then why are you doing this?” “I’m not doing it on purpose.” I said, “It’s not like my life’s agenda is to trouble you.” “That’s what it looks like to me.” He said, rubbing my scalp with the towel. I didn’t say anything for a while, only let him dry my hair without whatever it was that he was doing. After he was done, threw the towel aside and sat behind me, legs hanging on either side of me. “Why didn’t you wait for the girls at that shop?” He asked, breath fanning against my neck. “Why did yo