Stacy stood in front of her mirror, smiling at her reflection as her friends’ voices crackled through the phone speaker. Their playful teasing only heightened her excitement. She had already told them she was celebrating her birthday at the amusement park. “Today’s the day, Stacy!” one friend giggl
“And I’ve been wanting to thank you for taking care of Darvan all those years I was out of the country,” she added, her tone casual, though Cassia could sense the mockery in her tone. Cassia held her composure, refusing to let Stacy’s words get under her skin. “Alright…” Cassia replied simply. “Oh
At the critical moment when Cassia thought she was about to fall, Darvan miraculously caught her, unintentionally pushing Stacy aside in the process. Cassia was too shocked and startled to process what had just happened. But as she came back to her senses, she realized the hands steadying her wais
As he walked through the hallway, he overheard two employees talking. He paused, catching the end of their conversation. "Can you believe it? Cassia invited Liam to her place." “No way. She’s never had anyone over before. Remember when Liam suggested we host a party at her place last week to celeb
She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. “And who exactly are the ‘we’ you’re talking about?” Liam glanced between them before settling his gaze on Cassia with a small smile, his expression calm. "I'll be on my way now..." he told her, making his way out and walking just a few steps to un
Stacy stood in silence, unable to process what had just happened. She glared at the closed door, picturing Cassia on the other side, and clenched her fists. “This is all your fault, Cassia,” she muttered, her voice thick with venom. “I’m not going to sit back and let you trample over me… I’ve alw
Stacy blinked rapidly at Cassia's reply, shocked that she had lost her words when Cassia said that. She watched as Cassia left without looking back. "Oh, please. Everyone knows why you're really here. But go ahead, keep pretending this is just about your career," Stacy found herself saying louder t
"I'll see you off," he added. They both left the office, continuing their conversation until they reached the outside. Liam pulled her into a gentle hug. After a while, he pulled away and waved at her. She waved back, watching as he went back into the building. Darvan, who was in his car, saw this
Cassia stepped out of the mall, her small shopping bags swaying at her sides, the cool evening breeze brushing her face. She glanced over her shoulder for what felt like the hundredth time, her unease growing with each passing moment. "Okay, seriously, what’s wrong?" Quinn asked, noticing the dist
"It just... felt like someone was watching us," she added, her gaze still fixed behind them. Quinn turned, scanning the street, but it was empty. "There’s no one there. Maybe you’re imagining things? I mean, why would anyone with bad intentions follow us during the day? They're not that stupid," Qu
Cassia walked through the hallway, making her way toward the apartment she and her friends had rented temporarily. She could hear their voices, loud with laughter and chatter, coming from the living room. As she stepped inside, Kiara and Quinn turned to look at her, their expressions brimming with c
After watching Darvan walk away, Cassia turned her attention to Martinez, a gentle smile gracing her face. "I think my friends must have gone back to the hotel," she said, glancing briefly at her wristwatch. "I should probably head there too. It's getting late, and I'm exhausted—and famished." Mar
"And you're the one giving me lessons?" Darvan’s brows furrowed, his anger barely contained as he stared at his uncle. Martinez bit his lower lip, sensing the direction Darvan was taking the conversation, but he didn't care. He repeated his words as if daring Darvan. "I don’t intend to lecture you
"Hi...?" Martinez muttered, his tone hesitant. Cassia chuckled, unable to resist her amusement at his unexpected shyness Right now, he seemed more like a lost child. She turned her gaze to the sea, and there was silence for a few seconds before she turned back to him. "Is this the place you mentio
As Darvan watched her walk away, he sat frozen in place, his mind replaying her words like a broken record. "Desperate pest?" Did she really call him that? him? "Darvan... I want to go back to the hotel," Stacy’s voice broke through his daze. She was clearly uncomfortable. She couldn’t bear to stay
The moment Darvan reached where Cassia was seated, he slid into the seat beside her without hesitation. Cassia’s brow raised beneath her mask. Who was this now? Though his face was obscured, his body shape and presence struck a chord of familiarity. Darvan wasted no time. "Cassia,” he began soft
Darvan watched as Cassia hesitated, her eyes flicking between the stranger’s mask and his outstretched hand. The stranger seemed so calm and self-assured. With no polite way to say no, she reluctantly placed her hand in his. Darvan let out a scoff, but the loud music drowned it out. “I guess so,”