Fifty One

Chapter 51

The night around Cassandra's house felt more oppressive than usual. The cold air creeping through the window gaps seemed to heighten the tension that hung in her heart. The message from an unknown number still echoed in her mind, reminding her that this game had entered a more dangerous phase. But more than that, Antonio’s words—“Tomorrow will be a long day”—kept lingering in her thoughts, making the anxiety even harder to shake off.

Outside, the night wind blew fiercely, striking the window panes with a sound that was almost like the rustling of heavy footsteps, bringing an air of uncertainty. Cassandra sat at the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on the locked door. Her mind wandered, searching for ways to survive in this increasingly complicated and dark game. She knew that if she failed this time, not only her future would be at risk, but also the lives of those she loved—especially Martinez, who had always been by her side, and Jessica, the friend who had entrusted her with this dangerous mission.

When her phone vibrated, Cassandra jumped. Martinez's name appeared on the screen. Without hesitation, she answered the call, hoping her partner’s voice would soothe the worry gripping her heart.

“Cassandra,” Martinez’s voice sounded anxious, heavier than usual. “I just got some bad news. They know about you. Antonio has tracked your trail. I’ve contacted an insider to move the evidence you’ve stored. They’ll seize everything you have, and if you don’t act now, we’ll run out of time.”

Cassandra’s blood seemed to stop flowing. Her heart raced, but she tried to calm herself. There was no time to panic. “What should I do, Martinez?” she replied, trying to sound calm even though her hands were trembling.

“I’ll send someone to pick you up. Don’t let them know where you are, Cassandra. Your time is very limited,” Martinez’s voice sounded full of worry. “I... I’m afraid this might be the end for all of us.”

Cassandra exhaled deeply, looking around the room that now seemed to close in around her. “I understand,” she said flatly, even though her heart was full of unease. “Please give me further instructions. I need to know what their next move is.”

The next morning, Cassandra woke up with a feeling of anxiety weighing on her chest. The morning sun barely lit the room, casting long shadows on the walls. Her phone vibrated, startling her. Seeing Antonio's name on the screen made her heart race. There was something strange, though she couldn’t pinpoint it. No more harsh words or sharp threats as before, just a brief message: “Come out. I’m picking you up.”

Cassandra stared at the phone screen, an inexplicable feeling enveloping her. There was something odd about the way Antonio had been interacting with her lately. It felt like there were two sides to him—one that was very dangerous, and another that made her more trapped in uncertainty. But she knew, in situations like this, she had to stay alert.

Reluctantly, Cassandra got ready. She knew this wasn’t just about her anymore. This was about the larger game at play. But somehow, there was a strong urge inside her that made it impossible to ignore Antonio’s request.

When she reached the front of her house, Cassandra saw a shiny black car waiting by the gate. Antonio was sitting in the driver’s seat, wearing a white shirt that seemed perfect despite being slightly wrinkled. As soon as he saw Cassandra approaching, he flashed a mysterious smile, as though he knew exactly what was on her mind.

“Get in,” Antonio said in a deep, meaningful voice. There was something different about his tone. It didn’t feel like it usually did. Cassandra felt an unexplainable vibration, something confusing yet compelling, making it impossible for her to resist.

“Why... are you driving?” Cassandra asked quietly, trying to show her doubts.

Antonio turned toward her, his smile widening. “Why not? I think we need some time to talk, and this trip will give us that chance.”

Though his words seemed normal, the atmosphere in the car felt tense, as if something bigger was waiting ahead. Cassandra didn’t know why, but there was a bad feeling hanging in the air. However, she held herself back from asking further.

The car sped along the empty road toward a villa hidden on the outskirts of the city, a place far from the usual hustle and bustle of life. When they arrived, Antonio parked the car in front of a large villa with a grand modern design. The villa’s gate opened automatically as their car approached.

Cassandra felt a strange sensation gripping her heart. The deep silence welcomed them as they entered the villa. Antonio opened the door for Cassandra, and immediately, the stillness of the place felt even more suffocating. Without a word, Antonio grabbed Cassandra’s hand and led her into the spacious living room.

As they entered the main room, Antonio turned and looked at Cassandra with an unreadable gaze. Suddenly, without warning, Antonio pulled her waist toward him and drew her close. Cassandra’s breath hitched, and her heart beat faster.

“Sometimes, we need a little distraction in the middle of all this mounting stress,” Antonio said, his voice full of undeniable drive. Antonio’s hand moved up and down her back, as if exploring her body with unusual intensity.

Cassandra was stunned, not knowing what to do. Antonio’s body felt strong and masculine, the scent of his expensive cologne filling the air, and his presence was so overwhelming. She felt herself swept up in the touch, though a strong warning echoed inside her.

Before Cassandra could pull away, Antonio began kissing her neck with passion, his lips moving swiftly over her smooth skin. Without realizing it, Cassandra’s body responded, welcoming the warmth that came so deeply. The pull of desire made her melt, and within moments, she felt like she was caught in an unstoppable storm.

Antonio moved closer, and Cassandra felt her body growing weaker. “Don’t be afraid,” Antonio whispered, before pulling the curtains around them, plunging the room into a suffocating darkness. “We need this,” he said, his eyes filled with uncontainable desire.

Before Cassandra knew what was happening, Antonio took her body into the villa’s bedroom, her body heavy with a mixture of passion and confusion. When she looked at Antonio, now closer, everything felt so immersed in longing.

There were no more words, only the sound of their breaths intertwining. At that moment, all of Cassandra’s boundaries and defenses vanished. In this electrifying world, she was tossed around in deep emotions.

However, when Cassandra woke up the next morning, regret gnawed at her heart. She woke up alone in the large bed of the villa. The room felt silent, with only the ticking of the clock reminding her that time kept moving.

Her eyes widened, and her head felt heavy. Her body was stiff, and the events of the previous night came rushing back to her mind. Everything that happened—everything she did—made her feel trapped in confusion and regret. There was an uncertain feeling gnawing at her, while outside, the morning sun began to shine coldly on the villa’s walls.

With her head lowered, Cassandra took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She knew that what happened last night was not just about desire or impulse; it was part of a bigger game. Yet, deep inside her, one question resounded loudly: “What does Antonio really want from her?”

So much she didn’t understand, but one thing was certain—now, she had to face the reality and consequences of what had happened.