Nine

When Cassandra came out of the house, she saw Aunt Marry chatting with Antonio. From the expression on her face, Cassandra could immediately draw the conclusion that Aunt Marry really liked Antonio;and the money he had.

“Mom, I have to go now.”

Aunt Marry continued her act, pretending to be Cassandra's mother. Patting Cassandra lightly on the shoulder, Aunt Marry let Antonio take her daughter's hand and said, “You should be back before morning. Don't forget to use safety. OK?"

But Cassandra chuckled lazily at Aunt Marry's ambiguous words. She was indeed a gold digger, but she should have covered that up so as not to be obvious. But Cassandra couldn't blame Aunt Marry either, as Antonio's limousine was a real eye-catcher. Antonio opened the door for Cassandra, then led her to get into the passenger seat.

Cassandra stepped carefully, she sat down and realized that they were not alone in the limo. There was a man, he was the driver, and more precisely it was Ben. But Cassandra was really confused, why did the two of them have to bring the limo to Cassandra's ranch house.

After a few minutes of being stuck in awkward silence, Cassandra finally got the courage to start a conversation. She cleared her throat, then continued, “Mr. Franches, why did you come to my house? Didn't we promise to meet at the restaurant?”

Antonio stared thoughtfully at the ipad screen in his hand, he didn't look away as he gave an answer to Cassandra's question. "I knew you wouldn't come. I didn't want to lose my virgin girl."

Cassandra's face turned red. Antonio said that in front of Ben, and it was really embarrassing. Cassandra looked away from the window, trying to neutralize her chest which was heaving from Antonio's words. He was very frontal and to the point. And in the midst of the awkwardness, Franches suddenly spoke up.

“You can get off in front of that street, Ben.”

Ben, Cassandra finally knew that their driver was Ben. Jessica had talked about Ben, he was the person Antonio had asked to find information about her. But why was Ben so stiff. Even from his gestures, Cassandra could feel the dislike from Ben's gaze for her. Does Ben realize that Cassandra is a detective?

As Antonio requested, Ben pulled their limo over to the side of the road. He unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car after saying goodbye to his boss. And after that, it was Antonio who took over. Antonio asked Cassandra to move to the front, sitting next to him. It was really weird, but Cassandra couldn't help herself.

After turning on the music in the car, Antonio suddenly took a shortcut, he turned towards the direction outside the city and it made Cassandra panic.

"Where are we going? This doesn't seem like the route you were going for."

Antonio nodded his head. "I want to spend more time with you. Wouldn't wandering around the city at night be more exciting than spending the night having sex you don't want?"

Cassandra's face changed again. She really couldn't figure out Antonio's thoughts. First, he wanted a woman to accompany him to bed. Then, he allowed her to be free and determine her own desires. What did Antonio really want from Cassandra?

“I want to marry you.”

“What?!”

Antonio said such an important thing very casually. He didn't feel burdened at all and that confused Cassandra even more.

“I will marry you and give you one million dollars every month if you accept my offer.”

Cassandra corrected her sitting position, she looked at Antonio with an expression of disbelief. "Wait, wait. What do you mean, why do you want to marry me, and even give me a million dollars?"

“Because I need a wedding in front of all my business colleagues, it's a business wedding and... I was very attracted to you at our first meeting, Ms. Baker.” Antonio turned the wheel, he started into a city center filled with lights and tall buildings. "I thought you ended up working at a nightclub because you needed money for your mother's pigs. So, I'd like to offer you a solution to your problem. I get marriage, and you get money."

All the thoughts came together and filled Cassandra's head. She was speechless. Cassandra looked at Antonio in disbelief, completely shocked by what had just happened. A wedding. Cassandra had never even dated in her twenty-five years of life. So, why would she marry the man who killed her parents?

But an idea crept in. A wedding would make it easier for Cassandra to get close to Antonio, it would be easier for her to put poison in a drink than to take a bullet out of her gun at Antonio. Wouldn't she just have to sacrifice her virginity to get through this long wait?

Cassandra's thoughts drifted as the limousine sped through the city. Married to Antonio Franches? The man she suspected of killing her parents? The thought of being so close to him, living with him, was both terrifying and exhilarating. It's an opportunity she never imagined, one that will allow her to uncover the truth and exact her revenge. But the price to pay - her freedom, her body - was high.

She glanced at Antonio, his face illuminated by the passing street lamps. There was something about him that was magnetic, a dangerous charm that attracted people. But she had to remember who he was. What she had done. Could she play the role of loving wife while plotting his downfall?

“Antonio,” she began, her voice steady, “this is very hard to accept. I need time to think about your offer."

Antonio's eyes glanced up at her, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Of course, Cassandra. Take all the time you need. But know that my offer remains. One million dollars per month, and all the luxuries that come with being Mrs. Franches."

Cassandra nodded, staring out the window again. The cityscape had given way to quieter streets, and she realized that they were nearing her apartment. She needed to talk to Jessica, to share her thoughts and figure out the best course of action.

When they stopped in front of his building, Antonio leaned over, his hand brushing Jessica's. “I'll give you a week to decide,” he said softly. "But I hope you will choose to be with me. I'm sure we can be a good couple."

Cassandra forced a smile and opened the door, stepping out onto the sidewalk. She turned to face him. "Thank you, Antonio. I'll let you know."

The limo pulled away, and Cassandra watched it until it disappeared around the corner. She hurried inside, her mind full of thoughts and emotions. She had to see Jessica right away.

Inside her apartment, Jessica was waiting, pacing the floor. She looked up, relief flooding her face at the sight of Cassandra.

"Thank goodness, you're okay. What happened?"

Cassandra quickly recounted the night's events, leaving nothing out. Jessica listened intently, her expression growing more incredulous by the minute.

“Marriage proposal?” Jessica said, after Cassandra had finished. “And a million dollars a month? That's crazy.”