Thirty Seven

Cassandra stepped out of the car and gripped the steering wheel for a moment, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm herself. The majestic sight of Antonio's mansion loomed ahead, guarded as always. Since Claire's arrival, Antonio had stationed two bodyguards outside, alternating shifts daily. The constant presence of security made Cassandra anxious, knowing she had to conceal her identity as a police officer.

After another deep breath, Cassandra straightened her posture and walked toward the front entrance. The two bodyguards, recognizing her as Antonio's wife, immediately stepped aside without question. “Good evening, Ma'am,” one of them said curtly as they opened the door for her. Cassandra offered a faint nod, her heart pounding as she crossed the threshold.

Inside, Antonio was already waiting. His presence felt dominant and imposing, filling the space with an aura of authority. Before Cassandra could say a word, Antonio closed the distance between them with quick strides and pressed her against the wall. His sharp, calculating eyes locked onto hers.

Cassandra's instincts went on high alert. She had hidden a pistol in her boot before arriving, just in case. Still, she forced herself to appear outwardly composed. Antonio's voice broke the tense silence. “Where have you been all day, Cassandra?”

She swallowed hard, willing herself to sound casual. “I… I went out gathering celebrity gossip for work. You know, the usual for a journalist.” Her voice wavered slightly, but she held her ground.

Antonio’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Really? Gossip? Haven’t you been too busy to remember your duties as a wife?” His tone dripped with sarcasm, and his words hit Cassandra like a sharp jab.

Before she could react, Antonio reached for her blouse. With deliberate motion, he tore the fabric, exposing Cassandra’s arm. She gasped, the suddenness of his action catching her off guard.

Antonio's gaze lingered on her exposed skin, his expression shifting to one of smug satisfaction. “Ah, there it is,” he said in a low voice. His smirk deepened as he stepped back slightly, his eyes never leaving hers.

Cassandra clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to reach for her hidden weapon. Her mind raced for possible responses, but she knew better than to confront Antonio outright. Instead, she forced herself to meet his gaze, masking her fear with a veneer of defiance. The tension in the room thickened as they stood in silence, each waiting for the other to make the next move.

“What do you want, Antonio?” Cassandra finally asked, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound firm.

Antonio laughed, a deep sound that made the atmosphere even more oppressive. Without answering, he bent down and lifted Cassandra into his arms effortlessly. She gasped but was too stunned to resist. Antonio carried her toward their bedroom, his gaze fixed on her the entire time.

When they reached the room, Antonio laid Cassandra on the bed gently but firmly. Her breath quickened, nervous about what was about to happen. Antonio stood at the foot of the bed, staring at her with an unreadable expression.

“You’ve made me angry, Cassandra,” he said softly, but his tone was heavy with tension. “Too busy to remember your duties as my wife?”

Before Cassandra could respond, Antonio leaned closer, bringing their faces inches apart. His lips began to touch her skin, kissing her neck with intense purpose. Cassandra held her breath, her mind racing as she tried to find a way out of a situation that made her feel increasingly trapped.

After the intense moment, Antonio lay beside Cassandra. He looked at her tired face with a faint smile. “Can I come to your workplace?” he asked suddenly.

Cassandra turned, her eyes showing a brief moment of confusion. She blinked, trying to find the right answer. “Uh… My boss is very sentimental about personal matters,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “I’m not sure your presence would improve the atmosphere.”

Antonio raised an eyebrow, watching her with sharp curiosity. “Hmm. Alright.” Still, he didn’t look entirely convinced.

A few seconds passed before Antonio asked again, this time with a gentler tone. “How are your parents? Yesterday you said you went to their house.”

The question reminded Cassandra that she had also lied about that. However, she kept her face calm. “They’re doing better,” she said with a small smile. “I’ll be returning to the village to visit them next week.”

Antonio studied her closely. “Can I come with you?” he asked, his voice sounding sincere.

Cassandra paused for a moment before nodding slowly. “Sure,” she replied, though there was doubt in her mind. She wasn’t sure if she truly wanted to bring Antonio along, but she didn’t dare refuse him outright.

Antonio slowly stroked Cassandra’s hair, creating a calmer atmosphere. He gazed at her gently. “What do you think about Claire?” he asked, his tone sounding casual yet meaningful.

Cassandra hesitated for a moment before answering. “She’s fine,” she said briefly, trying to avoid a lengthy discussion.

Antonio took a deep breath and offered a faint smile. “Our relationship is over,” he said suddenly. “Claire cheated. That was the last time I had a serious relationship with a woman.”

Those words hit Cassandra like an invisible blow. Even though theirs was just a contractual marriage, something inside her ached hearing Antonio talk about Claire. She didn’t know why, but the story stirred mixed emotions in her. However, Cassandra kept her face neutral, merely nodding slightly while avoiding Antonio’s gaze.

Cassandra rose from the bed, carefully pulling the blanket around herself. She stood for a moment, looking at Antonio, who seemed puzzled by her actions. “I’m tired,” she said softly, trying to sound casual. “I want to sleep early tonight.”

Antonio raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that response. “Are you alright?” he asked, his tone carrying a rare hint of concern.

Cassandra gave a small smile, though it wasn’t entirely genuine. “I just need rest,” she replied. Without waiting for further questions, she lay down on her side of the bed, turning her back to Antonio.

Antonio remained seated, watching Cassandra’s back with a mixed expression. “Well, then, sleep well,” he said finally, his voice quiet and contemplative.

Cassandra closed her eyes, listening to the sound of Antonio’s breathing as it gradually softened. Her mind spun with worry and guilt. She knew her decision to go to bed early was a way to avoid further conversation with Antonio, but her heart still felt heavy.

Antonio eventually lay down beside her, but he stayed awake longer. He stared at the ceiling, as if searching for answers to something he didn’t quite understand. Cassandra choosing to distance herself tonight left him feeling strange, but he said nothing. In that silence, both were lost in their own thoughts, surrounded by unspoken tension.