Twelve

Cassandra woke up from her sleep, having spent the night at Jessica Wallan's house.

The morning sunlight started to slip through the window curtains. Her body felt stiff, but her mind and heart felt calmer after the long conversation with Jessica the previous night. In the quiet morning atmosphere, Cassandra reflected on the steps she needed to take next. The contract marriage with Antonio Franches was imminent, and she knew time was running out.

Cassandra stretched her body, then rubbed her face with both hands. A mixture of anxiety and hope still filled her heart.

Recalling each step she had planned, she realized this plan could not fail. She needed courage and calm more than ever.

Slowly, she got out of bed, walking toward the small vanity table in the corner of the room. Her gaze rested on her reflection in the mirror. Her brown eyes looked tired but held a strong determination behind all the doubt.

Cassandra lowered her head briefly, clutching a small necklace around her neck—the last gift from her parents before that tragic accident. From the adjacent room, there was a commotion—footsteps, something falling, and Jessica’s muffled laughter. Cassandra snorted, turned over, trying to enjoy a bit more time under the covers, but she knew it was futile.

Finally, reluctantly, she sat at the edge of the bed, tidied her messy hair, and glanced at the clock on the bedside table.

As the bedroom door opened slightly, Jessica appeared with disheveled hair and wrapped only in a white towel. "Good morning, my thoughtful friend," Jessica greeted in a teasing tone, grinning as usual.

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, clearly seeing the signs of exhaustion and satisfaction on her friend’s face. "Did you cause trouble again this morning?" she asked, yawning.

Jessica shrugged casually, walking over to the vanity and opening a drawer to grab a comb. "Trouble? I call it making good use of time," she replied while combing her still-damp hair.

Cassandra got out of bed and walked towards her friend, looking at Jessica with narrowed eyes.

"Did you sleep with a guy?"

Jessica stopped combing and looked at Cassandra with a half-amused, half-resigned smile. "Alright, you caught me. Yes, I slept with a guy," she answered unapologetically. Then, in a more playful tone, she added, "But you could call him a 'client' instead of just a 'male friend.'"

Cassandra chuckled, folding her arms across her chest. "A client, huh? That sounds very... professional," she said with clear sarcasm.

Jessica sat at the edge of the bed, still grinning, though her smile faded slightly. "I really don’t have any decent male friends, Cass," she said in a lower voice, almost whispering. "Every guy I meet only wants my body. They never care who I really am or how I feel."

Cassandra felt her heart sink hearing her friend’s confession. She knew Jessica wasn’t the type to easily show vulnerability, but behind her cheerful and easygoing demeanor, Jessica harbored deep pain.

Cassandra felt sympathy, but there was nothing she could do. She knew Jessica’s wounds weren’t something easily healed with words.

However, in her mind, Cassandra promised to always be there for her friend.

Both of them, in their own ways, were trapped in an unfair world.

Cassandra sat beside her and gently squeezed her friend’s hand. "You deserve more, Jess," Cassandra said sincerely. "You deserve to be with someone who truly cares about you."

Jessica smiled faintly, though there was sadness in her smile. "In our world, Cass, I think that kind of thing only happens in dreams."

Jessica stood up, drying her wet hair with the towel, trying to erase that moment of vulnerability. But Cassandra knew, behind her casual demeanor, Jessica was just a woman who wanted to be loved for who she was, not just as an object. Jessica combed her hair quickly, then donned a burgundy satin robe hanging behind the door. She looked at Cassandra through the mirror, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

"So, what’s your plan today, detective?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful again, though Cassandra knew it was just a facade.

Cassandra leaned against the wall, thinking about the steps she needed to take. "I have to go to the office. There’s a case I need to examine," she replied, fiddling with the end of her necklace—a habit whenever she felt anxious.

Jessica turned, sitting at the vanity, watching Cassandra with curiosity. "Whose case? Don’t tell me it still has something to do with your contract marriage?"

Cassandra nodded slowly, her expression becoming serious. "Yes, it’s all part of the bigger plan. I need to make sure Antonio is really involved in Michael Foster’s murder."

Jessica frowned, clearly familiar with that name. Michael Foster was a well-known businessman found dead under suspicious circumstances a few months ago. The public and media speculated that Foster's death was unnatural, but so far, the police hadn’t found enough evidence to indict anyone.

Jessica rose from her chair and slowly approached. "And you think Antonio has something to do with the murder?"

Cassandra looked at Jessica with sharp, confident eyes. "Yes. I need to be certain. If Antonio is truly involved, it’ll be the key evidence to bring him down. But if not... I might be trapped in an even more complicated situation than I can imagine."

Jessica took a long breath, then briefly touched Cassandra’s shoulder. "Cass, you know I’ll always support you. But you need to be very careful. People like Antonio won’t hesitate to destroy anyone who threatens them. You’re playing with fire, and it’s going to burn you someday."

Cassandra nodded slowly, fully understanding the risks. "I know, Jess. But I don’t have any other choice. It’s the only way to get justice for my family."

Jessica looked at Cassandra with an expression that was hard to interpret, as if she wanted to stop her but knew her friend was too stubborn to change her mind.

"Alright," Jessica finally said, giving in. "But if you ever need help or a place to run, you know where to find me."

Cassandra smiled slightly, feeling a bit more at ease because of Jessica’s support. She knew her journey wouldn’t be easy, but at least she wasn’t alone.

Jessica then asked, "What’s your plan for today?" Cassandra grabbed her bag from the table and quickly tied her hair back. "I’m heading to the office. I have to check on Cale Callaghan’s case. He’s the main suspect in Michael Foster’s case; all these men must have something connecting them."

Putting on her favorite black leather jacket, zipping it halfway up her chest, the morning air felt cool, but it wasn’t enough to calm her mind.

She picked up the shoulder bag lying on the bedroom sofa and double-checked its contents—phone, wallet, and a small notebook filled with information about Antonio and Cale Callaghan. Every crucial detail was written there, ensuring she wouldn’t miss a single clue.

Jessica was still sitting at the vanity, observing Cassandra with a serious yet gentle gaze. Cassandra could feel her friend’s sincerity, even though Jessica tried to hide it behind jokes and a cheerful demeanor.

"Cass, are you sure you don’t want breakfast before you leave?" Jessica asked, leaning back in her chair with her arms folded casually.

Cassandra shook her head slightly, tucking her small necklace inside her jacket. "I’m not hungry. Besides, I want to get to the office before someone starts messing with the important Foster documents."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, clearly understanding that time was everything. She stood up and walked over to Cassandra, her steps slow yet steady, like a lioness ready to pounce on anyone who threatened her friend.

"Just be careful, okay? People in this world can be very sly, especially when you’re close to the truth."

Cassandra gave a faint smile. "That’s already a risk in my job. And I won’t give up just because it’s dangerous."

Jessica shook her head slightly while looking deeply into Cassandra’s eyes, as if wanting to make sure her friend was truly ready for whatever was coming.

"You’re stubborn, Cass. But that’s why I like you."

Cassandra only chuckled softly, then slung her bag over her shoulder. "I have to go. If I find anything important, I’ll call you right away."

Jessica nodded, her expression a bit more relaxed. She knew Cassandra would never do her job half-heartedly, especially with a big case like this.

"Remember, I’m always here. You know where to find me if you need help."

Cassandra headed for the door, but before she turned the knob, she looked back at Jessica once more. "Thank you, Jess. You’re my best friend."

Jessica grinned, reverting to her usual carefree attitude. "Of course. I know I’m your best friend. And I also know I’m gorgeous."

Cassandra chuckled lightly, then opened the door. The morning air felt cold as it greeted her, but she didn’t care. Outside, mystery and danger awaited, but Cassandra felt more prepared than ever. Before Cassandra truly stepped out, Jessica called out in a light tone, "Take care. Don’t get too mixed up with criminals, Cass."

Cassandra looked back and responded with a meaningful smile. "I’ll try." Jessica just gave a small smile, her eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and concern. "See you later, detective."