Twenty Eight

CHAPTER 28

Cassandra stepped into her favorite boutique, a small yet elegant shop tucked away in the corner of the city. It was her go-to spot for finding something both chic and understated, the kind of outfit that allowed her to blend in while still feeling like herself. She quickly scanned the racks, pulling out a simple yet stylish navy dress that hugged her figure without being overly formal. The shop attendant recognized her instantly, offering a warm smile and showing her to the fitting room.

Moments later, Cassandra emerged in the dress, her hair tied back in a loose bun. She caught her reflection in the shop’s mirror and allowed herself a rare moment of satisfaction. The dress was perfect—not too much, not too little. She paid for it and left the shop feeling more prepared to face the night ahead.

At exactly eight o’clock, Cassandra arrived at the concert venue. The energy was electric, the crowd already buzzing with anticipation for Maroon 5. As she made her way through the throng of people, she spotted Alexander waiting by the entrance, holding a single red rose.

“Seriously?” Cassandra said, her lips curling into a grin as she approached him. “You don’t think this is a date, do you?”

Alexander laughed, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. “It’s just a gesture,” he replied, handing her the flower. “Can’t a guy give his friend a rose?”

Cassandra chuckled, shaking her head as she took the rose. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously charming,” Alexander shot back with a wink, and Cassandra rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t suppress her smile.

Once inside, the two of them found their seats as the lights dimmed and the opening chords of the first song filled the arena. For the next two hours, the worries and stress that had weighed on Cassandra melted away. She sang along to her favorite tracks, her voice mingling with Alexander’s as they lost themselves in the music.

The concert ended with a soaring encore that left the crowd cheering long after the final note had been played. As the audience began to disperse, Cassandra wrapped her arms around herself against the cool night air. Alexander noticed and immediately shrugged off his jacket, draping it over her shoulders without a word.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to slow. Alexander’s expression softened, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something, but the words never came. Cassandra cleared her throat awkwardly, breaking the spell.

“Thanks,” she said quickly, adjusting the jacket around her. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Alexander shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. “What are friends for?”

Cassandra forced a laugh, but something about the moment lingered. She could see the hint of something deeper in Alexander’s eyes, something he wasn’t saying, but she wasn’t ready to acknowledge it—not now.

As they walked back toward the parking lot, Alexander glanced at her. “I brought my car. Let me drive you home.”

Cassandra hesitated, glancing at her phone. The last thing she needed was Alexander knowing where she really lived—or worse, encountering Antonio. She shook her head lightly. “Thanks, but I can manage. I’ll grab a cab.”

Alexander frowned slightly but didn’t push further. “Alright,” he said. “Just… let me know when you’re home safe, okay?”

Cassandra nodded, watching as Alexander walked to his car and drove away. She sighed, pulling the jacket tighter around her. For a moment, she allowed herself to feel the warmth of Alexander’s gesture, a reminder that not everything in her life was shadowed by lies and danger.

But that moment was short-lived. Just as she turned to hail a cab, a hand gripped her shoulder, firm and unexpected. Cassandra’s heart leapt into her throat as she spun around, her body tensing.

****

Cassandra sat in the taxi, her heart still pounding from the startling encounter earlier. Relief slowly settled over her as she realized who was sitting beside her: Jessica, her ever-cheerful best friend. Cassandra had not expected to run into Jessica, let alone discover that her friend had also just finished attending the same concert.

“You never change, Cass,” Jessica teased, adjusting her hair. “I just finished the concert with Brian, and I thought this was already the best night ever—but look who I ran into. You! We need to have drinks at my apartment. Driver, to First Apartment, please.”

Cassandra frowned, unease creeping into her thoughts. Antonio was surely waiting for her at home, and she couldn’t just disappear without a word. “Jess, I really need to go home. I—”

“Oh, relax,” Jessica interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. “You can let whoever’s waiting for you know through your phone. Don’t stress, okay? Tonight, I’m not taking no for an answer. You need to unwind.”

Cassandra wanted to protest, but Jessica’s gentle voice and reassuring smile made her relent. She pulled out her phone, her fingers quickly typing a message to Antonio. "I’ll be home tomorrow morning. My parents still want me to stay. Don’t worry." After sending it, she exhaled deeply, trying to calm the tension in her chest.

When they arrived at First Apartment, Jessica eagerly stepped out of the taxi, tugging Cassandra along with her. Cassandra hesitated but followed her friend’s lead. Jessica’s apartment was always inviting, with modern decor that perfectly reflected her bold and lively personality. Once the door closed behind them, Jessica turned toward Cassandra, hands on her hips.

“Alright,” she said, her gaze serious but still warm. “Now spill everything. From top to bottom. A contract marriage? Are you serious, Cass? I need an explanation. And how, exactly, are you the wife of Antonio Franches, yet going to a concert with your… handsome friend, Alexander, hmm?”

Cassandra sighed internally, knowing Jessica wouldn’t let her off the hook without a full explanation. She sank into the sofa, taking a deep breath, and began cautiously. “Jess, it’s… complicated.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. “I have time, Cass. Start from the beginning. And don’t even think about sugarcoating it.”

Cassandra gazed at her best friend, considering how much she could safely reveal. On one hand, Jessica was someone she could always trust. But on the other, sharing too much could put Jessica in danger. She had to choose her words very carefully.

“Alright,” she said at last, her voice barely above a whisper. “But, Jess, this isn’t something light. You have to promise not to tell anyone.”

Jessica nodded quickly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “You know I’m always on your side, Cass. Whatever it is, I’m here for you.”

Cassandra could only hope that confiding a small part of her burden to Jessica wouldn’t complicate an already dangerous situation.