Selene tried to calm her heart, but the opulence of Caspian's home still loomed large in her mind. The crystal sparkle of the chandelier, the perfect white marble, and the power inherent in Caspian's form were all the life she should have had. But in reality, Cassandra sat in the house as if she were the queen. She looked at Alaric sharply, her frustration growing as they sat in the car and drove away. “Why aren't you doing anything?!” Selene broke the silence, her voice rising. “We got kicked out without a fight! I haven't even had a chance to sit down, let alone enjoy tea in your father's mansion!” Alaric drummed his fingers roughly on the wheel, his face flushed with annoyance. “Didn't you see how angry Daddy was earlier? You're only making things worse with your attitude, Selene!” “Was I wrong?!” Selene shot her a smoldering glare. “Cassandra is nobody! She has no right to be in your father's mansion! I'm your future fiancé, Alaric! I should have a place there, not her!”Alari
The afternoon sky in the back garden of the mansion looked warm, but Cassandra felt cold. Not because of the weather, but because of the fear that always lurked within her. She sat quietly in the wicker chair, watching the flower beds sway gently in the breeze. But her mind was never at rest. Caspian came silently, as always, carrying an aura that could not be ignored. He flopped into the chair next to Cassandra, his long arms resting on the back of the chair.“You look uncomfortable,” he said softly, breaking the silence. Cassandra sighed, trying to find words that wouldn't betray her confusion. “I was just thinking…” she murmured, turning to him with a weaker-than-usual look in her eyes.“Thinking about what?” Caspian leaned forward, showing his interest. “About us, about how my life has changed drastically since I met you,” she wanted to say. But what came out of her mouth was, “People. What they say about me.” Caspian raised his eyebrows, understanding where this was going. “
The night air was bone-chilling, even though the interior of Caspian's car was warm. Cassandra leaned her head against the windowpane, but her mind was never completely at ease. Samuel's name still echoed in her head, bringing back every hurt she'd tried to forget over the years. “Cassandra, you don't look your usual self.” Caspian's voice broke the silence.Cassandra lifted her face slowly, looking up at the man through the dim shadows of the streetlights. The look in Caspian's eyes was thoughtful, but it only made the weight on her chest heavier. Caspian had always been gentle and loving. She was afraid that if Samuel came into their lives, everything would change.“I'm just tired,” she murmured, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes.Caspian took her hand. “You know, I'm not going to force you to talk. But whatever it is, I'm here. For you.”A sting ran through her heart. Cassandra wanted to believe Caspian.How could she explain the truth without risking everything?Especial
-Flashback-Cassandra hugged herself in the middle of the night. She sat in the corner of Samuel's penthouse. Tears streamed down her cheeks, while Samuel's voice continued to echo in her ears.“You have nowhere else to go but me,” the man had said a few hours earlier, after he managed to destroy Cassandra's only contact with her family. “Your family doesn't care about you. Your parents left you forever. Meanwhile, Maxian is busy with his company and his wife. Then the rest of your family chose to be busy with their affairs and left you in solitude.”Cassandra looked up when Samuel cupped her face. She didn't blink as the man's fingers wiped away her tears. “But my uncle still cares about me. He worries about me.”“Shhh…” Samuel shook his head softly with a sharp look in his eyes. His touch turned rough, his sharp nails pressing against Cassandra's soft cheek. “I know all your family, dear. That uncle of yours doesn't really care about you. He only cares about the shares in your compa
Cassandra pulled her woolen coat tightly around her body, her eyes staring out the fog-covered car window. The road leading to Maxian's house felt long, like it was leading her into an invisible trap. The rain began to fall, soaking the glass until it reflected the image of her face, which looked more tired than usual. Maxian's house was in sight, grand yet cold, just like its owner. Cassandra took a deep breath before opening the car door. However, before her feet stepped into the courtyard, a heavy voice she recognized all too well stopped her.“Good afternoon, Cassandra.” The voice made her nape crawl.Samuel stood under an old oak tree in the corner of the courtyard, hands stuffed into the pockets of his black suit. His smile was wide, but there was no warmth there. “What are you doing here?” Cassandra tried to keep her tone calm, though her heartbeat was beginning to race against the clock.“Making sure you're okay. Family is always important, right? Especially with such a big
Cassandra stood on the balcony of Caspian's penthouse, the night breeze rustling her simple black dress. The view of New York shimmered below, a city that never slept, as restless as her mind. But far above it all, there was a strange calmness that she could hardly find anywhere else.Footsteps sounded from behind. Cassandra turned her head, seeing Caspian coming with two glasses of wine in hand. The man looked casual tonight, his white shirt folded up to his elbows, his black hair slightly disheveled by the wind. But despite his simple appearance, his aura remained the same—a power that was hard to hide, a gaze that always made one feel he knew more than he revealed.“Not a terrible view, is it?” he said, handing Cassandra a glass of wine.“Not bad,” Cassandra replied, taking the glass. “But I'm not sure if it's better to see the city from here. I feel so small underneath it.”Caspian laughed softly, a low sound that was almost a whisper. “You were never small, Cassandra. Even when
As dawn began to break, the sunlight sneaking through the curtains awakened Cassandra. She found Caspian sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a shirt that was not fully buttoned. His back was to Cassandra, but she knew he wasn't just enjoying the morning view.“You're up early,” Cassandra said in a husky voice.Caspian turned his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Habit.” Cassandra leaned closer, touching his shoulder gently. But before she could ask further, Caspian said, “I know about your plans, Cassandra.”Cassandra's world seemed to stop. She withdrew her hand slowly, her eyes rounding in alarm. “What plans?” she asked, though she knew the answer was obvious.Caspian turned his head fully, looking at her with sharp yet tender eyes. “You want to trap Samuel, don't you? Destroy him once and for all.”Cassandra fell silent, her hands shaking. “How did you know?”Caspian stood up, staring out the window for a moment before looking back at her. “Samuel is a dangerous man, C
The night sky in the city glitters, but nothing is more luxurious than the ballroom where the business gala takes place. Crystal chandeliers reflecting a soft glow hang low, intimidating and alluring all at once.Classical music plays, providing a backdrop for the chatter of socialites and businessmen busy showing off their power and wealth. However, amidst the elegance beneath the surface glitter, a game was afoot.Caspian stood tall in the crowd, his black suit impeccable, like the armor of a modern knight. However, it was not his appearance that stole the show; it was the intense aura that emanated from him. His gaze flashed like a sword ready to slash.In the corner of the room, Melvin, in his matching security uniform, was scanning every corner with the precision of a hunter. He wore a small earphone in his right ear, connected to a hidden microphone attached to his collar button.“The target is already inside. Samuel brought three bodyguards.” Melvin's voice sounded low, yet fir
A light drizzle coated the streets, soaking the asphalt as cars rushed by, their headlights reflecting against the wet pavement in a dance of flickering light.Beneath the glow of an electronic billboard broadcasting her latest scandal, Selene stood motionless, her body weak, her eyes swollen from the storm she had endured.Her phone screen remained open in her trembling hands, displaying the medical diagnosis that had shattered her world.Her entire body shook, not just from the cold rain, but from the relentless downfall of her life.Alaric had already destroyed her dignity. Now, her own body was betraying her, as if it wanted to surrender before she could even fight back.Selene slowly lifted her gaze, staring up at the massive billboard replaying footage of her disgrace.Her throat tightened as memories of that night in the Maldives flooded back. The night she was too drunk to think, the night she still believed she had control over Alaric’s life.And now, that night had returned
A glass flew through the air before shattering against the marble floor with an ear-splitting crash. Water spilled between the jagged shards, but Selene didn’t care.Her eyes were glued to the television screen, her face flushed with rage boiling inside her.There she was again—plastered all over the media. But not as the elegant, high-class socialite she once was.The news dominating every outlet was nothing short of a nightmare.“The marital turmoil of Alaric Verity and Selene reaches new heights! The public now brands them as the most scandalous couple after a string of controversies.”One by one, their past sins were dragged back into the light, old wounds ripped open for the world to see."Selene’s affair in the Maldives.""Alaric’s rape and attempted murder charges that landed him in prison.""Their sham of a marriage, built on lies and deceit.""And now, Alaric’s latest scandal—cheating with an escort."Selene clenched her jaw so hard it ached. How she wished she could burn the
The night sky hung dark and heavy as Alaric strolled into his house, his steps casual, his grip firm on the wrist of a woman he had just met at the bar. The woman looked pleased, as if she had successfully trapped her prey.“I thought you were lying when you said you were a CEO with a big house,” she teased, her sultry voice dripping with false admiration as her eyes swept over the luxurious interior. “Turns out, you really are an impressive man.”Alaric smirked arrogantly, his ego swelling at the cheap flattery.“Of course, I am.”The woman bit her lower lip seductively, pretending to hesitate. “But are you sure? A man like you must already have a wife.”Alaric chuckled dismissively, as if the question was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.“You don’t need to worry about my wife,” he said nonchalantly. “Our marriage is just on paper. The only thing you need to focus on is satisfying me. My personal life is none of your concern.”To Alaric, Selene was never a wife—just a key to
The air inside the room felt cold, but not because of the temperature. Cassandra stood in front of the large window, gazing at the dark, starless sky. Her hand gently caressed her growing belly. This should have been the only thing on her mind.But it wasn’t.Her thoughts drifted back to Caspian. She remembered the grim look on his face, the way his jaw clenched to suppress his anger, and the tension in his shoulders as he bore the weight of it all alone. Cassandra couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.Caspian wasn’t the type to back down easily, yet this time, he chose silence.As his wife, there was no way she could accept that. Selene and Alaric had to pay.Caspian had warned her not to interfere. She knew he was worried, and she should’ve listened. But how could she sit idly by while the people who looked down on her husband laughed in victory?Just this once, she wouldn’t obey him. Besides, she had someone on her side.A few days ago, the sky was overcast. A light drizzle patter
Caspian sat upright in his seat, his left hand gripping the steering wheel tightly while his sharp gaze remained fixed on Alaric, who sat beside him. The air inside the car felt heavy, thick with unspoken tension hanging between them.For the countless times, Caspian felt nothing but disappointment. Alaric, it seemed, was no different from his late mother—always wanting more.“Fine.” Caspian's voice was flat, nearly devoid of emotion, yet carried an undeniable authority. “I'll buy you a house and give you a higher position in the company.”Alaric’s smug expression softened slightly.“But as for company shares, you'll get them later—after I'm dead. That will be your inheritance. Is that enough for you?” Caspian continued, his tone icy cold.A small smirk crept onto Alaric’s lips, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. He couldn’t demand more for now, but that was fine. He could wait. The house and the promotion were more than enough to cement his standing in the company without having to
Alaric had just opened his car door when his attention was drawn to a familiar figure.Across the parking lot, Caspian was getting into his car, starting the engine, and driving away.Alaric narrowed his eyes. Since when did Caspian start coming home early?His father was never the type to come home often. Even when his mother was alive, the house was filled with nothing but arguments. They never looked like a happy couple.But now, Caspian was coming home earlier. He looked different. He looked happy.Alaric clenched his fists.Does Caspian actually love Cassandra?He got into his car, but his thoughts kept spiraling. Even as he drove toward his apartment, that question continued to haunt him.Then, his mind drifted back to the conversation he had overheard the other day. Even though Damian had denied it, brushing it off as a misunderstanding, something still felt… off.Was all of this really just a coincidence?Alaric gritted his teeth. Caspian wasn’t the type of man to act on impul
Selene still refused to give up, no matter how many times Alaric had told her to stop.She didn’t care.The burning jealousy inside her had reached its limit. She was sick of watching Cassandra always stay one step ahead.Selene still couldn’t accept the fact that Cassandra now lived in the house she had always dreamed of.The house that should have been hers.Today, she returned to Caspian’s house. This time, she made sure to come when Caspian wasn’t home.“Stop in front of that house,” she instructed the taxi driver.The car slowed and finally stopped before a grand mansion, its elegant design and meticulously kept garden exuding an air of superiority.Selene stepped out gracefully, tossing the fare to the driver without bothering to wait for change. As the taxi drove away, she lifted her chin, her gaze locking onto the security guard stationed at the front gate.She narrowed her eyes.That guard wasn’t here the last time she visited.So Caspian had anticipated that she would come b
“Who was at the door?”Cassandra stepped into the living room, her hair still slightly damp, carrying the fresh scent of soap after her shower. Her eyes scanned the room, but all she found was Caspian standing casually near the sofa.“Alaric and Selene,” Caspian replied flatly, his tone void of interest. “But they're gone now.”Cassandra frowned. Why did they suddenly show up? However, before she could ask further, Caspian had already pulled her into his arms.He lowered his head, inhaling the lingering fragrance of soap on Cassandra’s skin. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, savoring her scent as if she were an addiction, he could never escape.“Why did you finish your shower so quickly?” Caspian murmured, his voice deep and slightly hoarse. “I was planning to join you.”He buried his face in the curve of her neck, his lips brushing against her soft skin, leaving a trail of warmth that sent shivers down Cassandra’s spine. But before the moment could escalate, something suddenly cr
Alaric sat in the metal chair, his cuffed hands resting on the cold surface of the interrogation table. His jaw clenched as he glared at Selene, who sat across from him with her legs elegantly crossed, her eyes gleaming with triumph.“Get me out of here first, and we’ll get married next month.”Selene let out a quiet chuckle, her gaze sharp with calculation. “Next month?” She shook her head slowly, leaning back in her chair. “No, darling. That’s too long.”Her piercing eyes locked onto his.“If you want to walk free now, then we’re getting married presently.”Alaric’s fists clenched. This woman was insane.“Do you think marriage is as simple as flipping a switch?!” He shot her a sharp glare, barely able to process the absurdity of what she was saying.But Selene remained composed. She leaned in slightly, the corners of her lips curling into a sly smile. “We don’t need a grand wedding, Alaric. The only thing that matters is making it legal. It’s far too late to dream about a lavish cer