Cassandra sat silently on the sofa. Her cell phone lying on her lap vibrated constantly. Maxian's name flashed on the screen for the umpteenth time. The calls were a symbol of worry that turned into urgency. Dozens of incoming messages filled the screen, demanding answers.But Cassandra couldn't answer. There was a thick wall inside her that prevented her from facing her brother's voice.Sitting nearby, Caspian looked on attentively. He didn't say a word, but his gaze was enough to make Cassandra feel read. When the phone vibrated again, Caspian finally spoke up.“If you would rather not talk to him, I can represent you.” His voice was soft yet firm, a tone that carried a sense of security. “Maxian won't stop until he knows you're okay. If I do the talking, he knows you're safe.”Cassandra turned her head slowly, then shook her head. “No, no, no. He'll be more upset if you pick up.” Her eyes avoided Caspian's gaze. “Trust me, this won't make the situation any better.”Caspian took a d
The New York afternoon sky faded into orange. An autumn breeze slipped through the gap in Maxian's balcony, sweeping the dry leaves that littered the floor. Maxian stood leaning against the railing, trying to form words for the man standing a few steps behind him.“Drinks?” Maxian offered as he raised the whiskey glass in his hand.Caspian shook his head, shoving both hands into his black coat pockets. “I'd rather focus on our conversation.”Maxian snorted, taking a sip of his drink before setting the glass on the railing. He turned around, giving Caspian a sharp look. “I just found out that Cassandra is already close to you. Are you serious about marrying my sister?”Caspian didn't answer right away. He walked closer to Maxian, his gaze much colder than the surrounding air. “I thought we would discuss Samuel first before talking about marriage.”Maxian frowned, his forehead furrowed. “Samuel?”“A man like you must know Samuel's behavior,” Caspian replied, his tone almost sounding lik
Cassandra escorted Caspian to the terrace of the house. The autumn air was chilly, but the warmth of Caspian's hand made it difficult to let go.“If you encounter any problems, don't hesitate to contact me,” Caspian said, his voice low but firm, as always.“I know,” Cassandra replied, half-smiling. “Now go home and rest. You must have an important schedule tomorrow morning.”Caspian stared at her for a while longer, as if he wanted to plant something in her mind. Finally, he kissed Cassandra on the forehead, a gesture that was more than just a farewell.“Good night, Cassandra. Have sweet dreams.”He waved goodbye before stepping into his car. The engine started, and Cassandra watched the car pull away until it disappeared around the corner. As the silence took over, she took a deep breath and headed back into the house.However, her steps stopped in the living room. Maxian sat on the sofa, arms folded, with a sharp, piercing stare.“He left already?” he asked matter-of-factly.“Yes,”
Selene stood in front of the large gold-framed mirror, wearing the white dress that the designer had just finished making. The smooth satin that hugged her body glistened in the light of the crystal chandelier, while the intricate lace along the dress added a touch of near-perfect grace. She moved her body slowly, letting the fabric flow softly on the floor, as if the dress knew exactly whom to serve.Her gaze did not leave her reflection in the mirror. “It's beautiful,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. Not from amazement at the beauty of the dress, but from the deep satisfaction that ran through her heart.Selene tilted her head, touched her slender neck, and smiled. But that smile was not just a reflection of happiness—it was triumph.“Imagine Cassandra's face when she sees me in this dress,” she murmured softly, her eyes flashing slyly. She held back the laughter that nearly slipped from her lips but allowed the small grin to remain. This dress is a symbol of victory. Selen
Alaric and Selene's engagement party was grand. Glittering crystal chandeliers reflected light onto the marble walls. Fresh white and pink flowers adorned every corner. Champagne glasses clinked softly, and classical music played softly in the background. Guests clad in expensive gowns and suits gathered in small groups as they chatted casually. However, among their polite smiles, there was a much more interesting conversation.“She is beautiful,” whispered a middle-aged woman as she glanced at Selene from behind her silk fan. “But what was Alaric thinking? Leaving Cassandra for someone like that?”“Selene is like a plastic flower,” chimed in the governor's wife in her glamorous makeup. Her appraising gaze scrutinized Selene from top to toe. “Nice from afar, but empty. Look at Cassandra Winter. Her background, education, and work as a designer are much classier.”On the other side of the ballroom, Selene stood confidently. A luxurious white satin gown wrapped her body perfectly. The
The dance session was over. The music turned soft, making room for the small talk that filled the grand hall. Caspian stood confidently, surrounded by several business colleagues who had attended Alaric's engagement party. “Congratulations on your son's engagement, Caspian,” said an elderly man with silver hair that dominated his head. His voice was heavy yet friendly, his hand extended steadily towards Caspian and Cassandra. “You are not only good at business, but also know how to choose the perfect companion.”Cassandra smiled slightly. The compliment was like an empty cloud in her ears, passing by without a trace. She simply stood silently by Caspian's side, listening to their conversation and watching how her future husband responded to each comment with his authority. When the old man finally left, Cassandra sighed softly, as if she had just stepped out of an unfamiliar circle of attention.However, just as she was breathing a sigh of relief, another man approached with a young
Alaric and Selene's engagement party was over. The enormous lights were slowly extinguished, leaving shadows that enveloped the grand hall. The guests had gone home, including Caspian and Cassandra, who left the place without saying much.Caspian glanced at his watch and noticed that the short hands were nearly at 12. This should have been the time to take Cassandra home. However, the wheels of his car continued to drive straight, not towards Cassandra's house, as usual.“This isn't the way to my house,” Cassandra said, glancing at the road they were on. They should have turned left earlier.Caspian just smiled faintly through the rearview mirror, a smile that made Cassandra sigh inwardly.She decided not to protest. Staying at Caspian's house was no big deal; after all, they were getting married soon. She was sure Maxian would explode tomorrow.“Uncle Damian and Retta...” muttered Cassandra suddenly, breaking the silence. “When did they get married?”“A year ago, when you were still
Caspian opened his eyes, the soft light of the morning sun touching his face. The morning air brought a familiar silence to his luxurious home. He sighed softly, feeling a moment of peace before getting out of bed.As was his routine every morning, he headed for the kitchen. There were many maids in the mansion, but he preferred to prepare breakfast personally.The coffee machine started buzzing, its distinctive aroma filling the kitchen. He carefully sliced the avocado and arranged the whole wheat bread, boiled eggs, and fruits on a plate. Everything seemed perfect to him.But his mind drifted to the future where his child with Cassandra would be present. The sound of children's laughter, the sweet smell of baby powder, and Cassandra's warm smile would fill the void in his home. Caspian smiled to himself as his fingers continued to move with a small hum.Slow steps on the stairs interrupted his focus.“Uncle Caspian, good morning.” Cassandra's soft voice sounded melodious, pouring wa
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