Chapter Sixteen: Married?

The figure walked quietly to the dining area, giving Cassandra the chance to cover up. "It's the boss," Mr. Gad whispered, causing her to shiver in fear.

She had looked forward to meeting him, but mentally scolded herself for meeting him in such circumstances. "Well, it's nothing big," she assured herself, "just a couple making out. Everyone has feelings, including the boss."

"Don't keep me waiting," his voice said from the dining area.

Quickly, Mr. Gad pulled her by the hand to go meet him. He looked at both of them critically, then gave a mischievous smile. "Aren't you both so cute. Love...hmmm. Sit," he commanded.

They sat quietly, Cassandra's heart racing with anxiety. She then studied his face, and suddenly, it clicked - she had seen him before. Yes, at Jim's workplace. Her eyes widened in horror as she remembered their altercation and how she had spoken to him disrespectfully. Oh no, she thought, her mind racing with the implications.

"Anything to say, Manager Gad?" he asked, his voice firm but with a hint of amusement.

"Uhhm, sir... Mr. Gad stammered, his eyes darting nervously between Claus and Cassandra.

"This is Cassandra, the new..." Mr. Gad began, but Claus interrupted him.

"No need for that, Claus said, his eyes fixed on Cassandra. "We've met, haven't we?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Cassandra felt her face grow hot with shame and embarrassment. She bowed her head low, unable to meet Claus's gaze.

"And I must say, in not so favorable circumstances," Claus added.

Cassandra remained quiet, her mind racing with thoughts of how Claus had ruined her job interview and how this job was now at stake. Her eyes began to well up with tears, and she struggled to hold them back.

"How long has this been going on?" Claus asked, his eyes narrowing at both Mr. Gad and Cassandra.

Both of them remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

"How long has this been going on?" Claus asked again, this time his voice stern.

Mr. Gad shifted uncomfortably in his seat before responding, "For a few weeks now. Nothing serious, just spending time together and..."

" And making out, right?"

Claus's expression turned cold. "You know, I shouldn't take this personally. Both of you are adults, after all. But I would, because Cassandra, right here, cheated on her fiancé on her wedding eve, got left at the altar, and now preys on married men."

Cassandra's face turned bright red with shame and humiliation. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

"Married?" she asked in confusion, turning to Mr. Gad for clarity. But he was silent, his eyes avoiding hers.

Then, the truth hit her. It was true. Mr. Gad was married. And he had only wanted to play her, to use her for his own pleasure, while he had a wife waiting at home.

Cassandra felt a wave of shame and anger wash over her. She silently let her tears flow, her body shaking with sobs. She couldn't believe she had been so blind, so foolish. She had let her desire for love and connection cloud her judgment, and now she was paying the price.

As she wept, Claus's voice cut through the silence, his words dripping with disdain. "You're a real piece of work, aren't you, Cassandra? Using your charms to seduce married men. You're a homewrecker, a manipulator. You're not even sorry, are you?"

Cassandra sprinted to her bedroom, locking herself inside. Her body shook with uncontrollable sobs as anguish overwhelmed her. How could her heart be shattered twice? First, abandonment at the altar, now deceitful love.

"Why me?" she wailed, her voice muffled by tears. "What have I done to deserve this?"

Meanwhile, Mr. Gad frantically begged Claus, "Please, don't tell Claire. She'll destroy me."

Claus smirked. "She deserves to know. You betrayed her trust."

He dialed Claire's number.

"Hey, working late today?" Claire asked, oblivious.

"Not exactly," Claus replied, his tone icy. "I'm at an employee's apartment. Your husband's here, wrapped in someone else's arms."

Claire's voice rose in shock, but Claus hung up, silencing her protests.

Cassandra, still weeping in her room, didn't hear the phone call, but she knew her life was about to unravel further.

Mr. Gad stood frozen, eyes pleading for mercy. Claus dismissed him with a wave. "You're fired. Collect your termination letter tomorrow."

As Mr. Gad slunk away, Claus instructed, "Lock the door behind you."

Pausing by Cassandra's bedroom door, Claus listened to her muffled sobs. His expression softened slightly, intrigued by her vulnerability.

He continued to the other bedroom, sinking onto the bed, lost in thought. Why did Cassandra, once heartbroken, leap into another reckless relationship? Didn't she deserve better?

Claus shook his head. "She's a complicated one."

His mind wandered back to the events that led him to Cassandra's apartment. The explosive fight with Tyla still lingered, her refusal to leave echoing in his mind. With his other residences too far from work, he opted for the apartment's convenience, especially with pressing matters at Clear View.

Mr Gad was unreachable so he decided to find his way. The spare key from the office granted him access. Upon arrival What he saw made him pause,his new employee, entwined with Mr. Gad. Claus's expression remained stoic, but internally, turmoil brewed. Realizing his new employee was Cassandra made it worst.

As Cassandra's sobs periodically pierced the silence, Claus collected his thoughts. His mental balance shifted between disgust and disappointment. Before retiring for the night, a resolution solidified within him: Cassandra must be punished.