LOGINShare
Chapter One
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Cass walked out of Marcus's office with her head high after signing the contract but her steps failed her immediately she stepped out. What just happened?
She banged her head on her table, How could she easily sign away three years of her life to Marcus no less?
Cass knew Marcus was going to take advantage of that contract and it was too late to back out.
She smacked herself on the face to be sure
She knew her sister Scarlet would ask questions not to mention her best friend in the world Amanda.
How was she going to explain to them that she was in a relationship and getting married when her ex-boyfriend Jake just broke up with her four months ago?
How did she get here? She shouldn't have gone on that trip to France three years ago.
FLASHBACK TO THREE YEARS AGO
Cass let out a deep sigh of relief as she closed her laptop. The bar exams were finally over. She had spent the last few months studying tirelessly for this moment.
As she walked out of the exam room, she felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was ecstatic that the hard work had paid off and she was now one step closer to becoming a lawyer. On the other hand, she was exhausted and needed a break.
As she walked through the bustling city streets, Cass's mind wandered to her upcoming vacation to France with her friend Amanda.
They had been planning this trip for months, and it was the perfect opportunity for Cass to take a break from her hectic life and celebrate her success. She couldn't wait to explore the country, try the food, and take in all the sights.
When she arrived at the café where she was meeting Amanda, she could see her friend waving excitedly from a table near the window.
Amanda had been Cass's rock throughout the grueling bar exam process, always offering words of encouragement, support and also taking care of Cass's sister Scarlet. Cass knew she wouldn't have made it this far without Amanda by her side.
"Congratulations, Cass!" Amanda exclaimed as Cass took a seat across from her. "I knew you would crush those exams."
"Thanks, Amanda," Cass replied with a grin. "I couldn't have done it without you. And speaking of which, I'm so glad we're going to France together. I need a break, this lady right here is tired."
"I'm so excited for this trip," Amanda said giggling "France is one of my favorite places to visit"
Cass smiled. "This is actually my first time leaving the country and I'm counting on you to show me all the best spots."
"Absolutely," Amanda replied. "We're going to have so much fun. I've already made a list of all the places we have to visit. The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the list goes on and on."W
Cass's eyes widened with excitement. "All of those sound amazing. And of course, we have to try all the food. I can't wait to have a croissant from a real French bakery."
Amanda laughed. "Trust me, the food is one of the best parts. We're going to eat so much cheese and bread, we won't even know what to do with ourselves."
Cass smiled, feeling grateful "I can't thank you enough for inviting me on this trip, Amanda. I never would have been able to afford something like this on my own."
"Hey, what are friends for?" Amanda replied with a warm smile. "I know you've been working so hard, and you deserve a break. Plus, it's always more fun to travel with someone else and who knows, maybe this trip will inspire you to get out often."
Cass laughed. "Let's focus on getting through this one first."
They spent the rest of their lunch catching up and making plans for their trip, both excited for the adventures to come. As they walked out of the cafe they were oblivious to someone staring at them maliciously.
Stacey wondered what those two idiots were giggling and yapping about. She hated that goody two shoes Cass with all her heart.
She saw Cass stand up to leave with her friend
"Girls let's play" She said to Liz and Riley who had been standing behind her
Stacey bumped into Cass "Watch your steps fool" Stacey said
Cass sighed, Stacey Richards was at it again, She had made it her life goal to ridicule Cass all year and had gone as far as spreading nasty rumors about Cass to make people hate her but it didn't work.
"Stacey don't you have better things to do? You aren't a kid you know. Bullying doesn't look good on you, i think you need another hobby really" Cass said casually making sure her voice was heard by every one in the Cafe.
Cass usually ignored Stacey but the stress of her exams and the annoyance she felt about her mood being ruined caused her to lash out.
Stacey looked around and was embarrassed to see that she was the center of attention, her father must not hear about this or she would get a earful.
"This is not the end of this Cass" Stacey whispered to Cass "I am so sorry for teasing you Cass, i had no idea you were in a bad mood" Stacey said aloud and left
"I don't know why she keeps picking on you and it's great you stood up for yourself today" Amanda said smiling
"I just got tired i guess, I didn't want to get in trouble but now that i am done i have no reason to hold back" Cass said with a satisfied grn
She had finally stood up for herself and she felt proud. Stacey's father was a prominent judge so it was wise to avoid her seeing as she wanted to be a famous lawyer herself.
"I have to leave, I have a date" Amanda said sheepishly
Cass said her goodbyes and left immediately
Related chapters
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Two
Cass stepped through the front door of her house, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She was eager to celebrate her achievement and relax before diving into her career. As she kicked off her shoes, she could hear faint footsteps. She immediately took the decorative vase at the entrance ready to pounce on whoever it was. Suddenly she heard the faint sound of music playing and laughter echoing through the house. "Scar?" Cass called out, recognizing the lively energy that could only belong to her younger sister. The sound of footsteps came rushing down the stairs, and a moment later, Scarlet appeared in the hallway with a wide grin on her face. Scarlet was the polar opposite of Cass; bubbly, spontaneous, and always looking for the next adventure. "Cass!" Scarlet exclaimed, throwing her arms around her sister. "I missed you so much! How did the exams go?" She said excitedly "Why are you holding unto the vase?" "I thought it was a thief" Cass said laughing awkwardly. The truth w
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Three
Cass, Scarlet, and Amanda stepped out of their lobby, their plans for the day still up in the air. They had enjoyed their holiday in France and were sad it was coming to an end. As they settled into their hotel and freshened up, the three friends gathered "So, ladies, what's on the agenda?" Cass asked a mischievous glint in her eye. Scarlet laughed, her excitement contagious. "Let's start with a tour of the city! I want to see the Eiffel Tower up close and personal." Amanda chimed in, "Sounds like a plan! And we are going clubbing today" Cass nodded, her enthusiasm matching theirs. "Absolutely!" With their plans set, the trio set off into the bustling streets of Paris. They strolled along the Seine River, marveling at the stunning architecture and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The Eiffel Tower stood tall in the distance, its majestic presence captivating them. "Wow," Scarlet whispered, her eyes widening with awe. "It's even more incredible up close. I can't believe we're act
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Four
As soon as they got into the room Marcus had his lips on Cass, They kissed passionately as Marcus pushed her back into the closed door. Marcus paused and asked, "Are you drunk?" "No" Cass replied "Do you know who you are with?" Marcus asked again "Yes, I am with Marcus" Cass replied "Do you have a boyfriend?" Marcus asked putting his lips close to her ears "No" Cass replied moaning "Good" Marcus had to be sure she wasn't drunk, The last thing he wanted was to take advantage of a drunk lady. Without hesitation, his lips met Cass's in a passionate kiss. Cass felt the world fade away as she surrendered to the intensity of the moment. Marcus had his arm wrapped around her waist and his other arm around her neck to pull her closer. Cass felt Marcus pull off her dress and lift her up as he carried her to the bed pushing everything out of the way without breaking his kiss. Cass saw the beautiful angel wings tattoo on his chest and kissed it. She looked up to see his eyes closed wi
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Five
Three weeks had passed since Cass returned from her unforgettable vacation in France, and the memories of that passionate night with Marcus continued to haunt her. Despite their connection, she hadn't heard from him, and doubts began to creep into her mind. Was she overthinking that night? Did it hold the same significance for him as it did for her? Cass sat at her desk in her cozy New York apartment, staring out the window at the bustling city below. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her face. She absentmindedly twirled a lock of her hair, lost in her thoughts. "Why hasn't he called?" she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. She couldn't help but wonder if Marcus had simply moved on, leaving their encounter as a mere memory. Doubt began to overshadow the once vibrant memory of their passionate night together. Lost in her thoughts, Cass noticed the pile of mail on her desk. Among the mundane bills and adv
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Six
Cass sat in her spacious office, surrounded by stacks of legal documents and case files. The hum of success resonated through the room as she reflected on the remarkable journey her career had taken. She had become a force to be reckoned with, a rising star in the legal world. In her hands, she held a folder containing the latest case she had won. It was a lawsuit against an estate management that had tried to cheat people out of their hard-earned money. A sense of satisfaction washed over her as she admired the plaque on her desk, which recognized her exceptional achievements as a lawyer. Cass had worked tirelessly to reach this point, and now she was on the cusp of becoming a junior partner at the law firm as she had always dreamt of. Just as she was reveling in her triumph, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the screen not recognizing the number that appeared. "Hello?" "Who is this?" Cass asked "Good day Cass, It's Mrs. Anderson" Mrs. Anderson was the lon
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Seven
Cass sat in her boss's office, a mix of determination and frustration etched on her face. She had spent countless hours preparing for this meeting, gathering evidence, and crafting a persuasive argument as to why the prestigious law firm should take on Mrs. Anderson's case. It was a matter of justice, of righting a wrong that had devastating consequences for an innocent child. Mr. Peterson, the stern and formidable head of the firm, leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Cass. His expression was guarded, betraying no hint of sympathy. "Cassandra, I understand your passion for this case, but we've already made our decision. We won't be taking it on." Cass took a deep breath, summoning all her courage. She had prepared for this moment, and she wouldn't back down easily. "Mr. Peterson, I urge you to reconsider. The evidence is compelling, and Mrs. Anderson's child has suffered tremendously due to the negligence of the pharmacy company. We have an opportunity to make a differenc
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Eight
Cass slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttering open to the sterile white walls of the hospital room. The rhythmic beeping of the machines echoed in her ears as she tried to make sense of what had happened. The events leading up to her current state slowly flooded back into her mind. She remembered waiting at the park, eager to meet the nurse who held a vital piece of information about Mrs. Anderson's case. Before their meeting could take place, chaos erupted as the nurse was struck by a hit-and-run driver. In the commotion, Cass was also attacked, stabbed by an unknown assailant. The pain from her wound still throbbed, a reminder of the danger she had faced. As Cass glanced around the hospital room, she noticed her sister, Scarlet, sitting by her bedside, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Relief washed over her as she realized she was not alone in this ordeal. "Scar," Cass croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What happened? How did I end up here?" Scarlet's e
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Nine
Cass sat in the dimly lit corner of the cafe, nervously tapping her fingers on the table. Her heart raced with anticipation as she waited for the ex-employee Jake had found, hoping that he would provide the missing pieces to the pharmaceutical case they had been tirelessly pursuing. As the minutes ticked by, Cass glanced anxiously at the entrance. Finally, a man in a worn-out suit walked in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Cass. He made his way over, his face etched with a mixture of weariness and suspicion. "Are you Cass?" he asked, his voice low and cautious. Cass nodded, her eyes locked on his. "Yes, I am. You must be the ex-employee Jake mentioned." The man nodded and slid into the seat opposite her, his gaze darting around the cafe. "Listen, we don't have much time. The information I have is crucial, but it's dangerous for both of us to be seen together." Cass's anticipation grew, her mind buzzing with questions. "What do you have for me? We've been hitting
Latest chapter
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Fourty-Three
Her belly? What was he talking about? Marcus exchanged a quick, puzzled look with Cass before making his way to the living room. As he entered, he was met with an unexpected sight. Amber, his ex-girlfriend, sat on the sofa, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Amber!!! What are you doing here?" He asked with a calmness that betrayed the surprise and shock he felt She stood up gracefully, revealing a bag she had used to cover her belly. The shock on Marcus's face was palpable as he saw her visibly pregnant. Cass, standing behind Marcus, felt a mixture of surprise and discomfort. "Marcus, darling, it's been a while," Amber greeted, her tone dripping with a calculated sweetness "What are you doing here, Amber?" Marcus asked again, struggling to conceal his astonishment. Amber's smile widened as she surveyed Marcus and then turned her gaze to Cass. "I couldn't believe you'd move on so quickly, let alone get married just two months after our breakup." Marcus frowned, his mind racing to
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Fourty-Two
Marcus clenched his jaw as the chauffeur brought the sleek black car to a halt in front of Judge Richards's imposing two-story home. The anger coursed through him like molten lava, threatening to spill over at any moment.Cass glanced at him, her eyes wide with confusion and curiosity, Where are we? What is going on? were the thoughts that passed through her mind.All she wanted to do today was read a book and lounge in the house in preparation for work tomorrow but Marcus had barged in and asked her to get dressed without any explanation as to their destination."Where are we?" She asked but Marcus didn't have the patience to explain."Come on," he growled, practically dragging her out of the vehicle. His long strides carried them quickly up the cobblestone path as Cass struggled to match his steps, past immaculately trimmed hedges and fragrant rose bushes.The heavy oak doors swung open, revealing the anxious face of Judge Richards, whose grey eyes darted between Marcus and Cass lik
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Fourty-One
Cass groaned, stretched, and cracked her neck. She looked at the clock it was 9 p.m already!!! She had been working for seven hours and the only break she had was when Marcus had brought her a snack board because of her grumbling tummy.She looked at Marcus, he was still hard at work. The crooked way his glasses sat on his face made him look like a sexy librarian, Cass giggled.As if sensing her gaze on him, Cass saw Marcus smile"Take a picture, it would last longer" Marcus smirkedCass rolled her eyes "I was only wondering if it would be polite for me to leave before my Boss" Cass replied sarcastically"Your 'Boss' will be done in five minutes and we can leave together" Marcus said "Five minutes, huh?" Cass teased, leaning on the edge of Marcus's desk. "Are you sure? Because I'm starting to think you enjoy keeping me here for the view"Marcus chuckled, True to his word, Marcus wrapped up his work at exactly five minutes. Once the last document was saved, he stood up and stretched,
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Fourty
Cass followed Marcus into the dimly lit study, her eyes adjusting to the soft glow of lamps that illuminated the room. Her gaze fell upon a new and neatly arranged desk, chair, and drawer filled with files that had been set up in the study for her with her nameplate on the desk."Consider this your new office away from the office," Marcus said with a warm smile, his hands on his waist, his deep voice showing how proud he was of his efforts. "I wanted you to feel comfortable working with me here at home.""Thank you, Marcus." Cass's voice was a mixture of appreciation and surprise. "Wow, I wasn't expecting this" her voice choked up as she walked to and sat on the chair.She let out a startled scream when she saw him bent so close to her, his face just a few inches from hers."I just wanted to show you a file on your computer, What did you think I was going to do? Kiss you? I do deserve a kiss though, for my efforts" Marcus said with a mischievous glint in his eyesCass blushed and hit
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Thirty-Nine
The sun's rays dazzled the garden in a symphony of light and shadow. The gentle breeze whispered through the tall grass, swaying them in agreement.Marcus approached the garden where he saw Alex kneeling by a bed of dahlias, their vibrant colors like jewels strewn across the earth.Alex glanced up, catching sight of Marcus, and smiled. He bent down to clip a crimson dahlia, its petals soft and velvety under his touch."Ah, Marcus," Alex said, straightening up and holding the flower out to him. "Congratulations on your acceptance by the board.""Thank you, Alex," Marcus replied warily, taking the offered blossom and standing beside his brother. Something was unsettling in his brother's tone, an ominous undertone that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end."Isn't it curious how flowers bloom?" Alex mused, gazing at the dahlias around them. "They push through the soil, reach for the sky, only to be cut and stopped from growing.""What are you getting at, Alex?" Marcus asked,
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Thirty-Eight
Cass and Stacey both turned to see Marcus standing there, eyeing Stacey with his fists clenched as though he was restraining himself. "I am tired of being made a fool of, I let you go the last time with a warning because of the relationship I have with your father but there are only so many chances I can grant" he said threateningly.Stacey stood there with her mouth hung open as she stared at Marcus's face. His eyes were blazing like fire that could make anyone run for their lives. When did he get here, She had been sure Cass was alone.Cass felt her breath hitch as he stood up for her. A swell of relief washed over her as she watched him"I don't want to see you again, you have 2 seconds to walk away NOW or I will not be held accountable for whatever happens" Marcus said in a threatening voice.The whole mall was quiet and everyone was staring at them with their mouths hung open, this was a scene out of a telenovela.Marcus held her hand and looked into her eyes," Are you okay?" He
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Thirty-Seven
Cass made her way to the kitchen, trying to calm her shaking hands. She poured herself a glass of water and took a long sip, trying to steady her nerves.She didn't know why she felt so guilty, perhaps because of the tense atmosphere between them.She could hear Marcus being welcomed by the butler as he was making his way through the house. She took a deep breath and composed herself "Oh, here you are, How was your day?" Marcus asked casually like he had not gone incommunicado for a weekCass was angry and she felt like a vein was going to pop in her head but if this was the game he wanted to play, then she could play it too."It was alright. I just puttered around here," she replied nonchalantly as if nothing had happened between them. She kept her gaze away from him and moved to the counter to busy herself with some fruit. Marcus watched her for a few moments in silence, and Cass could feel the tension growing unbearable in the room. Just when it seemed like a scream was going to
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Thirty-Six
Cass gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. The picture frame shook in her other hand as she stared at the familiar face smiling up at her. Miranda Wells. The woman who had swooped into Cass's life after her mother's death like a guardian angel, promising to support her and Scar's education. And she had kept that promise. Cass turned the frame over with trembling fingers, reading the inscription on the back. "To my darling Marcus, Love always, Mom." "Marcus's mom," she whispered. A wave of realization crashed over Cass, and she drew in a sharp breath. What was she doing here, in this lavish villa filled with Miranda's presence? Cass's mind reeled as she tried to make sense of it all, was it fate? Marcus had dropped her here, insisting it was for her safety after their rushed wedding. But now Cass wondered if there was more to it. Did he want her to uncover his family's secrets? The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth. She didn't know this man at all, she realized. Not like she
The Contracted CEO: A Marriage of Convenience Chapter Thirty-Five
Cass stood on the edge of the dance floor, her beautiful hazel eyes narrowed in disbelief as Marcus delivered the shocking news. The music swelled around them, but all she could hear was the thunderous beating of her own heart."Your safety is paramount to me, Cass," Marcus insisted, his blue eyes searching her face for understanding. "I wouldn't ask this of you if I didn't think it was necessary.""Of all the times to bring this up, Marcus!" Cass exclaimed, her voice barely audible over the din of the wedding celebration.She glanced around at the smiling faces of their guests, blissfully unaware of the turmoil churning just beneath the surface. "I know it is fake but this is our wedding day, and you want me to pack up and move to your isolated villa? That means I would not be able to come to work too"Marcus gripped her hands gently, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation. "I know it's sudden, but it's the best way to protect you from Alex and his vindictive games. I don'
