Cass was ecstatic to see her sister, She hugged her ferociously "Are you okay? Are you hurt" Cass asked looking all over her sister "I am fine, I called an Uber ride immediately I saw the news and was about to leave when the reporters got there so I remembered what you always said 'A cap and sunglasses work magic' so I did just that " Scar said Cass was relieved and hugged Scar again, She was safe from those raging maniacs. "Cass stop it, you are smothering me" Scar said prying Cass's arms off her She looked around the house, "Wow Cass, this place is wonderful, I could live here forever" Cass coughed and Marcus smiled "You can stay here till you feel like it, I will have someone show you to your room" Marcus said Marcus's phone rang "Yes? Okay, I will be there" He said "I have to sort something out, please excuse me" As Marcus walked away, Marcel the butler approached Cass "This way ma'am" He pointed toward the stairs carrying Scar's little duffel. "Wait till is how you all t
"If it isn't little miss Golddigger, What are you doing here? Isn't this establishment a little above your pay grade?" Cass heard behind her, she could recognize that screechingly annoying voice anywhere. She turned and stared right at Stacey, it seemed like she couldn't have a minute of peace. She saw Scar about to give a retort and motioned her to stop; she was going to handle this herself. "Just because you are dating a Wells, you think you can parade yourself around respectable establishments. Shouldn't you be saving all the money you get so you don't land on your bottom when he leaves you?" Stacey said derisively while her friends laughed. Cass could feel the eyes of onlookers on her, the tension in the air palpable. Cass's patience wore thin as she faced Stacey's snide remarks. The familiar sting of Stacey's spiteful words hit her, but this time, Cass was determined to let her have it. "Stacey, it's quite impressive that you manage to pack so much bitterness into every word
Cass was stunned "What is going on Marcus?" She whispered staring at the diamond which was flanked by two smaller pear-cut diamonds, each one set in a delicate platinum band. The elegance and beauty of the ring left Cass speechless as she wondered what was going on."Cass," Marcus said, his voice barely above a whisper, "Will you marry me?"Tears filled Cass's eyes as her heart overflowed with emotion but it wasn't entirely because of the proposal rather than the fact that this was what she had always wished for with Jake."Yes, Marcus, yes!" Cass exclaimed as she hugged himMarcus carried her bridal style as he swung her around to the chagrin of the crowd that had gathered "Aww, they look so good" "Isn't that the billionaire?" Cass could hear them whisper, She also saw Scar smiling and clapping and knew they had planned it.Marcus dipped down and kissed her on the lips "Marcus!!!" she slapped his shoulder playfully "People are staring""I just am them to know you are mine" Marcus sm
Cass looked at the ring on her finger if only the proposal was as real as the ring."Your ring looks so beautiful!!! I can't wait to be your bridesmaid!!! we should pick a color theme for the dress, I want to plan your bachelorette party, not Amanda..." Cass could hear Scar drone on and on but she was miles away in la la land.What would Scar think if she got divorced after three years or found out that it was all fake?She had to do it for Mrs. Anderson. Was that her only reason? She couldn't help but ponder. She couldn't deny that she felt something for Marcus but there was no way she would act on those feelings. Jake's betrayal was enough, she was not going to fall in love helplessly again only to be tossed to the side."What are you thinking about Cass?" Scar asked worriedly "It's nothing I am just bothered by the publicity, I don't know if it's good or bad. I feel like a lot has happened in just one week of us being together" Cass answered "What do you mean by just one week of
Cass stirred in her sleep, groaning softly as she heard a knock and heard a footstep. As She slowly opened her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of Scar standing by her bedside, a bright and cheery smile on her face. "Good morning, sleepyhead!" Scar greeted, her voice filled with bubbly enthusiasm "Your engagement party is today!!!" Scar squealed Cass blinked a few times, her brain working to catch up with the fact that it was indeed morning. "Morning, Scar. What time is it?" Scar chuckled. "It's almost mid-morning. I thought I'd let you catch up on some much-needed rest. You've been working so hard lately." The past few days had been a whirlwind of preparations for the engagement party, and she could feel the effects of the exhaustion that had settled into her bones. Who knew planning an engagement could be this stressful? True to his words Marcus had been hands-on with the planning and had hired an entire team for her, for that she was grateful. Cass groaned and pulled the co
As Cass emerged at the top of the stairs, the room seemed to hold its breath. Conversations quieted, and all eyes turned to her.Marcus felt his breath hitch in his throat, She looked like a goddess. The golden tones of the dress contrasted beautifully with her hair, the sweetheart neckline showcased enough without looking scandalous.The bodice of her dress accentuated her curves in an alluring manner. The dress flowed down in a cascade of golden fabric that pooled at her feet.Her dress swayed as she took even the smallest step, it seemed like it was alive as it danced.Marcus coughed "You were saying something dear brother" Marcus smirked as he walked toward the stairs.Cass took a deep breath and one step at a time, Cass descended the staircase, her gaze focused on the space before her. Her heart raced and she could feel her vision clouded by the anxiety that enveloped her.Thankfully she caught sight of Marcus waiting at the end of the stairs, arms extended to her to grasp on.Fi
"May I have a dance?" Charles said taking Cass aback, Before Cass could react he was spinning her on the dance floor"What does he have on you?" Charles asked speaking into her ear as they danced"What do you mean?" Cass asked"I know my friend too well to know he would never get married willingly except that nasty old man is twisting his hand," He said looking toward Mr. Gabe and giving a fake smile"Plus I know he broke up with the model he was secretly dating six months ago. I really don't need to know, I just find it interesting" He continued looking at her with a lopsided smirk"There is nothing going on Sir and if there is, I can assure you it is of no concern to you" Cass replied"Sir? Call me Charles. You are no fun at all, Marcus definitely picked well" Charles said as the song came to an end.Twirling her back to Marcus "I like her, she is feisty" he said to Marcus smiling "Thank you for the dance beautiful" He said to CassWalking away "Look for me after the party, I have t
Cass sat languidly on the pink lounge she had made Marcus add to their room, She smiled as she recollected the look of horror on his face when she requested the addition of the lounge and the matching bookcase.He had argued that it would deface the black and muted white aesthetic of his room while she reiterated that it was their room so her opinion mattered too, in the end she had won.Cass sighed, She was bored. It was two days to the wedding and she had been relegated to mandatory bed rest by the 'horrible twins' as she liked to call them, who knew her sister and Marcus would take to one another so well?Suddenly a loud bang erupted and before Cass could react, a succession of loud bangs followed. Cass jumped up from her seat as her heart raced, What was going on?Her instincts kicked in and she fell to the floor. She crawled to the window and her breath hitched at the sight that greeted her. Smoke engulfed the air, obscuring the view of the mansion's exterior.Cass heard muffled
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
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
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,
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 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,
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
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
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
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'