The Auction

Chapter 1: The Auction.

Cassiopeia Thompson’s life wasn't that of a princess, if anything it was more like a pauper's.

But it was about to get worse.

If only she knew..

The evening began like every other charity gala she’d been dragged to; a parade of fake smiles, empty compliments, and overpriced champagne not to mention her nose gettingbombarded by the scents from hundreds of perfumes, it always made her dizzy.

This time, she wasn't dizzy. If anything her hair was standing. She didn't know why but this particular evening had a different chill. Cassie couldn't quite point what it was but she was sure something was different.

There was desperation in the air as socialites clung to their status with manicured nails and designer dresses that probably cost more than her college tuition.

This was more than just a charity event. Something was happening, and at the back of her mind, she feared she was part of it.

She’d only agreed to attend because Elijah, her stepfather, had insisted, and Ryder, her stepbrother, had promised it wouldn’t be as boring as usual. Ryder, as it turned out, was a ordained liar.

Cassie’s emerald dress felt tighter with every forced smile, though it complemented her pale, smooth skin and hugged her curves, she felt more exposed than glamorous.

She fiddled with her champagne flute, her eyes drifting over the crowd.

Same faces, different night.

Lesser than usual smiles.

Cassie silently admitted it. She was scared.

What was more scary was she didn't know why.

Elijah looked unusually tense, his usual swaggard posture now stiff, eyes scanning the room apprehensively, as if expecting someone to jump out from behind the walls.

Ryder wasn’t much better, slowly dancing on his feet like he had an itch he couldn’t scratch.

Cassie leaned in, lowering her voice. “You two look like you just robbed a bank. Is someone about to start shooting? What's happening?”

Ryder flinched, his smile a poor disguise for the fear in his eyes.

“Just... stay close, okay?”

Well, what did she expect? But before she could demand an explanation, Elijah’s hand closed around her arm, firmly almost painfully.

“We need to go,” he muttered, quickly guiding her towards a narrow hallway that led away from the main ballroom.

Cassie didn’t get the chance to argue and she didn't bother. Sooner or later, she was going to find out what all this was about.

Ryder trailed behind like a guilty shadow, he was trying his best to avoid her gaze.

Something was definitely wrong. The last time Ryder was this quiet, he’d crashed Elijah’s car and spent a week avoiding eye contact. Her pulse quickened, a prickly sensation crawling upher spine.

They stopped in front of a giant oak door guarded by two large chiseled men who looked even bigger than the door.

Their faces were expressionless, with eyes cold and detached. Elijah gave them a nod, and the door swung open without a word.

Cassie’s heart sank as they stepped inside. By this time, her palms were sweaty and she could hear her heartbeat loudly in her ears.

The room was dark and suffocating, the walls lined with heavy velvet drapes that swallowed sound.

A long mahogany table decorated the space, surrounded by men whose faces she recognized from magazine covers and news headlines. CEOs, political powerhouses, billionaires; men who ruled the world from behind their exteriors.

But the man at the head of the table commanded all the attention.

Bain Blackwood.

Cassie knew who he was. Everyone did. Bain Blackwood wasn’t just rich; he was powerful.

Ruthless. Untouchable. The kind of man who could destroy lives with a phone call and go for a massage afterwards.

He was gorgeous, too. Tall, dark hair perfectly styled, piercing blue eyes that could freeze you in place.

He was every bad decision wrapped in an Armani suit, and the way he was looking at her made her skin crawl.

Her heart was threatening to jump out of her chest now, she felt like crying. She wanted to run, but her feet wouldn’t move. Her throat went dry, a chill running through her body as Bain’s eyes raked over her.

His  gaze heavy and curious. Cassie’s stomach turned, panic simmering just beneath the surface.

Elijah’s waivering voice broke the silence, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. We have a special auction... my stepdaughter, Cassiopeia Thompson, is up for sale to the highest bidder.”

Cassie blinked, she must have heard wrong. She looked to Elijah; now staring expectantly to the power houses, and then to Ryder; still avoiding her gaze.

She knew she didn't have ear problems. She heard what she heard.

Cassie’s world tilted. Her heart dropped to her stomach as her mind struggled to process the words.

This was a joke. It must be a joke! Some sick, twisted joke.But no one was laughing.

She turned to Ryder, her eyes pleading.

“Tell me this isn’t happening.” Ryder’s face described shame and guilt even without meeting her eyes.

Her heart shattered, disbelief turning to fury.

“You knew?” Her voice managed to come out as a whisper. Ryder flinched as if he had been slapped still keeping his head bent.

Cassie’s chest tightened, her vision blurring as she looked back at Elijah.

“How could you...?” Her words broke, choked by betrayal. Elijah wouldn’t look at her either, his gaze fixed on the floor.

This must be a cruel joke. People didn’t sell other people. Not in real life. Not in her life.

“One million,” Bain’s voice was calm, almost bored but fierce.

The bidding started. Her bidding started. Reality slammed into her like a freight train. She was being sold. Her freedom, her life; everything was being measured in dollar signs.

“One point five,” another voice countered, coming from a man with a sleazy smile that reminded her of her bladder again. He looked her up and down, his gaze slimy and lecherous.

Now, she also wanted to throw up. She was trapped, powerless. A prize to be won by the highest bidder.

“Two million,” Bain’s voice cut through the room, sharp and with the tone of finality. She looked up to find his eyes firmly locked on her. Even before she heard that one word from Elijah, she knew.

This man, powerful and feared, with deep blue eyes and unwavering expression was her new master.

The room fell silent. No one challenged him.

“SOLD,” Elijah’s voice cracked.

It was over. Just like that. She had been sold by the man who was supposed to protect her.

Bain stood up, his presence commanding, suffocating. He moved toward her menacingly, his eyes never leaving hers.

He stopped just inches away, his voice low and possessive.

“You’re mine now.” Bain’s hand brushed her cheek, his touch gentle in stark contrast to his words.

“I advise you accept it.” His lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

She felt bile rise to her throat and pulled away from his touch running as fast as her legs could carry her to the door with the toilet sign on it.

As she ran, she heard him growl "leave her.”

That was the first thing she was grateful for this evening, a second later and it would have been too late.

Minutes later, as she stared at herself in the bathroom mirror, she didn't want to fight or scream, she had no strength for that.

Her mind was broken, she was helpless, trapped in a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. Her fate was sealed.

There was no escape.

Chapter 2: The Wedding

Cassie was at her wedding. It was a seaside wedding as she always wanted.

Lilies and yellow hibiscus flowers adorned the walkway and the makeshift altar the silhouette of her husband and the priest stood on.

She was in her mother's refurbished yellow wedding gown as opposed to the customary white gown.

It had a slit up to her lower thigh with curls and curls of fabric flowing gracefully behind her.

Her lone walk to the altar was one of bliss, fulfillment and pure joy. She was about to get married to the love of her life. She was the love of his life too.

There would be laughter, tears of joy, and a promise of forever that meant something.

As she walked to the altar, she heard someone call her name. She paused and looked behind; there was no one.

She was about to continue her honorable walk to her groom when she heard her name again, this time she felt someone tapping her.

Before she could make sense of it all, her eyes popped open.

She was staring at the annoying hairdresser.

Reality dawned on her. AGAIN.

She was getting married, but not to the love of her life.

Bain Blackwood; her new, forced master was to be her husband.

How romantic.

Reality sure had a wicked sense of humor.

The days leading up to the ceremony were a blur of fittings, rehearsals, and forced smiles.

Bain’s mansion was a grand maze of high walls, giant doors and big rooms with sparkling chandeliers, and polished marble floors that gleamed so brightly she could see her miserable reflection everywhere she went. It was but a beautiful prison. Shame.

She was constantly surrounded by a small army of planners, designers, and stylists, each one determined to mold her into the perfect bride.

Cassie half-expected them to use a chisel and hammer if she didn’t comply.

They fluttered around her, adjusting fabric, curling hair, painting on makeup; while she stood there like a lifeless mannequin.

"Your beauty will be unmatched” one of the stylists gushed, pinning a delicate veil into Cassie’s auburn curls.

Cassie couldn't bring herself to muster even a weak smile.

A beauty? Try prisoner.

She did try to escape after the initial shock of her sale. But Bain Blackwood lived up to his name. His security was tighter than sealed noodles.

She tried 5 times. She was caught 5 times.

It was almost as if he anticipated her moves even before she made them. She wondered what it would be like to play chess with him. Shame, she might never get that chance.

It had been 3 weeks since the charity ball. She hadn't seen anyone she knew since then. Not Elijah or Ryder or Even her new master.

Bile rose up in her throat again. "Master.” that word unnerved her.

She looked at herself in the mirror. The reflection showed a stunning woman in a gown of soft silk, adorned with embroidered lace that shimmered under the blazing lights of the chandelier.

She truly had never been this beautiful. Her face was flawless; the beauticians had given their best.

She looked... perfect.

Too bad her heart didn't feel that way.

She still didn't understand why. Why her?

Bain Blackwood could have any woman he wanted, why her?And, why buy her?

She was told nothing and knew nothing. This was life for her now.

A lone tear escaped her eyes and slipped down her face.

The day of the wedding arrived with all the grandeur one would expect from a Blackwood affair.

Elite guests poured in from every corner of the world draped in designers and antique jewels. It made the opulence of the charity ball seem like a child in comparison.

The church was heavily sprinkled with white roses, their sweet scent suffocating. She was never a rose girl. She preferred lilies and yellow hibiscus, she could see none here. Not even one petal.

An orchestra seemed to mock her misery. A solemn reminder of the world she had been ushered - no, forced- into.

Cassie stood at the entrance, her heart pounding. Her father was gone, her mother’s whereabouts unknown, and her brother; well, Elijah had sold her off like she was a piece ofpainting. She was alone.

Completely, devastatingly alone.

She glanced around again, this might just be her last chance. As she turned, she saw the mountain of men standing guard at all exits.

She swallowed hard. She gave up hope.

The doors suddenly swung open, and all eyes turned to her. She could feel their stares, hear their murmurs.

They were probably admiring her dress, her hair, her face. She doubted any of them could see the girl inside, broken and helpless.

As she took her first step down the aisle, her gaze locked on Bain. He stood at the altar, tall and imposing in a perfectly tailored black suit with gold rims. His dark hair was neatly combed and flattened.

His hairstylist must be a legend, his jaw set, his piercing blue eyes watching her with an intensity that sent chills down her spine. He looked devastatingly handsome. And terrifying.

Cassie’s stomach twisted. She was walking toward her master, her captor, toward the man who had bought her.

Her chest tightened, panic rising. She wanted to run, to scream, to do anything but move closer to him. But her feet continued forward, one step after another, as if they were no longer hers to control.

When she finally reached him, she saw his expression soften, just for a moment. It was so quick she almost missed it.

But she saw it, a flicker of humanity. He must have let it slip, he hardened his face immediately.

He extended his hand, and she hesitated before placing hers in his. His fingers were warm, firm, and surprisingly smooth.

She expected a tight hold, but he was surprisingly gentle, confusion danced in her mind. What was he playing at?

The priest began the ceremony, his deep voice echoing through the grand hall, aided by the microphone at his mouth but Cassie barely heard a word.

Her mind was spinning, her heart racing, her strength diminished, her hopes dashed.

She glanced at Bain, trying to make sense of the man standing beside her.

His face was calm, his gaze set on her. There was something else, she couldn't quite place it.

Was it guilt? Or regret?

"Stop it, Cassie. This man bought you. He's a monster, don’t be fooled.” she chided herself.

The priest cleared his throat, and Cassie snapped back to reality.

Everyone was waiting for her to say her vows. The words felt heavy, foreign, as they slipped from her lips even as her voice cracked.

“I, Cassiopeia Thompson, take you, Bain Blackwood... to be my husband...”

She didn't remember how she finished her part, it was all a blur. Promises of love, honor, and loyalty.

What a joke. There was no love here. No honor. Just ownership.

Bain’s voice on the other hand, was steady and resolute unwavering as he spoke his vows.

His words were beautifully crafted, poetic even. He made it sound like he actually cared.

If she hadn't been bought and guarded like a serial killer, she might have believed him.

The hypocrisy made her head swim. How dare he stand there and lie so easily?

How dare he look at her like she was the center of his world, when he ripped her from her's without a second thought?

She felt the ring slide onto her finger, cold and heavy; a cufflink disguised as a symbol of love.

Bain’s hand lingered on hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. Cassie fought the shiver that ran through her.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Oh, god. Her breath caught.

Bain stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. His hands gently cupped her face. Then his lips met hers, soft and warm, stealing the breath from her lungs.

Surprisingly, It was tender. Too tender for a man who had bought her like one picking an item from the shelf.

Cassie’s heart fluttered. Before her body could could betray her, Bain pulled back. It was over.

She let out her breath , not realizing she held it all this while.

His fingers lingered on her face a tad bit longer than necessary before he turned to face the guests. His hand with deliberate movement slid to her waist, claiming her as his.

The crowd erupted in applause, their faces alight with joy.

To them, this was a fairy tale ending, a love story worthy of envy. She laughed bitterly.

The cheers increased, they must have mistaken her laughter for happiness.

Bain also glanced at her, giving her the faintest of smiles.

What was that? satisfaction? Relief?

She didn’t know. And that scared her more than anything.

Cassie stood frozen in his arms, her face and mind in a tug of war.

She was now Mrs. Bain Blackwood. His wife.

His slave.

The door to her old life had now closed firmly, pushing her out to a new unfamiliar world she didn't understand, bound to a man she couldn't read.

This was life for her now.

Chapter 3: Life With Bain

Cassie woke up every morning in a bed that was too big, too soft, and too cold.

Alone.

Bain was never there. She was grateful for it. She slept before he came to bed and by the time she woke up in the morning, he was gone.

His sandalwood scent and rumpled bedside was proof that he had lain there.

But every time she stepped into the dining hall, there he was, with a newspaper in his hand, almost as if he was waiting for her before he had breakfast.

She was still at loss as to why they had to stay in the same room. They could pretend to be the perfect couple to outsiders, but why did they have to stay in the same room?

It had been weeks since the wedding, and she was still adjusting to her new reality.

Bain had laid down rules from the day of the wedding. He had strictly reminded her of her place in his world; his wife in name only, and his possession in every other sense of the word.

Her existence had given "trophy wife" a new meaning, a perfect face for the public and a slave indoors, eitherways a symbol of power.

Bain was hardly ever around, but she saw him in the mornings at breakfast, every day. It was like a ritual now.

They would sit across from each other at the long dining table, with a desert of cold mahogany between them.

The air was always filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, and the sound of silver clinking against porcelain.

Her once voracious appetite was non-existent. She could only nibble on her food, and she was losing weight fast.

Bain, on the other hand, would eat with the precision of a man who controlled every aspect of his life, even his chewing.

Sometimes, she would catch him glancing at her, but his expression never gave anything away.

It pissed her. How could one be so emotional, yet controlled?

But there were some rare moments, where he let his guard slip just a bit. Like the time he nicely asked if she was comfortable in her room; his voice was softer.

Or the time he tucked a loose strand of hair back into her bun; his grip was gentle, lingering for just a second too long.

Cathie had to admit, Bain was a complicated man. More complicated than she wanted him to be.

It would have been easier if he were just a monster. Her hate and anger would be totally justified, but he wasn't. If anything, he treated people kindly, and his employees respected him; not out of fear, but loyalty.

He knew all their names. In her lone, tour round the mansion, she had counted at least 26 people, and he knew all their names, including the cleaning staff.

He also asked about their health, welfare and family, he offered help and solutions where needed.

Like Mr. Thomas the butler's right knee pain, or Mrs. Persephone's blind son's health, or was it the Dungee'schildren's education?

She was by his side one day when he offered his condolences to the gardener on his wife's death. He gave him a long leave from work and offered to cover all burial costs, no stringsattached.

The gardener's eyes filled with gratitude, and Bain just gave him a nod before walking away, his face as stoic as ever.

Those moments confused her the most. How could he be so heartless and cold to her, yet so kind to others?

Had she ever wronged him before? No. She didn't even know the man. She had never even met him prior to the charity ball.

It must have been from a past life. Fate must be playing a cruel game here.

Life in the Bain Blackwoods Mansion was like living in a beautiful cage. The mansion could rival any prison. Security was airtight, bain made sure of that.

Guards were stationed at every entrance, cameras monitored every hallway and passwords were required to access everysingle room.

On another lone tour round the mansion, she came across Bain's office and tried to sneak in, but a calm, robotic voice demanded for a password that she didn't have.

Brian never said anything, but she was sure he knew, because he stared at her longer than usual the next day at breakfast with a smirk on his lips.

There were moments she thought of escaping, but the humiliation of her five failed attempts was still fresh and she decided to give it a rest.

Each one ended the same way, with her being bundled back to the mansion by Bain's guards.

He never punished her or raised his voice, but his cold, disappointed gaze was worse. He made her feel like nothing more than a petulant child throwing a tantrum.

Kathy couldn't stop herself from observing Bain. He was a mystery she wanted to solve, even if she hated herself for it.

She knew she had to know and understand him to either find peace in her new prison, or escape it.

She understood from her glimpses of him walking that hecommanded respect effortlessly. His posture was almost always rigid, and his face had intense expression.

But it was other moments that left her questioning everything. Like the time she found him standing in the garden in front of a bed of yellow hibiscus; her favorite, with a soft look acrosshis face and a haunted look in his eyes.

She truly wondered what could possibly haunt a man like Bain Blackwood. Despite all this, one thing was clear.

She hated him.

She hated him for buying her, for imprisoning her, for taking away her freedom, for marrying her, for separating her from everything she knew.

She couldn't deny the way her heart would stop her when she caught him staring at her. But she convinced herself it must have been curiosity mixed with fear.

She couldn't possibly be attracted to him. That would be madness. He was her captor, her husband, her enemy.

She felt fear too, fear of what she was feeling. Fear of the man she shared a bed with.

Fear of Ryder and Elijah. Fear of her future.

Cassie stilled herself, forcing the turbulence of emotions away. She couldn't afford to be weak.

Not here. Not now.

She was a prisoner. Nothing more. If she was to change it, she had to know her enemy.

She had to find his weak spot. Bain Blackwood was the enemy. No matter how human he seemed.

She had to find his weak spot. No matter how much her heart betrayed her. She was Cassoupia Thompson. She would survive. Even if it meant hurting her heart and keeping her distance, she must survive.

Chapter 4: Shadows of Threats

Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months, and Cassie began to see the Blackwood estate as home. She was never mistreated, never taken for granted or disrespected.

She even began to have nice conversations with some of the staff. She became close to Mrs. Persephone the housekeeper and her personal maid, Tyler.

Bane still maintained a different attitude with bouts of niceness once in a while.

Though the Blackwood estate was a new development in her life, it was better than home.

It was better than the torture, the insults, hunger and the abuse from Ryder and Elijah.

Now she could move more freely within the house and even had the password to some areas.

The Blackwood estate was beautiful, almost too perfect from the manicured lawns to the towering walls and iron gates designed to keep outsiders at bay.

And yet, Ryder and Elijah could still get in.

It started with calls. They came at least an hour after breakfast, almost as if whoever was at the other end of the line wanted her out of the dining hall and out of Bain's presence.

No one ever answered. There was only silence and heavy breathing at the other end.

Then came the messages.

She woke up one morning on her way to the dining hall, that was when she saw it. A crisp white envelope under her door.

It had chilling words scribbled on it in handwriting she could recognize all too well.

A while later, she found another letter. Crisp and white on the dresser. After 2 months, she had gotten at least 4 of the crisp white letters.

The last letter came on a stormy night, as rain poured down and thunder demonstrated its strength around the vicinity.

It was right under her pillow. Crisp and white as the others have been. She recognized Ryders's messy scroll again.

"You'll pay for what you've done, Cassie. You'll pay dearly."

Her knees went weak. Her fingers trembled as she clutched the note. She could almost picture his face and hear him cackle his threat. She could feelhis anger in every word.

It had been a while she felt dread. She felt one now.

She wrapped her arms around herself and ducked underneath the duvet. Not that she could hide from them, but that was all she had now.

The room suddenly felt smaller. The shadows on the walls slowly reaching out. And then there was thunder again. This time she jumped and stared around in fear and panic, as if Ryder was there.

She slowly picked up the nightstand, just in case.

Cassie knew she couldn't keep this to herself any longer. The threats were getting bolder and more sinister.

She had thought of telling Bain, but would he believe her? Or see it as a manipulation tactic to gain sympathy?

Besides, Bein was a man of control and power. He didn't trust easily, and he didn't let people in.

He had kept his distance from her since the day she entered his life. He would not believe her.

But she couldn't ignore the memory of the brief moments when he had let his guard down.

She chose to look at the kind Bain, the one who had asked of her comfort, the one who had listened patiently to his staff.

He couldn't be that bad. She convinced herself seeing that she needed his protection now.

Taking a deep breath, Cathy dashed through the hallways. Her footsteps silenced by the heavy downpour and occasional thunder.

She stopped to catch her breath seconds before she got to Bain's office. She didn't want to appear weak, and didn't want him to think she was doing this to gain his sympathy.

Some seconds later, she walked hesitantly to Byron's office and knocked softly, her hands trembling.

"Come in,” his voice was calm and controlled as always.

She heard a small click, he had opened the door from inside.

Her shaky hands went to the handle, and after taking a deep breath, she turned it open.

As she walked into the office, she found him behind his desk with papers scattered around him.

His shirt sleeves were rolled to show the toned arm underneath it. He looked exhausted with his hair slightly disheveled. Cursing, he leaned back, his expression guarded.

"What is it?" he asked.

Her mouth went dry and her resolve suddenly crumpled like the crisp white paper in her hands, but the image of a desperate and angry Ryder flashed through her mind and her fear dissolved immediately.

She held out the crumpled paper handshaking, "I got this tonight, it.. it was on my pillow" Bran's face went cold, his eyes began to scan the writing immediately he unfolded the paper.

His knuckles turned white and a frown formed on his face, his muscles tensing as if he was ready for battle.

"How long?” he whispered.

Cassie knew what he meant. "A few weeks,” she admitted, and as guilt washed over her, she quickly added, "I didn't want to bother you, I didn't know if you'd believe me.”

Anger flashed in his eyes, this time, towards her. He stood up, moving around the desk with his speed that made her step back.

"What do you mean you thought I wouldn't believe you?" His voice was sharp.

"You're under my roof, Cassie, that makes you my responsibility and no one theeatens what's mine."

Cassie's heart gave a thump. Did he just acknowledge her as his? And not as a servant or slave but a person?

He was still staring at her. It was overwhelming and suffocating. As she raised her eyes to him, she saw a side of him she had never seen before.

A demeanor filled with rage that sent a chill down her spine."I'll take care of it, Cassie,” he promised.

"No one will ever hurt you again.”

Cassie suddenly felt ease. Powerful Bain, ruthless Bain, mafia boss Bain said he would protect her. She felt a surge ofsecurity and then gratitude.

And as she turned to Bane to bid her goodbyes and head to her room, she saw that his eyes were distant. His mind must already be calculating and planning his next move.

There was no softness in this man. This wasn't Bain the employer or Bain the occasional husband. This was Bain the predator, Bain the protector and he would hunt anyone who dared threaten what was his.

For the first time since the messages started, Cassie truly felt protected. In an ironic way, she began to feel pity for Elijah and Ryder.

They were not the ones to be feared. She was mistaken. BainBlackwood, her protector, her enemy, her master, her husband, the man she was dangerously close to falling for. He was the one to be feared.

Chapter 5: Unmasking the Shadows

The anniversary of their paper marriage, would be in 36 days. This thought surprised Casie.

She didn't even know she kept count. But strangely, she was looking forward to it.

Casie found herself drawn deeper into Bain Blackwood's world. It was a world of power and influence, yet shadowed by pasts and secrets so painful that even Bain tried to bury.

The more time she spent with him, the more she noticed the cracks in his armor, revealing that beneath the calm, cold, ruthless demeanor was pain, bitterness, and a man looking for peace and love.

Bain was a man of silence, a grandmaster at masking his emotions. Yet many times in his quiet moments, Cathy would catch glimpses of vulnerability.

If she had not caught those moments several times, she wouldn't have believed Bain had a humanity.

But moments where his gaze lingered on some family portraits that adorned the grand hallways, or when his shoulders tensed up at the mention of certain names showed that there was more to Bain than the cold exterior she had become accustomed to.

He was more than a ruthless businessman or a calculatedprotector. There must be a story behind it all.

Even when she subtly asked, not even Esther; her personal maid, or Mrs. Persephone had ever told her. And when she pushed, the conversation was usually redirected.

She also needed to know what it was. They might be master and slave, but they were also husband and wife, and whether Bain liked it or not, she would be a wife to him.

She had resigned herself to that. It wasn't so bad anyway.

One evening, as the sun dipped beyond the horizon and the sky was coloured in hues of crimson and gold.

Casey found Bain standing alone at the balcony, leaning against the railing, staring beyond, almost as if he was looking at something that wasn't there.

Something was wrong. His fists were clenched, and Casey could sense anger from him.

This might just be her moment.

Without a word, she joined him. She stood a few feet away to respect the boundary that he had put up.

After about 30 minutes in silence, Casey looked directly at him.

His features had softened, and for a moment, he looked like a different person from the one she had seen 30 minutes before.

"You ever wondered how things would have been if life was different?" Bain asked, almost a whisper, but heavy with emotion. It was the first time he had ever started a conversation, one that was raw and open.

Casey hesitated, weighing his words and trying to find the best answer to it.

"Every day" she admitted. Gradually, her own memories of pain, suffering and abuse crept to the surface.

"Every single day" she whispered again.

"But it doesn't change anything, does it?"

He took a long sigh and then shook his head, and with a bitter smile, he responded, "No, it truly doesn't.”

Silence settled between them once again. But this time, it was different; the air felt lighter.

Its tension radiating from him had eased up a bit.

Bain, her voice was gentle, cautious. "What happened?"

He didn't look at her. His gaze was fixed on what he saw beyond the horizon. A flicker of pain passed through his face. Casey was scared he would retreat to been the cold person she knew again. But he surprised her when he spoke up.

"My father was murdered.” his words sounded like thunder, leaving a sense of foreboding in the air.

Cassie's chest tightened and her breath caught in her throat.She had known there was a dark past, but she didn't imagine anything like this.

"He was a powerful man, respected and feared, but power makes enemies, and one of them wanted him gone" Bain explained.

Cathy's eyes widened, "Who?” she asked.

Bane snared as he responded. “Someone he trusted, one he called a brother from another mother, a man he would have died for.”

She watched as his face hardened.

"He betrayed my father, stabbed him in the back. And my mother, she couldn't live with the loss, and soon after I was left alone to fend for himself.”

Cathy's heart broke for him. She began to see Bain in a different light. She saw the lonely man, the sad child who had been robbed of his innocence and forced to grow up so soon.

"I was alone.” Bain continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Left to survive, while vultures tried to tear apart and take out a chunk of everything my father built. I learned to be ruthless. Even as a child, there was no other way to survive.”

Cathy blinked away the tears. She wanted to touch him, but she knew it wasn't time yet. So she stood still, offering her silent support.

"Did you ever find out who did it?" She asked softly. A cruel smile spread across Bain's face as he said, "Oh, I did, and I made him wish he was never born."

Casie didn't ask for details. She didn't want to know. The look in his eyes was enough.

"But it didn't bring them back,” he whispered. "It didn't change anything.”

Cassie understood now. The ruthless facade, cold demeanor, and dangerous personality this man had, was built up brick by brick over the years to protect himself.

This wasn't a mafia boss or a businessman. This was a broken man. And a very lonely one.

This time, she stretched her hand and placed it on his shoulder, softly, gently.

"They would have been proud of you" she whispered. "Your parents would have been proud of you for surviving and becoming who you are today.”

He turned to her, skepticism in his face. "Would they?" his voice cracked, revealing the hurt in it. "Or would they see the monster that I have become?"

Blinking could not keep the tears away anymore, and Cassie let them run down her cheeks.

"You are not a monster bain. You are a survivor.”

His eyes softened and his gaze lingered on her face for a while."Why do you care so much, Cassie?"

With her heart pounding, she answered, "Because I see the man behind the mask. I see you Bain.”

His hands went to her cheek. And for a moment, she remembered the kiss they shared on their wedding.

But suddenly, his expression hardened and he pulled away once more.

"I don't need your pity.” he coldly responded.

"It's not pity Bain. It's empathy. It's been over 10 months with you here, and I see you. I see your kindness. I see your thoughtfulness. I see your protectiveness. I see you Bain."

He turned to her, his eyes conflicted. And without another word, he walked away, leaving her alone on the balcony.

Cassie watched him disappear as he touched the spot where his hand had held her cheek. She could still feel the warmth. She was happy.

The connection she felt, he also felt it. She wasn't going to give up. She had seen Bain, the whole of him, and she wanted him.

As the wind whispered through the night, Cassie made a silent vow. She would stand by him.

She would fight his demons with him. She would never betray him. She would stay with him; servant or wife. And she wasn't letting him get away.

Not without the fight.