Chapter 4

The following day, Cassandra, with her mother, went to a boutique to check on a dress that she is going to wear on her wedding day. Her mom would like to see her wear the most expensive and most elegant dress ever worn by any other brides. Amelia was busy talking to the designer when she noticed her daughter who was keeping her silence, quietly waiting for her mom on the corner, watching her conversing with the designer.

     She called her daughter to discuss with them the design she wants, specifically the color of the dress that she would like to wear. Her daughter replied by saying, "Mom, whatever you want me to wear is okay with me, you have a good taste in fashion. It doesn't matter which one, you could decide on my behalf."

     "Well, it seemed like I will be the one to decide my daughter's wedding dress. Miss Lyn, could you please show us the latest trend in wedding fashion? I would like to see her wear the most fabulous gown that certainly would look good on her."

     "Yes ma'am! I will show you the latest designs and I assure you that all of them will look good on her. After all, she has a nice figure, not that slim, but just perfect."

     Amelia was glad to hear the compliments given to her only child. Of course, aside from being pretty, she was endowed with a great body proportion that lots of men admired, including her future husband. But something was bothering her, when she glanced at her daughter. She noticed that Cassandra's mind was somewhere else and that she had been acting strange since the night they had a dinner with her fiance.

     She could not contain her curiosity that she finally asked, "What is the matter with you my dear? Is there something wrong?"

     "I'm okay mom! There is nothing to worry about." She knew that she had to calm her mom and to do this she had to pretend. "Look at this mom! (Pointing at one of the images  in the magazine) I'd love to wear this on my wedding day! I think it is simple but elegant and those beads, wow! amazing, right mom? Do you like it too?" She smiled at her mom, making her believe that she was interested in the topic of her wedding dress.

     "Cassandra, dear, it looks gorgeous and I know people at your wedding are going to fall in love with you, such a lovely choice!"

     Both mother and daughter smiled as they kept on choosing the right dress. After an hour of browsing the magazines, comparing their choices, they finally decided to pick one which was adorned with diamonds and different kinds of gems. After an exhausting time at the boutique, they decided to dine together at a restaurant that was owned by Amelia's friend.

     Classy and expensive were the two words that best described the place, being catered to the rich and famous. It was known by its grandiose design - a fountain at the middle of the dining area, with water coming out from the mouths of the seven dragons. Regular customers say that the dragons were there to protect the owner and give good luck to those who come to the said restaurant. The water that came out from them represents the seven colors of the rainbow, thus they have been called the rainbow dragons.

     Some diners went there only to witness the dragons' spitting water which was a magnificent sight to behold but others come to taste the food, which, for the avid customers, taste amazing, especially the steak which was grilled in front of them, while they listen to classical music. 

     "Let us sit here, my dear! At this corner, we could clearly see the dragons' eyes gazing at us. What a great idea to have a fountain at the middle of the room with dragons spewing water! You don't only enjoy your food but the sight as well. My friend is really a genius, don't you think?"

     Amelia kept on chattering about her friend, the beautiful fountain, and how the architectural plan helped the restaurant to become a popular hang-out for rich people like them. Her daughter, on the other hand, was not listening, she was focusing on the left side where they sit, on someone she remembered she met before. He was alone and eating quietly. Imman noticed her, smiled, and went back to his food. He remembered her, of course, the woman whom he wanted to meet again. "Small world," he told himself, She really looks pretty with just a little bit of make-up on her face. I will come to their table later and introduce myself"

     Cassandra's cheeks reddened when their eyes met, not expecting to see him for she knew that most of the diners who frequented the place were rich and she does not think that he belonged to the wealthy.

     The lawyer who almost finished his food got up and went straight to the young woman's table. His heart was pounding, her heart, racing. The two hearts felt happy seeing each other again. Amelia noticed a stranger is approaching them and when she looked at her daughter, she noticed a sudden change on her face, which was unusual; Cassandra does not show much emotion most of the time.

     "My dear, do you know who he is? It looks like he's coming our way! It is only now that I see him, how brazen! Young men nowadays have no manners! Hmmph!"

     "I've seen him once, mom but I don't know him personally," Cassandra replied to her mother, who was uncomfortable seeing a stranger coming to their table. She was calm and composed, never wanting her mother to perceive the euphoria she's been feeling inside her heart. When Imman finally reached their table, he greeted them warmly and said, "Looks like you are enjoying your meal, miss. Sorry for the intrusion. By the way, I am Immanuel Gonzales, a lawyer and I am here to meet my client. Can I please ask for your name?"

     The young woman smiled and replied, "I'm Cassandra Agustin and this is my mother"

     The attorney smiled back and shook hands with them. Amelia gazed at the lawyer from head to foot and concluded that he was a handsome guy who would only date rich heiresses for their money. She even despised the idea that he may even like her daughter which was an impossibility since she is already engaged to be married soon.

     "Are you here alone, attorney?" Amelia asked him.

     "No ma'am. I am waiting for my client. If you excuse me, I would like to go back to my table for he is coming any minute now. Nice meeting you ma'am...Cassandra!"

     After a while, the client came. They ordered wine and continued their conversation while talking about the case on hand. Mother and daughter, on the other hand, were engaged in a discourse regarding the list of the visitors that they are to invite.

     "We must never forget to give invites to the chairmen and CEOs of the corporations and conglomerates in the country, most of them are your dad's friends, you know.."

     "But some of them are dad's competitors, mom..." her daughter interrupted.

     Surprised at her daughter's unsolicited opinion, she shrugged her shoulder and whispered to her that it was just friendly competition and quite common in their line of business. Cassandra nodded and understood her mother. In the world of business, money is important, and to have friends more than enemies is quite rare.

     "Let me go to the washroom first. Here is the list of the guests, they are the biggest name in business and we need them to come, you understand, right?"

     Cassandra, who was left alone, had the privilege to check on the names of many multi-millionaires and billionaires who would soon join them on a special day. Most of them were owners of multi-million companies and were very popular in and out of their society. She even met some of them in social gatherings and parties, never forgetting how they faked smiles and kindness for a good appearance so as to gain more from others. 

     Looking seriously at the list and forgetting about her mom, a waiter came and gave her a piece of paper and begged her to write her cellphone number. She asked why and for whom; the waiter pointed at the lawyer who was busy talking to his client while his eyes directly watched her, without blinking. Cassandra grinned at him, did not hesitate to write her phone number on the paper, and gave it to the waiter.

     When her mom came back, she noticed how red her cheeks were, but she did not say anything, she only said that they had to go because her father called and was waiting home. Without any contradictions, she followed her mom, not even glancing to the lawyer whom they passed as they went out of the restaurant.

     All was quiet when they arrived. Her father was already inside the bedroom, waiting for his wife to come. Amelia kissed her husband upon seeing him and narrated what had happened at the restaurant. She did not forget to mention the meeting with the lawyer whom she thought of as an opportunist. "You know what Miguel, I have a bad feeling regarding that man. Your daughter seemed to know him and she looked glad seeing him! Do you think I'm overreacting my dear?"

    The chairman gazed at his wife with amazement, replied, "Amelia, our daughter is soon to be married and that lawyer will not be a problem, okay? By the way, how does he looks?"

     "He is tall, fair-skin, his nose is well-shaped, had a well-sculptured body, and most of all, he is a very attractive man. At first, I thought he was an actor or a model but I was surprised when he told me that he is a lawyer, imagine that!"

     Amelia laughed a little to the surprise of her husband. She saw that her husband frowned so she changed the subject touching on the topic of the wedding's guests. Miguel, who was listening to his wife, added that he will add more personalities that would help their business to prosper more. After lots of discussions, they finally sleep. Meanwhile, Cassandra lay on her bed, restless, waiting for her phone to ring and hoping that it would be the lawyer "Why did he even ask for my number and then he won't bother calling me? Oh, he's making me anxious!"

     It was already midnight when she had fallen asleep, forgetting Imman altogether. When she woke up in the morning, she noticed that there were lots of missed calls on her phone and that the number belonged to Imman. She also read a text message from him that he wanted to meet him in a restaurant(the address can be read on the text).

     "How dare him! Does he think that I can easily be taken with his charm! I must admit that he is a very attractive man, but I don't think that he is rich. In the society that I belonged to and in so many social gatherings and parties that I have attended, I have never seen him, even once. I will not come to that place, never!"

     She made out her mind not to succumb to the lawyer's charm. She was proud and a spoiled brat and though she knew that she is falling for him, she could not admit it, and would not want to even think about the possibility of having a relationship with him. Her phone rang, it was her cousin, Jane.

     "Hello Jane, I'm glad you called, what's up?"

     "I just want to meet up with you before my wedding, I am so excited you know! Are you free this evening? I will send you the address, okay? It's been a long while since we hanged out together, Cassandra...."

    "Yes, you're right. See you later Jane!"

     Cassandra turned off her phone, ate her breakfast and went to work. She was the head of the marketing department of the realty business founded by her grandfather which was now chaired by her mother, Amelia. Being the only child, she became the heiress of the multi-million realty company, aside from the fact that she would also inherit her father's food business. Her cousin, on the other hand, was also an heiress - both had big shares of stocks and both have been working diligently at the company.

     Later that night, she found herself waiting for her cousin, whom she had not seen for some time because both have busy schedules. Jane is going to marry her long-time fiance the following week which made her very busy. Unlike her cousin who was haughty and a spoiled brat, Jane grew up to be a very kind and sincere young woman. She had an ordinary face, a little bit chubby and of medium height. Her cousin, of course, is prettier and more attractive than her but her pure heart that radiated from inside made her look beautiful, though not physically seen.

     Dressed in a simple pink and black dress, Jane went straight to the table where her cousin was waiting. Cassandra stood up when she saw her, gave each other warm hugs and kisses. "It's been a long while cousin, how do you do?"Jane asked.

     "I'm good, how about you, cousin? Your wedding is coming, are you nervous?"

     "Not a bit Cassandra. I'm just a little bit exhausted, but I'm okay."

     After exchanging some words of encouragement between them, they both sat down and ordered pasta and salmon which they both enjoyed eating ever since they were young. Cassandra kept on glancing at her cousin who looked very happy and contented.

     "Mom said that you are also getting married, my dear. I do hope that you will be happy with your choice. Personally, I am wishing the best for you and him, though I don't know him at all. But actually, mom said that he is a good man."

     "My parents liked him and I have no objection regarding that. You know that the marriage would be for the convenience of both families."

     "Do you, at least, like him, cousin?"

     "No, but I am hoping that after our wedding and during our married life, I will try my best to love him."

     Jane could feel the sadness in her cousin's voice. She knew her since childhood, being her cousin and her friend, that she wanted to help her change her decision. "If you do not want to marry him then tell auntie and uncle. I know they would understand."

     Cassandra smiled and replied, "My dear cousin, I could handle this, so do not worry. He is a man of character and I think he is a good man."

     "Well, if it's the case then, I believe you. Oh! Our food is here, it looks delicious! Let us eat before it cools down, shall we?"

     Her cousin nodded and they started partaking in their meal. They talked as they ate which was centered on the wedding of Jane, who kept on blushing as she mentioned her fiance, whom she met at the university, where he was also a student. Luis Ventura is an engineer and works at the construction company which was owned by Jane's father. Though he did come from a rich family, he was accepted by her parents, knowing how hardworking and diligent he is. Jane's father was a good-hearted person, who dedicated himself to helping unfortunate kids.

     They were almost done when Cassandra's phone rang which she did not answer because it was not on her phone book. Afterward, she received a message that the person who called was Imman and that he is waiting for her at the restaurant which he also texted the location. She did not reply, instead, she turned off her phone.

     "Who was that?" inquired Jane.

     "Nobody. Let us just finish our dinner, shall we?"

     After dinner, Jane went home first, leaving Cassandra alone. She took out her phone, opened it, and read the messages again. She went to the parking lot and decided that she would go to the place where Imman was waiting.

     Upon seeing Cassandra entering the restaurant, the lawyer immediately stood up and offered her a seat. He smiled at her, letting her know how happy he is. Cassandra noticed it but ignored it anyway, though deep inside, she is also glad to see him.

     "I'm glad you came. We can order now."

     "I ate already. I only want to drink pineapple juice, please."

     Imman called the waiter and ordered. Both were looking nervous, quiet and anxious until the heiress opened her mouth and said, "Imman, I came here to inform you that I can't be friends with you. I am getting married, so it is not right for me to see anyone especially someone that I just met."

     "You said you are getting married but not yet married, so it is still possible for us to see each other as friends...."

     "Are you serious? No way! I don't want people seeing with another guy, and besides, are you even rich? Perhaps, you have a hint that I came from a wealthy family, the reason why you are pursuing me."

     "I am not rich and I am not liking you because of your money. It's just that the first time I saw you, I felt something that I have not felt before..."

     "And so, you are telling me that you are in love with me? Is that it? How dare you! I'd better get going now! You are an impertinent and disgusting person! On top of that, you thought that I would easily be swayed by your good looks? Hey mister, wake up! I am not that kind of woman and I do not like you! You are just a poor young lawyer who wanted to take advantage of a rich woman like me. I am telling you this - you will never succeed! Goodbye! I do not want to see you ever again!"

     Imman could not believe what he just heard. He felt a heavy blow inside his heart. The heiress left, but he could not curse her - he loves everything in her.

     On her way to the parking area, Cassandra heard footsteps coming. When she looked behind, ready to vent her anger to the lawyer whom she thought followed her, she was surprised to see a stranger whose eyes were red and was smiling at her. She got scared and ran away. It was very dark, and she doesn't know the place. The stranger who was drunk was whistling while looking for her. 

     He found her at last. She was begging for him not to hurt her but the stranger got closer to her and was about to grab her when a man from behind stopped him by grabbing his hand and punching his face. He hit him again and both wrestled to the ground until the drunkard got up and ran quickly, leaving the lawyer and the heiress behind. 

     "Are you alright? You looked pale Cassandra! Come let me help you. I was on my way home when I saw the drunkard following you. He's gone already, you are safe with me."

     The young woman did not utter a single word but instead, she hugged the lawyer tightly. She could not understand why he had saved her; just a while ago, she belittled him and mocked his station in life. When she got back to her senses, she let him go and said, "Thank you Imman! I was so scared, thinking that drunkard would harm me. Thanks to you, I am safe. I am sorry for what I have said before...I didn't mean it.."

     Imman grinned at her and embrace her, not wanting to let her go. Both felt happiness while they were wrapped in each other's arms. The time suddenly stopped and there was only them, in their own world where only the two of them exist. 

     It took the ringing of the lawyer's phone that made them go back to reality. It was a client which he promised to visit the following day. "I will take you now to the parking lot. Let us go, I will never let anybody hurt you, my dear."

     Cassandra quietly followed the lawyer, stealing glances at him many times, where she saw the kindness and the purity of his heart. She was wrong when she mocked him, now, she promised herself that she would do anything to keep him by her side, no matter what the consequences are, even to the point of canceling her wedding and infuriating her parents.

     She pointed where her car was. Before they parted, Imman kissed her tenderly, which made her blush, it was her first, making her heart beats faster. Inside her room, Cassandra still could not believe what had happened but she knew that from now on, she has to face the consequences of her action which include the anger of her parents.