Cassandra’s POVEveryone… they were all so foreign to me. Their polished appearances, the way they moved and spoke—it all screamed wealth and status. It wasn’t just the designer clothing or the champagne glasses they held; it was in the way they carried themselves, as though they owned the world. I felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, too dull to fit into their gilded picture.The way they toasted champagne and seamlessly discussed mergers and investments left me in a haze of inadequacy. What could I possibly contribute to this? That I was a secretary for the biggest company in New York City, and their son—Killian—was out of his mind for dragging me into this?I glanced at him as he walked confidently beside me, his every move exuding a natural charisma that seemed to command respect from everyone around us. He greeted people effortlessly, exchanging names and smiles with men in tailored suits and women adorned in glittering jewelry. I didn’t recognize a single face. These weren’t peop
Cassandra’s POV“Who did you come with tonight?” Killian’s voice cut through the tension, his tone light but his words sharp enough to provoke. “Have you finally found yourself someone worth bringing to an event, or are you… lonely?”The corner of Killian’s mouth twitched, hinting at an inside joke I wasn’t privy to. From the way Nathaniel’s lips curled into a smirk, it was clear this wasn’t their first verbal sparring match.Nathaniel chuckled, a low sound that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Lonely? Hardly.” He lifted his glass lazily, taking a sip as his eyes flicked to me, lingering just a second too long. “But no, I didn’t come with anyone. I can’t seem to find someone who compares to the beauty of the woman you brought tonight. Quite the catch, isn’t she?”His gaze felt like a spotlight, making my skin prickle uncomfortably. I gripped Killian’s hand tighter, hoping he didn’t notice.“Is that so?” Killian replied smoothly, a teasing edge in his voice. “Well, don’t worry. You’ll gro
Cassandra’s POVI thought I would finally be able to go home, escape this unbearable atmosphere, but I was wrong. Killian had been called over to his parents' table, leaving me behind. So, there I was, tucked away in a corner, holding a glass of champagne like a lifeline, watching the world around me as though I were a ghost.The Luthers were the picture of unity, gathered in their little circle, speaking in low, sophisticated tones that carried an air of exclusivity. Their laughter rose above the quiet hum of the room, light and effortless, as if the world existed solely for their enjoyment.And then there was me.The outsider.I felt the weight of it settle on my chest, heavy and suffocating. I wasn’t just out of place; I was a world away from these people, their conversations about business, legacy, and things I couldn’t even pretend to understand. I sipped my champagne, the fizzy liquid doing nothing to soothe the gnawing ache of my loneliness."Lord, if you’re listening," I thoug
Cassandra’s POVThe words stung as they left my mouth, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. I couldn’t afford to let him see how his persistence rattled me, how his proximity made my heart race in ways I couldn’t control.For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—hurt, frustration, something else I couldn’t name.I turned away, chugging the rest of my drink in an effort to drown the tension between us. “Besides,” I added, my tone quieter now, “we both know how this would end. Your family would never allow it. They’d see me as nothing but a threat to their perfect little world.”His brows furrowed, but I didn’t let him speak. “You know I’m right,” I said, my voice sharpening again. “I’ve seen how families like yours operate. Wealthy, powerful—they protect their image at all costs. They’d make my life hell, Nathaniel. Just like today. They’d push me into a corner until I had no choice but to walk away.”I paused, the memories of his family’s icy di
Cassandra’s POVThe sharp sting across my cheek left me momentarily frozen, my mind racing to process what had just happened. My skin burned as though it were on fire, and instinctively, my hand rose to touch the spot, trying to dull the pain.It wasn’t just the slap that stunned me—it was the sheer venom behind it.“None of this would have happened if you hadn’t shown up!” Killian’s mother seethed, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. Her eyes were cold, filled with disdain as she stepped closer, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “What’s your relationship with Nathaniel, huh? Are you scheming something wicked for my son?”Before I could even respond, Killian was by my side, wrapping his arms around me protectively. “Mom, what the hell are you doing?!” he shouted, his voice shaking with both anger and fear.I could feel his hands trembling as they gently touched my cheek, his eyes scanning the redness that had begun to spread across my skin. “Are you okay?” he whispered
Cassandra’s POV“Cassandra, stop!” His voice was louder now, firm and filled with anguish. “You don’t have to listen to her. Don’t let her push you away.”I clenched my fists at my sides, summoning every ounce of resolve I had left. “Killian, please,” I said softly, my voice cracking. “Don’t make this harder.”He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto mine. “Harder? Watching you walk away is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said, his voice breaking.Tears blurred my vision, but I shook my head, refusing to let them fall. “This isn’t about what you want, Killian. It’s about what’s best for you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.“You think this is what’s best?” he shot back, his frustration evident. “Letting her dictate my life? Pushing you away?”His mother’s voice cut through like ice. “You’ll thank me one day, Killian. She’s nothing but a distraction—a liability. You’ll see that I’m right.”I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I turned and walked away, my steps hurried
Killian’s POV“One woman was rushed to the hospital after suffering a fatal injury. An eight-wheeled truck reportedly crashed into her, threatening her life. The doctors are still in search of her family, and she is currently undergoing surgery.” The words from a guest’s phone echoed in the room, sending a chill down my spine.I was about to check the news on my phone when suddenly, mine started ringing. Without hesitation, I picked it up, hoping it was someone I knew, maybe someone who could offer some distraction from the overwhelming emotions flooding my chest.“Hello?” I tried to steady my voice, but it was hard. My throat was raw from crying, and every word felt like it was being squeezed out of me. I could barely breathe, my chest tight with the weight of it all. My tears had come down in a relentless stream, and now they seemed to have dried up, leaving a cold emptiness.I waited, my heart pounding, trying to focus on the sound of the voice on the other end. It was heavy breath
Cassandra Reed’s POV“You cannot apply for a loan, Miss Cassandra.” The tenant in the money lending agency said. He seemed frustrated with my case and the way he said those words was filled with irritation. “What? Why can’t I?” I asked, for the tenth time on this day. “You see, we cannot lend any money to anyone. You must have a high-paying job running for at least three months.” He explained further. It just made me feel more stressed out. “Otherwise, we know you might be able to pay us.”“I am about to lose my apartment,” I whispered. I cannot believe that they refuse to help a woman in distress right now. Isn’t the purpose of money lending to help people in need of finances? So why are they rejecting my plea? “I am sorry, ma’am. You may come back once you find a job. That way, we can help you and discuss what you should do.” He said. It is just utterly unbelievable how he never even considered it. “Are you seriously rejecting me now, are you?” I sighed. I can’t even use my face
Killian’s POV“One woman was rushed to the hospital after suffering a fatal injury. An eight-wheeled truck reportedly crashed into her, threatening her life. The doctors are still in search of her family, and she is currently undergoing surgery.” The words from a guest’s phone echoed in the room, sending a chill down my spine.I was about to check the news on my phone when suddenly, mine started ringing. Without hesitation, I picked it up, hoping it was someone I knew, maybe someone who could offer some distraction from the overwhelming emotions flooding my chest.“Hello?” I tried to steady my voice, but it was hard. My throat was raw from crying, and every word felt like it was being squeezed out of me. I could barely breathe, my chest tight with the weight of it all. My tears had come down in a relentless stream, and now they seemed to have dried up, leaving a cold emptiness.I waited, my heart pounding, trying to focus on the sound of the voice on the other end. It was heavy breath
Cassandra’s POV“Cassandra, stop!” His voice was louder now, firm and filled with anguish. “You don’t have to listen to her. Don’t let her push you away.”I clenched my fists at my sides, summoning every ounce of resolve I had left. “Killian, please,” I said softly, my voice cracking. “Don’t make this harder.”He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto mine. “Harder? Watching you walk away is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said, his voice breaking.Tears blurred my vision, but I shook my head, refusing to let them fall. “This isn’t about what you want, Killian. It’s about what’s best for you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.“You think this is what’s best?” he shot back, his frustration evident. “Letting her dictate my life? Pushing you away?”His mother’s voice cut through like ice. “You’ll thank me one day, Killian. She’s nothing but a distraction—a liability. You’ll see that I’m right.”I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I turned and walked away, my steps hurried
Cassandra’s POVThe sharp sting across my cheek left me momentarily frozen, my mind racing to process what had just happened. My skin burned as though it were on fire, and instinctively, my hand rose to touch the spot, trying to dull the pain.It wasn’t just the slap that stunned me—it was the sheer venom behind it.“None of this would have happened if you hadn’t shown up!” Killian’s mother seethed, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. Her eyes were cold, filled with disdain as she stepped closer, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “What’s your relationship with Nathaniel, huh? Are you scheming something wicked for my son?”Before I could even respond, Killian was by my side, wrapping his arms around me protectively. “Mom, what the hell are you doing?!” he shouted, his voice shaking with both anger and fear.I could feel his hands trembling as they gently touched my cheek, his eyes scanning the redness that had begun to spread across my skin. “Are you okay?” he whispered
Cassandra’s POVThe words stung as they left my mouth, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. I couldn’t afford to let him see how his persistence rattled me, how his proximity made my heart race in ways I couldn’t control.For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—hurt, frustration, something else I couldn’t name.I turned away, chugging the rest of my drink in an effort to drown the tension between us. “Besides,” I added, my tone quieter now, “we both know how this would end. Your family would never allow it. They’d see me as nothing but a threat to their perfect little world.”His brows furrowed, but I didn’t let him speak. “You know I’m right,” I said, my voice sharpening again. “I’ve seen how families like yours operate. Wealthy, powerful—they protect their image at all costs. They’d make my life hell, Nathaniel. Just like today. They’d push me into a corner until I had no choice but to walk away.”I paused, the memories of his family’s icy di
Cassandra’s POVI thought I would finally be able to go home, escape this unbearable atmosphere, but I was wrong. Killian had been called over to his parents' table, leaving me behind. So, there I was, tucked away in a corner, holding a glass of champagne like a lifeline, watching the world around me as though I were a ghost.The Luthers were the picture of unity, gathered in their little circle, speaking in low, sophisticated tones that carried an air of exclusivity. Their laughter rose above the quiet hum of the room, light and effortless, as if the world existed solely for their enjoyment.And then there was me.The outsider.I felt the weight of it settle on my chest, heavy and suffocating. I wasn’t just out of place; I was a world away from these people, their conversations about business, legacy, and things I couldn’t even pretend to understand. I sipped my champagne, the fizzy liquid doing nothing to soothe the gnawing ache of my loneliness."Lord, if you’re listening," I thoug
Cassandra’s POV“Who did you come with tonight?” Killian’s voice cut through the tension, his tone light but his words sharp enough to provoke. “Have you finally found yourself someone worth bringing to an event, or are you… lonely?”The corner of Killian’s mouth twitched, hinting at an inside joke I wasn’t privy to. From the way Nathaniel’s lips curled into a smirk, it was clear this wasn’t their first verbal sparring match.Nathaniel chuckled, a low sound that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Lonely? Hardly.” He lifted his glass lazily, taking a sip as his eyes flicked to me, lingering just a second too long. “But no, I didn’t come with anyone. I can’t seem to find someone who compares to the beauty of the woman you brought tonight. Quite the catch, isn’t she?”His gaze felt like a spotlight, making my skin prickle uncomfortably. I gripped Killian’s hand tighter, hoping he didn’t notice.“Is that so?” Killian replied smoothly, a teasing edge in his voice. “Well, don’t worry. You’ll gro
Cassandra’s POVEveryone… they were all so foreign to me. Their polished appearances, the way they moved and spoke—it all screamed wealth and status. It wasn’t just the designer clothing or the champagne glasses they held; it was in the way they carried themselves, as though they owned the world. I felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, too dull to fit into their gilded picture.The way they toasted champagne and seamlessly discussed mergers and investments left me in a haze of inadequacy. What could I possibly contribute to this? That I was a secretary for the biggest company in New York City, and their son—Killian—was out of his mind for dragging me into this?I glanced at him as he walked confidently beside me, his every move exuding a natural charisma that seemed to command respect from everyone around us. He greeted people effortlessly, exchanging names and smiles with men in tailored suits and women adorned in glittering jewelry. I didn’t recognize a single face. These weren’t peop
Cassandra’s POVI stared at the words for a moment, my pulse quickening. I felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement stir in my chest.I took a deep breath and gave myself one last glance in the mirror. “You’ve got this,” I whispered to myself. No matter what happened tonight, I was ready.I made my way down the stairs, my heart pounding as I approached the door. But when I saw him standing there, my steps faltered for a moment. Killian looked nothing like the man I was used to. He was wearing a perfectly tailored business coat, and his presence seemed to demand attention. His charisma radiated off him, stronger than I had ever felt before. It was as if he had stepped into a whole new version of himself, one I hadn’t seen until now.He turned toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “God, you look as beautiful as ever,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with admiration. I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, but it was more than just a compliment—it felt genuine, like he tru
Cassandra’s POV“Did you see the dress I bought you?” Killian’s deep, composed voice came through the phone, laced with a touch of anticipation. “I had it sent over by the maids earlier.”I glanced at the dress draped across my bed, its shimmering fabric catching the light. Still wrapped in my bathrobe, I hesitated, my fingers lightly brushing the intricate details of the gown. It was breathtaking—sleek and elegant, with crisscross straps that dipped daringly low in the back. The kind of dress that belonged in glamorous magazines or on red carpets, not in my modest world.“Yes, I see it,” I replied softly, biting my lip.“And?” he prompted.“It’s… stunning,” I admitted, my voice trailing off. “But do I really have to wear something like this? I’ve never worn anything so beautiful before. Honestly, I’m scared I won’t do it justice.”A short pause lingered on the other end of the line before he responded, his tone firmer now. “Of course you should wear it. I chose it for you, Cassandra,