Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Easy for whom? she wondered, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

Turning on her heel, she continued toward the restaurant where Zandrie was already waiting. Anticipation curled warmly in her chest–not for the meal, but for the drama she knew was bound to

unfold.

The moment she stepped inside, Drie rose to his feet, a smile already on his face as he lifted a hand and waved her over.

She approached him with measured, unhurried steps, and for the benefit of the watching public, rose onto her toes to press a light kiss to his cheek.

“It seems I won’t be leaving Bay City anytime soon if I get this every time we meet,” Drie murmured as he

returned the kiss.

“Silly,” she whispered back, drawing away just as he pulled out her chair.

“I ordered your favorites,” he said quickly once he had taken his seat across from her.

“Such a thoughtful husband,” Cassie teased under her breath.

“I’m making up for neglecting my beautiful wife,” he replied smoothly, winking.

“I’ve been so busy these days she hasn’t even had the chance to bring up whatever concerns she might

have.”

She chuckled softly. “Well, you should,” she said, casting him a playful glare.

They began to eat, settling into a comfortable silence–the kind that came naturally to them. Whatever their arrangement might look like to the outside world, however peculiar it was by society’s standards, it worked. They were at ease. Content.

“Cassie?”

Her hand paused midair, the glass of orange juice hovering just short of her lips as the familiar voice

reached her ears.

Mirriam Knowles.

Cassie did not turn around right away. Instead, she slowly lifted her eyes to Drie, who was already watching her. After a brief beat, their gazes locked before he averted his toward the source of the

interruption.

“CEO Wallace,” Mirriam said belatedly, stopping short as though she had only just realized his presence.

“I apologize for the intrusion.”

Cassie almost rolled her eyes at the sheer audacity of it.

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Chapter 56

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How considerate, she thought dryly.

Mirriam had recognized her from behind, yet somehow failed to notice the man sitting directly across from her–the one facing her direction the entire time.

The act was sloppy. Obvious.

And Cassie wondered whether Mirriam truly believed Zandrie Wallace had been fooled.

“We’re just about to finish, Miss Knowles,” Zandrie said graciously, offering Mirriam a polite smile.

“Oh, I just got excited seeing my sister here,” Mirriam replied lightly, turning to Cassie with practiced sisterly fondness. “I didn’t think much about approaching.”

Cassie returned the smile, calm and composed.

She was used to the act. Mirriam had been performing it for as long as Cassie could remember–this public display of warmth, of affection meant for an audience. Once, Cassie had mistaken it for something real. Once, she had been a child desperate for approval, naïve enough to believe that kindness shown in public meant kindness in private.

But that child no longer existed.

Now, Cassie understood the rules of the game. Understood who deserved courtesy–and who deserved caution. And more importantly, she had learned how to play just as well as they did.

“Well then,” Zandrie said smoothly, shifting the tone with ease.

“Why don’t you join us, Miss Knowles? Perhaps for dessert.” He turned to Cassie, his voice softening deliberately. “What do you think, babe?”

“I would love some dessert,” Cassie replied brightly, her enthusiasm unmistakable.

“Join us, Mirriam,” she added, gesturing graciously to the empty seat beside her.

“I’d love to,” Mirriam said at once, quick to take the cue.

As Mirriam pulled out the chair and settled in next to her, Cassie’s smile curved a fraction wider–just enough to betray the quiet anticipation glinting in her eyes.

The stage was set. And the drama was only just beginning.

****tbc****