The Divorce That Brought Us Back novel Chapter 13

In that split second, even though Cassidy had steeled herself to completely detach from romance and treat her marriage purely as a business stepping stone, the sight before her almost shattered her composure.

She hid her clenched fists by her sides, digging her nails into her palms. She took a deep breath, desperately fighting back the suffocating wave of anger, and forced a shallow smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Seraphina. It's been a while," she said coldly.

Turning her gaze to Parker, Cassidy asked in a flat tone, "Why is Seraphina in your car?"

Parker hesitated.

Cassidy's reaction wasn't what he had expected.

She was usually so sensitive and petty, never one to let things slide. Just a couple of days ago, she had threatened divorce because he let his secretary sit in the passenger seat. Now, seeing another woman in that exact spot, she should have been screaming at him.

Why was she being so quiet?

Parker frowned. "Seraphina just got back to the country. A few of the guys and I took her out for lunch. I was just giving her a ride home since it was on the way. Don't overthink it..."

Cassidy cut him off. "Got it. You should hurry up and drop her off then."

Without missing a beat, she spun on her heel, pulled open the rear door, and slid into the back seat with crisp, decisive movements.

Parker stared in sheer disbelief. Assuming she was throwing a passive-aggressive tantrum, a surge of irrational anger flared inside him. He yanked the back door open and physically pulled Cassidy out of the car.

His voice unconsciously pitched higher, bordering on a yell. "Cassidy Quinn! What are you throwing a fit over now?!"

Cassidy violently shook off his grip, her brow furrowing in genuine confusion. "Why are you yelling? You had lunch together, and it's practically evening now. If she's still in your car, you're driving way too slow. Hurry up and take her home."

"And you claim you're not throwing a fit?" Parker glared at her, completely convinced. "You're pissed that I let her sit in the passenger seat, aren't you?"

At that moment, Seraphina trotted around the front of the car and looped her arm through Cassidy's, looking the picture of innocence. "I can just sit in the back. Cassidy, you take the front."

As she tried to pull Cassidy toward the passenger side, Seraphina kept explaining, "This is all my fault. I heard you two were having issues, so I wanted to tag along and help talk some sense into you. I never meant to cause a misunderstanding. I was just trying to help."

Nora and Jasmine stood rooted to the spot, watching Parker's car drive off until it completely vanished down the street.

Jasmine looked visibly distressed. "Nora, are you sure we shouldn't have stepped in to help Cassidy?"

"We couldn't." Nora gripped Jasmine's arm. Her hand was trembling slightly, and her voice wavered. "When Cassidy had her hand behind her back earlier, she was waving us off. Did you see?"

"...I saw it," Jasmine admitted.

"That was her battle. If we intervened, we'd only be causing her more trouble."

"Nora, I'm terrified of getting married now..."

"Don't be scared. Cassidy's situation is an arranged marriage between two powerful families. Even though she and Parker have history, their families' business ties are deeply entangled. It's too complicated. You're different. You and Yates grew up together, and your foundation is rock solid. I'm different too. I won't have to endure the pain Cassidy is going through. Don't be scared..."