The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape novel Chapter 126

CASSIE 16: Something’s Up

Vanessa asked what I was doing there because she didn’t know my true intentions. And that ignorance was the only thing I was counting on. I gathered my courage and stood up from the bench.

“To see if you’re lying,” I declared, leveling my gaze at her. “I want to know if you’re lying to Asher. And let’s be honest–we both already know you are.”

She stiffened, her arms uncrossing as she swallowed hard. “You- So what? In the end, Asher believes me because he loves me!”

“Delulu much?” I shot back. “He trusts you because he’s a moron! Anyway, here’s a little advice–put a little more effort into pretending to faint next time. Maybe then he’ll stop bothering me altogether.”

“You’re the delusional one!” she hissed. “This is just your way of getting attention. We both know he’s only involved with you because of your families‘ arrangement.”

“Whatever,” I muttered, rolling my eyes before turning my back on her.

I really hoped Vanessa believed my bluff. Even if she discovered the truth, I doubted she’d tell Asher anyway. Neither of us wanted complications. Still, the tension lingered in my mind as I left.

Later, I lay on my king–size bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Almost unconsciously, I pulled up my sleeve to examine the skin underneath. As expected, the faint imprint of Asher’s grip was still visible on my arm.

The hematologist had already warned me–my blood counts were concerning. Now, I faced an impossible choice: the fashion week event–potentially my last–or the scheduled chemotherapy appointment that conflicted with it.

I picked up my phone and texted my agent to cancel all pending job offers. There was no point accepting work I wouldn’t be able to complete once treatment began.

His reply came quickly, full of disbelief: “Why, Miss Cassie?”

“I’m getting married,” I lied.

The agency had already made a fortune from my work; I only needed to earn a few million more to fulfill my obligations.

I sent another reply: “I’ll pay the remaining contract termination liability. If you need someone to replace me, I recommend

Isabella Prescott.”

Agent: “Congratulations, Miss Cassie! It’s great to hear that your wedding with Mr. Reid is finally happening.”

I stared at the message, feeling a bit guilty for the lie I told. Before I could think more about it, another text popped up.

“About Ms. Isabella… the agency has already tried reaching out to GoldenStage, but someone’s preventing her from accepting certain collaborations. They’re exclusively offering those opportunities to another starlet represented by their in- house agent.”

The industry politics never ceased to frustrate me. I made up my mind–I’ll visit Isabella once I’ve wrapped up everything I need to do next week.

My phone rang suddenly, interrupting my thoughts as I drafted a letter. Ronan’s name illuminated the screen.

“Hi!” I answered cheerfully.

I could hear the usual airport announcements system in the background–the operator’s voice and flight numbers being

called.

“You’re at the airport?”

“Yeah. That’s why I called. I’m flying to Europe ahead of schedule–there’s something I need to take care of,” there was a pause before he continued, his tone softening. “I sent you a gift. My assistant should’ve delivered it by now.”

“Really?”

“Yup! See you soon, Cassie.”

The way he said my name, soft, slow, and full of quiet affection, sent a warm flutter through me and pulled a smile to my lips.

But then I exhaled deeply, shaking my head. I couldn’t help but feel like I was giving Ronan false hope for a future that could never happen. I decided to tell him the truth about my illness after he finished the painting–he deserved to know. That’s right! I had decided to support his artist Successfully unlocked! ne more aware that the physical features he wanted to capture would soon fade, and eventually, I might look in the mirror and barely recognize the person staring back

at me.

I want to see myself on canvas–the free–spirited Cassie–before I begin the long road of therapy.

***

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CASSIE 16: Something’s Up

It was dinner time when I finally emerged from my room. I had fallen asleep while thinking about Ronan and his unexpected phone call, completely forgetting about the gift he said he sent me.

I spotted Mom doing Pilates with her instructor as I searched for the package.

“Miss Cassie,” our household assistant approached me with a polite smile, “someone delivered several parcels for you earlier today. I’ve placed them in the living space for your convenience.”

I nodded and hurried over to one of the boxes. Inside, there was only a gold card from a renowned luxury brand famous for its handcrafted bags. It bore a date on its polished surface, resembling a warrantyard, yet its elegant presentation set it

apart.