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CASSIE 26: Torn Apart
CASSIE 26: Torn Apart
I pulled myself together, brushing off the pain and sadness, or perhaps I’m merely deceiving myself about my true feelings?
Roxie’s words made me toughen up even more. I’ve got bigger things to worry about than being betrayed by two people! once cared about, like the alarming amount of hair I’d been losing lately.
Good thing, as a fashion model, I was already used to wearing hair extensions, and on bad days, even a wig.
Still, I couldn’t blame anyone but myself. I let those men deceive me–but that chapter’s closed now.
After that incident, I got ready for my trip to Century City as if nothing had happened.
During the flight to Isabella’s location, Evan casually mentioned, “Did Dad inform you that your wedding plans with Asher are moving forward? I believe it’s scheduled for two months from now.”
I stared at him in disbelief but suppressed the storm inside me.
“Evan, how can you still want me to end up with Asher? Why does Dad insist on this marriage?”
“Because he’s a nice buddy,” Evan said bluntly. “Cassie, the Reids consistently support us whenever troubles arise at the office. Stop behaving like a lovesick adolescent. You know better than anyone–what we feel in our hearts doesn’t count for much in our world.
“You need to cooperate, stand your ground, and toughen up. This marriage to Asher–it’s your way into a stronger position in society. But instead of seeing that, you’re still hung up on some useless idea of love. That’s always been your main issue, Cassie, no matter who tries to give you advice.”
I pressed my lips into a tight line. Evan wasn’t the first to throw that kind of warning at me. But I had my own battles to deal with–so why should I put everyone else’s expectations above my own?
I dismissed their planned wedding between Asher and me. As before, I regarded it as merely an absurd proposition. One thing was certain: it wasn’t going to happen.
I enjoyed hanging out with Isabella when we finally arrived in Century City. She didn’t suspect a thing. I laughed, played along, and buried everything I truly felt beneath a polished smile.
I decided to stay in the city for my upcoming therapy sessions and found a doctor after being referred to one. After a night out with Isabella, someone attempted to drug our drinks. Luckily, Asher was there, accompanied by another woman. As for who she was, I couldn’t care less.
Though visibly intoxicated, he tried to focus, forcing himself to meet my gaze.
“Come with me,” he ordered, his grip tight on my arms as he tried to pull me toward the exit.
“I’m not leaving Isabella,” I said, standing my ground and returning to our private room.
His expression darkened. “Gabriel already took her. She’s safe.”
“Why did you let Gabriel take her?” I demanded, irritation clear in my voice.
“They’re getting married. Besides, you’ve had Isabella all to yourself for days now!” he justified.
“Asher…” the woman with him muttered, clearly nervous. “W–who is she?”
I locked eyes with her, sizing her up.
“Hello!” I offered a casual wave and introduced myself with a deliberate smile. “I’m Cassie.”
“She’s my fiancée,” Asher interjected flatly.
I was used to Asher introducing me like this to his various women. He was good at using that move to keep control over both me and them, always making sure everyone knew where they stood with him.
Unfortunately for him, circumstances had changed. I wasn’t the same Cassie anymore, and his predictable tactics just bored me now.
The woman, visibly shaken, stammered, “What? T–then what am I to you? You kissed me only moments ago…”
I saw exactly what she was doing–she wanted to emphasize to me the intimate nature of her relationship with Asher.
“It’s nothing,” he dismissed.
“Tsk!” I rolled my eyes dramatically. “Darling, don’t overthink it. You’re probably just a bedmate. Maybe Mr. Reid didn’t give you the full briefing. I should probably warn you, though he’s been whore women than I can count.
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“His body count is probably higher than the number of ound of coffee you’ve had in your life. And, by the way, sexually transmitted infections are regrettably common these days, so I sincerely hope you took appropriate precautions.”
“Cassie, enough! Haven’t you had enough yet?”
The woman’s face flushed crimson. She appeared utterly speechless, as though something had stolen her ability to
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CASSIE 26: Torn Apart respond.
Asher seized my arm hard, pulling me toward his car. His grip was painfully tight against my skin.
I went along with him instead of resisting, not wanting to risk leaving a bruise on my arm.
Out of boredom, I remarked casually, “This is a bit new for you–ditching another woman for me. You’re giving up your fun night with her. I can head back to my apartment alone, you know?”
He shot me a glare. Through clenched teeth, he practically threw me into the back seat.
“I’m hurt by what you’ve done!” he spat as he slid in beside me, “I met her at a coffee shop. I asked her to stay, but nothing happened. I just needed someone to talk to…”
“Really? But I heard you kissed her,” I reminded him with deliberate indifference.
“Because I was drunk!” He rubbed his face in frustration, his voice rising. “I don’t know what to do with you anymore!”
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