Chapter 10
+8 Pearls
After seeing off Nathaniel, I returned to my suite, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. Half an hour later, the inevitable happened–Adrian arrived, and he wasn’t alone. With his hand. wrapped around Vivian’s, they stepped into the study as if they belonged there.
I was at my desk, going over the latest financial reports for the company’s monthly expenses. The scent of lavender from a burning candle filled the space, its calming fragrance in sharp contrast to the storm brewing inside me.
I looked up, my gaze landing on their intertwined fingers. My chest tightened, but I kept my face impassive. No more illusions. No more false hope. It was better this way–direct, honest, and with no pretense.
“Please, have a seat,” I said evenly, dismissing my assistant with a glance.
Vivian had abandoned her usual business attire and opted for something softer–a flowing crimson dress embroidered with delicate golden patterns. It draped around her elegantly as she settled into the chair, confidence radiating from her like a shield. She wasn’t traditionally beautiful, but her presence was undeniable.
She was the first to speak. “Cassandra.”
Her voice carried the sharpness of someone used to commanding attention. She expected her presence alone to shake me. But I met her stare head–on, refusing to waver.
“Ms. Carter, what can I do for you?” I asked, my voice calm.
“I heard you wanted to see me, so here I am.” She leaned forward slightly, her expression unreadable. “I only have one question–are you willing to coexist peacefully with me? And let’s skip the theatrics. That innocent act might fool Adrian, but it won’t work on me.”
I studied her for a moment, then asked, “Let me turn that question back to you. Do I even have another choice?”
She stiffened. “This isn’t about choices. It’s about what is. Whether you have another option is your business.”
A soft laugh escaped my lips. It wasn’t mirthful–it was the laugh of someone who had seen through every deception, every carefully crafted manipulation. I turned my gaze to Adrian, then back to her.
“Of course, I’m willing.” I said simply. “I have no intention of getting in the way.”
The divorce papers were ready. Soon, there would be nothing left tying me to them. Peace? Sure. I would grant her that. Because soon, she wouldn’t matter to me at all.
Vivian’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t lie to me. I can tell when someone’s being dishonest. If you truly
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Chapter 10
My fingers curled slightly against the armrest of my chair. “Ms, Carter, watch your words
She had no idea who she was dealing with. And soon, she would regret underestimating me.
Vivian faltered for just a moment, clearly not expecting Cassandra to push back so firmly.
I kept my gaze steady, my face devoid of emotion, but inside, my heart pounded with a mix of anger and exhaustion. “Not everyone wields power the way you do, Vivian. Just because I don’t fight battles the way you do doesn’t mean I’ve been playing a role. Some of us fight in other ways -ways you clearly don’t respect.”
I turned to Adrian then, my voice cool and measured. “And as for you… when you proposed to me, you swore to my mother that I would be your only wife, that there would be no one else. That promise clearly meant nothing to you. So don’t stand here acting like I’m the one in the way of your happiness.”
Vivian let out a soft, amused chuckle, crossing her arms as she looked at Adrian. “So, you told her that too? How interesting. If that’s the case, maybe I’m the one interfering in your marriage.”
Adrian stiffened but didn’t let go of her hand. “I told you before, Cassandra. I didn’t know what love was until I met Vivian. Maybe it was wrong of me to make those promises back then, but I won’t apologize for following my heart.”
I swallowed the bitter taste in my mouth, but my voice remained steady. “And what exactly are you suggesting? That I just…. stay engaed to you while you build your future with someone else?”
He sighed, as if I was being difficult. “Vivian and I will be away most of the time, with the company and all. You can stay here and manage things, have a family of your own if you want. You’ll always have your place, Cassandra.”
I let out a quiet laugh, shaking my head. “So that’s what you’re offering me? The role of a caretaker for your future children?”
He hesitated, but then he nodded. “Yes. If you want a child, we can have one together. After that…. we won’t have to share a bed anymore.”
His words hit me like a slap. Even after everything, a small part of me had held onto the past, to the boy I once loved. But now, I saw him for who he truly was–Scone who had never valued me, only what I could give him.
I turned to Vivian, my voice sharp. “And you? Do you agree with this arrangement?”
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