Chapter 56 Chapter 56
The morning sun filled the big mansion slowly, touching every bright corner and golden chair. Cassandra sat in the living room with a glass of juice in her hand. She looked beautiful and proud, her hair loose over her shoulder. She wore a white robe that made her skin glow.
Vanessa sat beside her, painting her nails and laughing from time to time. “Cass, I swear this your life sweet die,” she said. “Big house, servants everywhere, expensive perfume — everything soft.”
Cassandra smiled proudly. “It’s called comfort, my dear. I told you I don’t suffer. I’m not built for stress.”
Vanessa nodded fast. “I agree. This is how life should be. You’re living like a queen. Nathaniel really loves you.”
Cassandra leaned back, eyes half closed. “He’s obsessed,” she said proudly. “And I make sure he stays that way. I don’t shout, I don’t complain. I just give him peace and he gives me everything I want.”
Vanessa laughed loud. “That’s the secret! Men like peace, but they also like a fine woman with sense. You have both.”
Cassandra looked at her nails, smiling. “That’s why I’m winning.”
A maid entered quietly with a tray of fruits and drinks. “Good morning, ma’am,” she said with her head down.
“Keep it there,” Cassandra said without even looking.
The maid bent carefully, but her hand shook and a little juice spilled on the white floor. Cassandra turned slowly, her eyes sharp. “Are you blind?” she said in a low voice that made the girl freeze.
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the maid said quickly.
Vanessa hissed. “You people can’t do small thing well? What is wrong with you?”
The maid bent to clean the floor, but in her hurry, she brushed Vanessa’s leg by mistake. Vanessa jumped up. “What nonsense! Are you stupid?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, it was not—”
Before she could finish, Vanessa gave her a hard slap. Pa! The sound echoed in the room.
The maid covered her face, shaking. Cassandra stood up slowly, her voice calm but full of anger. “You embarrassed my guest?”
The maid stammered. “No, ma’am, I—”
Another slap landed on her cheek. Cassandra’s face didn’t move. “Next time, be careful.”
Tears rolled down the girl’s face as she ran out. Cassandra and Vanessa looked at each other for one second — then they both started laughing.
“Cass, you’re wicked!” Vanessa said, laughing till her eyes watered. “I thought you’d stop me, but you joined!”
Cassandra laughed too. “She deserved it. You can’t act foolish around me.”
They both sat down again, still smiling. Vanessa sipped her drink. “I like how you handle people. No fear, no apology.”
Cassandra raised her chin. “That’s how you survive. When you’re soft, they take you for granted. But when you’re strong, they respect you.”
Vanessa nodded. “True talk.”
Cassandra crossed her legs and looked around the big living room. The place looked rich — white sofa, gold curtains, everything shiny. “Sometimes I look at all this and I just smile,” she said slowly. “People used to mock me. They said I was a gold digger. Now look at me — living in a mansion, with everything I want.”
Vanessa clapped her hands softly. “You’re the real boss lady. No one can talk to you anyhow again.”
Cassandra laughed gently. “Let them talk. Their words can’t reach me here.”
Vanessa smiled. “I hope Nathaniel keeps treating you well.”
“He will,” Cassandra said quickly. “I know how to keep him. I cook for him when I want. I listen to him when he’s tired. I give him peace and he gives me control. It’s simple.”
Vanessa grinned. “You’re using wisdom.”
Cassandra smiled back. “Exactly. Wisdom and beauty — that’s my weapon.”
They talked and laughed for a long time. They gossiped about other rich women, parties, and clothes. Time passed fast, and the house stayed quiet except for their laughter.
Later, Cassandra stretched and said, “Let’s go outside. The weather looks good.”
They went to the poolside. The sun was warm, the water was clear, and birds sang softly from the garden. Cassandra removed her robe and sat near the pool, dipping her legs inside. Vanessa followed, sipping juice from her glass.
“This house is like a dream,” Vanessa said. “If I were you, I’d never step outside again.”
Cassandra laughed. “Sometimes I don’t. I can spend the whole day here.”
Vanessa smiled. “You’re blessed, Cass. You’ve made it.”
Cassandra looked into the water and smiled faintly. “Yes, I have. But I’m not done yet.”
Vanessa turned to her. “What do you mean?”
Cassandra looked at her with a small smile. “I still have plans. This life has levels, Vanessa. What I have now is comfort, but I want power. I want people to fear losing my favour.”
Vanessa laughed softly. “You and power. You’ll never change.”
Cassandra shrugged. “Power is peace. When you have power, nobody can touch you.”
They stayed quiet for a moment, watching the pool water move slowly.
After a while, Cassandra spoke again. “Vanessa, tell me something — do you ever think about marriage?”
Vanessa rolled her eyes. “Marriage? I don’t have time for that wahala. Men are stressful. I prefer money and peace.”
Cassandra smiled. “We think alike.”
“But,” Vanessa said teasingly, “you’re almost like a wife now. Nathaniel treats you like one.”
Cassandra gave a little smile. “Maybe one day I’ll become his wife officially. Who knows?”
Vanessa laughed. “I’ll be your chief bridesmaid.”
Cassandra smiled, shaking her head. “We’ll see.”
A maid came and offered them cold drinks again. Cassandra didn’t thank her; she just took the glass. Vanessa took hers and waved the maid off.
Cassandra looked up at the sky, the light touching her face. “Vanessa, this peace I feel now, I’ve never felt it before,” she said softly. “For the first time, I’m not afraid of losing anything.”
Vanessa nodded. “It’s your time, Cass. Enjoy it.”
Cassandra smiled, closing her eyes. “I will.”
They both relaxed by the pool until the sun began to set. The light turned orange and golden, falling on Cassandra’s face. She stood up slowly and stretched her arms.
“I should go freshen up before Nathaniel comes back,” she said.
Vanessa giggled. “You love that man small sha.”
Cassandra smiled without answering. “See you tomorrow. We’ll go shopping. I need new dresses.”
Vanessa clapped. “Yes, let’s do that. I’ll be here early.”
Cassandra smiled again and walked back into the mansion. Her heels clicked on the marble floor, echoing like a queen’s footsteps. The maids bowed as she passed, their eyes down.
When she reached the staircase, she paused and looked around. Everything shone — the chandelier, the golden mirror, the flowers, the paintings.
“This is my world now,” she whispered with a smile. “And I’m not giving it up for anyone.”
Then she turned and went upstairs, her robe flowing behind her like a crown, her smile full of quiet victory.
Far away, the moon began to rise, and while Cassandra celebrated her comfort, another woman — Savannah — sat quietly somewhere else, her hands on her belly, waiting for the storm she didn’t know was coming.