Easton was seriously dangerous, and Cassidy knew she had to handle this carefully. She'd been avoiding him, but today, unexpectedly, she ran into him. Nervously, she clenched her fists, unsure of what to say.
"Cassidy, haven't you made up your mind yet?" Easton stared at her, clearly determined to get an answer today.
As the silence dragged on, Easton's expression darkened. Just as he was about to shove Cassidy back into the room to demand an answer, Owen's voice came from behind. "Easton? What are you doing at Cassidy's door? Isn't she ready yet?"
Cassidy let out a sigh of relief when she heard Owen. "I'm ready," She said it calmly, but she kept an eye on Easton's face. He still looked cold, but with Owen there, he knew he couldn't keep pushing her, so he stepped aside to let her out.
Owen didn't know what had gone down between them, but he could feel the danger coming off Easton. His instincts told him that if he'd been a second later, Easton might have hurt Cassidy. He coughed and said, "Since everyone's ready, let's get going."
Cassidy quickly nodded and walked over to Owen, heading downstairs with him.
Easton, frustrated by the lack of an answer and seeing Cassidy and Owen walking together, was fuming. He looked like a starving beast eyeing its prey, his gaze intense and aggressive as he watched Cassidy.
Owen, ignoring Easton, smiled and chatted with Cassidy.
Cassidy tried to respond to Owen, but every time she spoke, she felt Easton's cold stare, making her uneasy. She had to keep reminding herself to ignore the pressure from Easton.
Seeing her tension, Owen pulled out a few masks to lighten the mood. "It's a masquerade ball tonight, and everyone needs a mask to get in. Pick one you like."
Cassidy wanted to take her time choosing a mask, but Easton's intense gaze made her grab one quickly. Immediately after, Easton grabbed another one from Owen's hand.
When it was time to get in the car, Easton stared at Cassidy's back, clearly wanting to ride with her.
But Cassidy didn't want to be stuck in a car with Easton, and she didn't want to ride with Owen either. To avoid any trouble with Easton, she insisted on riding alone, so they each took separate cars to the school.
Finally free from Easton's oppressive glare, Cassidy could breathe normally; just moments ago, standing next to Owen had her on edge, fearing Easton might storm over and do something drastic at any moment.
When they got to the school, Cassidy put on her mask and got out of the car. As soon as she stepped out, a stranger approached her. "Miss, are you here alone? Can I invite you to be my dance partner?"
Cassidy awkwardly shook her head.
But the guy didn't give up. "Miss, don't be so quick to say no. Since neither of us has a partner, why not go in together?"
"She already has a dance partner!" Owen stepped up from behind Cassidy, standing so close that it was clear to anyone they had a close relationship.
The guy realized his mistake and quickly apologized to Cassidy. After she said it was no big deal, he turned and left.
"Owen, thanks for showing up just in time," Cassidy said gratefully.
"Cassidy, you're so beautiful, it's no wonder someone wanted to dance with you," Owen complimented her directly.
Cassidy smiled, feeling relieved that she didn't see Easton around. She didn't know where he had gone, but as long as he wasn't near her, she felt less stressed.
Owen also noticed Easton's absence and felt a bit happier. Smiling, he led Cassidy into the venue. "Cassidy, I'm so glad you agreed to come to the music festival with me! May I have the honor of dancing with you tonight?"
Owen's invitation was cheerful, but Cassidy could sense the deeper feelings behind his words. She had always seen Owen as a kid, and realizing his affection for her, she felt the need to set things straight. "Owen, I'm your stepmother. It's not appropriate for us to be dance partners."
To clear up any misunderstandings, Cassidy looked him in the eye. "I've always seen you as a child. The only reason I agreed to come to the music festival today is because you're my stepson, nothing more. Do you understand?"
Cassidy's words made Owen's face go pale, and he instinctively said, "That's not what I meant."
"No matter what you meant, in my heart, we're only stepmother and stepson," Cassidy emphasized their relationship again, her serious tone leaving Owen stunned. He hadn't expected Cassidy to realize his feelings, let alone reject them so firmly.
Owen knew the gap between their identities, and with Cassidy pregnant with Ashton's child, it was impossible for them to be together. But being rejected so seriously before he even confessed made him feel really sad.
Owen wanted to argue that he didn't have inappropriate feelings for Cassidy, but looking at her face, he couldn't deny his feelings. He opened his mouth, only to feel his heart being squeezed tightly, making him feel suffocated.
"Sorry, I just remembered I have something to take care of. I'll be back in a bit." Owen quickly found a clumsy excuse and left in a hurry, not giving Cassidy a chance to respond.
Cassidy watched him go, not intending to stop him. She just hoped Owen could come to terms with this on his own; if he couldn't accept it, he'd only feel more miserable.
After Owen left, Cassidy entered the venue alone.
Maybe because she stood out from the students at the event, a lot of guys came up to ask her to dance, but Cassidy politely turned them all down.
After looking around the venue, Cassidy found a quiet corner and took a seat, thinking Owen wouldn't come back until the ball was over.
Easton was nowhere to be seen, leaving her to sit alone in the corner. After a short while, a drink was slid in front of her.
Cassidy looked up and saw someone wearing a wolf-shaped mask, similar to the one Easton had taken, and the person's build was also similar to Easton's. She started to feel nervous again, her body instantly tensing up. "Easton?"