131

131
Chapter 131
A Meeting Of Staffs

He hugged me back, “I'm gonna continue making you call me that..”

My heart melted at that.

He lifted my hand again, brushing his lips over the ring gently. The gesture was so soft, so full of affection, that I almost teared up again.

“You really meant it?” I asked quietly. “You really want to marry me?”

He looked into my eyes without hesitation. “I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life, Cassy.”

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding again.

“I love you,” I whispered.

He smiled slowly, his eyes softening. “I love you more.”

The words hung between us for a moment.

I took a deep breath, still staring at the ring. “It’s still crazy, you know,” I said, laughing quietly. “How everything happened.”

He nodded. “It’s crazy, yes. But maybe that’s what makes it real.”

“Maybe,” I said softly.

Just then one of the chefs came. “Food is served..” 

I looked at Nikolas, smiling. “Guess that’s our cue.”

He nodded and offered his hand again. I took it without thinking.

As we walked together toward the dining room, I couldn’t stop glancing at the ring. 

The diamond caught the light every time I moved.

When we got there, Katy was already waiting, standing proudly beside the table that was now beautifully set with dishes that smelled absolutely delicious.

Nikolas brought out the chair for me, and I smiled softly as I sat down.
“Thank you..” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled and looked straight into my eyes. “Anything for my queen…” he said, and I couldn’t help but blush a little.

He took the spoon and served my plate gently, making sure everything was neatly arranged before sliding it to me. I looked at the food, the aroma filling the room, perfectly cooked chicken with mashed potatoes and creamy sauce. 

Nikolas sat right beside me, his chair close enough that his arm brushed against mine.

“Eat up,” he said with that smile that could melt me a thousand times.
“I will,” I said shyly, taking the spoon.

We both began to eat slowly, the sound of our cutlery clinking softly against the plates.

“You know…” Nikolas started, watching me as I ate, “you shouldn’t be doing this. You’re my wife now.”
I raised a brow. “Doing what exactly?”
He leaned closer. “Feeding yourself. I should feed you. I shouldn’t let you lift a finger even.”

I laughed quietly, shaking my head. “Nik… please. Don’t start with that again.”
“I mean it,” he said with a serious tone but his lips still curved up slightly. “From now on, you’re my responsibility. Everything about you.”
I looked at him for a moment, the words sinking deep into me. He meant every single one of them.

We kept eating while chatting about random things, how Dre was acting too serious lately, how Grandma Mar had been complaining about her new glasses, and how Katy nearly broke a vase that morning trying to chase a lizard out of my room. 

I laughed so hard I almost spilled my drink.

Nikolas leaned back and smiled at me like he was watching his entire world. “You laugh like an angel,” he said.
I rolled my eyes playfully. “Oh please…”
“No, I mean it. It’s been long since I’ve heard this kind of laughter in this house. It feels… alive again.”

I felt my heart soften. “Then I’ll keep laughing just for you.”

“Good,” he said, his hand reaching across the table to hold mine.

We sat there for a few more minutes, talking and teasing each other until Nikolas suddenly turned serious. 

He looked toward the door, then back at me.

“Katy!” he called.

Katy rushed in, wiping her hands on her apron. “Yes, sir?”

“Katy, call all the maids. And Dre get the guards and everyone working under me. I want everyone in the main hall now.”

Katy blinked, surprised. “All of them, sir?”
“Yes. Every single one. No one should be missing,” Nikolas said firmly.

Dre, who was standing a few feet away, nodded. “Yes, boss!” and left immediately.
“Yes sir!” Katy said and hurried out.

I looked at Nikolas. “What’s going on?”
He smiled faintly. “You’ll see soon.”

Meanwhile, Katy made her way to the kitchen.

She pushed open the kitchen door and saw Mandy and Rosa chatting near the counter, cutting vegetables and laughing loudly.

“Hey!” Katy said loudly.
They turned around, startled. “What’s it this time?” Mandy asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Katy crossed her arms. “Boss wants everyone in the main hall. Now.”

Rosa frowned. “Everyone? Why?”
“I don’t know. He just said everyone should come. Guards, maids, cooks, all.”

Mandy let out a sharp laugh. “Ha! I guess your dearest Cassandra has messed up already. Maybe he wants to scold her in front of everyone.”

Katy froze, her face hardening instantly. “What did you just say?”

Mandy smirked and leaned back against the counter. “You heard me. That woman walks in here acting like she’s the new queen already. She needs to be reminded of her place.”

Katy stepped closer, her tone sharper now. “You’re stupid, I must say.”

Mandy frowned. “What did you just call me?”

“You heard me,” Katy said, her eyes blazing. “Stupid. And that’s me being polite.”

Rosa looked uneasy. “Katy, come on… let’s not start a fight.”
Katy ignored her and faced Mandy directly. “You think you can talk about her like that because she’s gentle, right? You’ve forgotten who her husband is?”

Mandy rolled her eyes. “Oh please. We’ve seen many women come and go. Let’s see how long this one lasts.”

Katy took a step even closer until they were face to face. “Say that again, and I’ll make sure you’re packing your things by sunset.”

Mandy scoffed. “You don’t have that kind of power.”
Katy smiled faintly, but her voice was cold. “No, I don’t. But he does. And trust me, if I tell him how you talk behind his wife’s back, you’ll be gone before you blink.”

There was silence for a moment. Rosa swallowed hard, looking from one to the other.
“Fine,” Mandy muttered, looking away. “Whatever.”
“Good,” Katy said sharply. “Now get your aprons off and move to the main hall.”

They obeyed quietly, and Katy watched them leave before sighing softly. She mumbled under her breath, “People just don’t learn until it’s too late…”

By the time Katy got to the main hall, Dre and the guards were already assembled. 

The hall looked grand.

Nikolas stood in the middle, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze steady. 

I was beside him, curious and wondering what he was planning.

Katy came and stood quietly behind me. The maids and staff gathered, whispering among themselves.

“Quiet!” Dre said sharply, and everyone fell silent instantly.

Nikolas looked around, his eyes meeting each face. Then he took my hand and pulled me forward gently.

“I called everyone here because I have something to say,” he said in a calm, deep voice. “From today onward, Cassandra isn’t just someone living in this house. She’s not just my guest. She’s my wife.”

Gasps filled the room. 

I saw the shock on Mandy’s face, her eyes widened like she’d seen a ghost.

Nikolas continued, his hand still holding mine tightly. “That means, anyone who disrespects her disrespects me. Anyone who raises a hand or a word against her, raises it against me. And I won’t take it lightly.”

I looked up at him, my heart racing. His words… they weren’t just a warning. They were a vow.

“Do I make myself clear?” he said, his voice echoing in the hall.

“Yes, sir!” they all said in unison.

Nikolas nodded slowly, still not smiling. “Good. You may all go.”

As the crowd began to disperse, I turned to him. “You didn’t have to do that, Nik…”
“Yes, I did,” he said simply, looking down at me. “People need to know your place here. You’re not a guest. You’re my wife.”

Katy came close and smiled. “Well, that should silence a few mouths,” she said softly.

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You heard what he said, right? Not to lift a finger. I think that includes talking back.”
Katy laughed. “Oh, please. He should know by now that’s impossible.”

Nikolas smiled faintly at our little exchange, then looked at me again. “Go rest, Cassy. You’ve had a long day.”

“Only if you promise not to start another meeting while I’m gone,” I said teasingly.
He chuckled. “No promises.”

I smiled and turned to leave with Katy. As we walked away, I could still feel everyone’s eyes on me, some filled with curiosity, some with jealousy, but none dared say a word now.

When we reached the stairs, Katy leaned closer. “You know… I think that was one of the best meals I’ve seen you eat in weeks.”

I laughed softly. “It’s probably because he cooked it.”

Katy burst out laughing. “Oh, you’re in trouble. That man’s gone completely soft for you.”