Chapter 11 A Date of Lies
Nathaniel sat in the corner of the restaurant, his glass untouched.
The lights were soft, the music low, but his mind was firm. He had called Cassandra, and she came in minutes. She always did.
Cassandra walked in wearing a red dress that hugged her body. Her hair was pinned high, and her lips curved in a smile that never reached her eyes. She slid into the seat across from him, leaning close. “You called, Nathaniel. I was waiting.”
He looked at her with a steady gaze. His voice was deep, without a trace of doubt. “I don’t waste time, Cassandra. I want you back in my life. Savannah is gone. I don’t care where she is. I only care about what’s next. And that’s you.”
Cassandra’s heart gave a small jump, but her face showed nothing but delight. She reached across the table, brushing her fingers over his hand. “Nathaniel, are you serious? You really want me?”
“Yes,” he said, sharp and clear. “I love you. I don’t want to wait anymore. Pack your things. Move into my house.”
For a moment Cassandra almost laughed out loud. She covered her mouth with her hand, her shoulders shaking as she leaned back. “You love me?” she asked, her voice sweet as honey. “You want me to live with you again?”
Nathaniel’s eyes did not move. “Yes. I want you.”
Her laughter grew softer, turning into a smile. She leaned forward, her eyes glowing under the golden light. “I love you too, Nathaniel. I always have.”
But deep inside, Cassandra’s mind was dark. She did not love him. She never would. What she loved was his power, his name, his money, his mansion. To her, Nathaniel was not a man. He was a gate to everything she wanted.
She sipped her wine, her smile wide. “Then it’s settled. I will move in. We will start again.”
Nathaniel nodded. His jaw was tight, his heart steady. To him, this was simple. Love was a decision. He had made it.
The waiter brought food, but Nathaniel barely touched his plate. Cassandra kept talking, laughing, showing her teeth. She touched his arm, leaned close, let her perfume surround him. To anyone watching, they looked like a perfect pair.
But inside her head, Cassandra whispered to herself: Soon. Very soon, all of this will be mine. The house. The company. Everything he built. And he won’t even see it coming.
Nathaniel lifted his glass and looked into her eyes. “This time, no games, Cassandra.”
She tilted her head, hiding her smile. “Of course not, Nathaniel. No games.”
But the game had already begun.