Chapter 149 Chapter 149
The sun was already setting when Nathaniel walked into the living room, car keys in hand. Cassandra was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone, pretending to be busy. But deep inside, she had been waiting for him to say something.
Nathaniel smiled a little. “Get dressed,” he said softly.
She looked up, pretending to be surprised. “Where are we going?”
He shrugged. “Out. It’s been long since we went anywhere together. You’ve been staying home too much lately. Let’s go have some fun, Cass.”
For a second, she just stared at him. Part of her wanted to say no, but another part — the one that loved attention and fine things — pushed her to agree. She smiled, standing up quickly. “Alright then, give me a few minutes.”
She ran upstairs to change into a short red gown and light makeup. When she came down, Nathaniel’s eyes widened a little. She still knew how to get his attention.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“Thanks,” she replied with a smile, holding his arm.
They stepped outside. The driver opened the car door, and Cassandra slipped in beside Nathaniel. The city lights began to glow as the car moved through the streets. She looked out the window, feeling that old rush of power she used to have when people stared at them — the rich couple everyone admired.
When they arrived at a rooftop restaurant, soft music filled the air. The waiter led them to a private table with candles and wine. The place was beautiful — the kind of place that made everyone forget their worries.
Nathaniel poured her a drink and smiled faintly. “To peace,” he said.
She laughed softly. “Peace? In this life?”
He smiled. “At least for tonight.”
They clinked glasses and drank. For the first few minutes, they just ate in silence, the air between them calm for the first time in months. Nathaniel looked relaxed. Cassandra, though, was thinking deeply. She wasn’t used to quiet moments anymore. Her mind was always running — always thinking of how to stay in control.
Nathaniel reached out and held her hand. “Cass, you’ve changed lately,” he said gently. “I don’t know what’s been going on, but I hope we can fix things.”
She blinked fast, then forced a smile. “I’m fine, Nate. I just… had a lot on my mind. But I’m okay now.”
He squeezed her hand. “Good. I want us to go back to how things used to be. I want to trust you again.”
Cassandra’s chest tightened. She looked down, pretending to fix her hair. “You can trust me,” she whispered, though deep down she knew it was a lie.
After dinner, they walked by the water. The night breeze brushed against them. Nathaniel stopped to take a picture of her, and for a moment she laughed — really laughed. People around them turned to look. They looked like the perfect couple again, at least from far away.
Nathaniel wrapped his arm around her waist. “Remember when we used to do this every weekend?”
Cassandra nodded. “Yes,” she said softly. “I miss those days.”
He looked into her eyes. “Then let’s bring them back.”
Her smile stayed, but her mind whispered, Only until I get what I want.
Later that night, they sat in the car quietly as the driver took them home. Cassandra rested her head on Nathaniel’s shoulder, pretending to be tired.
Nathaniel smiled faintly, thinking she was finally calming down. He kissed her forehead. “I’m glad you came with me tonight.”
She murmured, “Me too.”
When they got home, he went upstairs first. Cassandra stood by the window, watching the stars for a moment. Her face was calm, but her heart wasn’t.
“Yes,” she whispered to herself. “Let him believe everything is fine. Let him trust me again. That’s the only way I can win.”
Then she turned off the light and slowly followed him upstairs, her smile soft and dangerous at the same time.
It was a quiet night — but in Cassandra’s mind, the game had just begun again.