Chapter 183 Chapter 183
The next morning, Cassandra woke up earlier than usual. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes swollen from the night before. Vanessa’s words kept ringing in her head — “Smile. Cook dinner. Kiss him goodnight. Act like the loving wife.”
She sighed deeply, forcing a smile at herself. “Alright, Cassandra, time to play the good wife,” she whispered under her breath.
After a quick bath, she went to the kitchen. The maids looked shocked seeing her there. “Good morning, ma’am,” one of them greeted softly.
“Good morning,” Cassandra replied in a cheerful tone that almost didn’t sound like her. “You can rest a bit. I’ll handle breakfast today.”
The maids exchanged surprised looks but obeyed quietly. Cassandra rolled up her sleeves and began preparing breakfast — something she hadn’t done in a long time.
She burnt the toast twice and nearly spilled coffee, but she kept going, humming softly to herself. When everything was ready, she arranged the table neatly and smiled with fake satisfaction.
Moments later, Nathaniel came downstairs, already dressed for work. His face showed confusion the moment he smelled food. “You cooked?” he asked, stopping halfway down the stairs.
Cassandra smiled warmly. “Yes, I did. Sit down, darling. I thought you might enjoy a real homemade breakfast today.”
Nathaniel blinked. “This is new,” he muttered under his breath but pulled a chair anyway.
Cassandra served him with a smile that almost looked genuine. “Eat, dear. You need your strength. You’ve been so stressed lately with work and all the investigations.”
Nathaniel nodded slowly, clearly trying to understand what had gotten into her. He took a bite, paused, then nodded. “It’s… actually good.”
Cassandra laughed lightly, feeling relieved that he didn’t suspect anything. “I’m glad you like it. I was thinking maybe I should start cooking more often.”
Nathaniel raised a brow. “That would be nice. I’ve missed this side of you.”
Cassandra looked away, pretending to blush, though her heart was beating fast. Keep pretending, she told herself. Just a little longer.
After breakfast, Nathaniel leaned back and sighed. “You know, it feels good to have peace at home again. Things have been so crazy lately.”
Cassandra smiled faintly. “Yes, I agree. But don’t worry, everything will soon be fine.”
Nathaniel nodded and took a sip of his coffee. “By the way, have you started preparing for the company dinner party next week?”
Cassandra froze for a moment, her fake smile fading slightly. “Dinner party?”
“Yes,” he replied casually. “Remember the one with all the company partners? It’s very important. Everyone is expected to come with their partners. I told you about it two days ago.”
Cassandra quickly recovered and forced a cheerful expression. “Oh yes, I remember now. Of course, I’ll be ready. I just… forgot.”
Nathaniel chuckled lightly. “You? Forget a party? That’s new. But good. I’m glad you’ll be there. We need to make a good impression.”
Cassandra smiled and nodded, though her mind was racing. The dinner party… Savannah will be there. I’m sure of it.
She swallowed hard, trying not to let the panic show on her face. Nathaniel was already checking his wristwatch, preparing to leave for work.
Before he could stand up, Cassandra walked closer and kissed his cheek — something she hadn’t done in months. “Take care of yourself today, dear,” she said softly.
Nathaniel looked a bit surprised but smiled. “You too.”
When he finally left, Cassandra dropped her fake smile and let out a long, shaky breath. She leaned against the dining table, staring blankly at the coffee cup.
Her thoughts went wild — The dinner party will ruin everything if Savannah shows up. I can’t let that happen. Not after everything I’ve done.
She looked toward the window, lost in thought. The birds outside chirped freely, and the morning sun filled the room, but Cassandra’s heart felt heavy and dark.
“Maybe I should do something before that day,” she whispered to herself. “Anything to make sure Nathaniel never sees Savannah again.”
But then she remembered Vanessa’s warning — Be smart, not reckless.
She straightened up, adjusted her robe, and smiled at the maid who just walked in. “Make sure everything is clean before Mr. Nathaniel gets back,” she said sweetly.
The maid nodded quickly, still confused by Cassandra’s sudden sweetness.
As Cassandra walked away, her fake smile slowly turned into a cold, determined smirk.
“Dinner party or not,” she murmured, “I’ll make sure Savannah never stands in my way again.”