Chapter 23 Chapter 23
Evening came and the mansion glowed with bright lights. The maids had worked hard all day under Cassandra’s strict rules, and the house looked spotless. Every flower vase was shining, every curtain straight, and the dining table was set like a feast.
Cassandra stood in front of the mirror in Nathaniel’s bedroom, wearing a silky red gown. She sprayed her perfume and touched her lips with bright lipstick. She smiled at her reflection, practicing the soft sweet face Nathaniel liked to see.
It was all a game. She knew how to switch her face. In front of the maids she was fire, but in front of Nathaniel she became sugar. That was how she planned to hold him tight until every part of his world was in her hands.
Soon the sound of Nathaniel’s car filled the compound. Cassandra rushed downstairs, her gown sweeping the marble floor. She reached the door just in time as Nathaniel stepped inside. He looked tired, his suit slightly loose after a long day.
“Welcome home,” Cassandra said sweetly, her voice soft like honey. She reached for his jacket and took it from him, then leaned close and kissed his cheek. “You must be tired. I prepared your favorite tonight.”
Nathaniel gave her a small smile. He liked coming home to warmth, and Cassandra was good at giving him that picture. He dropped his briefcase and let her lead him to the dining table.
The maids stood far away, watching with bowed heads. Cassandra had warned them not to interrupt unless she called.
Dinner was already waiting — roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, wine, and dessert. Cassandra poured wine into Nathaniel’s glass, her hands gentle.
“Here,” she said softly. “Drink and relax. You work so hard. I don’t know how you do it.”
Nathaniel took the glass and drank deeply. The wine warmed his chest. Cassandra sat beside him, leaning close so her perfume filled the air. She smiled at him like the perfect lover.
For a while, they ate in silence. Cassandra watched him carefully, waiting for the right moment. Then, as Nathaniel set his fork down, she spoke.
“Nathaniel,” she said quietly, “I want to ask you something.”
He turned to her. “What is it?”
Her eyes softened. “About the papers. The divorce papers. Did the lawyer accept them?”
Nathaniel’s jaw tightened for a second, but then he nodded. “Yes. It’s done.”
Cassandra’s eyes brightened with fake relief. She clasped her hands together and leaned closer to him. “Really? You mean they accepted?”
“Yes,” Nathaniel said flatly. “It’s finished. She refused to sign, but it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s settled.”
Cassandra smiled widely, hiding the wicked joy rising inside her. She touched his hand gently, pretending to be emotional. “Oh, Nathaniel, you don’t know how happy this makes me. You deserve peace. You deserve freedom.”
He looked at her, his face calm but unreadable. For a moment he seemed far away in thought. Cassandra quickly tightened her grip on his hand and kissed his knuckles.
“You chose right,” she whispered. “Savannah was holding you back. But now, you are free. Free to build a new life with me. I will never betray you. I will stand by you always.”
Nathaniel sighed and leaned back in his chair. “It was the best thing to do. She left anyway. If she wanted the marriage, she wouldn’t have run.”
Cassandra nodded quickly, feeding his thoughts. “Exactly. She was never the right woman for you. Look at you, Nathaniel. You are strong, powerful, successful. You need someone who can stand beside you, not someone who cries all the time.”
Nathaniel gave her a small nod. He sipped more wine, and Cassandra leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder.
“You know,” she said softly, “I thank the stars every day that I have you. You are my world, Nathaniel. I promise to give you joy in this mansion. No more sadness. Only laughter and success.”
Nathaniel didn’t answer right away. Cassandra raised her head and cupped his cheek, looking straight into his eyes.
“You believe me, right?” she whispered.
He finally nodded. “Yes. I believe you.”
Her heart leapt, but she kept her smile calm and sweet. Inside she was celebrating. She had won another step. Savannah was out, the papers were done, and Nathaniel was falling deeper into her web.
She poured more wine into his glass. “Then let us celebrate,” she said cheerfully. “To a new beginning. To us.”
Nathaniel lifted his glass without much excitement, but Cassandra didn’t care. She clinked her glass against his and took a sip.
As the night grew deeper, she made him laugh with soft jokes, touching his hand, brushing her hair aside, acting like the perfect woman. The maids served dessert, and Cassandra glared at them when Nathaniel wasn’t looking, reminding them silently to behave.
Later, when the table was cleared, Cassandra pulled Nathaniel to the living room. She sat close beside him on the couch, resting her head on his chest.
“You don’t know how much I love you,” she whispered.
Nathaniel stroked her hair absentmindedly, his mind far away again. But Cassandra didn’t stop. She kept whispering sweet words, making promises she never intended to keep.
In her heart, she was already counting her victory. The mansion was hers. Nathaniel was hers. The company would soon be within reach. And Savannah? Forgotten like dust.
Cassandra closed her eyes, her lips curving into a hidden smile. This is only the beginning, she thought. Very soon, everything he owns will belong to me.