Chapter 44 Chapter 44
The night in Nathaniel’s mansion was quiet, the big house glowing under soft golden lights. The servants had gone to their quarters. The halls were empty. Only the sound of the wind pressing against the glass could be heard.
Inside his bedroom, Nathaniel sat at the edge of his king-sized bed, his shirt halfway open. His mind was full, heavy with things he did not speak about. He poured himself a drink and took a slow sip, his eyes staring at nothing.
The door creaked open. Cassandra walked in. She wore a silk robe, her hair flowing down, her lips painted deep red. She moved like she owned the place, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor.
“You’re drinking again,” she said with a playful smile, walking closer.
Nathaniel glanced at her and then looked back at his glass. “I drink because it clears my head. Or maybe it just keeps me from thinking too much.”
Cassandra slipped out of her robe, revealing a short silk nightdress that clung to her curves. She stood in front of him, placing one hand on his shoulder. “Then stop thinking tonight. Let me help you forget.”
Nathaniel let out a dry laugh, finishing the drink in one gulp. His eyes scanned her face. She was beautiful, seductive, always shining like fire. He reached out and pulled her onto his lap.
“Every time I look at you, I remember why I came back to you,” Nathaniel said in a low voice.
Cassandra smiled, her hands sliding over his chest. “Because you can’t resist me.”
“Maybe,” he admitted, brushing his lips against her neck. “Or maybe because I need someone who doesn’t make me feel weak. With you, I feel alive.”
Her eyes glowed with victory, though she hid it behind a soft laugh. “That’s because I know what you want, Nathaniel. I know what keeps you burning.”
Their lips met, first slow, then hungrier. Cassandra leaned into him, her body pressed close, her perfume filling his senses. For Nathaniel, it was like falling into a storm, one that pulled him away from every thought that haunted him.
He lifted her easily, placing her on the bed. The silk sheets rustled under her as she lay back, pulling him down with her. Her fingers traced his jawline, her voice a whisper. “Tell me you love me.”
Nathaniel’s eyes burned into hers. “I love you, Cassandra. I don’t want anyone else. Not anymore.”
Cassandra smiled, satisfied, though inside her heart there was no love. There was only hunger—hunger for control, for the house, for his empire. She kissed him harder, covering the lie with passion.
They moved together, the room filling with the sound of their breathing, their bodies tangled under the dim light. Nathaniel let himself drown in her touch, believing it was real, believing this was what he needed.
When the storm of passion slowed, they lay side by side, the sheets tangled around them. Nathaniel rested on his back, staring at the ceiling. Cassandra curled against his chest, her fingers tracing circles lazily.
“You’ve changed, Nathaniel,” she said softly.
He turned his head slightly. “Changed how?”
“You don’t talk about business as much. You don’t talk about… her either.”
Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, but he kept his voice calm. “Savannah is gone. I told you before, I don’t care about her anymore. What matters is you.”
Cassandra kissed his chest, hiding the small smirk on her lips. “Good. Because I don’t want to share you with anyone. Not her. Not anyone.”
Nathaniel’s hand slid through her hair. “You don’t have to worry. I’ve made my choice.”
But even as he said it, a small part of him wondered. Why did he still feel restless? Why did something deep inside refuse to quiet down?
Cassandra, meanwhile, was already thinking of the future. She pictured herself as Nathaniel’s wife, living fully in his mansion, walking proudly as the lady of his empire. She whispered sweetly, “One day, everyone will know we belong together. No one will doubt us.”
Nathaniel gave a small smile, closing his eyes. “Maybe that day is not too far.”
Her heart leapt at his words, but she pressed her face against his chest to hide her excitement. She didn’t want him to see how much those words meant—not because of love, but because of victory.
The room fell into silence again, broken only by the sound of their breathing. Outside, the night deepened, wrapping the mansion in shadows.
Nathaniel drifted into sleep slowly, his hand still resting on Cassandra’s waist. But Cassandra stayed awake, her eyes open, her mind racing. She stared at the ceiling, her lips curling into a secret smile.
Soon, she thought. Very soon, this house, this man, this empire… it will all be mine.
She turned to look at Nathaniel, his strong face calm in sleep. She traced his cheek with her finger, whispering softly so he wouldn’t hear, “Keep loving me, Nathaniel. Keep believing me. Because when the time is right, I’ll take everything.”
And with that thought, Cassandra finally closed her eyes, pretending to rest peacefully in his arms, while her heart planned her next move.