Chapter 67 Chapter 67
The night was calm, the kind that made the sky look like a black sea full of shining stars. Inside Nathaniel’s mansion, all the lights were off except one lamp in Cassandra’s room. She sat in front of the mirror, brushing her long black hair slowly.
Her red lips curved into a smile that wasn’t innocent. She looked at her reflection and whispered, “He’s waiting.”
She stood up, picked up her bag, sprayed her perfume, and looked at herself again. “Perfect,” she said softly, then walked out of the room like a shadow.
Downstairs, the maids were asleep. The guard at the gate looked at her, surprised to see her dressed up at that hour. She gave him a sharp look, and he turned his face away. No one dared to question her.
She entered her car and drove out quietly. The night was dark but she didn’t care. Her heart was full of excitement. She wasn’t going to meet Nathaniel. She was going to see Marcus — her secret lover.
Marcus was waiting at the corner of a quiet street, standing beside his old car. He was tall, strong, and rough-looking. Tattoos ran down his arm, and his eyes carried danger. But that was what Cassandra loved about him.
When he saw her car, he smiled. “You came late, sweetheart.”
She laughed and walked close to him. “I had to make sure Nathaniel was asleep. You know I can’t take chances.”
Marcus opened his arms, and she rushed into them. He held her tightly and kissed her forehead. “You smell rich,” he teased.
Cassandra laughed. “You love it, don’t you?”
They got into his car and drove off to his small apartment. It was nothing like the mansion she lived in, but Cassandra always felt free there. No maids, no rules, no fake smiles. Just her and Marcus.
Inside the apartment, Marcus poured her a drink and watched her sit on the old couch. “So, how’s life with your rich man?” he asked, grinning.
Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Boring as always. Nathaniel is too serious. All he cares about is work and his company.”
Marcus chuckled. “Then why are you still with him?”
She smiled slowly. “Because he’s my golden ticket. When he finally signs those property papers, everything will be mine. The house, the cars, the company — all of it.”
Marcus leaned closer. “And then what? You’ll forget me?”
She slapped him playfully. “Stop it. You know I won’t.”
He kissed her lips roughly. “You better not. I don’t share.”
Cassandra smiled against his lips. “Neither do I.”
They spent hours together, laughing, drinking, and kissing. But when everything grew quiet, Cassandra sat up suddenly and looked at the clock. “It’s almost midnight. I need to go before he wakes up.”
Marcus frowned. “You scared?”
She shook her head. “Just careful. You know I can’t let him suspect anything.”
He sighed and walked her to the door. “Fine. But be smart, Cassie. I don’t trust that man. He looks like someone who can kill if he finds out.”
Cassandra smirked. “He won’t find out. He’s too busy thinking I’m the perfect woman.”
Marcus pulled her close again and whispered, “Be safe, baby.”
She smiled and left.
On her way back home, Cassandra looked into the car mirror. Her lipstick was smudged, and her hair was a bit messy. She fixed her hair and laughed quietly. “If only Nathaniel knew,” she said to herself.
When she reached the mansion, she parked the car slowly and tiptoed inside. The house was dark, but one light was still on in the living room. Cassandra’s heart skipped a beat.
Nathaniel was sitting there on the couch, holding a glass of wine. His eyes were calm but sharp.
Cassandra froze for a second. “Oh, you’re still awake?” she said with a fake smile.
He stared at her. “Where are you coming from?”
She forced a laugh. “I couldn’t sleep. I went out to get some air. You know how stuffy this house can be.”
Nathaniel raised his brow. “In heels and full makeup?”
Cassandra swallowed hard but kept smiling. “You know me, Nathaniel. I like to look good even when I’m alone.”
He didn’t say a word for a moment. Then he stood up, walked past her slowly, and said, “Next time, tell me before you leave. It’s not safe out there.”
Cassandra nodded quickly. “Of course. I’m sorry, darling.”
He went upstairs without another word. Cassandra stood still for a while, her heart beating fast. Then she sighed deeply and whispered, “That was close.”
When she entered the bedroom later, Nathaniel was already lying on the bed. His back was turned to her. She changed quietly and slipped under the blanket beside him.
For a long time, she couldn’t sleep. Her mind kept running back to Marcus — his touch, his words, his rough smile. He made her feel alive, something Nathaniel never did.
She turned to look at Nathaniel’s back and whispered, “Soon, all this will be mine.”
But what she didn’t know was that Nathaniel was not asleep. His eyes were open, staring into the darkness. His jaw was tight.
Something about Cassandra’s story didn’t sit right with him. Her perfume was too strong, her lipstick was new, and her hair looked freshly styled.
Nathaniel’s heart was calm, but his mind was not. Where did she go? he thought. What is she hiding?
He stayed still, pretending to sleep, but his thoughts were already working. He didn’t want to accuse her yet, but he knew one thing — he was going to find out the truth soon.
As the night went quiet, both of them lay awake on the same bed, but their hearts were in different places.
Cassandra was thinking about Marcus.
Nathaniel was thinking about her lies.
The room looked peaceful, but inside, war was already growing.