Chapter 72 Chapter 72
The sun was already high when Cassandra left the mansion. She told the guards she was going to the spa, but that was a lie. Her heart was beating fast, not because she was scared, but because she couldn’t wait to see him — Marcus.
Marcus was not rich like Nathaniel, but he had something that made her feel alive. He was young, wild, and full of sweet words. Whenever she was with him, she forgot about everything — the house, the power, and even Nathaniel himself.
She wore dark glasses and a scarf to hide her face. Her driver opened the car door, but she told him, “I’ll drive myself today.” The man looked surprised but didn’t argue. She didn’t want anyone to know where she was going.
The road was quiet, leading out of the city to a small, hidden house surrounded by tall trees. She parked the car and took a deep breath before knocking.
The door opened, and Marcus stood there, smiling. He looked handsome, his shirt half open, his eyes full of mischief. “You came,” he said, pulling her inside before anyone could see.
“Of course, I came,” Cassandra replied, throwing her bag on the couch. “Did you think I’d forget you?”
Marcus laughed and kissed her roughly. “You’ve been gone for two weeks. I thought that rich husband of yours locked you in that golden cage again.”
She smiled, sitting on his lap. “He’s too busy with work and meetings. He doesn’t even know I’m gone.”
Marcus raised his eyebrows. “Still pretending to love him?”
Cassandra rolled her eyes. “I have to. You know what’s at stake. The money, the house, the company — everything. I can’t lose all that. But I can’t stay away from you either.”
He touched her cheek, smirking. “You’re playing a dangerous game, baby.”
She leaned closer and whispered, “That’s what makes it fun.”
For a while, the two of them talked and laughed. Marcus poured her a drink, and they sat close together on the sofa. He asked her about Nathaniel, and she told him how she was still trying to make him transfer his properties.
“He keeps saying he wants to ‘think about it,’” Cassandra said angrily. “What’s there to think about? I’ve done everything to make him happy.”
Marcus chuckled. “Maybe he’s not as stupid as you think.”
She shot him a look. “Are you saying I can’t handle him?”
Marcus raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m saying you’re smart enough to make it happen. You always get what you want, don’t you?”
She smirked. “Always.”
He leaned closer, his voice low. “And what about me? Do you still want me?”
She looked into his eyes and smiled. “You know I do.”
He kissed her again, and for a moment, the world outside didn’t exist. But deep down, Cassandra knew she was walking on thin ice. If Nathaniel ever found out about Marcus, everything would be over — her name, her comfort, her plan.
After some time, Marcus stood up and walked to the window. “What if someone follows you here one day?”
“No one dares to follow me,” Cassandra said, confident. “Besides, everyone thinks I’m at the spa. Nathaniel won’t even notice I’m gone.”
Marcus turned to her with a serious look. “You better be careful. That man looks quiet, but I can tell he’s not someone to play with.”
Cassandra waved her hand like it was nothing. “Relax, Marcus. I know what I’m doing.”
But even as she said it, her heart beat a little faster. She hated to admit it, but Marcus was right. Nathaniel could be dangerous when angry. She had seen that side of him once before — cold, sharp, and deadly serious.
She stood up and fixed her hair. “I should go before someone starts asking questions.”
Marcus walked her to the door, pulling her into one last kiss. “When will I see you again?”
“Soon,” she whispered. “Very soon.”
She walked out quickly, looking around before getting into her car. Her heart was racing, and not from love — from fear.
As she drove back to the mansion, she took deep breaths, rehearsing what she would say if anyone asked where she had been. “The spa,” she murmured to herself. “I just came from the spa.”
When she entered the house, Vanessa was sitting on the couch painting her nails. She looked up and smiled slyly. “You look fresh, sister. Must’ve been a long ‘spa treatment,’ huh?”
Cassandra froze for a second but quickly forced a smile. “Yes. You should try it sometime.”
Vanessa laughed softly. “Maybe I will.”
Cassandra walked past her quickly and went upstairs. She locked her door, stood in front of the mirror, and sighed.
Her reflection stared back — beautiful but tired. “I can’t lose everything,” she whispered. “I’ll play this game till the end. Marcus is just my escape… Nathaniel is my future.”
But as she said those words, her heart felt heavy. Because deep down, she knew she was lying to herself.