Chapter 7
1057 Words
SARAPHINA'S POV
"You did what?!" Susan half yelled after I told her about my encounter with Cassian.
"Are you crazy, Saraphina? No, that shouldn't even be a question because you are insane!" She took a seat beside me, grabbed both sides of my arms and shook me so hard.
"Please, Sue. You're going to make me want to throw up the way you're shaking me." I said. Finally, she stopped.
"What have you done, Sara? Why would you even do this? It's Cassian Vale. A Vale! And you don't even know anything about this man. Why would you trust him and want to get married to him?" Susan asked, concern etched on her face, and worry laced in her voice.
"I didn't say I trust him, Susan. At least not completely." I sighed deeply. "I've lost everything." My tone was soft. "I can't take on Ciara with nothing. If I want to prove my innocence, I'll have to work with Cassian. If there was another way, I would have taken it, but this is the only way. I'll do everything in my power to prove my innocence and take back what Ciara has stolen from me."
I could see the pity in Susan's eyes as she stared at me, but I knew deep down that she understands me.
"I understand, Sara. I'm just worried about you. I don't want you to face another betrayal. I don't want you doing anything that will endanger your life. I know you want revenge, and you have every right to, but..." She trailed off.
Susan placed her hand on mine. "Promise me you'll be careful. And if you ever need me, you know I'm always here for you."
I smiled. "I know, and I promise I'll be careful. My relationship with Cassian is strictly business, no strings attached. We're both doing this to achieve our own goal and this is the only way."
"But what has Cassian got against Lucien? Because from all you've told me, it seems like he's got serious beef with his brother."
I furrowed my brow. "I don't know." I replied. "When I was with Lucien, he never really talked much about Cassian. The only thing I know is that his mother is Lucien's father's mistress. Cassian was sent overseas to study when they were little, and he's been there until now." I explained. "I know there's more to the story, but it's not like Cassian will say anything to me." I rolled my eyes.
"I've tried asking him a few questions, but he always manages to change the subject. I know he's hiding something, but I don't want to dwell on it. All I care about is that whatever he's hiding doesn't affect my plans or we're going to have serious trouble."
"If you two are going to work together, shouldn't there be some transparency?" Susan said. "But it's okay, all I want is for you to be safe. I hope I can always come visit you." A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
I chuckled softly. "Of course, Sue. Cassian wouldn't be against that, he wouldn't dare."
"Good.'' Susan said, feeling excited. ''So tell me more about this wedding. How are you guys planning on doing it? Is it going to be something big? Is he going to make a public announcement to the world or something?"
"Of course not." I waved my hand in the air, dismissing the thought. "At first he wanted to do the normal procedures, but low-key. You know—buy me a wedding dress and then go to church and say our vows, stuff like that." I scoffed. "But what's the use of that since we're only in a contract marriage? We can just go get our marriage license and get it over with. So we'll be heading to the county clerk's office to get our marriage license tomorrow and I guess I'm moving in with him as well."
"I can't believe this is happening." Susan gave me a small apologetic smile. "Everything just seems to be moving too fast. This isn't how we've always pictured you getting married, but it's fine." She put on a bright smile. "Once all this is over, I pray you'll find true love my dear friend. Then we can have the wedding we've always dreamed about." She laughed, and I couldn't resist joining in.
"Thank you so much, Sue." I immediately hugged her. "I don't think I would have gone through this without your support. It means everything to me. You mean everything to me." My voice was filled with so many emotions.
"Just hang in there, okay? You're strong, always remember that."
My eyes stung with unshed tears, and I let them fall freely.
****
Next day....
County Clerk's Office...
"So it's official. We're married now." I said, staring down at the marriage certificate in my hands.
The moment felt unreal. But the longer I looked at the paper, the more it sank in—this wasn't a dream. I'm married to Cassian Vale, a man I barely even know.
I suddenly felt eyes on me. I looked up and saw people were staring. Whispering. Pointing.
A lump rose in my throat. My heart pounded as fear gripped me. I reached into my bag, fumbling for my mask. Just as I was about to put it on, Cassian gently held my hand, stopping me.
I looked at him, tears brimming in my eyes.
"You haven't done anything wrong, Saraphina." He said softly. "You shouldn't always live in hiding."
"That's easy for you to say." I snapped, voice trembling. "You're not the one being hunted by whispers and headlines. People look at me and see a scandal. They take pictures, post lies, and tear me apart online. I can't walk freely anymore. I can't even hold my head up. I was once a billionaire heiress... now I'm nothing."
Cassian opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off.
"Let's just go. I've had enough for one day."
I slipped on my mask, walked to the car, opened the door, and got in.
When Cassian joined me, he glanced at me but said nothing. And I was glad. I didn't want comfort. This was business. No strings attached.
The drive to his house was quiet.
And I was grateful for that.
- Writer
