A year, I'll never forget.

Chapter 9: Roy is overwhelming

Cassie was confused. A part of her wanted to stay with Roy, to see if their marriage could really work. But another part of her knew that spending one night together didn't determine a good man. And Roy's controlling behavior was starting to scare her.

Just then, Roy walked into the room, a smile on his face. "Hey, beautiful. I ended my meeting early so we can spend some time together."

Cassie tried to smile back, but her heart wasn't in it. She was starting to realize that she had made a mistake by marrying Roy.

Just then, her phone rang. It was Louis, her male best friend. But when she tried to answer it, Roy snatched the phone out of her hand.

"You don't need to talk to him right now," Roy said, his voice firm. "We need to focus on our marriage."

Cassie felt a surge of anger, but she knew better than to argue with Roy. She was trapped, and she knew it.

Just then, Nick appeared at the door with a tray of food. "Dinner, sir," he said, bowing his head.

Roy smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Thank you, Nick. You can leave us now."

As Nick left, Cassie realized that she was in grave danger. Roy was not a man to be trifled with, and she was his property now.

As they ate dinner, Cassie tried to make small talk, but Roy was distant, his mind preoccupied with something else. And Cassie knew that she was in trouble.

As the days passed, Cassie tried to settle into her new life with Roy. But it was hard. Roy was controlling and possessive, and Cassie felt like a prisoner.

One person who did show her kindness was Nick, Roy's assistant. He would often bring her food or drinks, and they would chat for a bit.

Cassie found herself looking forward to Nick's visits. He was friendly and charming, and she felt like she could talk to him.

"Hey, Nick," she said one day. "How's it going?"

Nick smiled. "It's going, Cassie. Just trying to keep up with the boss's demands."

Cassie laughed. "I know the feeling."

Nick sat down next to her. "So, how are you doing? Really?"

Cassie hesitated. She didn't want to complain about Roy to his assistant. But Nick seemed kind and genuinely interested.

"I'm struggling," she admitted. "Roy is...overwhelming."

Nick nodded. "I know he can be tough. But he's a good man deep down."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Nick smiled. "Yes, really. He's just...passionate about what he wants."

Cassie sighed. "I guess that's one way to put it."

As they chatted, Cassie realized that Nick was trying to get to know her as a friend. And she appreciated it.