Chapter 5 She Got the Job
1067 Words
Cassian's voice was soft, yet it struck Evangeline like an electric shock, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Th-thank you."
Evangeline took over the delicate earring.
It was exactly the same piece that she had worn that night.
Cassian noticed something peculiar. Every time he got close to Evangeline, an unfamiliar sense of comfort washed over him, something he hadn't felt in years.
The sensation was exhilarating, like an explorer stumbling upon a new land—thrilling, unexpected, and utterly addictive. It made him want to get closer.
Taking a step forward, he leaned down, his lips dangerously close to her ear. "You still haven't answered me. How's your memory?"
Evangeline immediately understood what he was implying. Heat surged to her face, and for a split second, she wanted nothing more than for the ground to swallow her whole.
Seriously? It was just a one-night stand. Why was he acting like she had committed some unforgivable crime? Did he expect her to take responsibility for it or something?
She still had no idea who he really was, and saying the wrong thing now could cost her this job.
She refused to admit anything.
"Oh, my memory? It's pretty good most of the time," she said quickly, forcing a casual smile. "But sometimes, when I drink and sleep it off, I forget everything."
Cassian let out a chuckle, his deep voice lowering into something even more magnetic, dripping with amusement. The way he spoke was like a feather brushing against the skin.
"Is that so?" His voice was a whisper now, sending a thrill up her spine. "Then maybe I should help you remember. You ran off without a word after sleeping with me. Doesn't that seem a little irresponsible?"
Evangeline's head shot up, eyes wide with disbelief.
Oh, dear... Was he seriously trying to hold this over her?!
"I— I paid you!" she blurted out, trying to sound indignant, though her voice betrayed a hint of panic.
Ridiculous. At least she showed some sincerity!
Cassian was thoroughly amused now. Paid him? He thought back to the two lonely hundred-dollar bills left on the nightstand, his lips quirking into a smirk.
Did she truly believe that 200 bucks could do the trick?
"Two hundred dollars?" he drawled, tilting his head. "That's all you think I'm worth?"
Evangeline blinked. Her gaze instinctively drifted over him, taking in every absurdly perfect detail.
The sharp angles of his handsome face, the sculpted jawline... He was like a masterpiece made by God himself, and everything about him was just right.
His build was even more incredible, perfect for all kinds of styles.
Okay... maybe two hundred dollars was kind of insulting.
Awkwardly, she lowered her head, twisting the hem of her blazer between her fingers like a guilty child.
"I... I just graduated. I don't have much savings yet."
Her voice was so small and genuinely remorseful that it almost sounded like she actually owed him money.
"Once I get my first paycheck, I'll pay you back, I promise."
She was so serious and earnest about it, and her words sounded like a solemn promise.
Cassian looked at her face and couldn't hold back his laughter.
For years, he had been on edge, constantly battling the chaos in his mind. But standing near Evangeline, he felt the peace he hadn't in a long time.
Why her? Why she was the only person who could make him feel normal?
The question echoed in his mind, and for the first time, Cassian found himself wanting to find the answer.
"Fine," he said, amused. "Don't forget you said that."
This woman was interesting.
But Evangeline saw things very differently. All she could think about now was how she had somehow acquired a debt collector, and not just any debt, but one tied to an escort.
After hesitating for a moment, she finally asked what had been bothering her. "You don't... look like someone who needs money. So why are you... doing that kind of work?"
Evangeline simply couldn't wrap her head around it. A man like him—flawless in both looks and talent—why would he need to be an escort?
It was an absolute waste of prime real estate.
She refused to believe the cliché billionaire novel trope about CEOs pretending to be escorts just to "experience life."
Cassian froze for a moment before realization dawned.
'Wait... she actually thinks I'm an escort?'
He found himself caught between disbelief and amusement. Instead of correcting her, an idea sparked in his mind.
He let out a deliberate sigh, his tone laced with helplessness as if he were a man beaten down by life itself.
"I don't have a choice. I need the money."
Evangeline instinctively glanced at his outfit, wondering if he had told her the truth.
That suit was definitely high-end.
The watch on his wrist was luxury. And he said he was struggling financially?
Then, it clicked.
His clients must have given him all this.
That explained it. No wonder he said he was desperate for money; he must have a long list of wealthy clients.
She never would have guessed. A man who looked this polished and put together... living such a hard life behind the scenes.
Maybe he really had his own struggles.
Evangeline let out a quiet sigh, already imagining his tragic backstory.
Little did she know, Cassian had only said it offhandedly, yet it had completely fooled Evangeline, who had just graduated and had zero real-world experience.
"Don't worry. I'll keep your secret." She had thought he was just some high-end escort, but now... she couldn't help but see him as someone who had been forced into this line of work.
Cassian looked into her earnest eyes, and for the first time in a long while, he felt something strange stir within him.
This girl had no trace of pretense, no calculated deception, and no shallow flattery. Her gaze was pure, untainted, like an unpolished gem that naturally radiated its own brilliance.
As he watched Evangeline walk away, he shook his head slightly and couldn't help but smile.
She was even more intriguing than he had imagined.
Cassian glanced at his silent assistant, giving him a meaningful look.
The assistant immediately understood.
Evangeline... her future was limitless.
She was just Cassian's assistant for now, but maybe, just maybe, she could become the love of his life.
- Writer
