The Beta's Broken Mate

Humiliated

Cassie was almost rushing along like a headless chook, Isabelle keeping her very busy doing more cleaning and cooking than usual. Cassie wasn't going to ask why but Lorraine and Stephanie took great delight in telling her, wanting to make her feel bad and unappreciated. They knew full well how much her mother hated Cassie and took their lead from her, not caring they were her half sisters or wanting to form any type of relationship with her. Cassie had long resigned herself to never being a part of the family but it still stung sometimes.

"Mother's having company over for dinner" Lorraine trilled with glee as Cassie just stared at her blankly. Was she meant to care about that? It did explain the excess cleaning and rather difficult menu she'd requested for dinner tonight as well as the very large portions. Cassie never actually served dinner but would put it on the kitchen bench for them to serve themselves. Her stepmother did not like her to be around actual company. This way worked best for the both of them because Cassie also preferred not to be in Isabelle's company if she could avoid it.

"That's lovely" Cassie said politely as Lorraine's face dropped when she didn't get the reaction she'd hoped for "I hope you all have a wonderful time" she said sweetly. She cast a quick glance outside where Liam was playing with a ball and sighed relieved to find all seemed well.

"You're not invited" Stephanie cut in unexpectedly and she too gave Cassie a scowl when she didn't react and merely shrugged indifferently. "I assumed I wasn't" she said calmly, picking up the washing basket she'd put on the table as she folded the clothes and beginning to head towards the stairs. "Was there anything you wanted or needed me for" she added, glancing back over her shoulder and smirking at their disappointment. When were they going to learn that this didn't affect her anymore? She had no time for these silly games of theirs.

"No" they chimed in unison before turning and storming away in opposite directions. Cassie sighed and completed her trek upstairs, hastily putting all of their clothes away neatly and glancing outside in between to keep an eye on her rambunctious son who was shrieking at the top of his lungs as he ran after the ball and kicked it over and over again.

The last thing to do was prepare the dinner and she was part way through that when Liam came into the kitchen, a fuming Isabelle clutching his hand and almost dragging him along as Cassie glanced at them both, fighting the urge to grab Liam away from her.

"Something wrong" Cassie enquired instead between gritted teeth. Isabelle as usual looked immaculate with her shiny glossy brown hair tied in a chignon bun and her brown eyes narrowed on her stepdaughter, her dress a light lilac colour that was flattering to her complexion and figure.

"He's making too much noise" Isabelle declared haughtily and Cassie slowly reached over and grabbed Liam's hand as Isabelle dropped it, crouching down to speak to the boy who now looked a bit pale and frightened. She knew how much he disliked her stepmother and quite frankly didn't blame him. She gave him a reassuring smile. "Liam" she said sweetly "Grandmother is expecting guests soon so we need to be quiet alright. How about you help me in the kitchen instead, the once we are done we can both go."

Liam nodded and Isabelle frowned but made a move to go before suddenly turning back and giving Cassie a considering look. "I would like you to stay and serve dinner tonight. I have no desire to do it myself tonight" she declared.

"What about Liam" Cassie protested, giving her son a look of concern "I can't just leave him alone in the cottage."

"They are coming after he normally sleeps." Isabelle sneered "I think Liam's old enough to sleep by himself and come and get you if he needs to" she added but Cassie wasn't having it. No her son would not leave her sight or be in a separate building. If Isabelle wanted her to serve then she could accommodate her and Liam while she was at it.

"No" Cassie told her heatedly "either he sleeps here tonight with me in the same room or I don't serve. I'm not leaving him alone when he might need me."

Liam was silent, watching the exchange as his mother continued to clutch his hand, wanting to yell at the horrid woman in front of him but knowing if he did it would only make more trouble for his mother. Isabelle gave Cassie a glare but conceded "very well" she said irritably "you can both sleep in your old bedroom. Heaven knows nobody wants to step foot in that room."

Cassie gave her a small nod and exhaled slowly as she left, turning to Liam with a grin on her face as he glowed at her. "We'll be nice and warm tonight" she said quietly "now how about you give me a hand so I can give you your dinner and get you to bed?"

Once Liam was safely asleep Cassie made her way downstairs and began to prepare the evenings meals when her stepmother came into the kitchen, a malicious smile on her face. "Bring the appetizers in" she demanded imperiously before vanishing back out to the dining area. Cassie sighed. It was going to be a long night that was for sure. She picked up the tray of crab cakes and went through the door and halted in the doorway, staring into the dining area as blood rushed from her face and she saw exactly who had been invited. She almost dropped the tray in her shock. How could Isabelle have done this to her? How could she have invited him of all people, knowing full well just how much it would humiliate and hurt Cassie? This went far beyond maliciousness and she couldn't believe what her stepmother had instigated, tears already threatening to flow down her cheeks as she blinked them away. How was she supposed to get through serving dinner now when he was there watching her every move? She was horrified, wondering if she should just bolt and knowing she couldn't as Liam was upstairs, her stepmother glancing up in the midst of conversation, a pleased smile on her face. "Ah Cassie" she said with glee "I wondered where you had gotten to. Do serve up the appetizer's would you" as her stepdaughter swallowed and forced one leaden foot in front of the other, eyes darting anywhere but at him as he too turned his head and looked at her.