The accompanying photo was hers. She was wearing a necklace, unmistakably from the same luxury jewellery brand Cassian had gifted me tonight.
The comments were ruthless.
“Fake. No way she’s the face of that brand.”
“She’s trying too hard. Who’s buying this nonsense?”
“She probably begged some sugar daddy for it.”
But then a sudden comment caught my eye. It was a freshly created account that had interrupted:
“I work with the brand. It’s true. Her boyfriend personally signed the deal. The official shoot begins tomorrow.”
The backlash was immediate. Everyone was accusing her of the account being fake.
But then, as if to stop those people, the account posted a photo of the signed endorsement contract.
At the bottom of the document, was Cassian’s signature.
I forgot to breathe. My body trembled. In no time, I connected the pieces of the puzzle.
From the bathroom, I heard his voice. It was low and commanding, the kind that sent chills down anyone’s spine.
“Last chance for you to make tomorrow’s shoot happen. If it doesn't happen as planned, you’ll answer me. Understand?”
There was a long pause. Then, his tone grew colder.
“Try to double cross again. I’ll make sure you disappear.”
His threats were calculated, and true. Cassian wasn’t a man who wasted words.
When he came out, his gaze locked on mine. His eyes softened, concern was there in his voice.
“Eva? You look pale. Are you all right?”
I forced a weak smile and masked the storm brewing inside me. “Just a headache,” I whispered.
He cupped my cheek, his touch deceptively gentle. “You’ve been crying.”
“It’s nothing,” I murmured. “Go finish your work.”
But he didn’t move. “Tesoro, I don’t care about work if something’s wrong with you. Tell me.”
I lowered my head and whispered, “It’s just a bad dream. That’s all.”
For a moment, Cassian hesitated, then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Stop filling your head with nightmares. You’ve got me to protect you. Nothing will hurt you.”
But the pain inside my heart wasn’t a dream. It was real.
After an hour, the loud sound of the main door closing disturbed my peaceful sleep. I didn't give it much thought and wore a black coat just to step out. I was trailing him through the streets.
Cassian stopped in front of a high-rise. It was the kind that was reserved for people who owed their wealth to men like him.
Seconds later, he rang the doorbell. Without delay, it swung open and Elena Johansson was standing in front of him. seconds later,
She was wearing a black silk robe that barely concealed her intentions. She gave a knowing smile.
“Mr. Moretti,” she mumbled. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t think you’d make it.”
Cassian stepped closer, his broad frame covered her. She rubbed her hands on his chest.
“I’ve got a gift for you,” she whispered, her fingers moving with the buttons of his coat. “But you’ll have to unwrap it yourself.”
My nails pierced through my palms as I stood hidden behind the tree. For a second, I forgot to breathe.
Then I sent a single message to the only person I trusted.
“It’s time. Three days. Be ready.”
In no time, my eyes shifted in their direction again. Elena’s delicate, manicured hand slid up Cassian’s sleeve.
Her touch was calculating as she guided his hand to the diamond-studded ribbon at her waist. Her intentions were clear and shameless. A smirk dripping with seduction plastered her lips.
I froze. I wasn't able to breathe as I was drowning deep in that sea of betrayal. My husband, Cassian Moretti, the Mafia Don of the Moretti Mafia Family, whose name was enough to make empires tremble, allowed it.
He let her touch him, let her pull him closer until they moved inside, leaving me there alone.
Meanwhile, I kept standing there. The inner turmoil inside my head was almost bursting.
"Is this how you love me, Cassian?"
