Episode 5
...... The gala event 2
Cassian found Daisy lounging on the sofa, scrolling through her phone with that familiar look of mischief.
The gala event next week-you'll be attending with me."
Daisy didn't look up. "Why? So you can show me off like a trophy?"
He smirked. "Something like that. It's important for both our families. You need to act... nice. Polished. Play the part."
She finally met his gaze, eyebrow raised. "And what exactly is 'the part' I'm supposed to play?"
Cassian pulled out his phone. "I'll send you everything you need to know-who you'll meet, how to behave, what to say. Consider it your guide to surviving Blackwood social life."
Daisy gave a mocking salute. "Great. A crash course in pretending to be someone I'm not."
He stepped closer, voice dropping to a near whisper.
"Pretend all you want. But when you walk into that room, you're not just Daisy White anymore. You're Mrs. Blackwood."
She rolled her eyes but the slight smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.
"Fine. Send the 'manual.' I'll read it. But don't expect me to be anything less than crazy."
Cassian's smirk deepened. "That's why I married you."
Daisy snatched the phone from his hand and grinned wickedly.
"Careful, Cassian. If I'm this crazy now, wait until you see what I'm capable of after a few rehearsals."
He laughed, a rare sound that echoed through the sleek office.
"You're trouble. But I like it."
She tossed the phone back onto the couch and stood up, stretching.
"Well, Mr. Blackwood, I'm off to conquer this 'gala' of yours. Just remember - I play by my own rules."
Cassian watched her walk away, the way the light caught her hair making her look like a wildfire ready to ignite.
And maybe, just maybe, that was exactly what he wanted.
Cassian's phone buzzed again, snapping him back to work mode. He opened the message - a detailed itinerary for the gala, including dress code, guest list, and key people Daisy needed to charm.
He smirked. Time to see if this crazy wife of mine can really play nice.
Meanwhile, Daisy stood in front of her full-length mirror, eyeing the elegant gown delivered that afternoon. It was stunning-silky black, hugging every curve-but she wasn't about to surrender her wild spirit just yet.
She whispered to herself, "Act nice, huh? Challenge accepted."
With a mischievous glint in her eye, she began plotting her own brand of "nice" for the night ahead.
Cassian's voice crackled through the speaker as he called Daisy later that evening.
"Daisy, the gala isn't just any event. It's a game of power, and you're my queen on the board. Play your part-charm, seduce, manipulate if you must. But don't forget... I'll be watching."
Daisy's breath hitched, a heat spreading through her body at the edge in his tone.
"Oh, I intend to play," she purred, her voice dripping with challenge. "But don't be surprised if I turn the game upside down."
Cassian's chuckle was low and dangerous. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Just remember, I'm not the one you want to mess with."
She smirked, biting her lip. "Maybe I'm the only one crazy enough to handle you."
.
The gala event was lit - glittering chandeliers, clinking glasses, and a sea of New York's elite dressed to kill.
Daisy stepped in wearing a stunning, curve-hugging gown that left little to the imagination, every eye drawn to her unapologetic confidence.
She spotted her father across the room, his sharp eyes searching for her. He approached, clearly expecting some acknowledgment.
But Daisy just glanced past him, a sly smirk playing on her lips. She had no time for his controlling games tonight.
Instead, she turned and sashayed toward the crowd, owning the room like the wild queen she was - and Cassian was watching every move, impressed and quietly amused.
Cassian's dark eyes never left Daisy as she worked the room with the grace of a model and the fire of a rebel. Men stared. Women whispered. But she didn't care. She was untouchable-and tonight, she looked dangerous.
He approached her slowly, a glass of champagne in hand, his presence commanding the space around them.
"You clean up well," he murmured, voice low and smooth as silk.
Daisy turned to him with a teasing smile. "Try not to fall in love tonight, Cassian. It would be tragic."
He chuckled, eyes trailing down her dress before meeting her gaze. "Just behave. Remember, this is business."
She leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. "Then keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Business."
Cassian clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to grab her right then and there. But before he could respond, the host of the evening called attention to the couple.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome our favorite power duo-Cassian Blackwood and his new wife, Daisy Blackwood!"
Applause erupted as the spotlight hit them. Cassian instinctively pulled Daisy closer, his hand low on her back.
She didn't resist-but she whispered, "If you try anything, I swear I'll break your fingers."
Cassian grinned. "I like my women feisty."
"And I like my men quiet," she shot back sweetly.
The night was just beginning, and already the air between them was thick with tension-equal parts attraction and war.
Daisy smiled at the cameras, her hand lightly resting on Cassian's chest as the flashes sparked around them. But her mind was spinning. The lights, the music, the champagne-it was all a blur compared to the heat of Cassian's touch on her back. She hated how steady he looked. How controlled. Like none of this fazed him.
They walked down the ballroom floor together like royalty, but the tension between them was explosive.
"You can drop the act now," Daisy muttered under her breath as they paused near the center table.
"I would," Cassian said smoothly, his lips brushing her ear, "but I'm starting to enjoy it."
Daisy stepped away sharply, her eyes scanning the crowd-until she saw her father.
He stood near the edge of the dance floor, drink in hand, smiling at guests like the king of the empire. When his gaze met hers, he raised his glass.
Daisy didn't flinch. She didn't smile.
She looked right through him and turned away.
Cassian noticed. "You good?"
She gave him a side glance. "Peachy. Just ignoring my emotional blackmailer of a father in a room full of fake people while pretending to like my forced husband."
He smirked. "I think you're doing great."
A familiar voice interrupted the moment.
"Well, well... look who finally showed up looking like a snack."
Daisy turned-and there stood Gideon Hale, Cassian's business rival . His eyes raked over Daisy in a way that made Cassian stiffen instantly.
Cassian stepped in front of her, body protective, voice cold. "Gideon. I don't remember inviting you."
"I'm everywhere the action is," Gideon smirked. Then he looked back at Daisy. "If you ever get tired of the corporate robot, sweetheart... call me."
Daisy raised an eyebrow. "You offering better benefits?"
Cassian didn't wait-he wrapped an arm around Daisy's waist and leaned in like a possessive king.
"She won't need them," he said sharply. "I take care of what's mine."
Daisy blinked.
What's mine?
The hell?
Cassian turned her away from Gideon and toward the dance floor. "We're dancing."
"I didn't agree to-"
"Too late."
He pulled her close, and the music swelled around them. Their bodies moved in perfect rhythm, the world blurring around them. His hand rested dangerously low on her back. Her palm pressed to his chest.
And for a moment-just a second-Daisy felt it.
The fire.
The danger.
The undeniable pull.
Cassian's lips brushed her ear.
"Now smile for the crowd, Mrs. Blackwood. They're already writing headlines."
Daisy's lips curled into a slow, sultry smile-not for the cameras, not for the crowd, but for herself.
If they wanted a show, she'd give them a damn spectacle.
"I hope your rich little friends are watching closely," she whispered, pressing her body just a little closer to Cassian's. "Because I'm about to blow their minds."
Cassian's jaw tightened, but a flicker of heat danced behind his eyes.
"You always this dramatic?" he murmured.
"Only when I'm bored. Or when I'm trying to make my fake husband lose control."
She spun under his arm and landed back in his chest, hips grazing against his in a move that wasn't entirely innocent. His fingers dug into her waist.
"Careful," he growled. "Keep playing and I might forget this marriage is supposed to be for business."
Daisy raised a brow, voice dripping with challenge. "Maybe you should."
The music ended with a swell, and the room burst into polite applause. But Daisy could barely hear it over the pounding in her chest-or the heat crawling up her spine from Cassian's touch.
They stepped away from the dance floor, and as they passed by, whispers followed them.
"Did you see that chemistry?"
"She's not what I expected."
"Blackwood looks obsessed."
Daisy shot a sideways glance at Cassian. "You enjoying the rumors?"
Cassian didn't smile, but there was something wicked behind his eyes. "I enjoy watching people realize you're not just a pretty face. You're a storm, Daisy."
She paused, momentarily caught off guard. That... almost sounded like a compliment.
Before she could respond, her father stepped into their path, forcing a smile.
"Daisy, a word-"
"No," she said smoothly, not even slowing her stride. "I only speak to CEOs now."
Cassian chuckled darkly and followed after her.
They returned to their table where chilled champagne and applause from some board members greeted them. But even as the event continued, Cassian's gaze never fully left Daisy.
And Daisy?
She knew one thing for sure.
The heavy doors of the penthouse swung shut behind them with a soft click, silencing the chaos of flashing lights and champagne-soaked whispers from the gala.
Daisy kicked off her stilettos, sighing as she massaged her aching ankles. "Ugh. Remind me never to wear these shoes again unless I'm being carried."
Cassian loosened his tie in the hallway mirror, his jacket already slung over his shoulder. "Noted. I'll have someone carry you next time."
She shot him a playful glare. "Who says there'll be a next time?"
He turned slowly to face her, eyes scanning every curve of her body wrapped in that backless, deep red gown. "There will be. I meant what I said earlier. You're a storm, Daisy. And tonight... you owned the room."
Something in his voice made her pulse skip. Not cold. Not mocking. Almost admiring.
Daisy took a step closer. "You liked the show, huh?"
"I liked watching you steal the spotlight. No one saw Blackwood tonight," he said, voice low. "They saw Mrs. Blackwood."
Her brows rose. "Still playing the good husband card, huh?"
Cassian moved in close, a breath away. "Let me be clear. This marriage may have started as business... but don't get it twisted-I protect what's mine."
Her heart thudded. Fast. Too fast.
She refused to let it show. "I'm not yours, Cassian."
"We'll see," he said darkly.
She stepped back with a teasing smile. "You really think you can handle me?"
"I think I already am."
Daisy turned with a soft laugh, walking toward her room. "well. I'm going to sleep... ."
Before disappearing into the hallway, she threw him one last glance over her shoulder.
"But thanks for the compliment, husband. And don't forget to dream about me."
Cassian stood there, watching her sway out of sight, jaw clenched and something undeniably primal stirring in his chest.
