Only Cassandra knew the truth: the organization had arranged for her to fake her own death. There would be no engagement, no future with Matthew. Seven days from now, on their engagement day, all he would receive was the news of her "death" in an explosion. There would be no body left to bury.
The next morning, the nanny greeted her with an update.
“Mr. Lawrence worked late into the night after his meeting. He’s worried about you, afraid you’d do something rash. He barely slept on the sofa outside your room and left early this morning to buy your favorite lasagna jars.”
Cassandra stirred her cup of milk, her expression blank. This was just like Matthew. The ruthless businessman, feared in the corporate world, would transform into a doting boyfriend at home—cooking for her, pampering her, rubbing her feet. He was attentive to the point of perfection.
When Matthew returned, carrying the lasagna jars, the nanny couldn’t help but sigh.
“Mr. Lawrence is such a good husband to be. I’ve never seen a man this considerate.”
Cassandra forced a polite smile but said nothing. Even as they sat across from each other during breakfast, an unusual silence lingered between them.
Finally, Matthew broke it. His gaze was intense, his voice low but tinged with vulnerability.
“Cassey, please don’t interact with that punk anymore, okay?”
His words took her by surprise, but he continued, softening his tone.
“Every time I see him giving you something, I’m terrified. I’m scared you’ll leave me for him.”
A bitter smile crossed Cassandra’s lips. The "punk" he was referring to was actually his estranged half-brother, Thomas lawrence. Disguised as a man, Thomas had been searching for his sister while secretly working as an informant for the White Team—a role Cassandra couldn’t reveal to protect her identity.
Three months ago, Matthew had caught her with Thomas. Despite her explanations, he hadn’t believed her. That night, he had drowned himself in alcohol and slept with Julia.
At a party later that evening, Julia arrived uninvited, her entrance drawing everyone’s attention. Her dress clung to her figure, the marks on her skin visible beneath the thin fabric. Cassandra felt Matthew stiffen beside her, his breath hitching as Julia sauntered into the room.
Once, he had scorned Julia, warning Cassandra to avoid her. Yet now, his contradictions spoke volumes. Cassandra’s heart ached as she realized the depth of his betrayal.
