LOGINI didn't see Cassius for a long time after that.Until my birthday.I was painting in my studio when a pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind."Caitlin."I stiffened.A heavy stench of tobacco. It wasn't Saul.I dropped my brush and shoved him away hard."Cassius, how the hell did you get in here?"A bitter smile crossed Cassius's face."The guards and maids outside didn't realize I wasn't Saul.""But you didn't even have to look."He pulled a diamond bracelet from his pocket and held it out."Happy birthday, Caitlin."I didn't take it. I slipped my hand into my pocket and hit Saul's speed dial."I don't want it. Get out."He opened his mouth, hesitated, and finally spoke."A few days ago, I had a dream. The night before the wedding, you chose me. We had a beautiful night. We signed the papers and lived happily together."I looked at him and let out a cold laugh."And then you thought Valerie died in a yacht explosion, so you hated me and blamed me for her death.""To avenge
Caitlin's POVThe next time I saw Cassius was at the Santoro family's handover banquet.The old Godfather had just announced Saul as the new Don when Cassius kicked the heavy doors open and stormed in.He threw a punch straight at Saul."Saul! You rat! You waited until I was gone and used some dirty trick to make Father name you the heir!"Saul stepped aside, effortlessly dodging the punch."I didn't use any tricks.""Bullshit!"Cassius raised his fist again.I stepped up, shielding Saul."Cassius! Have you lost your mind?!"Seeing me, Cassius reached out, wanting to pull me into his arms."Caitlin!"Saul instantly pulled me behind him and drew his gun."Cassius. She is the Godfather's wife. Watch your manners.""What Godfather's wife?!"Cassius gritted his teeth in absolute fury."You just signed the marriage license for me! You actually think you can take my place?!"His eyes shot past Saul, locking onto me."Caitlin, don't listen to his lies. I can explain everything.""I never did
Cassius turned pale at the sight."Come back over the rail and we'll talk! Don't joke about this!"Valerie burst into tears."I'm not joking! I've been by your side for so long, what do I mean to you?!""You promised to be my boyfriend for one day. We did the most intimate thing two people can do, but you still want to go back to her! How am I worse than her?!"Cassius's fists clenched at his sides.The day they met, he told her he would eventually marry Caitlin.He figured she knew the score. But saying that out loud right now would only push her right over the edge.He took a deep breath and spoke slowly."Come back over. I'll keep the promise."Valerie's eyes lit up, disbelief in her voice."You'll stay on the island with me for three months?""I promise."Cassius stepped forward and yanked her back over the railing.Valerie buried her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably."Do you know how scared I was that you didn't want me? I just want you to give us one more chance.""If yo
He frantically racked his brain trying to remember last night.Besides that last drink, it was a complete blank.But the reality right in front of him made it very clear what had happened.He scrambled out of bed in a panic, snatching his clothes off the floor and throwing them on.Watching him flee, a dark, resentful look flashed in Valerie's eyes. Cassius stormed out onto the terrace. Nothing but ocean for miles.His bodyguard hurried over to explain."Boss, a sudden hurricane hit last night. The island's comm tower is damaged. We're stuck here until it's fixed.""The yacht's engine took a hit too. It won't start.""Don't you idiots know how to use the backup radar?!" Cassius roared, yanking out his phone to check Caitlin's social media.One minute ago, Caitlin had posted a picture with Saul. Both of them were wearing the matching family wedding bands.Cassius's blood boiled.He had warned Saul not to use his face to get close to Caitlin!He tried to call to confront him, only to re
By the time the yacht reached the private island, it was pitch black.Soft music played in the villa's dining room. The candlelight flickering across their faces made the mood undeniably romantic.Cassius raised his glass and smiled."Valerie, don't worry. After I get married, I'll set you up with a good position elsewhere. I won't just abandon you."Valerie forced a smile, but internally she sneered. Moving me to a different position? You mean kicking me out.What position could possibly be better than the Godfather's wife?Her eyes flicked to his wine glass, a subtle smirk playing on her lips."Thank you, Cassius."The wine flowed freely that night.They reminisced about the past, from the day they met until now.Valerie leaned her chin on her hands, her cheeks flushed red."Looks like I'll be eating alone and traveling alone from now on.""Cassius, if I had met you first, would things be different?"Cassius looked at the desperate hope in Valerie's eyes.But his mind flashed to Cait
Cassius's POVLooking at the first photo that loaded, Cassius frowned deeply.It was a picture of Caitlin and Saul together."What the hell is this picture? Didn't I give you a photo of me and Caitlin to use?!""Don't think you can mess with me like this! Get it through your head—Caitlin is your future sister-in-law!"Before Saul could reply, Valerie snatched the phone and hung up."Today is the first day of our private trip. I don't want to hear another woman's name from your mouth.""Maybe the clerk made them take a new photo, and Saul had no choice.""You guys have the exact same face anyway. As long as the name next to the stamp at the end is yours, who cares?""Come on, the yacht to the island is here."She quickly swiped and deleted the chat thread with Saul.Cassius never got to see the second photo finish loading.It was the notarized marriage certificate—with Saul's full name printed clear as day. Hearing Valerie's words, Cassius's panic slowly dialed back.She was right. No







