Se connecterEvelyn’s POVI walked out of the office with a headache and felt completely drained.Ever since that talk yesterday, Soraya had refused to come down for dinner or even speak to anyone. I’d had to pretend everything was fine, lying to Arielle and saying Soraya was just stressed from work so she wouldn’t bother her.Cassian must’ve noticed my mood because he tried to cheer me up, but I couldn’t bring myself to laugh. This was the first time I had ever raised my voice at Soraya, and it left a heavy ache in my chest.First, it was Arielle who disliked Cassian silently — now it was Soraya openly disrespecting him, saying cruel things to make me hate him.“What’s up with you? Trouble in paradise already, darling?” Charity asked, appearing beside me as I headed for my car.“I just have a headache,” I said, trying to keep my tone light as I unlocked the door.She touched my shoulder gently. “Did my charm fail you? Is that why you’re in such a mood?”I turned to her, meeting her eyes seriously
Soraya's POVI woke up early, my body aching from a night of almost no sleep. My eyes felt gritty, my head pounding slightly, and every movement reminded me of how drained I was. I hadn’t closed my eyes properly after seeing Cassian kiss Arielle. The memory of their closeness had burned itself into my mind.Dragging myself out of bed, I stumbled to the kitchen, hoping the routine of making coffee would calm my nerves a little when someone’s hands touched my shoulder.Startled, I jerked back, and the mug slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor. Hot coffee splashed across my hands, stinging my skin, but I didn’t even feel it.“Soraya! Are you okay?” Mom's voice was sharp with concern as she crouched beside me.“It’s nothing,” I muttered, trying to sound casual. I bent down to pick up the pieces but avoided her gaze.She exhaled, her hand brushing mine as she helped me stand. “You’re lying. I know you too well. Something’s bothering you.”“I said it’s nothing,” I repeated, thoug
Soraya’s POV“I am so damn tired,” I muttered the moment I stepped into the house, dropping my bag by the door. My feet ached, and my body felt like jelly. I was ready to collapse straight onto the couch.Before I could even take another step, I froze.Mom came rushing toward me, her hair loose and her night robe hanging carelessly off her shoulders. Her face looked pale, worried, and sleepless.I frowned and glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s past three in the morning,” I mumbled. “Why are you awake?”But as soon as the words left my mouth, a cold rush of panic swept through me. Her expression wasn’t just tired—it was fearful.My heart started pounding. “Mom, did something happen? Who’s hurt? Were you robbed?” I asked, my voice rising with each question.She shook her head quickly, her lips trembling. “I don’t know,” she whispered, her voice cracking.That tone alone made my stomach twist. I rushed to her side and gently grabbed her shoulders, trying to steady both of us.“Mom,
Cassian’s POVThe champagne had left her breath sweet and alluring as I gathered her into my arms, lifting her effortlessly, her body molding against my chest. Her breath hit my neck softly, sending a shiver straight through me. The warmth of the room wrapped around us, the heavy drapes drawn tight; the only sound was the soft rustle of fabric as I walked with her toward the bed. My heart pounded rapidly, not from nervousness, but from the anticipation of what was to come. Tonight, I wouldn’t rush like I did back then. Tonight, I was going to love and worship her body.When I laid her down, she looked up at me, her back sinking into the plush mattress. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast golden streaks across her skin, highlighting the flush in her cheeks and the way her chest rose and fell with quick, shallow breaths. It made me smile. I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my thumb lingering at her jaw.“Cassian,” she whispered, barely audible.My gaze traced the curve of her w
Arielle’s POVI walked out of class feeling lighter. The exams weren’t too bad, and maybe it was because, after the weekend getaway, I still carried that warmth from being with Cassian. Everything between us felt different now—closer and more intimate. I could still imagine the feel of his hands, his breath against my skin, and the way he looked at me like I was his very reason to live.So yeah, I was happy. I found myself smiling at random things and even laughing out loud over little jokes that wouldn’t usually amuse me.“You seem awfully happy,” a familiar voice said behind me.I turned lazily, my smile fading when I saw Justin standing there.“What is it this time?” I asked, my tone flat but calm.He didn’t reply. He stepped closer, grabbed my hand, and started leading me toward a quiet spot behind one of the lecture halls. The suddenness of it made my annoyance bubble up. When he finally stopped, he let go.“I missed you,” he said softly. “Isn’t that reason enough to pull you awa
Soraya’s POVMom sat at the edge of the pool, her feet swaying gently in the water as she stared in the direction Arielle had stormed off. The sun was just right—warm and nice—but the mood between us had cooled the moment she told me how Arielle was upset.“Should I go in and talk to her?” Mom asked, worry creeping into her voice. She never liked it when Arielle was upset, even though half the time she pretended she didn't care.I shook my head, leaning back on my palms. “No. Let her breathe. You know how she is. When she’s upset, she needs space. By tomorrow, she’ll be laughing with us again like nothing happened.”Mom looked genuinely surprised. “Did you upset her by any chance?”I shrugged. “Maybe a little. But only because I told her something she didn’t agree with.”And honestly, I didn’t regret saying it. Arielle was sweet, but she could be too naive sometimes.I stood up and wandered to the rail of the yacht, watching the dolphins dance in and out of the waves. They always got







