They Are Both Stubborn

Rafael stepped through the hospital doors as he briskly made his way to Cassie’s office.

If Nikolai wasn't listening to reason, perhaps Cassie would.

He didn’t usually come to places like this. Hospitals always carried a quiet that felt less like peace and more like waiting for bad news.

"I hate this!" He whispered to himself as he went to the VIP ward, where Cassie was.

He soon reached there. He knew Nikolai would be piss if he found out about his actions. But since when did Rafael give a damn about anything?

He Rafael entered the room, Harlow was still there, leaning against the wall near the window, his arms folded and his expression stormy. His sharp eyes flicked to Rafael the moment he walked in.

"You’re not welcome," Harlow said flatly.

"Good to see you too, doll," Rafael said with a wink, brushing past him without waiting for permission.

His gaze landed on Cassie, sitting up in bed with the blanket tucked neatly over her legs.

She looked smaller than he remembered a week ago. Maybe slimmer, or more fragile. But there was something different in her eyes. Something… harder.

"You heard about his condition?" Rafael asked without preamble. He just went straight to th point.

Cassie blinked. She was a little bit confused until it clicked. "If you mean the army, yes."

Rafael let out a breath, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Listen to me little one, you don’t have to do this. Do you hear me? You don’t!"

"That’s what I told her," Harlow cut in, pushing off the wall. "But apparently, reason’s lost on her lately." He was finally glad that someone could see things from his perspective.

Cassie’s gaze shifted between the two men. "It’s not about reason," she said. "It’s about necessity."

"Necessity?" Rafael’s voice sharpened. "You’ve been through hell, little one. You barely made it out. And now you’re going to volunteer for more?"

Cassie’s eyes hardened. "I’m not volunteering for more pain! I’m choosing the pain that will shape me into someone who can’t be broken again."

"You think that’s what he’s doing?" Rafael stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Nick isn’t trying to save you... He’s testing you. And if you fail, you think he’s going to catch you? No! He’ll walk away and say it was for the best.

I fucking know my friend more than anything. Damn it!"

"Then I won’t fail," Cassie said simply.

Rafael stared at her, the bluntness of her tone making his chest tighten. "You don’t get it. You’re already enough, Cass. You don’t need to prove anything to that bastard or his family.

The Vanderbilt family is full dicks! Sure, you and I may not know each other well. But I still see myself as the sister I never had. I know you want to have revenge on that asshole and that bitch!

Marrying Nick would be your best option and I'm not going to change your mind about that. But the military part is my problem. I've served in the army before and I know how hard it is. Try considering and negotiating with Nick, please!"

Rafael explained, feeling frustrated. He was starting to blame himself for even suggesting the marriage alliance to Nikolai. Was he a bad person?

Cassie gave him a small, almost sad smile. "Maybe I am enough for myself. But not for what’s coming. Thanks for your concern. But I've already made up my mind."

The words landed like a stone in Rafael’s gut. He glanced at Harlow, but the other man only looked away, his jaw tightened.

"You’re both insane," Rafael muttered finally, rubbing his temples. "Nick for putting you through this, and you for agreeing to it."

Cassie’s hand twitched slightly over the blanket, as if she wanted to reach for him but stopped herself. "You’re wrong, Rafael. I’m not agreeing to it. I’m owning it. This is my choice."

Her voice carried the kind of certainty that left no cracks for argument. Rafael felt the fight leave him in slow, reluctant waves.

"Fine," he said at last, though the word tasted like ash. He stepped back toward the door, pausing only to add, "But I call my friends in the army to help you when you get there. I’ll be watching, Cass. And I know Nick wouldn't let any harm come to you. That much, I can promise!"

Without another word, Rafael left the room in defeat.

"They really deserve each other. Both of them are really stubborn!" Rafael murmured to himself as he left.

Cassie sat in silence for a moment, her gaze fixed on the closed door.

Harlow shifted uncomfortably but said nothing.

And somewhere in the back of her mind, beneath all the resolve and defiance, she wondered if Nikolai would actually catch her if she were to fall.