Eight

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

Jessica Wallan is the most unlikely person to become friends with a detective as she owns a nightclub and runs a legal prostitution business out of her own club. But Jessica becomes Cassandra's friend because they didn't know about each other's work beforehand. They meet in a community to heal trauma. And here they are.

“Someone found out about me?!”

Jessica lowered her glass of wine onto the table, she then leaned forward and said, “You're right. As far as I know, it's Ben. Franches' personal secretary. Are you investigating him? If so, then you two are investigating each other."

Cassandra furrowed her brows, she looked confused now. Rubbing her sweaty palms, she replied to Jessica, “Does he know I'm a detective?”

Jessica chuckled. "Of course not. I'm your best friend, there's no way I'm going to put you through hell."

"Oh yeah? You're talking about our friendship now, um?"

“Of course.”

“Did you forget that you received money from Franches as my payment for sleeping with him last night?”

Jessica laughed, not feeling guilty at all. Patting the shoulder of Cassandra sitting next to her, Jessica said, “I have to be professional so Franches doesn't get suspicious. I accepted money from all my clients and refused payment from Franches? That's too obvious, Franches would know right away that I have other plans."

Despite still feeling angry at Jessica, Cassandra did not want to prolong the matter. She simply mumbled to pause their conversation and continued after Cassandra felt curious about one thing. “So, what did you say about me to Franches' secretary?”

"I heard that Antonio is a very detailed person. So I gave him accurate false information to lie to Ben, his secretary."

"Wait, wait. What do you mean accurate false information?"

"I explained to Ben that you were a part-time worker here and that you looked after your mother's pigs for money. You're very poor and suffering. You are the Cinderella of the real world."

Cassandra chuckled, she looked at Jessica lazily. "You made up a story and made me look like a real miserable person? Well done, Jess."

Cassandra's sarcastic tone didn't make Jessica angry at all. She laughed instead. "What else do you think makes a virgin girl like you come and work here? It's about the money, isn't it? I have to sound realistic."

“It's annoying to hear you make up that terrible story, but I'm also relieved that you didn't betray me on that one.”

Jessica nodded her head, she raised her wine glass again and said, “You're welcome, I'm like an angel.”

“I'm not complimenting you you know.”

"By the way, did you accept Antonio's invitation tonight? I see you're interested in him too, Ms. Baker."

Cassandra rolled her eyes lazily. Leaning her back against the sofa, she continued, “I don't know. I just wanted to avenge my parents' death. But why did things get complicated."

"Well, things are complicated because your feelings have changed. You're in love with Antonio Franches. Isn't that right?"

“Of course not!”

“You did.”

“I didn't, Jessica!”

Cassandra leaned back on the plush sofa, her eyes flickering with annoyance. Jessica's grin widened even further.

“All right, all right,” Jessica gave in, raising her hands in surrender. "But be careful. Antonio Franches is not a random person. He's dangerous."

“I know that,” Cassandra replied, her voice firm. “I can handle him.”

Jessica sighed, her expression turning serious. "Promise me you'll be careful, okay? I don't want to lose my best friend over a senseless game."

Cassandra nodded, a small smile on her lips. “I promise.”

****

Cassandra had just finished putting on her leather jacket when a car horn sounded from outside. Cassandra's blue eyes scanned the surroundings, everyone was in the living room. Uncle Lionel, and Aunt Marry. So, who was visiting her house that night?

"Do you have an appointment with someone, Cass? You look beautiful,” Uncle Lionel said.

But Cassandra didn't feel that she had invited anyone, especially Antonio to come to her house, Uncle Lionel's house to be precise. Cassandra ran to the window. Uncle Lionel and Aunt Marry followed after Cassandra, the three of them peeked out of the window and found a black limousine stopped in front of their pigsty.

"Limousine?! Who owns that car?!" Aunt Marry became excited.

Who would come to a house near a farm in a limousine?

Cassandra ran outside to make sure, and not long after, she saw Franches getting off the limousine who was very, very unexpectedly going to arrive at her Uncle and Aunt's farm. Cassandra's eyes couldn't stop widening when Franches walked up to her and greeted her casually.

“Good evening, Miss Baker?”

Aunt Marry greeted Antonio immediately. She greeted Antonio like a special guest. “Do... you know... our daughter?”

Cassandra turned her head, she looked confused. Why did Aunt Marry say that I was her daughter?

“Yes you do, ma'am.” Antonio held out a hand. “I am her boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?!” Everyone screamed in excitement, including Uncle Lionel who had just come out of the house.

Uncle Lionel looked at Cassandra as if asking for an explanation. He was confused and anxious at the same time. “Can we talk alone, Cass?”

Cassandra's pulse quickened as she exchanged glances with Uncle Lionel, her eyes full of questions and worries. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Sure, Dad. Let's go inside."

They walked into the living room, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. As the door closed behind them, Uncle Lionel turned to her, his face showing concern.

"What's going on, Cassandra? Is this man really your boyfriend?"

Cassandra hesitated, the weight of her double life pressing down on her. She couldn't tell the truth - not yet. "It's... complicated, Uncle Lionel. He's... someone involved with my work."

Uncle Lionel's brow furrowed. "Work? What kind of work do you do, Cass?"

Before Cassandra could answer, Antonio's voice called from outside, interrupting their conversation. “Cassandra, are you ready? We need to get going.”

Cassandra glanced at the door, then back at her uncle. "Please trust me, Uncle Lionel. I will explain everything later."

Uncle Lionel sighed but nodded. "Very well. Take care, Cassandra."