Chapter 11: You Aren't My Father

MARIELLE

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I finished recounting the details of Cassius’ phone call. Vera held my hand, her thumb stroking my knuckles in a comforting rhythm, but then her brows knit together in a sharp frown.

“What was her name again?”

I felt my heart clench at the memory. “Serena.”

She went quiet for a moment, her gears clearly turning, before her eyes snapped back to mine. “I don’t think it’s true.”

Hope, sudden and intoxicating, surged through my veins. I sat up straight, ignoring the lingering ache in my head. “What makes you think that?”

“Oh, babe. Think about it. No woman works in his inner circle, he’s never had a single public scandal, and he’s never mentioned a girl to the family. Suddenly, he’s just casually announcing dates? It doesn't add up.”

I shook my head, my insecurity fighting back. “Maybe he kept her a secret. Maybe he’s been with her for a while.”

“And if he were in a secret relationship,” Vera countered, leaning in closer, “he wouldn't have done the things he did with you. Not even in his head. A man like Cassius is loyal to a fault. If he were taken, he wouldn't have touched you.”

The heat rushed to my face. I’d told her everything during our late-night confessions- the way he looked at me, the way he touched me. Her logic was a balm to my soul. Cassius was loyal. If he was acting this way, it wasn't because of another woman. It was a defense mechanism.

“You need to make him understand that you love him,” Vera insisted. “Make him see that nothing is wrong with us..with you two being together.”

“W-what if he doesn’t love me back?”

Vera’s expression softened, a flash of shared pain crossing her features… likely thinking of Enzo. She squeezed my hand. “If he didn't love you, he wouldn't have crossed that line. But first, we need to draw his true feelings out into the light.”

“How? How do we find out?” I asked desperately.

Vera’s lips curled into an evil, beautiful smirk. “Baby, you need to rest for now. Relax. We’ll start the real work in the morning.”I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the girl looking back. I was dressed in a lavender short skirt that hugged my curves like a second skin, paired with a matching off-the-shoulder crop top that left very little to the imagination.

“You look so hot,” I whispered to myself, smoothing my hair back. A nervous, fluttery smile played on my lips. I couldn't help but wonder how Cassius would react to seeing me like this.

“He’s going to lose his mind,” Vera said, appearing behind me. She was stunning in a light pastel green mini-dress.

“What exactly are we doing?” I asked, my heart hammering against my ribs.

She gave me a playful wink and linked her arm with mine. “Daddy Cassius is waiting downstairs, so let’s not keep the man hanging.”

“Vera!” I hissed, but she just giggled and pulled me out of the room.

We walked downstairs together. My eyes immediately found Aunt Giselle, who gave me a teasing, knowing look that made me blush. But soon, the weight of the room shifted. All eyes were on us.

“Are my beauties going somewhere?” Matteo asked, walking over to pull me into a quick, affectionate hug. I giggled, feeling a bit of the tension melt away… until I heard the voice that always froze the blood in my veins.

“Reason?”

The sheer sternness in Cassius’ voice sent a chill down my spine. Before I could even turn, Vera tightened her grip on my hand, her acting skills kicking into high gear.

“Uncle, we’re going out,” she said brightly.

“With whom?” Cassius’ gaze was a physical weight. He was straightforward, lethal, and currently looking like he wanted to lock the doors and throw away the key.

Vera glanced at her mother. “Cassius, I gave them permission,” Giselle said with a calm smile. I nudged Vera, but she ignored me, giving her mom a grateful grin.

“Then we’ll be leaving,” Vera said, starting to pull me toward the door.

“What are you thinking…” I started to whisper, but she cut me off.

“Stop. Tease him,” she hissed under her breath.She turned around, and I followed her lead. I raised my gaze, swallowing hard as Cassius stepped toward us. He looked devastatingly handsome, but his expression was a mask of cold fury.

“Go to the car, Vera,” he ordered.

Vera didn't hesitate. She gave my hip a supportive, playful pat.. a move I saw Cassius’ eyes track with predatory intensity..and then she was gone, leaving me alone with him.

“What happened?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Did I give you permission to go?”

My heart hammered.

“But Aunt Giselle..”

“Vera is my sister’s daughter. She asked her mother. You didn't ask yours.”

I felt a surge of genuine anger. He knew my mother didn't care where I went as long as I didn't embarrass her. He was using Victoria as a weapon to control me.

I looked him in the eye, forgetting for a moment to be afraid.

“Aunt Giselle is like a mother to me.”

“She isn't blood-related to you,” he snapped.

“You aren't either.” The silence that followed was deafening. I saw his jaw clench, his entire body vibrating with a restrained, violent energy. He stepped closer, invading my personal space until our chests were inches apart. I had to look up to meet his dark, burning eyes.

I was trembling, but the fire inside me was winning. I took one final, hesitant step forward, closing the remaining gap between us.

“You aren't my father, Cassius. You don't get to order me around,” I whispered, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance.

“But you can be my... .. horny daddy….”