The Media Cameras

Isabella's smile was a knife.

Cassandra felt it cutting through her, sharp and precise. The woman was beautiful—flawless skin, ice-blonde hair, eyes that glittered like diamonds. But there was nothing warm about her. Everything about Isabella Moore was calculated. Cold. Dangerous.

"Dante." Isabella's voice was a purr. "You look well. Marriage agrees with you."

"We're not married yet," Dante said flatly.

"Ah, yes. The engagement." Isabella's eyes flicked to Cassandra. "How... unexpected."

Cassandra's grip tightened on her glass. She wouldn't let this woman intimidate her. "Is there something you want?"

Isabella's smile widened. "Straight to the point. I like that." She leaned closer. "I just wanted to welcome you to the family. I know how... overwhelming it can be."

"I'm not overwhelmed."

"No?" Isabella's voice dropped. "You should be. This world eats girls like you for breakfast."

Cassandra met her gaze. "Then I'll be the exception."

Isabella's smile faltered. For a moment, something flickered in her eyes—surprise, maybe. Or respect.

She straightened, smoothing her dress. "Well, it was lovely meeting you. I'm sure we'll see each other again." She looked at Dante. "Goodbye, Dante."

She walked away, her heels clicking against the marble. Cassandra watched her go, her heart pounding.

"Who is she?" Cassandra asked.

Dante's jaw tightened. "Someone I used to know. A long time ago."

"Used to know?"

"We were... involved." His voice was flat. "It ended badly."

Cassandra's stomach dropped. "She's your ex?"

"Something like that." He reached for her hand. "But she's nothing. A ghost from my past."

Cassandra wasn't sure she believed him. But she let it go. For now.

---

The next morning, the headlines were everywhere.

Dante Moretti's Secret Fiancée Revealed!

Who Is Cassandra Hayes?

The Mystery Woman Who Captured Chicago's Most Eligible Bachelor.

Cassandra stared at the newspapers spread across the breakfast table. Her face was on every front page. The gala. The kiss. The announcement. It was all there, splashed across the tabloids.

"I'm famous," she said flatly.

Dante's lips twitched. "You're news."

"I don't want to be news."

"I know." He reached across the table, taking her hand. "But it's part of this world. The media will always be watching."

Cassandra sighed. "How do you deal with it?"

"I ignore it." He squeezed her hand. "You learn to. Eventually."

She looked at him. "And if I can't?"

"Then I'll protect you. I'll always protect you."

Her heart ached. She believed him.

---

The paparazzi were camped outside the mansion gates.

Cassandra watched them from her window. They were like vultures, circling, waiting for a glimpse of her. She felt trapped. Caged.

Dante appeared behind her. "Ready?"

"For what?"

"We're going out. I need to show the world that you're not hiding. That you're not afraid."

Cassandra turned to face him. "I am afraid."

"I know." He cupped her face. "But you're going to pretend you're not. And I'll be right there with you. Every step."

She nodded. "Okay. Let's go."

They walked out of the mansion together. The paparazzi erupted. Cameras flashed. Voices shouted.

"Cassandra! Over here!"

"Is it true you're engaged?"

"How did you meet?"

"Are you pregnant?"

Cassandra's heart pounded.

She wanted to run, to hide. But Dante's hand was firm on her back, steadying her.

"Just walk," he murmured. "Keep your head up. Smile."

She did.

She smiled like she wasn't terrified. Like she belonged in this world.

Dante led her to the car. He opened the door, his hand on her head to protect her from the cameras. He slid in beside her, slamming the door shut.

"Good," he said. "You did good."

She exhaled shakily. "I thought I was going to pass out."

"You didn't. You were perfect."

She looked at him. His eyes were warm. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Somewhere quiet. Just us."

---

He took her to a rooftop garden.

It was hidden, private, a world away from the chaos. Flowers bloomed in every color. The city sprawled below them, glittering in the afternoon sun.

Cassandra stood at the railing, breathing in the fresh air. She felt lighter here. Freer.

"I didn't know places like this existed," she said.

"Neither did I." Dante stood beside her. "Until I needed to escape."

She looked at him. "You needed to escape?"

"All the time." His voice was quiet. "This world—it's suffocating. I've spent my whole life drowning in it."

She reached out, taking his hand. "You're not drowning anymore."

He looked at her. Something raw flickered in his eyes.

"I know," he said softly. "Because of you."

She didn't know what to say. So she said nothing. They stood in silence, watching the city below.

Then, her phone buzzed. A text.

You're making headlines. Too bad they won't remember you for long.

Cassandra's blood ran cold. She showed it to Dante.

His face hardened. "This ends now. I'm going to find out who's behind this."

He pulled out his phone, making calls. His voice was sharp, commanding.

Cassandra watched him, her heart pounding. She was tired of being scared. Tired of looking over her shoulder.

She wanted to fight back.

---

Dante ended the call. He turned to her, his eyes dark.

"We'll find them," he said. "I promise."

She stepped closer. "I know you will."

He pulled her into his arms. His grip was tight, protective.

"I won't let anyone hurt you," he whispered. "I promise."

She clung to him.

"I know," she said. "I trust you."