Chapter 10: Of No Importance

Cade POV

I sat in silence on the plane, staring out the window. I didn’t know where to begin explaining Cain Island to her — the place where I grew up, a paradise that held both beauty and buried nightmares.

I rarely returned. Between my mother’s constant pressure to marry Isabel and the dark secrets I’d left behind, the island felt more like a cage than a home. Secrets that could destroy everything I had built if they ever came to light.

“I’m waiting,” Emily said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I wished she wasn’t so curious. But I had already learned that once Emily wanted answers, she wouldn’t stop until she got them.

“The name of the island is Cain,” I said quietly.

“Cain?” She frowned. “Why would anyone name an island after the biblical killer?”

“It’s been called that for generations. My stepfather wasn’t allowed to change it when he took over.”

“Is it beautiful?” she asked. For the first time, I saw a genuine, soft smile on her face. It caught me off guard.

“Yes,” I replied, unable to look away from her. “It’s very beautiful.”

“I look forward to seeing it.”

“And my parents,” I reminded her. “Remember why you’re really here. You need to convince them that we’re madly in love.”

“I know,” she said, finishing my sentence. “I’m supposed to make them believe you married me because you’re in love with me.”

“Good. My stepfather is easygoing. My mother… not so much. You’ll have to work hard to convince her.”

“And why is it only me doing the work?” Emily challenged. “Shouldn’t you also show them how madly in love you are with me?”

“Women are better at showing emotions,” I replied.

Emily rolled her eyes. “You always want the last word, don’t you?”

“I’m glad you’re learning.” I smirked.

She stood up angrily. “I’m going to the bedroom. This flight will be much more pleasant if I don’t have to see or speak to you.”

I sighed as she disappeared into the private cabin.

This is going to be more difficult than I thought.

Emily POV

We walked hand in hand out of the island’s surprisingly modern airport. I was still reeling from the fact that what they called an “airport” was actually a fully equipped private terminal.

The island itself was breathtaking.

“Do you like it?” Cade asked as we slid into the waiting limousine.

“I have to admit… it’s even more beautiful than you described,” I said, staring out at the clean streets, elegant buildings, and lush greenery. “It almost feels like a small city.”

“My stepfather had big dreams for Cain,” Cade said, a rare hint of pride in his voice. “He wanted it to be known for more than just its name.”

The car moved smoothly through the island. I could feel Cade watching me.

“Now that you’ve seen all this,” he said, “are you going to change your attitude toward me?”

I turned to him sharply. “By ‘change my attitude,’ do you mean I should start sucking up to you because you’re rich?”

He smiled.

“Let’s get one thing straight, Mr. Callaghan,” I said coldly. “I’m only here for my parents and to repay the debt I owe you. So rest assured, I have zero interest in your money. Even if I’m in pain, I won’t take a cent from you, you scum.”

Cade chuckled softly. “You really are the first.”

“First what?”

“The first woman to reject my money so aggressively.”

“And you are the first man who has made me believe that all men think women are the same,” I shot back. “With this awful attitude of yours, I doubt any woman will ever love you for who you truly are.”

The limousine finally stopped in front of a massive, breathtaking mansion. Before I could step out, Cade grabbed my hand.

“Ready?” he asked, his expression serious.

“I told you I would do this,” I replied. “Just lead, and I’ll follow.”

“Good.”

The moment we stepped out of the car, he pulled me close and kissed me — deep, possessive, and completely unexpected. I tried to push him away, but he held me tighter, kissing me until my knees felt weak. When he finally released me, I was breathless and furious.

“What is wrong with you?” I hissed, wiping my lips. “Why do you kiss me every single chance you get?”

“Because my family is watching,” he whispered. “And from now on, you’ll be kissed whenever I feel like it. Get used to it.”

I forced a sweet smile onto my face as we approached the grand entrance.

Two women stood waiting. One was an elegantly dressed older woman with a cold expression — clearly Cade’s mother. The other was a stunning young blonde who couldn’t take her eyes off Cade.

Isabel.

The girl ran forward and threw herself into Cade’s arms.

“Cade, darling! I’ve missed you so much!”

Before anyone could react, she kissed him passionately.

I stood there, stunned, watching the scene unfold. So this is how it’s going to be.

Cade gently but firmly pushed Isabel away and immediately reached for my hand, pulling me close.

“Mother. Isabel,” he said calmly. “I want you to meet—”

“She’s of no importance,” his mother interrupted coldly. “I assume she’s just another mistress you brought along. Don’t worry, son. Once you’re done playing with her, you can finally marry Isabel.”

My blood boiled at how dismissively she spoke about me.

Cade’s grip on my hand tightened.

“That won’t be possible, Mother,” he said, voice steady and clear. “Because the woman you just called ‘of no importance’… is my wife.”

Both women stared at us, mouths open in complete shock.