Chapter One

Cass walked out of Marcus's office with her head high after signing the contract but her steps failed her immediately she stepped out. What just happened? 

She banged her head on her table, How could she easily sign away three years of her life to Marcus no less?

Cass knew Marcus was going to take advantage of that contract and it was too late to back out.

She smacked herself on the face to be sure

She knew her sister Scarlet would ask questions not to mention her best friend in the world Amanda.

How was she going to explain to them that she was in a relationship and getting married when her ex-boyfriend Jake just broke up with her four months ago?

How did she get here? She shouldn't have gone on that trip to France three years ago.

FLASHBACK TO THREE YEARS AGO

Cass let out a deep sigh of relief as she closed her laptop. The bar exams were finally over. She had spent the last few months studying tirelessly for this moment.

As she walked out of the exam room, she felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was ecstatic that the hard work had paid off and she was now one step closer to becoming a lawyer. On the other hand, she was exhausted and needed a break.

As she walked through the bustling city streets, Cass's mind wandered to her upcoming vacation to France with her friend Amanda.

They had been planning this trip for months, and it was the perfect opportunity for Cass to take a break from her hectic life and celebrate her success. She couldn't wait to explore the country, try the food, and take in all the sights.

When she arrived at the café where she was meeting Amanda, she could see her friend waving excitedly from a table near the window.

Amanda had been Cass's rock throughout the grueling bar exam process, always offering words of encouragement, support and also taking care of Cass's sister Scarlet. Cass knew she wouldn't have made it this far without Amanda by her side.

"Congratulations, Cass!" Amanda exclaimed as Cass took a seat across from her. "I knew you would crush those exams."

"Thanks, Amanda," Cass replied with a grin. "I couldn't have done it without you. And speaking of which, I'm so glad we're going to France together. I need a break, this lady right here is tired."

"I'm so excited for this trip," Amanda said giggling "France is one of my favorite places to visit"

Cass smiled. "This is actually my first time leaving the country and I'm counting on you to show me all the best spots."

"Absolutely," Amanda replied. "We're going to have so much fun. I've already made a list of all the places we have to visit. The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the list goes on and on."W

Cass's eyes widened with excitement. "All of those sound amazing. And of course, we have to try all the food. I can't wait to have a croissant from a real French bakery."

Amanda laughed. "Trust me, the food is one of the best parts. We're going to eat so much cheese and bread, we won't even know what to do with ourselves."

Cass smiled, feeling grateful  "I can't thank you enough for inviting me on this trip, Amanda. I never would have been able to afford something like this on my own."

"Hey, what are friends for?" Amanda replied with a warm smile. "I know you've been working so hard, and you deserve a break. Plus, it's always more fun to travel with someone else and who knows, maybe this trip will inspire you to get out often."

Cass laughed. "Let's focus on getting through this one first."

They spent the rest of their lunch catching up and making plans for their trip, both excited for the adventures to come. As they walked out of the cafe they were oblivious to someone staring at them maliciously.

Stacey wondered what those two idiots were giggling and yapping about. She hated that goody two shoes Cass with all her heart.

She saw Cass stand up to leave with her friend

"Girls let's play" She said to Liz and Riley who had been standing behind her

Stacey bumped into Cass "Watch your steps fool" Stacey said

Cass sighed, Stacey Richards was at it again, She had made it her life goal to ridicule Cass all year and had gone as far as spreading nasty rumors about Cass to make people hate her but it didn't work.

"Stacey don't you have better things to do? You aren't a kid you know. Bullying doesn't look good on you, i think you need another hobby really" Cass said casually making sure her voice was heard by every one in the Cafe.

Cass usually ignored Stacey but the stress of her exams and the annoyance she felt about her mood being ruined caused her to lash out.

Stacey looked around and was embarrassed to see that she was the center of attention, her father must not hear about this or she would get a earful.

"This is not the end of this Cass" Stacey whispered to Cass "I am so sorry for teasing you Cass, i had no idea you were in a bad mood" Stacey said aloud and left

"I don't know why she keeps picking on you and it's great you stood up for yourself today" Amanda said smiling

"I just got tired i guess, I didn't want to get in trouble but now that i am done i have no reason to hold back" Cass said with a satisfied grn

She had finally stood up for herself and she felt proud. Stacey's father was a prominent judge so it was wise to avoid her seeing as she wanted to be a famous lawyer herself.

"I have to leave, I have a date" Amanda said sheepishly

Cass said her goodbyes and left immediately