The sun's rays dazzled the garden in a symphony of light and shadow. The gentle breeze whispered through the tall grass, swaying them in agreement.Marcus approached the garden where he saw Alex kneeling by a bed of dahlias, their vibrant colors like jewels strewn across the earth.Alex glanced up, catching sight of Marcus, and smiled. He bent down to clip a crimson dahlia, its petals soft and velvety under his touch."Ah, Marcus," Alex said, straightening up and holding the flower out to him. "Congratulations on your acceptance by the board.""Thank you, Alex," Marcus replied warily, taking the offered blossom and standing beside his brother. Something was unsettling in his brother's tone, an ominous undertone that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end."Isn't it curious how flowers bloom?" Alex mused, gazing at the dahlias around them. "They push through the soil, reach for the sky, only to be cut and stopped from growing.""What are you getting at, Alex?" Marcus asked,
Cass followed Marcus into the dimly lit study, her eyes adjusting to the soft glow of lamps that illuminated the room. Her gaze fell upon a new and neatly arranged desk, chair, and drawer filled with files that had been set up in the study for her with her nameplate on the desk."Consider this your new office away from the office," Marcus said with a warm smile, his hands on his waist, his deep voice showing how proud he was of his efforts. "I wanted you to feel comfortable working with me here at home.""Thank you, Marcus." Cass's voice was a mixture of appreciation and surprise. "Wow, I wasn't expecting this" her voice choked up as she walked to and sat on the chair.She let out a startled scream when she saw him bent so close to her, his face just a few inches from hers."I just wanted to show you a file on your computer, What did you think I was going to do? Kiss you? I do deserve a kiss though, for my efforts" Marcus said with a mischievous glint in his eyesCass blushed and hit
Cass groaned, stretched, and cracked her neck. She looked at the clock it was 9 p.m already!!! She had been working for seven hours and the only break she had was when Marcus had brought her a snack board because of her grumbling tummy.She looked at Marcus, he was still hard at work. The crooked way his glasses sat on his face made him look like a sexy librarian, Cass giggled.As if sensing her gaze on him, Cass saw Marcus smile"Take a picture, it would last longer" Marcus smirkedCass rolled her eyes "I was only wondering if it would be polite for me to leave before my Boss" Cass replied sarcastically"Your 'Boss' will be done in five minutes and we can leave together" Marcus said "Five minutes, huh?" Cass teased, leaning on the edge of Marcus's desk. "Are you sure? Because I'm starting to think you enjoy keeping me here for the view"Marcus chuckled, True to his word, Marcus wrapped up his work at exactly five minutes. Once the last document was saved, he stood up and stretched,
Marcus clenched his jaw as the chauffeur brought the sleek black car to a halt in front of Judge Richards's imposing two-story home. The anger coursed through him like molten lava, threatening to spill over at any moment.Cass glanced at him, her eyes wide with confusion and curiosity, Where are we? What is going on? were the thoughts that passed through her mind.All she wanted to do today was read a book and lounge in the house in preparation for work tomorrow but Marcus had barged in and asked her to get dressed without any explanation as to their destination."Where are we?" She asked but Marcus didn't have the patience to explain."Come on," he growled, practically dragging her out of the vehicle. His long strides carried them quickly up the cobblestone path as Cass struggled to match his steps, past immaculately trimmed hedges and fragrant rose bushes.The heavy oak doors swung open, revealing the anxious face of Judge Richards, whose grey eyes darted between Marcus and Cass lik
Her belly? What was he talking about? Marcus exchanged a quick, puzzled look with Cass before making his way to the living room. As he entered, he was met with an unexpected sight. Amber, his ex-girlfriend, sat on the sofa, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Amber!!! What are you doing here?" He asked with a calmness that betrayed the surprise and shock he felt She stood up gracefully, revealing a bag she had used to cover her belly. The shock on Marcus's face was palpable as he saw her visibly pregnant. Cass, standing behind Marcus, felt a mixture of surprise and discomfort. "Marcus, darling, it's been a while," Amber greeted, her tone dripping with a calculated sweetness "What are you doing here, Amber?" Marcus asked again, struggling to conceal his astonishment. Amber's smile widened as she surveyed Marcus and then turned her gaze to Cass. "I couldn't believe you'd move on so quickly, let alone get married just two months after our breakup." Marcus frowned, his mind racing to
“Marry me,” Marcus saidCass was dumbstruck, Was he mad? He asked her to marry him so casually like he was grocery shopping or ordering for an espresso.Of course, she didn't dare ask that aloud after all he was her boss and the only one who had the power to hire her after the debacle that happened four months ago.He had asked to see her about planning his schedule for the week and after ignoring her for five minutes he had dropped this bombshell.“What are you talking about sir,” Cass said in the softest voice as if she was talking to a child.“You heard me, Marry me” Marcus reiteratedMarcus could feel the tension building in her as she struggled to keep her tongue in cheek.This was one of the things that amused him about her. Women usually fell at his feet, in fact, he had fired several of his personal assistants for trying to seduce him but Cass was always focused on her work and acted professionally even when he occasionally tried to flirt with her."I need a no strings attach
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
Cass stepped through the front door of her house, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She was eager to celebrate her achievement and relax before diving into her career. As she kicked off her shoes, she could hear faint footsteps. She immediately took the decorative vase at the entrance ready to pounce on whoever it was. Suddenly she heard the faint sound of music playing and laughter echoing through the house. "Scar?" Cass called out, recognizing the lively energy that could only belong to her younger sister. The sound of footsteps came rushing down the stairs, and a moment later, Scarlet appeared in the hallway with a wide grin on her face. Scarlet was the polar opposite of Cass; bubbly, spontaneous, and always looking for the next adventure. "Cass!" Scarlet exclaimed, throwing her arms around her sister. "I missed you so much! How did the exams go?" She said excitedly "Why are you holding unto the vase?" "I thought it was a thief" Cass said laughing awkwardly. The truth w