LOGINAccording to Roselyn, Marina always celebrated her birthday with friends. Loud music in their college apartment and a bottle of wine when she could afford it. Cassian didn’t care how she had celebrated her other birthdays while she was still married. He didn’t care what her husband had done. All he knew was that this would be far different. A private birthday dinner in the most expensive lakeside cabin in Morvane would certainly be different. Maybe a first for her. The thought of giving her something no one else had ever given her filled him with quiet excitement. He had planned with Roselyn to bring her there. He inhaled the soft scent of damp wood and water as he took a slow walk towards the towering trees that surrounded the cabin, while he awaited her arrival. What would be her reaction when she saw how meticulously he had planned this date for her? It shouldn’t matter to him, but it did. He stopped in front of the lake, watching the wooden deck stretch over the clean water, a
“Guess what?” Roselyn’s loud voice boomed through the phone, nearly deafening Marina’s ears.Marina scoffed. Not again. She could hear her friend giggling like a child from the other end. “What’s that?” She asked in a low voice.“I got a call from our first investor for Servalia today.” Roselyn dropped the news.“Oh my goodness, this is good news.” Marina darted across the room, grinning so hard her cheeks hurt. They were getting there.“Yes, best friend. It’s good news.”“How much are they willing to invest?” Her words came out fast, leaving her almost breathless. Pure ecstasy was buzzing through her.“Undecided. They called to inquire and express their interest in our company. They talked about a meeting when the CEO arrives, but the date for the meeting has not yet been decided.”“Good. What’s the name of the company?”“Obsidian Bridge Capital. They fund new fintech companies, digital banks, and anything related to moving money. You should research them. They are big, girl.”“Obsid
SOME DAYS LATERThe room looked different from what he left behind. He ambled through, assessing the new changes she had added. The beddings were white, with sprinkles of pink. Pink and white pillowcases. Cassian scoffed. What did he think he was? Barbie? The pink sheer curtains flowed beside the windows, letting in natural light. The peace lily on the nightstand gave life to the room, the white blooming brightly against the dark room.Two paintings have been added to the walls. A gold-frame mirror on her side of the room. They were brighter lights now. Candles and warm lamps, even backlighting behind the bed. He was gone for only two days, and this woman had changed everything in their bedroom. It no longer mirrored him. Instead, it left him too exposed. He wasn’t certain he loved this new look.Marina slipped in, her face all bubbly with happy smiles. “Cassian.” He whipped around at the sound of her voice, his eyes narrowing. Why would she call his name so sweetly that he wanted her
Cassian rustled softly in his sleep, groaning sounds escaping him as he turned restlessly on the bed. His buff body pressed closer to Marina, where she lay next to him. She stirred, pulling away from him.“Help me.” He whispered. “Save me from her.”The sound of his voice woke her. She sat on the bed, trying to remember how she had gotten there. The last thing she knew was that they were seeing a movie together before she fell asleep. Tenderness washed through her at the thought of Cassian bringing her into the room. She looked at him as he struggled in his sleep, tossing around as if he was fighting someone.“Cassian.” She reached for his hand to stop his violent movements, but he only pulled her closer to himself, squeezing her hand tightly. The pace of this breathing had doubled normal. “Cassian?” She tried to yank her arm away from his tight grip.“Please, cover me. Save me from…” His voice drowned out before he could finish his sentence.“Cassian.” She touched his face gently.H
Juice boxes were arranged in a corner. Beside them were chocolate bars and sports drinks. Fruits of various kinds and glucose sweets. All in boxes, surrounding the dining room, as if he had hired someone to raid an entire store the whole time she was sleeping.“Do you plan to open a mini mart in your mansion?” She moved forward to assess the pile of goodness before her.Even though her blood sugar had dropped to the lowest level, she wouldn’t need this amount of sugar to regulate it back to normal.“The doctor said you had low blood sugar.” He shrugged a shoulder. “I was just doing what I felt was right.” “Did the doctor recommend all of this?” She turned to the nurse on standby, hoping she would answer, but the nurse just offered her a small smile. “Are these the things I need?” Marina scoffed, shaking her head.The nurse stepped forward. “Not really, ma’am, but he insisted.” She turned to Cassian. “She’s pregnant and would not need all of this junk, Mr. Vale. Fruits and healthy foo
Cassian’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the microphone tightly. Tempted to punch his uncle’s handsome face. He took a step forward, but steeled himself. He wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing him lose his control in front of the people. Violence is not an attribute of a Vale heir.He lifted the microphone to his mouth to speak, but nothing came to mind. This question would be the last thing to expect from his uncle. He never ceased to amaze him that he was a shitty bastard. Telling the people they had no picture would make their relationship doubtful. He had told so many lies today. He needed a stronger lie to back up.If he couldn’t come up with something in a few minutes, the people might never find him trustworthy again. Business partners were present, stakeholders staring at him, waiting for a picture of him and his lover. Many more people were all there watching, and this was the moment Adam chose to act like the bastard that he was. Fuck him.He lifted his chin, a fre







