Se connecterOnce upon a time, Joseph Tremont believed he had found a rare gem. She was quiet, intelligent, and observant—nothing like the loud, ambitious young women who often surrounded powerful families like his. Cassienne Rhodes had come into his life first as his son’s best friend, a girl who spent more time in their home than in her own. Back then, she was young, reserved, and almost painfully polite, the kind of girl who listened more than she spoke. At the time, Cassienne was living with Joseph and Abigail. It was shortly after she graduated from college, a Computer Science major with a brilliant mind hidden behind her gentle demeanor. While others saw her as just Dreston’s close friend, Joseph saw something more interesting. Something that is rare. Something he had once seen in her parents. Cassienne’s parents were brilliant—true geniuses in the tech world. They had worked under Joseph in the early days of Auralink, back when the company was still struggling to define itself.
Cassienne followed Corren’s gaze, her brows knitting together in faint confusion. The door had been left slightly ajar, and now it was fully open. Standing at the entrance was Joseph Tremont, Dreston’s father, his tall frame rigid, his face carved into an expression as hard and unreadable as stone. His years in the corporate world had trained his features into permanent authority. By his side stood Abigail Tremont, Dreston’s mother, whose face looked worried despite her efforts to look calm. Abigail clutched a small packed lunch bag in her hand, her fingers tightening around the handle as her eyes immediately found Cassienne on the hospital bed. For a brief moment, Cassienne forgot the pain in her ribs. “Father… Mother,” she said, surprise showing across her face before softening into warmth. A small smile broke through her exhaustion. “You’re here?” Corren and Merrick reacted instantly, rising to their feet out of respect. These were Dreston’s parents—people whose influence ext
“Dreston,” Cassienne began softly. “Why are you telling me all this?” Her voice was soft, almost soothing, but the weight behind her words unsettled him. She wasn’t accusing him. She was genuinely asking—and that made it harder for him. She was right. Why was he telling her all this? He shouldn’t be reopening old wounds or stirring feelings he had no right to touch anymore. Yet, no matter how much he tried to reason with himself, one truth will always stand: he owed her honesty. At least this much. “I just felt you should know,” he said quietly, pushing forward despite the tension that tightened his chest. “You mentioned it the other day. But before I could explain, you hung up.” He paused briefly, then continued, “My father will never approve of my marriage to Tina.” Cassienne listened without interrupting him. Somehow, she knew the truth. But a part of her liked hearing the lies. Well it's what she thought. But another part of her hated it dearly. Because the problem wasn’t t
“Good morning, Doctor Ray.” Cassienne greeted him the moment he stepped into the VIP ward. A nurse followed closely behind, pushing a small cart filled with medical supplies. “Good morning, my friend.” Doctor Ray smiled warmly. “I’m glad to hear your voice sounding stronger today.” His eyes studied her briefly before he asked, “So, how are you feeling this morning? Any complaints?” Cassienne tried to adjust her position on the bed, but a sharp pain made her stop. She winced, drawing in a breath. “Easy there,” Doctor Ray said at once. He moved quickly to her side and held her hand to steady her. “What are you trying to do?” “I want to sit up,” Cassienne replied after a slow breath. “Alright,” the doctor said calmly. “Just relax.” He released her hand and turned slightly. “Nurse May?” “Yes, Doctor,” the nurse answered immediately, stepping closer. “Please adjust her bed to a sitting position.” “Right away, Doctor.” Nurse May moved to the side panel of the bed and pressed a bu
A soft knock sounded at the door, and it opened gently. Garry was the first to step inside, his expression tense with concern. Aurora followed closely behind him, her eyes still red, sadness clinging to her like a shadow. Daisy came in last, quietly closing the door behind them with a muted click. The two women hurried forward the moment they noticed Cassienne was awake. Dreston rose slowly from his seat beside the bed and stepped aside, giving them space. As Aurora and Daisy reached Cassienne, emotions spilled over immediately—quiet sobs, shaky breaths, hands reaching out to hold hers. Their relief at seeing her consciousness mixed with the fear they had carried all night. Dreston moved away from the bed and met Garry halfway across the room. “Is she okay?” Garry asked in a low voice. “Yes,” Dreston replied. “She’s stable. Just severe pain in her ribs.” Garry exhaled. “That must hurt. But I’m relieved there’s no serious damage. She’ll recover.” Dreston nodded, his gaze
“If Tina was in the club, why didn’t she look for me?” Dreston said, his brows furrowing. “I’m sorry, but Tina never misses a chance to see me. That’s not like her at all.” Aurora answered immediately, shaking her head. “That was exactly what I thought too when I first saw someone who looked like her. But when I got a clearer look, it was her. She was in the club—and she looked like she was running away from something.” Silence fell over the group as everyone tried to piece the fragments together. “It still doesn’t make sense,” Dreston finally broke the silence. “Why would Tina pretend to be someone else? She loves attention. She loves being seen wherever she goes.” “Unless she was there to see someone,” Daisy said thoughtfully, “and didn’t want to be recognized.” That possibility only deepened the tension. “I’m sorry, I need to get back to work,” Ray said suddenly, still standing. “I’m still on duty. But before I go—let me say this.” He glanced at Dreston. “Whoever attacked Cas







