Chapter 5 The One He Wanted to Lock Away

I waited for ages after sending him the link to the iron chain, but Cassian never replied.

Instead, a message popped up in our work chat.

"Ms. Rhodes, are you allergic to metal?"

Before I could overthink it, another text arrived.

"Don't misunderstand. The company's anniversary banquet is coming up, and we're planning to give every employee a gold bracelet as a gift. I'm just checking in case anyone has metal allergies."

'He's so thoughtful. If only that thoughtfulness were reserved for me alone...' I thought dismally.

I swallowed my rising bitterness as I replied as professionally as ever, "No, Mr. Knox. I don't have any metal allergies."

I got no response after that, nor did my alt account receive another message for that matter.

My thoughts fell into complete disarray, but I eventually fell asleep.

…

The next morning, Cassian suddenly started behaving very strangely after I got to work. Instead of diving into business, he took me sightseeing all over the city. After every stop, he would turn to me and ask the same question, "Did you enjoy it?"

I would nod each time, perplexed but pleased to be with him.

Cassian smiled. "I'm glad. Sceneries like these aren't exactly a dime a dozen."

As I looked into his gentle eyes, my heart couldn't stop aching.

'Is he scouting out date locations for when he's gotten the girl? If so, why drag me around as his practice partner?'

As a result, I found myself becoming increasingly unwilling to let Cassian end up with the person he loved after experiencing a loving warmth from him that wasn't mine to begin with.

Still, I was also self-aware enough to know that I wouldn't be able to stay by his side the second I confessed my feelings to him.

'Forget it. Staying beside him is more important than making him mine.'

So, I forced down every emotion and said calmly, "Mr. Knox, it's the end of the workday. I'll clock off and head home if there's nothing else you need."

I didn't even bother waiting for his response as I turned and fled, failing to notice the determined look in Cassian's eyes as he watched me leave.

I assumed I would spend the whole night tossing and turning. Instead, I slept far more deeply than I had in ages. Regardless, I noticed something was amiss immediately after I came to.

To be fair, it was hard not to when I could feel the unmistakable coolness of metal wrapping itself around my ankle.

I lowered my head, and my eyes widened in shock at the sight that greeted me.

The very iron chain I'd enthusiastically recommended to Cassian earlier was now securely locked around my ankle. It wasn't too tight or too loose. It was a perfect fit. The size had obviously been adjusted specifically for me.

I jerked my head up and started scanning my surroundings.

The furnishings before me were very familiar, and so was the decor…

I was in Cassian's villa! The same one I'd been spying on countless times through the security cameras I'd installed!

My brain bluescreened for a full three seconds at that realization. 'Wait. What? This isn't how the script was supposed to go. Why am I the one being imprisoned?'

Just as I sat there in utter disbelief, my burner account that had been silent all night finally received a new message from Cassian.

"Your chains work very well. Still, I'm sorry. I can't be your puppy. I only like my secretary.'"

'What?' I became even more stupefied.

I hastily tried to piece the pieces back together. Judging by the looks of things, I was Cassian's crush, and it was clear that he had no idea that the burner account that had been constantly confessing to him… also belonged to me.

The next second, the bedroom door slowly swung open. Cassian walked in, his figure was shadowed due to the light behind him. Yet, I could feel his gaze fixed unwaveringly on me.

"Does the chain fit?" he asked softly. "I had the size adjusted specifically to match your ankle, baby."

The corners of my mouth nearly shot up to my ears, but only for a split second. After all, I knew exactly what role I needed to play to make him mine.

And so, I suppressed every trace of delight in my eyes as I donned a frightened baby deer expression, trembling slightly for added effect. My voice quivered as I looked up at him. "M-Mr. Knox… w-what do you want from me?"