As Cass emerged at the top of the stairs, the room seemed to hold its breath. Conversations quieted, and all eyes turned to her.Marcus felt his breath hitch in his throat, She looked like a goddess. The golden tones of the dress contrasted beautifully with her hair, the sweetheart neckline showcased enough without looking scandalous.The bodice of her dress accentuated her curves in an alluring manner. The dress flowed down in a cascade of golden fabric that pooled at her feet.Her dress swayed as she took even the smallest step, it seemed like it was alive as it danced.Marcus coughed "You were saying something dear brother" Marcus smirked as he walked toward the stairs.Cass took a deep breath and one step at a time, Cass descended the staircase, her gaze focused on the space before her. Her heart raced and she could feel her vision clouded by the anxiety that enveloped her.Thankfully she caught sight of Marcus waiting at the end of the stairs, arms extended to her to grasp on.Fi

Cass sat languidly on the pink lounge she had made Marcus add to their room, She smiled as she recollected the look of horror on his face when she requested the addition of the lounge and the matching bookcase.He had argued that it would deface the black and muted white aesthetic of his room while she reiterated that it was their room so her opinion mattered too, in the end she had won.Cass sighed, She was bored. It was two days to the wedding and she had been relegated to mandatory bed rest by the 'horrible twins' as she liked to call them, who knew her sister and Marcus would take to one another so well?Suddenly a loud bang erupted and before Cass could react, a succession of loud bangs followed. Cass jumped up from her seat as her heart raced, What was going on?Her instincts kicked in and she fell to the floor. She crawled to the window and her breath hitched at the sight that greeted her. Smoke engulfed the air, obscuring the view of the mansion's exterior.Cass heard muffled

The garden was romantic and screamed of opulence. Lush greenery surrounded the aisle and the arches and gazebos were decorated with colorful flowers in every shade of white, cream, and ivory imaginable. Cass took a deep breath as she stepped onto the petal-strewn walkway. She saw the guests, all fifty of them sat in their black chairs with beautiful golden bows with looks of admiration in their eyes. Marcus was standing at the end of the aisle, and although Cass tried to ignore him, it was difficult as he looked even more handsome than he had just a few days earlier. She seemed to have been the only one who was affected by his absence. Cass noticed the flicker of concern in his cold eyes as he noticed the void on her neck and she smirked while staring at him. The officiating priest cut through the staredown as he began the ceremony, Cass stared into the distance as he spoke. She felt the priest look at her and realized it was time for the vows "Marcus, I knew I had met my foreve

Cass gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. The picture frame shook in her other hand as she stared at the familiar face smiling up at her. Miranda Wells. The woman who had swooped into Cass's life after her mother's death like a guardian angel, promising to support her and Scar's education. And she had kept that promise. Cass turned the frame over with trembling fingers, reading the inscription on the back. "To my darling Marcus, Love always, Mom." "Marcus's mom," she whispered. A wave of realization crashed over Cass, and she drew in a sharp breath. What was she doing here, in this lavish villa filled with Miranda's presence? Cass's mind reeled as she tried to make sense of it all, was it fate? Marcus had dropped her here, insisting it was for her safety after their rushed wedding. But now Cass wondered if there was more to it. Did he want her to uncover his family's secrets? The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth. She didn't know this man at all, she realized. Not like she

Cass and Stacey both turned to see Marcus standing there, eyeing Stacey with his fists clenched as though he was restraining himself. "I am tired of being made a fool of, I let you go the last time with a warning because of the relationship I have with your father but there are only so many chances I can grant" he said threateningly.Stacey stood there with her mouth hung open as she stared at Marcus's face. His eyes were blazing like fire that could make anyone run for their lives. When did he get here, She had been sure Cass was alone.Cass felt her breath hitch as he stood up for her. A swell of relief washed over her as she watched him"I don't want to see you again, you have 2 seconds to walk away NOW or I will not be held accountable for whatever happens" Marcus said in a threatening voice.The whole mall was quiet and everyone was staring at them with their mouths hung open, this was a scene out of a telenovela.Marcus held her hand and looked into her eyes," Are you okay?" He