Semua Bab GUILTY DEVOTION: Bab 1 - Bab 5

|Cassie|“The navy one makes you look too serious; your curves are not showing properly,” she mused, shaking her head in disapproval as soon as I put it on. “Try the burnt orange.”“Mum, I don't need to be dressed like I'm walking a red carpet,” I sighed, pulling the next option from the rack.She ignored me, motioning for her stylists to fetch the dress. “You're turning twenty-one, Cassie.” She tapped her chin with narrowing eyes. “And as my only daughter, my only asset—”I groaned. “Please don't say asset.”Her lips twitched, but she stayed focused. “Fine. My only priority, then. That's better, right?”I didn't answer; I just stepped into the burnt orange silk gown and let it slip over my body.My mother's face lit up. “That's the one.”A moment later, she was calling out instructions, waving her hand like a director finalizing a masterpiece. Her secretary had been signaling for minutes that she has to leave but she was bent on picking my outfit first.That's how much she values me

My stomach twisted violently as Nicholas finally looked up at me. His hand froze for a split second, but he immediately adjusted. Meanwhile, I was on the verge of collapsing right there in the dining room. My fingers trembled as I gripped the back of the chair beside me for support. He was supposed to be my uncle, whom I had never met before. And yet, last night…“Cassie, why are you standing there? Come have a cup of coffee. You came in looking like a mess earlier this morning. You should have something and then soak yourself in a warm bath afterward. You look homeless right now.”My mother was merciless with the information release. She kept going as if a visitor wasn't sitting in front of her.I forced my lips into what I hoped was a neutral expression and slid into the chair opposite him, my skin burning under his gaze.“Morning,” I mumbled, reaching for a glass of water. My throat felt like sandpaper.Nicholas, on the other hand, looked completely unaffected after his first shock

Chloe and Mia called to show me the view of the countryside. Soon enough, I forgot the scene with my uncle and got immersed in their talks when my phone chimed with a new email. The moment I opened it, excitement shot through me.“Guys, my internship placement just came in!” I squealed.“No way! Where did you get posted to?” Chloe asked eagerly.I scanned the email quickly. “It says I'm assigned to the Aurora Corpor..” My breath caught in my throat. “… isn't that the huge ass marketing company?”Mia gasped. “That's a major company! You're so lucky!”We ended up shifting the discussion to our internship placements before we disconnected the call. I couldn't keep my excitement to myself and rushed to inform my mom, who only smiled and congratulated me.“I know you will do well. Welcome to the real world temporarily,” she commented, giving me a high five.“Take this fruits to your uncle, he’s in his room. You both can eat that while you catch up with him.” She shoved a tray in my hands a