All Chapters of Whispers of Submission : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

The apartment was quiet-too quiet, Cassie thought as she walked barefoot down the hallway. The walls seemed to carry the phantom of Reggie’s presence. His scent still hung in the air, woodsy and warm, infused into the linen, ghosting from the collar of a blazer left draped over the arm of the couch.Dinner had been quiet too. She had eaten in the kitchen, alone, playing a mellow playlist to fill the silence. Now, in bed, tucked under the smooth white duvet, she stared at the ceiling, her mind betraying her with memory after memory.She could still feel his hands on her arms, something she had tried to bury the previous week. Seeing him again had brought back the memories. She imagined the way his grip steadied her when the elevator jolted that day. He hadn’t flinched. The world had tilted and she had been weightless for a second, only to find herself held fast by his body. His hands had lingered, warm and firm, and even after he let go, it was like they remained imprinted on her skin.

Cassie stood when she saw the car approach. She had been seated there for close to four hours now. It was now 6 A.M. Thank goodness she had carried a scarf and also had on her trench coat. The neighbourhood was generally safe but she couldn't risk falling asleep there. She hoped it was the housekeeper. The car stopped near her. It was a cab. The passanger alighted and lucky for her it was the housekeeper. Cassie was not ready to deal with Reggie. "Ma'am, what happened? Why are you outside?" The housekeeper asked. She was not talkative but was friendly enough to mind her business."This is embarassing but I forgot my clutch with a friend. It has my phone and keys," Cassie explained."You could have knocked on the neighbours and asked the m to call me. I work for them too," she said, her voice sympathetic."I did not want to impose and besides, it was a bit late. It would have been awkward," Cassie said as she followed her inside."It's okay. I am glad I came by before passing by the

Nina stood in front of her open wardrobe, frowning at the uninspiring parade of work blouses, weekend jeans, and outfits that had definitely seen better, more carefree days. She tugged at a hanger holding a cocktail dress from years ago, one she vaguely remembered wearing to a work gala and held it up in front of her body.It was too tight in the chest, too loose at the hips, and far too “underwhelming corporate girl” for what was supposed to be a five-star, high-profile launch event.Nope.Nina sighed and let the hanger clatter back into place.This was not going to work.She wanted, no, needed to impress. Not for anyone else in particular, she told herself. Just for her own sense of glory. A little boost. A small victory. Something breathtaking that made her feel like she owned the room.She grabbed her phone and opened her messages.Nina: “Cassie. I know you already got your perfect dress but you promised to take me shopping. I need a dress that says: I’m elegant, thriving, and low

The ballroom glittered with light, all gold accents and crystal chandeliers, humming with the buzz of laughter, camera flashes, and the low rhythm of a string quartet tucked into one corner. Cassie stepped through the double doors with Elijah at her side, his fingers wrapped lightly around hers. She could feel his warmth, the subtle squeeze of reassurance as he leaned in to say, “You look amazing, by the way. Prepare for jaws to drop.”She gave a soft smile, murmured, “Thank you,” and scanned the room before they even took another step.She didn’t mean to look for him.She shouldn’t have.But she did.And there he was.Reggie stood near the center of the room, surrounded by three sharply dressed men and a woman in an emerald gown who was clearly laughing too loudly at something one of them said. His back was half-turned to her, but she recognized the shape of his shoulders, the cut of his suit, the slight tilt of his head when he was half-listening, half-bored.It had been a month. Th

Cassie walked toward the washroom, heels clicking against the polished floor, floor lights flickering green and blue in time with the music thumping behind her. She had started the night with excitement: drinks, conversation, potential possibilities, but now she was ready to slip away quietly, finish the evening on her terms, in her own good mood.She rounded a corner and froze.Sienna stood there, umbrella heels tapping on the floor as she spoke animatedly, one hand on her hip, the other gesturing wide. Cassie stiffened before the words landed.“Sienna!” she heard herself say, weakly.Sienna turned, a practiced smile spreading across her lips. “Well, well. Fancy seeing you here,” she purred.“Lovely launch tonight,” Cassie said politely, voice light but strained.Sienna nodded, then turned toward the empty hallway behind Cassie. “And guess what?” she said suddenly. “Reggie promised to take me home after this. We’re going to have such a fun time, you know, celebrate the success.”Cass