111: The Little Lie Before Tomorrow

Arielle's POVI focused on my reflection in the mirror as I carefully tried to apply a little makeup.It felt strange.I had always preferred to leave my face natural. There had never been a reason for me to learn how to apply makeup properly. Most mornings, I simply washed my face, brushed my hair, and left the house without thinking twice about it.But this time was different.Tomorrow, I would be spending the weekend with Cassian.Just thinking about it made my heart race.I wanted to look pretty.Not because he had asked me to, but because I wanted him to look at me and think I was beautiful. Maybe he wouldn't even notice the little effort I was putting in, but that didn't matter. Knowing I had tried my best was enough.I picked up the brush again and lightly dusted my cheek."...That doesn't look right."I frowned at myself before reaching for a tissue.Just as I was about to wipe it off, my phone began ringing.I reached for it without looking, expecting it to be Soraya.The mom

112: A Touch That Stole My Heart

Arielle's POVI sat inside the same café that Cassian and I had visited before, unable to keep my hands still.After Mom finished teaching me a few makeup tricks last night, I received a text from Cassian.It was short.No greeting or explanation.Only the meeting place.The café.I had immediately called him, wanting to make sure he really meant this café and not another branch somewhere else. But the call went straight to voicemail.I tried again.Still voicemail.After the third attempt, I finally gave up.That simple message had somehow filled me with anxiety instead of excitement.I couldn't sleep the entire night.I tossed and turned in my bed, wondering if he had changed his mind.Maybe he wanted to meet me here just to tell me the trip was canceled.Every possible bad outcome kept replaying inside my head until morning finally came.Now here I was.Waiting.I picked up my coffee and took another small sip.It had already gone lukewarm.Every time the café door opened, my heart

113: Home Sweet Home

Cassian's POVAs soon as I reached the villa, I got out of the car and looked toward my driver, who had followed us all the way there.He nodded and quickly came around to open Ari's door.She smiled politely as she stepped out."Thank you," she said.He nodded before walking toward the luggage."We are here," I said softly.Ari turned around and looked at the villa with wide eyes.I walked ahead and pressed my fingerprint against the security panel beside the door.A soft beep followed, and the door unlocked.As soon as I stepped inside, Ari walked past me, lifted both hands into the air, and inhaled deeply."Home sweet home!"I couldn't help but laugh softly.She turned around and looked at me."What?""Nothing."She narrowed her eyes playfully before smiling."You know what?""What?""Cass."I frowned."Cass?""Yes."She nodded confidently."That way we are even."I raised a brow.I had absolutely no idea what she meant.But hearing her call me Cass wasn't as strange as I expected.

114: The Man Who Stood Up for Her

Soraya's POV"Quickly, take this liquor to table two," Lady Chi-Chi instructed.I quickly grabbed the tray and rushed toward the table.The moment the men and women sitting there noticed me, I could immediately feel the distasteful aura."Low life," one of the men whispered.The others laughed softly.I ignored them and continued serving the drinks as if I hadn't heard anything."Hold it together, Soraya. It's not the first time you've been looked down on," I reminded myself silently.The room was filled with dim blue lights, making it difficult to see everyone's faces clearly. Not that I could do anything even if I could.These people were obviously from a different social class, and I needed this job.Firing back at them would only make things worse for me.I placed the bottles on the table and was about to walk away when a man's voice came from another table."Which of you trash said those words?"I froze.The laughter instantly died.I slowly turned my head toward the direction of

115: The Night Fate Remembered ( part 1 )

Cassian's POVEverything was set and ready, yet I felt nervous as I stood outside her room.After telling Ari to rest, I had spent most of my time making calls to prepare everything for the night. I wanted everything to go smoothly, from the place we were going to, to the food and drinks that would be waiting for us.After making sure everything was taken of, I took a long bath.For some reason, I spent more time than usual standing in front of the mirror, looking at myself and wondering if I was attractive enough.The thought was so ridiculous that I actually laughed at myself.Since when did I care about how I looked before meeting a woman?Apparently, since Ari.I dressed simply but made sure everything looked good. I wore a black fitted shirt with the sleeves rolled slightly up my forearms, dark jeans, and black boots. I added a black jacket over the shirt and ran my fingers through my hair, leaving it slightly messy instead of styling it too carefully.I looked at myself one last

116: The Night Fate Remembered ( part 2 )

Cassian's POV I had planned this night because I wanted her to enjoy herself.Instead, I had spent the drive frightening her and then sent her ahead alone.I took a deep breath and followed her.The moment I reached the spot, I stopped."What the hell were you trying to do, Nemesis?" I asked myself in disbelief.The place looked like a romantic Valentine's getaway.There was a large gazebo-like structure covered with a soft, transparent fabric that allowed the night sky to remain visible above us. Warm lights were wrapped around the edges, while small candles were arranged safely around the area.A large fluffy mat had been placed underneath the structure, with several cushions scattered across it.There was a small table filled with snacks, fruit, bottled water, wine, and a few desserts.A telescope stood nearby, already positioned toward the clearest part of the sky.It was beautiful.Too beautiful.This was supposed to be friendly.Nemesis had clearly misunderstood the assignment.