All Chapters of FATED to SIN, BOUND by TIME: Chapter 51 - Chapter 54

Arielle’s POV “Arielle, hand me that box,” Mom called out with her usual light smile.I picked it up from the counter and walked it over to her, returning the smile even though my chest felt tight again.“How do you find our new home?” she asked in her soft and hopeful voice.“It’s perfect,” I said quickly before turning away as a cough forced its way up my throat.“You still have that cough?” she asked, watching me closely as I moved my hand away from my mouth and saw the tiny smear of red on my palm.“Yes,” I whispered, forcing the word out.“You have to see a doctor, dear.”“I will, Mom.”I didn’t wait for the conversation to continue. I rushed straight to the bathroom and locked the door behind me.The second I faced the mirror, my breath caught.Seven years.Seven years of avoiding mirrors, cameras, anything that forced me to face myself. And now here I was… staring at a version of me that didn’t feel like me at all.My skin was pale, almost washed out.I had dark circles under m

Cassian’s POV“Next time, don’t fucking kiss me back—or look at me like that,” I snapped, my eyes fixed on the file in my hands. “It’s disgusting.”Tricia stood across from my desk, silent for a beat longer than usual.“How do you expect me to make it believable if I don’t?” she asked quietly.There it was. The same tired excuse.“I hired you for two damn reasons,” I said, finally lifting my gaze to her.She sighed. “I know. Because I’m a family friend and because I love money more than anything.”“Exactly,” I barked. “So when we’re in public, you act exactly how I instruct you to act. Nothing more. Nothing less. And when we’re alone, I don’t want you looking at me, flirting with me, or pretending we’re friendly. Am I clear?”“Yes,” she replied, but her voice wavered.She turned toward the door, then stopped.“Why did you choose me?” she asked softly. “Why hire me to be your fiancée?”I laughed without humor. “The contract you signed made it very clear you don’t get to ask questions.”