Chapter 3
“Michael, don’t bring up the past again if you know me well enough, okay?” Cassandra chimed in.
A year ago, Cassandra had left her flourishing career behind to tie the knot with Orlando in Broburgh. And all she received in return was a divorce agreement
Michael’s heart sank. He believed she didn’t deserve to be treated like this. A glimmer of resentment shadowed his usually bright eyes.
Spotting his somber expression, Cassandra said gently, “Michael, no marriage is foolproof. Being married to him for a year, that’s enough for me. Don’t feel sorry for me. You can’t impose love on someone.”
“In that case, a divorce might be better indeed. Once your divorce is settled, I won’t hesitate anymore… out of fear that it might upset you,” Michael mumbled, his voice becoming a murmur toward the end.
Cassandra leaned in closer. “What was that about hesitating?”
Scrapping his initial response, Michael, with an abrupt change of tone, said, “Oh, it’s just that I’ve never been a fan of Orlando. Now, I don’t have to keep up the charade to save you from any awkwardness.”
Cassandra just smiled. The hostility between Orlando and Michael had always puzzled her. It was as if they were destined to be adversaries. In her mind, it was the male equivalent of two gorgeous women vying for the
spotlight.
Once they reached Hawley Real Estate, the project manager, Kendall Rowe, declined to aid in the plagiarism investigation. Instead, he warned them about a potential lawsuit and demanded for compensation. Despite Cassandra’s and Michael’s attempts to resolve the issue, Kendall remained firm.
Finally, Kendall revealed a glimmer of hope. “We’ve just managed to get in with the Quinn Group. But, this incident has put them off. Unless you can convince the Quinn Group to change their minds, negotiations are off
the table.”
‘Quinn Group? That’s Orlando’s company. No way is there a chance of that happening, the duo pondered.
Once they left Hawley Real Estate, Michael attempted to lighten up the mood. “Don’t worry, we’ll get through it. It will all work out, alright?”
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Chapter 3
Cassandra smiled, thinking, “How’s he gonna swing it? The only method I see is through Orlando’s intervention. But we’re headed for a divorce. Why would he bother to lend a hand?‘
With no enthusiasm left within her to head back to work, she asked Michael to drop her off at Dustmeadow
Mansion.
Cassandra was burdened by her thoughts during the drive. The news of her pregnancy, coupled with her job. situation, left her feeling more lost than ever. She kept wondering, “What am I supposed to do now?”
As they arrived at Dustmeadow Mansion, Cassandra stepped out of the car, her beauty illuminated in the warm glow of the sunset. Turning to Michael, she said, “Let’s revisit this matter after I’ve had time to think it through. Drive safe, alright?”
Michael smiled in response. As he was about to reply, his gaze drifted toward a figure towering on the mansion’s second–floor balcony.
Fixing his gaze on the figure, he called Cassandra back, “Cassie, I’ve got something to tell you.”
Intrigued, Cassandra leaned in toward the driver’s window. Michael reached out and gently touched her hair. “Take care of yourself, okay?”
This gesture took Cassandra by surprise, leaving her a bit confused. The proximity between them could easily be
misconstrued as a romantic moment.
The figure on the balcony, meanwhile, watched the entire scene unfold. His chiseled features hardened, a layer of frost settling in his usually sparkling eyes.
As Cassandra watched Michael drive away, she turned around and went inside the mansion.
As soon as she stepped inside, an irritable voice echoed, “Did you rush out just to see him?”
Looking up, she saw Orlando descending the stairs. Their eyes locked, Cassandra responded nonchalantly, “I
had to attend to some work.”
Orlando’s piercing blue eyes were frigid. “Cassandra, we’re not divorced yet. I hope you can maintain a distance
from other men.”
Cassandra felt a jolt of annoyance. ‘Why’s he lecturing me? A casual car ride with a friend isn’t an offense. What about his constant visits to the hospital to see Rebecca? I’ve been silent, but that doesn’t mean I’m oblivious,”
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Chapter 3
she thought to herself.
Her gaze was aloof as she mocked, “Sure, but you might wanna practice what you preach, right? It’s unfair to forbid me from doing something you’re doing yourself.”
