Chapter 3 Do You Even Know Who She Is

The city noise faded behind them, replaced by the hum of tension, electric and unexpected. Cassie stared at him, unsure whether to laugh or run.

She had just lost her husband. Now his twin was asking her to play a part in his world.

And somehow, deep inside, she knew that saying yes might change everything.

What kind of cruel fate was this? Would he have made the same offer if he knew she was his soon to be ex-sister-in-law?

"I'd rather pay for the damages," she said seriously, her voice calm but firm.

Franklin took offense, her rejection landing like a slap. He pulled a notepad from his coat pocket, scribbled something, and handed it to her. "There. Call my mechanic and have it fixed."

Without another word, he turned and stepped into his Bentley. Just then, a Rolls-Royce pulled up beside him.

As Franklin disappeared into the back seat, a sharply dressed man exited and approached Cassie to discuss the damages.

The amount was staggering. But Cassie didn't flinch. She opened her banking app and transferred the full amount on the spot, stunning the man into silence.

She looked too simple, too unassuming, to have that kind of money.

Cassie arrived at the hospital, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. As she neared Sienna's ward, voices drifted through the door, sharp, cruel, and unmistakably directed at her.

"Your wife is so evil. Good thing you're divorcing her."

"Jealousy kills. The sooner the better. I hope you both make a new baby soon."

Cassie froze. Her heart twisted. They had lost the baby, because of her. She took a step back, dazed, and bumped into a nurse. The tray of supplies crashed to the floor, shattering the silence.

The noise drew attention. The door opened, and out stepped Frederick, flanked by his two closest friends, Lucien Veyron and Asher Davis.

And then, Franklin.

He stood protectively beside Frederick, his expression hard. "That's the crazy woman who hit my car."

This was the first time he was seeing his twin brother in decades.

Separated just months after birth, their biological parents had agreed to cut all contact with Franklin. It was a decision rooted in secrecy and sacrifice. For years, silence reigned until inheritance came into play.

When the time came to pass down the family legacy, their parents reached out. Frederick, unmarried and deemed unprepared, was no longer their ideal heir. They turned to Franklin.

But by then, Franklin was already managing his adoptive parents' empire and building his own global venture. He had no time, and even less interest, in fighting for an inheritance he didn't need. Without hesitation, he let Frederick have it all.

Years passed. Franklin expanded, evolved, and eventually decided to move some of his branches to Chicago. It was then that he contacted Frederick. They agreed to meet-two strangers bound by blood, finally facing each other.

Who could have predicted that their long-awaited reunion would take place in a hospital?

Frederick's cold gaze locked onto Cassie. "I hope she paid for the damages. That's her."

"Your wife?" Franklin's face twisted in distaste. Now he understood the reason for Cassie's rejection of his offer.

"Ex," Frederick corrected. "I'll make sure we finalize the divorce soon enough. And I'm not giving her a dime."

"Fred, I didn't mean to-" Cassie began, but Frederick cut her off.

"I saw everything. You don't deserve to be a mother."

Cassie's breath caught. Sienna could have everything. Frederick, the house, the title, but taking Rose completely? That was a wound she couldn't bear.

For her daughter, Cassie would do anything. Even cast away her pride.

"Please, Fred. You have to believe me. You can't keep my daughter from me."

Frederick's eyes burned with disgust. "I warned you. I saw everything. You knew she would have a child, and you still pushed her."

"She gripped my hand tightly. I was just trying to free myself," Cassie said, her voice cracking. A tear slid down her cheek, but Frederick was unmoved.

"Liar. Get out of here."

"Fred, are you alright? Why are you yelling?" Sienna's voice floated from inside the room.

Cassie watched as they all rushed back to her side, leaving her alone in the hallway.

She turned away, letting the wind dry her tears as she made her way to Rose's school.

But Frederick was already ahead.

Two bodyguards and a nanny stood waiting at the school gates. When Rose stepped out, her eyes widened in fear as she saw her mother being held back.

"Mommy, why are they taking me?"

Cassie struggled against the guard's grip, but it was no use. One of them led Rose away.

"Your daddy and Aunt Sienna are waiting to see you," the nanny said gently.

Rose calmed instantly.

Cassie's heart shattered as she watched her only beloved daughter being taken away. Tears she had vowed not to shed streamed down her cheeks.

She would proceed with the divorce. But she would fight for her daughter.

"Don't worry, Rose," she whispered, blowing a kiss as the car pulled away. "I'll come back for you. I promise."

Back at the hospital, Sienna curled into Frederick like a second skin.

"Our baby is fine, right?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I was just trying to apologize to her. I deserve it, for taking you from her."

"Shhh," Frederick murmured, kissing the top of her head. "You did nothing wrong. We lost the child, but we'll make another one. Don't worry."

Franklin's phone rang. He stepped out to take the call. Lucien and Asher followed, giving the couple privacy.

Inside, Sienna's face paled. "We lost the child?" she whispered. "No. It can't be. It must be a mistake."

Frederick held her tighter. "It's fine. I'll make her pay."

Sienna shook her head. "No. I forgive her. You should too. I'm the one who came between you both."

"No. You are too kind. I only married her for convenience because you slipped into a coma after the accident. I never loved her."

"But Rose..."

"She won't have access to Rose. I'll make sure of it."

Franklin returned, his expression unreadable. "Sienna, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope God blesses you with another child soon."

"Thank you, Franklin. You're so kind," Sienna sobbed.

"I'm sorry I didn't bring flowers. I left in a hurry when I heard about the incident. I have to fly back to Atherton tonight, but I'll send a gift later."

As he turned to leave, his phone rang again. Seeing it was his mechanic, he answered in front of them.

"Sir, the car is undergoing repairs," the mechanic said.

Franklin frowned. "Who made the down payment?"

"The woman, sir. She transferred the full amount into my account."

Franklin froze. Earlier, Frederick had claimed Cassie was just a housewife living off him. "What? Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir."

"Alright. I'll call you back."

Franklin hung up, his gaze narrowing. He turned to Frederick. "Didn't you say your wife, sorry, ex, was a stay-at-home mom with just a $4,000 allowance?"

"Yes."

"So how did she pay for damages worth $214,000?"

"I hope she didn't touch the money in our joint account," Frederick muttered, pulling out his phone to check.

But the account was untouched.

Before he could say more, the door swung open.

Three figures entered the room: Adrian and Corinne Jones, Frederick and Franklin's biological parents, and their youngest son, Julius Jones.

Sienna's head dropped instantly. Frederick stood to greet them.

"Mom, Dad, I'm glad you're here. I'm divorcing Cassie."

A sharp slap cracked across his face, nearly knocking him off balance.

Franklin stepped between them, trying to mediate, but their father's glare was molten.

"What do you mean you're divorcing Cassie?" Adrian thundered. "Do you even know who she is?"