Chapter 5 Fifth

The night went quickly but Cassie felt too lazy to get up. It was seven thirty in the morning, usually, she would sleep till noon, prepare a delicious brunch, and engross herself in books she had bought during the weekdays. But today she had an event to attend in place of her boss which meant, she had to get her ass up and do some cleanup before Lilian comes over.

She had some laundry to do, her kitchen was a mess, her bathroom needed a wash up and her plants needed to be watered. She was always busy during the weekdays and barely came home by eight. Sometimes she pulled an all-nighter.

Thinking of the chores she had to do, Cassie kicked her legs in the before reluctantly getting up.

She went to her kitchen, took a cup, and poured out the fresh milk she had kept in her fridge. Then she went to her balcony and watered the three plant pots that had a mini cactus, aloe Vera, and lily. The lily belonged to Lilian, she'd make her take it with her today.

After watering the plants, she cleaned up her kitchen, cleaned her bathroom before taking her bath. She going to have her laundry done at a laundry mart.

The laundry mart was a few blocks away from her house. As she walked down the pathway, she hoped not to encounter the men she had met last night.

Hopefully, she met none. She handed her laundry to the laundry worker and decided to have breakfast at a cafe across the street. She lived in an estate that had everything provided in it. She didn't need to go outside or find a place that was good enough to fulfill her needs. Her laundry took some hours and she wanted to take them back with her. By the time it was four, Lilian had arrived. Cassie took some clothes that were ready and left.

"Where were you?. You need to start right now to dress up. Have you had your shower?. Do you know what time it is?". Lilian bombarded Cassie.

"Relax, it's only four-fifteen pm," Cassie said opening her door and letting them in.

"So do you know the venue of the event?." Lilian asked arranging her things.

"Yeah, Josh sent me the address. It's Windell event center, I guess the host must be bastard rich to host an event there." Cassie said before going into the bathroom to shower.

"That's why I want you to stand out. Who knows, my brother-in-law might be a present." Lilian said with a giggle. Cassie didn't oppose her, some part of her wanted to feel while a part of her warned her against it.

Cassie got out of the bathroom and had her dried before sitting at the vanity to have Lilian do her makeup.

"Let's have this done once and for all". Lilian picked up a brush and twirling it between her fingers.

"Cassie, I know things might be hard for you, especially with your family. But I want you to know that they want the best for you. They are only worried about you. Plus I don't want you to be single all your life. What will I tell my kids if you come to visit." Lilian said and Cassie sighed.

"I don't know Lily but one I know for sure is that I won't find it easy. So give me time." Cassie said then they went silent till she was done with her makeup.

Cassie was really surprised that she looked different with makeup on. Her hazel eyes glimmered with the red lipstick Lilian had put on for her. Her hair was tied in a loose bun then she wore crystal earrings that enhanced her purple applique backless dress that had a drap at the neck and side slit.

"I feel naked". Cassie said.

"No, you look wonderful. Now wear your gloves and don't forget your jacket and purse." Lilian said. It was sharp six when they were done. And the event was by seven. Cassie hated night events but since it was her boss's request, she had no choice but to attend.

"Do you want me to drive you? I can stay till it's done." Lilian asked.

"No don't. I don't want you to be stressed ok? You stay here and wait for me I won't stay long." Cassie said before grabbing her purse and jacket.

Lilian wished Cassie luck before she exited her house. The drive was a long one, but she managed to make it before the introductory speech. Man, the whole place was crowded with rich people. Cassie thought as she made her way to the buffet stand.

She took a sliced cake and a glass of wine from a passing server.

"I don't think you will like that wine". A muscular voice said sending chills all over her body.

" Try this one". The voice said again, taking away the wine she was holding, and replacing it with another one.

When Cassie finally got herself she looked up and went stiff, the moment her eyes clashed with the captivating blue eyes that had been enticing her mind since the moment she saw them.

She went completely blank like a middle school kid on a hot seat.

"You shouldn't be looking at people that way". He slowly said standing closer to Cassie. The was none other than Mark Wilson who had been needing her line of thought since the day she met him.

Looking?, Cassie thought then she realized that she was drawing over. That made her go red like fresh tomatoes.

When she didn't reply, he took her hand, taking her by surprise then he led her to his table. Everyone at his table gasped as walked hand in hand with Cassie.

Cassie could see Cory waving at them from a different table.

"Mark. Oh dear, I have been looking for you". An older woman who seemed to be in her early 50s said. Mark removed his hand from mine and it felt empty and cold again.

"And you must be?." The woman asked directing her question to Cassie.

"I'm Cassie Greene...". Cassie said but the woman grabbed the words she was about to say.

"Oh, you the lady Josh told me about. Goodness, you are one beautiful lady no wonder my dear Mark has taken a liking to you." She said.

"I doubt that". Cassie with a smile not to seem rude.

"So you work for Josh," Mark said.

"Yes, I'm his chief editor," Cassie said and Mark went silent. He never talked to her until the time she was about to leave. The older woman engaged her in different conversations with other women. The event was about a brand lunch which got a lot of spouses.

Cory talked to them for a while before he excused himself to some business. But never for once did he look at her not even a glance.

"It was nice talking to you, Cassie. Josh is really lucky to have an employee like you. Please do come anytime, my name is Grace Wilson you can me nuna if you want." The older woman said patting Cassie's hand.

"You are...". Cassie tried to say.

Grace chuckled at Cassie's realization.

"Yes, I'm their mother. My sons do have a way of hiding their identity when we are in public." She laughed again. "My husband won't even look at you if he were here tonight." She said.

"Thank you for everything tonight," Cassie said after Grace had walked her to the entrance.

"Please do come visit. I will tell Josh to release the days you would decide to visit." She kindly said.

"Of course, he would do anything for his mother."

"Really?, Is that what he said?." Grace asked.

"That's the reason why he sent me here. He said it was an important event and he didn't want to miss it." Cassie said and Grace began to tear up. Cassie didn't understand why but felt that what she said must her meant so much to Josh.

" Thank you for telling me this. You don't know how happy I am to hear it. Are you driving back on your own?, it's ten PM and you had some wine."

"No, she won't". Cassie heard Mark's voice behind them. She could feel her cheeks turn red.

"Alright then". Grace said leaving Cassie and Mark alone with a knowing smile.