Cassandra pov
It was almost midnight but I could still hear the noise coming from downstairs. I intend to tell them that I failed one of subjects but in today's situation where they are like dogs and cats, I know this is not the right time for that. And because I was curious what they were talking about I went to the side of the wall where I could clearly see them below in the living room.
Dad was sitting on the sofa, both his elbows were on his knees and his two hands were on his chin while Mom was standing in front of him, her two hands were on both sides of her waist. What are they arguing about and why are the atmosphere here is so intense? What could it be that they need to talk at this time? I leaned against the wall and listened intently to their conversation. "For god's sake, Samuel! They won't stop if you don't report it to the police!" I was almost deaf to Mom's screams. Now I know what they are talking about. Probably, Dad received another note and threatened him again about business. This is not new to us because Dad almost or always receives such things and I don't know why he doesn't take an action for that. He used to just give me a bodyguard which I didn't like because I really didn't want anyone following me. I feel like they're stalker that I can't explain. "And what about our daughter? What about Cassy? All her life she has never felt like having a quiet and peaceful life. She is always in danger! I never dreamed of it for our daughter, I can't sleep at night as I think what could possibly happen to her as a result. " I heard Mom sobbing so I peeked at them. Dad hugged her and stroked Mom's back."I've already thought of something for our child's safety. Don't worry too much our child won't be harmed. Nicolas will keep her safe." Dad said. My forehead suddenly twitched. Who's fucking Nicolas? And why the hell will he keep me safe? What the fuck is happening? "What do you mean?" Mom asked in surprise. "Nicolas will be her future husband. I already arranged her to him to keep her safe and Nicolas agreed to it." What the fudge! That happened two weeks ago ... I just sat quietly in the car as I listened to their conversation. I'm in the backseat while Mom is on the passenger and Dad is the driver. Today, I'm meeting my fiance together with his parents. I really have no idea who we will meet today except that I know they are business partners of my parents. Even pictures they showed me nothing. I wanted to reject this idea of theirs but I couldn't afford to tell them that. They only said that this is for my own good and safety. And it back to me everything that happened in our family. So I agreed to what they wanted even though I wasn't sure what my life would be like after all this especially since I was a student. I have no knowledge of being married and I know nothing of housework. I still have dreams I want to fulfill and I don't really have in mind being a housewife yet. "Don't worry, Cassy. You'll be safe in the hands of your fiance. You'll be safe in the hands of the De Lucas." Dad stared at me in the mirror. I sighed at him and looked out the car window. I don't want to hear about those people. From what I hear, it seems like I just want to disappear from my seat and disappear like a bubble. "Cassy, you'll be good there. If something happened just call us but I know that they will protect you, they would never hurt you." Mom said in the passenger seat. I just looked down at the window. Can they just stop talking about the De Luca family? I always feel that our family is smaller than theirs. And if they could speak it seemed like they couldn't take care of me and protect me from bad people.Earlier I was nervous when we just left home. And as I approached the place where their house was, my nervousness only increased. I don't know their family and that thought makes me want to run and hide as much as I can. I feel like I don't fit in with their family. I feel like the family we face is not just casual. Sometimes I think, is it right for me to do it? Was this the right decision I made? Why did I end up here? "We're here." My mind stopped when Mom spoke. I turned outside. I saw a large gate in front of us where Dad's car stopped. Gate, I just thought that they're not ordinary people to live here. This such place. Someone approached us and because of his wearing , it says that he is a guard. He talked to Dad for a while before the gate rang loudly and at the same time it slowly opened. I thought a large mansion would open up for us but that was not what I saw, but a wide road. I felt like there is a race of vampires living here. Their house is so hidden that they need a big gate and a wide road and a few more meters before they can reach their house. The vehicle began to move towards the gate. "Dad, am I safe here?" I ask. "Of course. Why did you say that? I know the De Lucas. They are kind and good people. I know you'll be fine here." "I trust you Dad." He smiled at me in the mirror before continuing to drive.
Cassandra Pov
A large mansion opened up for us after a few meters away from the gate. In the center there is a large fountain that keeps water flowing from the carrying jar of the angel statue that is at the top to the bottom. I got out of the car immediately a maid approached me and took my thick jacket. I just gave it to her even though I didn't want to handed it. The weather is cold now especially as winter is approaching. So I could feel the cold to the bone especially and their mansion was in the middle of the forest. My knees were shaking because of what I was wearing. A simple white dress that is only knee -length. My long, dark hair was loose up to the middle of my waist. "Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Evans to the De Luca's old family manor." A man greeted us. I looked around. I don't see anyone else looking weird but I feel like someone is watching us. Is it just me or am I just paranoid? "Follow me, please. The master and mistress of the house have been waiting for your arrival." Said the man politely. We followed him and I seemed overwhelmed by the beauty of the mansion. The former is very elegant. The furniture displayed in different corners of the mansion is very nice to look at. It seems to be measured in golden ratio due to the ideal angle. I can say that it is not ordinary to live here. 'Are they even richer than Bill Gates? Hahaha, my brain runs alone. ' I was just shaken by the thought. I wanted to look around but I didn't because every corner inside the house had a guard. I just put my head down and followed them. We arrived at the spacious living room. There was a woman and a man sitting there but also immediately stood up when they saw us. The woman immediately smiled and hugged Mom.I guess, this woman must be my fiance's mother and the man who's now beside my father must be his father. They greeted each other while I was on the side just watching them. But the woman also noticed me immediately. She must be in her early 50s. "This must be your daughter? Cassandra. Am I right?" Mom nodded at the woman. "Come here, darling." I smiled a little before approaching them. "You're so adorable, darling. I never thought you were more beautiful in person. Lily, she's amazing. Your daughter is so elegant." Her smiles are sweet. "Thank you, Elizabeth." Mom replied. "Come. The dinner is ready." She usher us in the kitchen. If earlier I was overwhelmed by the beauty of their living room, my eyes widened even more when we reached their dining room. My eyes almost popped out when I saw the large chandelier just above the table. I can barely count the little lights that surround it. The table is long with 24 chairs surrounding it. Seriously ?! How rich are these people? ' With the amount of food on the table, I feel like I'm going to be hanged. Mom and the woman were first to sit down. The woman went straight to the very end and sat there. Mom sat down near the woman and continued the conversation. I was still standing not knowing whether to sit down or not. When they noticed that I did not follow them, the two of them immediately turned to me. "Come here, darling. We'll just wait for those two here because I know they still have something to talk about. Nicolas is on his way now. He just took care of something important in his business." She smiled at me.I hope that Nicolas doesn't come.' I sat down next to Mom. But to my surprise, Nicolas' mother spoke immediately. "Darling, sit here." She pointed to the other chair to her right where Mom was opposite. I followed her and sat quietly. "Just tell me if you want something to eat, okay?" She added.I just nodded as an answer. I was nervous and my heart was beating fast. A maid came in and gave me something to drink. I immediately took it and drank quickly. I feel dry with my throat thinking about the possibilities. I haven't even seen that Nicolas yet, my heart is pounding with excitement. Let alone that he is not here yet. What if he was already here, in front of me? "Darling? Are you okay?" I turned to Nicolas' mother. I can see in her eyes the worries. "Yeah. I'm fine." "Are you sure? You look pale." I was caught in my own cheek. Is it really like that I'm nervous and my face is running out of color."It's okay, Darling. Don't be nervous." I just nodded to her and then drank again from the new glass with only water that the maid had just put. Soon I also saw Dad with Nicolas' father who is still being talked about in depth. More and more helpers are inside carrying the food. "Nico is here. He's still in the room getting dressed." I heard Nicolas' father. I put my head down. I don't want to see their faces shouting out loud with authority. Nicolas' mother stood up in her seat and then sat next to Mom. Now, Nicolas' father is at the end. Dad sat next to Mom while I was alone on the other side of the table but there was still a vacant seat in front of me next to Nicolas' father. Maybe Nicolas will sit here. Soon we heard footsteps approaching. I just keep my head down without lifting it. Afraid to be seen. If before, I felt a strong aura, now it is even stronger. It's darker. More powerful. I felt another person sitting next to me. And I could smell its fragrant and enticing scent. "You were just right in time, Nico. Meet your future in-laws and your future wife." I felt him turn on me. And I'm still bent over, although I can see him out of the corner of my eyes. He just looked at me as if he was examining me. Suddenly I became self-conscious. The way he looks, I can feel that. It's as if he can even see the bones. "I like her." I suddenly looked at him. And that's it, I saw his dark blue alluring eyes. How did such a color happen?My nervousness increased as the edge of his lip gradually lifted. And the sight in front of me is so much to take. It was as if I was going to faint at the very handsome creature looking at me.
Cassandra Pov
It was close to finishing everyone's meal but I couldn't move the food in front of me. I need to prepare myself for the time they start talking about our wedding. I can't find a word. I have a feeling that I entered a wrong decision. I feel like I'm getting closer to disaster now that I've confirmed they're not ordinary. With the size of their land, house, and business I can say there is more in them than meets the eye. I'm getting scared. "Don't you like the food?" I looked at Mrs. De Luca. But I also turned my gaze to everyone sitting there who was now all looking at me. "No ... I mean. I like the foods. I'm just thinking." I winced at my answer. "What are you thinking?" Nicolas asked suddenly who now proceeded to eat. "It's nothing." I answered hiding the quiver of my voice."It's not just nothing, you look like an idiot there that even your food you've forgotten." Everyone stopped eating and looked at the two of us. Nicolas was just eating and it seemed like he just didn't have that question. That seemed normal for him to stand like that. "It's just about my studies." My answer was weak. I looked at Dad and Mom but they were back to eating. So I was forced to eat. When it was over they immediately started talking."I want their wedding next month. I don't want to prolong all this. I want to be with Cassandra in this house. I'm so excited. So, Lily what do you think?" I looked at Mom. She just nodded with a big smile on her lips. They talked to Mom about the things that would be needed. Sometimes they ask me what color I want. I just nodded and smiled at them. "I wanted it to be next week." Everything stopped. Their smiles gradually disappeared then they looked at Nicolas who was just sitting next to me and busy with his cellphone in disbelief. "Why son?" Mr. De Luca asks. "I just want to." He didn't even look at his father. He's constantly fiddling with his cellphone. "Cassandra and I should be the ones talking about that because we're the one who's getting married. I don't want a fancy wedding. I want it simple and intimate. And, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, I need to talk to your daughter." He immediately stood up then grabbed my arm then pulled me upright. "Excuse us." He pulled me until we reached the lawn behind their mansion where the large pool could be seen not far from us. He let go of my hand and turned to face me. I even backed away when I realized he was so close to me. He just looked at me. Deep and drowning looks while I was purely shivering unable to look closely at his deadly beautiful eyes. As for him, my five flickers was just a flicker to him. "Cassandra, right?" He asked hard and deeply. "I'm Nicolas Andria De Luca."