MELTED HIS FROZEN HEART

Epilogue

Diana Fletcher, the desperate and only daughter of Mr. Richie Fletcher, the Chairman of Richie Dynamic Conglomerates, and Cassidy Ford's girlfriend and fiancé was in her room. Cassidy was the future Chief Executive Officer of the Ford Group of Companies. He paid her an unexpected visit to surprise her for their third anniversary and slowly opened her door.

However, he stopped suddenly when he heard Diana, "It is true, Dad. If I'm not mistaken, the company would be passed officially to him in the coming year."

"Is that a fact?"

"Yes, Father."

"Go on. I like to hear that."

"Okay. Then, I will ensure that our wedding will come next."

"That's my girl," her father praised, and she laughed triumphantly before she continued, "You are right, Dad. We will finally take over his company and save our company before it goes bankrupt."

Instantly, Cassidy's heart skipped a beat and bled. He was transfixed by what he heard and looked at the beautiful bouquet and the jewelry set in his hand. Then, he took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes orbits. Likewise, he angrily pushed the door, barged into the condo unit, and stood in the middle with killing intent. At that point, she was dumbstruck with terror and guilt but concealed it.

Subsequently, she ended the call, "Okay, Dad. My darling Cassidy is around and I have to attend to him. I will talk to you later."

"It is okay, my dear."

Unaware that he heard her discussions, she faked a smile and tried to cheer him up, "Oh! Cassidy dear. What a surprise. I'm excited to see you."

Cassidy was still mute and gave her a hateful look. She got up from the couch and walked up to him.

Likewise, he attempted to hold him, "You look worried, my love. What made you come unannounced, my darling?"

Cassidy looked angrily into her eyes and shoved her hand away from him. Then he mocked, "My darling, indeed. I should have known that I had been using a short spoon to dine with the devil."

She was uncertain whether his statement had something to do with her chat with her father or not. So, she showed surprise and stuttered in fright.

"D-Dining with the d-devil? Where did you dine with the devil?"

When he did not respond, she asked again, "My love, did anyone offend you before now?"

Cassidy pouted at her pretext, and barked, "No one offended me except the gold digger, whom I trusted so much with my life and her Dad."

In bewilderment, she asked, "What are you talking about, Cassidy? And who is the gold digger?"

Straight away, he grabbed her lower jaw with his right hand and pushed it up angrily. Furthermore, he looked into her eyes and shocked her with his discovery, "In case you don't know, I heard everything. The company will be handed over to me in the coming year. You will make sure that our wedding comes up immediately. Then, you and your close-to-the-grave Dad, will finally come in and probably kill me, and take over my company. Then, you will save your dead company before it goes bankrupt. Isn't it? Answer me. You double-faced gold digger."

Right away, she realized that he heard everything and stopped pretending but attempted to defend herself, "It is not what you think, Cassidy. I was only joking with my Dad. No. I mean, I have acute malaria. Yes, acute brain ache. You did not hear anything. Did you? No. Oh! Gosh!"

Cassidy smirked and watched her while she made a fool of herself.

Thereafter, he ridiculed her, "You are right. I suspected that you have a history of mental illness in your family. That madness made your Dad mismanage your company and now, you wish to steal mine."

Then, he pushed her backward and she sank into her couch.

"Oh! My God," she cried out and held her aching jaw. Nevertheless, she gave him a puzzled look.

Then, he warned, "It is over between us, Diana. I declare my proposal to you, null and void, and don't ever call or come near me."

He inched backward and tried to leave but she swiftly got up from the couch, and pleaded, "No, Cassidy. You have to hear me out. It has not come to that yet."

He halted but ignored her plea and looked at the gift and bouquet in his left hand. At that point, he found them useless. Likewise, he could not think of what to do with them but took a step to leave. Then, Diana inched closer to him and tried to hold him but he restrained her and cursed, "Don't touch me with your filthy hands. You bloodsucker."

"Cassidy, my love, kindly hear me out," she pleaded but Cassidy angrily walked out of her house and headed towards his car. Without hesitation, she walked after him, and begged, "Cassidy, please. We can talk it over."

"There is nothing to talk about. You can keep your marriage of interest to yourself. Wench."

Then, he opened his car, got inside, and slammed the door in her face. He hissed and drove away while his aid and security drove behind him.

Diana looked at the cars in despair and watched them disappear. Not only that, she managed to drag herself back to her house and slumped into the couch.

"Ouch!" She shrieked and ran her hand through her head. Finally, she crossed her arms across her chest and lamented, "What a costly mistake! Everything I have labored for the past three years had just gone down the drain. All our plans have crashed so quickly."

She remained in despondency and thought for a while. Then, she came up with an idea and smiled.

"We won't let you off the hook, Cassidy. You are our last resort to restore our dying company to its former state."

After, her resolution, she picked up her phone and gave her father a call. He picked up the call at once and greeted her enthusiastically, "Hello, Diana."

"Hello, Dad," she muttered regretfully.

"How is the fool? Has he gone?"

"Yes, Dad. He has gone."

"That is good. You were saying something about your marriage plans. I'm listening."

"It is no more what you think, Dad."

"What do you mean?"

"He heard everything. Yes. I mean, everything we just discussed. I was not aware that he was at the door."

"What! That was a costly mistake, Diana," he pointed out in pain and Diana felt his disappointment.

Then, she pacified, "Hold on, Dad. Don't lose your mind yet. I don't want anything to upset your deteriorating health. Okay?"

At that point, her father was mute and she cut the call.

At Cassidy's Apartment

He returned to his apartment, locked himself up, and cried out in anguish, "She lied to me. The scoundrel deceived me. Damn it."

In bitterness, he prostrated on the floor, and lamented, "I can't believe that I was in a wrong relationship for three years. Oh, my God! I was fooled. She had been using me all the years."

Suddenly, he looked at the bouquet and the jewelry pack and picked them up angrily. Instantly, he dismembered the bouquet and cursed, "You wastrel. You don't deserve this. You are an error. I curse the day I met a good-for-nothing like you."

Thereafter, he picked up the jewelry and began to cut and cursed, "I should have let you fail your assignment that day that you met me at the school's library. You are an emotional and corporate hood winker."

At The Family House – The Dinner Table:

It was 7:00 PM and for over nine hours, Cassidy was crying and never had his lunch. Meanwhile, his family was waiting for him to show up for dinner. When he did not, Charlotte, his mother faced Ramon, Cassidy's eighteen-year-old little brother, and asked, "Why is Cassidy not here?"

Mr. Ben Ford, the Chairman of the Ford Group of Companies and Cassidy's father, spoke, "I wondered too. Let us wait for a while. He will join us soon."

They chatted until 7:25 PM. Now, the couple was worried and could not wait anymore. Then, Mr. Ford called out to Gil Broughton, the Janitor, "Gil."

"Yes, Mr. Ford," he responded and walked to him.

"Get Cassidy. Let him know that we are waiting and he should not keep us waiting for too long."

"I got it, Mr. Ford," Gil accepted and took a step but Ramon stopped him.

"Never mind, Mr. Broughton. I will get him."

Gil stopped suddenly and faced Mr. Ford for his approval and the couple looked at Ramon, and approved, "That is good of you, Ramon. Get him quickly."

"I will, Dad," Ramon said and got up at once while Gil returned to his duty post.

Cassidy's Apartment

Nevertheless, Ramon got to Cassidy's apartment, pressed the doorbell, and waited. When he got no response, he repeated and waited again. When Cassidy failed to respond, he turned the doorknob, and walked in, "What!" He cried out.

He was nearly frightened to death when he saw his brother in a worrisome state, and the floor was littered with flowers.

"Big brother. What is the matter with you?" He demanded quickly.

Then, Cassidy raised his head and sobbed, "Little brother, I wish to take my life. Kindly help me by killing me. Diana is a nightmare. She is a bad dream."

At that point, Ramon was lost. To steady himself, he sat beside him and asked, "What are you talking about, Big Brother?"

"I swear with all my life. I will not fall in love with any woman anymore. I will never show kindness or tolerate any woman. They are all the same and betray under the guise of love."

"I am not getting you. What is the matter?" Ramon requested, and Cassidy reminisced about the first time he met Diana.

Three Years Ago

Twenty years, Cassidy, a sophomore at Braithwaite University, walked into the campus mall to get some snacks. He saw some students and gave a perfunctory greeting, "Hi, everyone," and walked to the counters.

"Hi," the students responded without interest. Meanwhile, Diana, an eighteen-year-old freshman, was in the mall and confused about how to cope with the meager pocket money that her parents made available for her. At that moment, their business had a setback and they wanted her to learn how to survive in difficult circumstances. She was attracted by Cassidy's voice and she looked up. Then, she saw a gallant but handsome and rich-looking young man.

Nevertheless, she greeted, "Hi."

Cassidy looked up, noticed the exceptional voice, and responded, "Hi."

Subsequently, he continued with his shopping but Diana's sweet voice echoed in his head. He ignored it, picked up his favorite confectioneries, and left for the payment stand. Subsequently, Diana picked cheap beverages that were not her delight but would last longer and walked to the cashier. She queued behind four students and grumbled, "What an inconsiderate parent."

Howbeit, the cashier was attracted to her grumbling and asked, "Hello. Did you just talk to me?"

"Not in the least. I talked to myself," she defended.

"Ha ha ha," the cashier laughed softly, and she felt slighted.

"How is that funny?" The disgruntled, Diana, asked.

To rub it in, the first student in the queue laughed, "Ha ha ha. Freshmen talk to themselves at will. No doubt."

"Sophomores don't talk to themselves, right?" The Second Student intercepted. They laughed happily, except Diana who was wondering about their reasons for laughing at her simple comment.

Then, the third student added, "It reduces when you are penultimate."

They laughed happily and louder and other shoppers were attracted.

Diana caught the joke and laughed too, "Ha ha ha. I can reduce it in my first year. I promise."

She realized that they were referring to the stressful life that the new students face when they leave home for the first time.

"Better for you," the other shoppers responded. Nevertheless, her queue seemed livelier and most shoppers queued up, just to catch the fun. Cassidy did the same.

Then, the cashier called out, "Next person, please."

The first student responded, "Here we are."

The cashier spent some time calculating her numerous items and announcing her bill. Thereafter, she made the payment.

"Have a nice day," the cashier greeted cheerfully.

"Thank you," she responded and walked away.

"Next person, please."

"Here we are," Diana responded. She placed her scanty shopping basket on the cashier's desk. The next shoppers in the queue were pleased because she would not keep them waiting like the first student.

Meanwhile, she was despondent and wished that she could afford so much.

Soon, the cashier was through with her and announced, "Have a productive day. Next person."

"Thank you. And you too," she responded, concealed her embarrassment, and walked out of the mall happily.

Then she mumbled and encouraged herself, "I will talk less to myself, even in my first year."

Meanwhile, Cassidy had a different perception about her of her humble shopping.

"A humble fine girl," he murmured and stole a glance at her before he faced the cashier.

"The next person, please."

Cassidy dropped his small basket on the desk and informed her, "Yes. I'm here."

"Okay. Your favorite confectioneries, Right?" the cashier teased.

"Haha. You got it."

Cassidy watched her compute his items, he saw the total on the screen and made the payment. Then, the Cashier appreciated, "Thank you for patronizing us. Have a lovely day."

"Thank you for that. Have a wonderful day, too."

Two Days Later – At the School Library

Cassidy was a Mechanical Engineering Student but his favorite book in the library was any book on Strategic War and Conflict Management. Nevertheless, he developed an interest in war when he was fourteen years old. Notwithstanding, it was strange to the Librarian, Mr. Napoleon, the first day he indicated interest in the book. He was embarrassed that a book he was not aware of would be requested by a student and he ordered it specifically for him.

"Cassidy, your book is here," Mr. Napoleon informed him as usual when he got into the library.

Cassidy laughed, and corrected, "Ha! It is the school's book, and not mine."

"Ha ha ha. No student has ever read it, except you."

"I see. Kindly keep it safe for me always."

"Don't worry. It is always safe."

"Thank you, Mr. Napoleon."

At that point, Diana walked into the library and headed for the shelves to pick any book on war management, for her assignments but she found none. She was a Peace and Conflict Management Student. Her assignment was on 'How to Maintain Peace Between two Waring Nations'. Right away, she walked to Mr. Napoleon and requested, "Good evening, Sir. I need your assistance."

"Oh! Young Lady, good evening. What assistance do you require?" Mr. Napoleon demanded.

Cassidy felt bad because of her intrusion. He could remember that her voice was familiar but could not recall where he met her. All the same, he collected his book from Mr. Napoleon and stated, "Excuse me, Sir. I need to get down to business," and attempted to walk to a reading desk.

"It is okay, Cassidy. See you later," Mr. Napoleon responded.

Nevertheless, Diana was engrossed with her desire to get a book for her assignments and was unable to notice that Cassidy was standing before Mr. Napoleon.

However, she was captivated by the familiar deep voice and was apologetic, "Oh! I apologize for interrupting your conversation."

"Think nothing about it, young lady. What assistance do you need from me?"

Meanwhile, Cassidy left without responding to her apologies because he considered her a mannerless child and Diana felt the same way about him. She glared at him and Mr. Napoleon noticed it and called her to the present.

"Young lady, speak with me. What assistance do you want from me?"

Diana recalled herself and spoke, "Thank you, Sir. I have searched for any book on war and conflict management but I can't find any."

"War?" Mr. Napoleon asked in astonishment.

"Yes Sir. My lecturer gave me an assignment."

" I see. If you don't mind, may I hear the question?"

"The question is – How can you Maintain Peace Between two Waring Nations?"

"I see. The only book on war is off the shelf. You have to be patient for the student to return it."

"Oh, my goodness! I need to submit this assignment at 8 AM tomorrow."

"Wow! That is unfortunate. This is 7 PM and the Library will close at 8 PM."

"Only an hour left," she murmured.

Howbeit, It was obvious that she was distressed and the Librarian was touched and willing to help her out.

Then, he inquired, "Why did you not come earlier? The book was just taken a few minutes ago?"

"The assignment was given a few minutes ago, too. It was sent on our group platform."

"So impromptu?" He asked with concern.

"Yes, Sir. That is part of the assignment. It was to determine whether we could work under pressure and submit before the deadline. That is what makes us good conflict managers."

Diana was unexposed to difficult experiences and was learning it the hard way. From her demeanor, the Librarian noticed it. Meanwhile, he tried to be of help, "Can I direct you to the student with the book? He may be willing to share with you if you talk to him."

Diana's face beamed with delight and she commended, "That is thoughtful of you, Sir. Where is the student?"

"Good. Go to the last row on the right. He usually sits on the chair by the window."

"I appreciate, Sir," Diana said, followed Mr. Napoleon's description, and walked briskly to the window. She jolted when she saw Cassidy who was so engrossed in his book that he could not notice her

"This Perverse! I can come in the morning and quickly do the assignment, before lectures," she resolved, looked daggers at him, and left.

Meanwhile, her colleagues were as disorganized as she was. They never deemed it necessary to ask Mr. Napoleon if there was a book like that. Cassidy continued with his studies until a few minutes to 8 PM. Then, he walked to Mr. Napoleon and stated, "It's almost time and I have a lot to do with the book."

He was delighted to hear that because he thought that he was helping Diana out with her assignments and consented, "Yes, it's a few minutes to closing. What do you want to do?"

"I would like to borrow it."

"Ha. Ha. Ha. To borrow your book? Do you need permission for that?"

"Oh!" Cassidy exclaimed.

"You can take it, after all, no other person uses it."

Cassidy laughed too, "Ha. I got it. Good night, Mr. Napoleon"

"Good night to you."

The Next Day

Diana was in her first semester and the increment or reduction of her pocket money depended on her academic performance. Before 7:30 AM, she was at the library and had to wait for it to open at 8:00 AM. Now, she was down from her high horse and needed a favor.

Notwithstanding, she walked up to a cleaner and tried to gain favor. Likewise, she volunteered, "Good morning, Sir, I can assist you with the cleaning."

The surprised janitor cast a puzzled look on the fragile student and declined, "Never mind, young lady. It is against the school rules and I might be punished."

Nevertheless, she wished to get into the library and grab the book before her course mates would arrive. So, she pressed on, "I volunteered and I don't think you will be punished."

"You are a student and not a janitor. It is wrong enough to earn me a query," the janitor clarified.

"You are right but can I get into the library?"

"Certainly but why so early? The staff members are not here yet."

"I am aware but I have an assignment to submit at 8:30 AM and I cannot afford to joke with it."

The unschooled middle-aged janitor recognized her as a serious-minded student when he saw her. So, he opted to help her out.

"I see. I have an idea but it may be absurd."

"Kindly let me hear it," she anxiously requested.

"You can access the book section through the scuttle attic."

Diana could not believe that the middle-aged janitor who talked about school rules a few seconds ago could propose such a cynical manipulation. Instantly, she exclaimed, "What! Do such things happen in this school?"

The janitor smiled weakly and clarified, "You are anxious to get into the Library and I only suggested. You can accept or reject it."

Afterward, he ignored her and faced his work. She looked at the time and it was fifteen minutes to resumption. Quickly, she walked to the library door. Out of the blue, she saw about one hundred of her fellow students running to the hall. To secure a better position she leaned on the door and shouted, "Kindly queue up behind me. I'm the first in the queue."

"Diana is right. I am behind her," another student added.

"I am number three. I am number four. Number five," they stated simultaneously. Instantly, the students took their positions accordingly and waited. At 7:55 AM, another Library Staff, Miss Stella Bernard who was on the morning shift, opened the door and they rushed in.

"What is the meaning of this?" She flared up.

"We are sorry, Ma'am. We are seeking any book on war."

"War? Do you wish to start one here?" Miss Bernard mocked.

"No Ma'am. Where can we get them?"

Presently, Diana miscalculated. She hoped to see the kind Mr. Napoleon who was on duty the previous night. So, she walked to his desk and asked in bewilderment, "Where is he?"

"Where is who?" Miss Bernard asked.

"I met a man last night. He knows the book that I am looking for."

"Oh! He is off-duty this morning. If I may ask, what is the name of the book?"

Unfortunately, she could not give the name of the book but looked on in silence. At that point, about four hundred students were in the library searching for the same book. Unfortunately, they found none, and they returned to the lecture hall in dejection.

"It is all the faults of that perverse. I would have been through with my assignment by now," she murmured.

In the Lecture Hall

It was 8:25 AM when they got to the hall. Mr. Mark, the thirty-two-year-old lecturer, was furious when he walked into the hall and met only a handful of students. However, he shut the door.

"You are late by twenty-five minutes. I forbid you from coming into the hall," Mr. Mark announced.

Meanwhile, the latecomers pleaded, "Mr. Mark, it's not what you think. We were trying to ..."

Mr. Mark interrupted, and shouted, "Shut up. I need absolute quietness in my class. Or you will be suspended from my lectures indefinitely."

Instantly, the students calmed down and listened to the lecture from the window. Meanwhile, Mr. Mark continued, "Our topic today is: The Role of Ammunition Dealers in the Sustenance of Global Peace."

After the lecture, Mr. Mark addressed the few students in the class, "Submit your assignments. All of you."

The few students obeyed and submitted their incomprehensible assignment. It was obvious that they were the lazy ones among them who did not bother to be thorough but they had turned out to be the smart ones. Then, he continued, "Thank you for being punctual. Twenty marks have gone out of your Continuous Assessment."

"Oh! No," the latecomers cried out.