Cassandra Winter thought this day would be the beginning of new happiness. In one month, she would be engaged to Alaric, the man of her dreams. But all those hopes were shattered instantly.
Who could have imagined that her future fiancé was having an affair - and not with just any woman, but with her best friend, Selene?
The heartache tore through her soul like a sharp knife stabbing inward. Cassandra stood in the doorway of the apartment, her eyes wide open at the sight of Alaric and Selene locked in a passionate embrace.
They felt no guilt whatsoever, as if the world was theirs alone. Not a word escaped Alaric's lips as she walked away - no attempt to follow her, as if her departure was meaningless.
"Give me another glass," Cassandra said, her voice drowned out by the crowded bar. She ignored the concerned look of the bartender, who saw her chugging tequila like a drunk.
Today, her red dress, which clung to her body perfectly, seemed worthless, like a hope that had now been dashed. She stared at her glass with eyes that once sparkled with joy, now dark and full of sadness.
Why did all this have to happen?
Why did the happiness she should have welcomed lead to such a painful betrayal?
Cassandra downed her drink in one gulp, burning her throat, as if to burn away all the good memories she had left. She chose to forget for a moment the figures of Alaric and Selene, probably laughing out loud now on the bed that had once been the hope of their love. All that remained was the bitterness and emptiness that hung over her heart.
Cassandra gritted her teeth and held back the rage that burned in her chest. Suddenly, without thinking, she pounded on the table, distracting everyone around her. "Why do I lament this fate?" she shouted, her voice loud in the nightclub crowd. "While these two traitors revel in my misery!" The decision flashed through her mind like lightning - if Alaric could have an affair, then she had every right to enjoy herself.
With renewed determination, Cassandra moved her gaze around, scrutinizing every man in the club.
Who could she get to shake up her night?
Her brown eyes glanced around, assessing one man after another, until they finally stopped on a lone figure sitting in a VIP chair, surrounded by untouched drinks.
The man looked familiar, and as Cassandra sharpened her gaze, she felt her heart skip a beat. It was Caspian Verity, Alaric's father. Cassandra was both surprised and intrigued.
How could she find her future father-in-law in this sinful place?
Caspian, a forty-year-old man famous for his perfect life, is now in a dimly lit place that stands in stark contrast to his reputation outside.
With forced courage, Cassandra rose from her seat with a slightly staggered step. Her seductive smile, adorned with red lipstick, widened as her gaze met Caspian's eagle, sharp eyes.
"Cassandra?" Caspian called out her name in an incredulous tone. He shook his head, as if hoping to dispel that illusion. "Are you here?"
Instead of sitting on the empty bench next to him, Cassandra stepped forward with unexpected boldness and sat on Caspian's lap, drawing a look of shock from the man's face. "Why do you look surprised? Didn't I get your attention?" she said in a teasing tone, trying to maintain control of this absurd situation.
Cassandra knew full well that what she was doing was crazy. But rather than sleep with a man she didn't know and who might have a history of venereal disease, she'd rather do it with him. And if she succeeded, sleeping with the middle-aged man could be a slap in the face to Alaric.
Sweet revenge, but also proof that she wasn't going to lose at the game of love.
"You seem drunk, Cassandra. Where's your boyfriend?" asked Caspian, pushing her hips slightly to get her off his lap. However, Cassandra insisted on staying seated and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You came here with your lover, didn't you?" Caspian repeated the question, trying to remind the girl in front of him that this situation was not natural.
Instead of answering, Cassandra placed her index finger on Caspian's lips, telling him to be quiet. "Don't mention that asshole's name when we're alone. Your favorite son is having an affair with Selene, and I'm here to have some fun with you, Uncle Caspian."
Caspian paused, surprised by Cassandra's boldness. Her actions forced him to question the norms he had held dear. Still, he tried to keep his distance.
"Cassandra, this is not a good time. I'm going to give you a drink to relieve your stress. Come down and sit next to me," he said firmly, trying to take control of a situation that was getting out of hand.
Cassandra shook her head quickly, unwilling to accept such a rejection. She tightened her embrace around Caspian's neck and brought her lips to his ears. "I don't want to just drink. I want to make something hot for you," she replied, her seductive voice almost burning.
Without hesitation, Cassandra licked Caspian's ears in a seductive motion, sending a rush of electricity that made the middle-aged man's body freeze. Caspian's hands clenched into fists, the whitened fingers a sign that his defenses were beginning to crumble.
"This isn't funny at all. You remember who I am, don't you, Cass?" The warning came out of his mouth, though his voice couldn't hide the doubt that was beginning to creep into his heart. He was a sexually active grown man, but there were limits he had to keep - especially with his future daughter-in-law.
Cassandra, of course, knew who the man holding her hand gently currently was. It was Caspian's status as Alaric's father, in fact, that strengthened her resolve to sleep with him.
"Isn't it interesting to have hot sex with your son's future fiancée?" she asked in a teasing tone. "Are you sure you would rather not try it with me? I'm an expert at satisfying men." The power of the alcohol coursing through her blood stirred courage she had never had before.
Perhaps not many would dare to cross the line when faced with a figure as powerful as him, but strangely, this middle-aged man seemed to take Cassandra's provocation in stride. In his mind, he knew that this was no ordinary act for the girl he had known as a dignified figure.
Caspian's sharp gaze touched his eyes. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice deep with warning.
Cassandra did not hesitate. She nodded quickly, confirming her decision. "I am sure, Uncle Caspian."
She stepped closer, closing the distance between them, bringing her exposed chest into contact with the hard chest of the man before her. The tension in the air was palpable, and Caspian could feel his heart quickening, beating in time with the burning passion.
Hearing her response, Caspian rose from his position, lifting Cassandra with a strength that made him seem unencumbered. With steady steps, he left the VIP room carrying her.
"You better prepare yourself. Don't cry tomorrow when you walk like a duck," he said, a joking tone slipping through the tension.
Cassandra laughed instead, not feeling scared at all. She tightened her embrace around Caspian's neck, breathing in the intoxicating masculine scent, a scent that mixed with the cinnamon perfume that made her feel even more lost.
Tonight was the night to regain control, to destroy all the pain Alaric had left behind.
When the door to the VIP room closed with a loud bang, Caspian couldn't help himself. Instantly, his lips were pressed against Cassandra's with burning desire. He didn't care if the woman trapped in his arms was surprised; his feelings were much stronger than mere desire.
"Open your mouth," he whispered, his voice heavy and seductive as he laid Cassandra down on the white sofa by the window, the dim light casting a mysterious aura between them.
Cassandra, a young woman in her twenty-five who had always seemed confident, was now caught up in tension and passion. Though her heart was pounding hard, she obeyed Caspian's commands. Her small lips parted, inviting him to kiss her again, their tongues joining in a passionate dance she had never felt before.
Her head spun, disoriented, as if the world around her had disappeared; there was only the two of them. The soft, erotic sound of their lips joining filled the room. Their eyes were filled with unspoken vibrations, and their breathing was labored as their lips parted, creating a thread of saliva that hung down their chins.
"Again, are you serious about this with me?" Caspian asked, a hint of doubt in his tone. Despite being mesmerized by Cassandra, his mind was brought back to reality - this woman was his son's lover.
Cassandra fell silent, her eyes widening as she felt Caspian's deep gaze, which seemed to pierce her soul. Her heart was beating rapidly, the realization of this dangerous situation further stirring the desire within her. She didn't answer, instead she grabbed Caspian's neck and pulled him closer, bringing their lips together again in a deeper kiss.
With a gentle touch, her fingers explored Caspian's broad chest, making every second count. Caspian felt the touch as consent.
Instantly, the clothes wrapped around their bodies fell away without breaking the kiss. As Cassandra's hands began to touch the muscles of Caspian's abdomen, the man bit lightly on her neck, creating a new wave of desire.
"Spread your legs, Cass," he whispered in Cassandra's ear, his voice husky and trembling, inviting her into a world where only they existed.
Cassandra spread her legs, biting her lip defiantly, her eyes fixed on him with a seductive look that seemed to arouse the primal side of the man. "Please fuck me hard, Daddy..."
Caspian was petrified, caught in a tense moment. Those words - an invitation and a challenge - awakened the long-dormant monster within him.
Cassandra's fingers clawed at Caspian's bare back every time the man above her moved with passionate intensity. She could feel Caspian's tanned skin sweat under her touch, and she was sure that her hoof scratches would leave a mark.
Pain radiated through her private parts as he entered without foreplay, leaving her breathless. As a quarter of her consciousness returned, Cassandra found herself caught up in feelings of regret for the nonsense she had spoken. However, her decision to proceed was deeply rooted in her soul. There was no going back-they were both striving for the fulfillment they craved.
"Look at me, Cass," Caspian whispered softly into Cassandra's ear as his hand wiped away the sweat that was running down her forehead.
Cassandra, who had closed her eyes earlier due to the pain, finally opened them. She found concern in Caspian's dark eyes.
"We can stop the game right here if your body can't handle my presence," Caspian said, his tone fading as if he were eager to stop everything for Cassandra's comfort. However, Cassandra's legs held Caspian's body, pointing out that she didn't want to part so easily.
"A real man doesn't go back on his word, does he? Prove that you're more manly than your son of a bitch!" Cassandra shouted with a fiery challenge.
Caspian's broad chest quivered with his rapid breathing, and one hand gripped Cassandra's jaw gently but firmly. "Stick out your tongue!"
Cassandra stuck out her tongue, confidently obeying the command, allowing Caspian to scoop her tongue up as if it were sweet candy. At that moment, she felt a very intimate feeling - an unspoken trust between them. Cassandra's fingers moved to Caspian's dark hair, gently squeezing it as she held back her suppressed sigh.
The initial nagging pain slowly turned into a pleasure she could not express in words. Caspian's every movement now swept the pain away and replaced it with waves of intoxicating euphoria. The moans of pain turned into increasingly loud sighs as the rhythm of their bodies merged on the sofa.
***
Cassandra awoke on a messy mattress, pain radiating throughout her body, especially in her intimate areas.
In the distance, she heard the sound of water gurgling from the bathroom, reminding her that Caspian was still nearby. Her heart raced as memories of their heated activities last night flashed through her mind. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled intimate details she wasn't supposed to remember, but were so difficult to forget.
Her clear eyes scanned the all-white room around her. The clean, soft walls contrasted with the chaos in her head.
Cassandra vividly remembered that this was where a billionaire, with the image of a good father, had spent the night with her. She couldn't believe that Caspian, a man who people knew had a reputation in the business world, had a dark side behind his elegance.
The bathroom door opened, and her gaze immediately fell on him as he stepped out shirtless. Water dripped softly from his broad chest and flowed down the muscles of his abdomen, creating a sight that mesmerized her. Instantly, a sense of awe coursed through her veins.
"Are you satisfied looking at me?" asked Caspian, his voice breaking the silence with a seductive tone.
Cassandra pretended to avert her gaze, cursing her attitude for not being able to hide her admiration for the grown man's body.
"Can you walk yourself to the bathroom?" Caspian continued, giving her a profound look that made Cassandra's cheeks blush even more.
Cassandra just shook her head and pulled the blanket over her chest, which was covered in kiss marks. Her body felt crushed; just moving was difficult, let alone going to the bathroom.
With a confident smile, Caspian approached the bed and without hesitation carried a completely naked Cassandra to the bathroom.
Cassandra was surprised, but immediately wrapped her arms around Caspian's neck. Her heart was pounding, both fascinated and apprehensive at their recent closeness.
Arriving in the bathroom, she saw that Caspian had prepared warm water that was scented with roses. And for a moment, she felt like a princess.
"Call me if you need anything," Caspian said quietly, then left Cassandra after sitting her in the tub.
Cassandra could only stare at Caspian's departure with a mixed expression. As her eyes traveled down his broad back, she saw her fingernail marks, which looked quite deep.
***
As Cassandra stepped out of the shower, the scent of rose soap filled the room. In the soft morning light, she found Caspian already preparing a change of clothes for her. The man was dressed in a black office suit that wrapped around his tall, muscular body and made a strong impression.
Caspian was watching Cassandra closely, noting her awkward movements. She was trying to act normal, as if the man's presence didn't affect her. Boldly, she removed her bathrobe and threw it on the bed without shame. After all, Caspian had seen her naked last night.
Cassandra began to pull on her panties, unaware that Caspian was staring at her ass with a passionate gaze. If he hadn't remembered that they had made love into the morning last night, Caspian might have fucked her again.
"You haven't answered my question from last night. What is going on between you and my son?" Caspian asked. He studied Cassandra's expression, which looked angry.
"Alaric is having an affair with Selene, my best friend. I caught them making love in your asshole son's apartment." The words came out with great emotion as Cassandra stepped closer to him.
"I guess you wanted revenge by using me to hurt Alaric; that's why you teased me last night." Caspian grinned faintly, pleased to see the surprise on Cassandra's beautiful face. "Your tactics are obvious. Tease and fan the flames of revenge."
Cassandra nodded resignedly, feeling the helplessness crush her. "I'm sorry, Uncle Caspian. I'm at a loss as to how to repay Alaric's mistreatment." There was sadness in her voice, showing the depth of the wound she had suffered.
Caspian lifted Cassandra's chin, forcing her to look up at him. Their faces were so close that even the slightest movement could bring their lips together. "To hell with Alaric. I am willing to be the tool of your revenge. In fact, I'm happy to feel the body of my son's lover." Slowly, Caspian stuck out his tongue and teasingly licked Cassandra's lips.
"It was shocking to witness a respected father using his son's partner for his own advantage. How many layers do I not know about you?" Her curiosity was piqued. She wanted to delve deeper into the mysterious figure standing before her.
"If you want to know who I really am, then stand by my side. Alaric's attitude is wrong, and I'm on your side, Cass." Caspian kissed Cassandra's forehead gently, then wrapped his arms around her in a hug that was so possessive.
Cassandra wrapped her arms around Caspian's neck, feeling the warmth behind the embrace. "Thank you, Uncle Caspian."
"The term 'daddy' sounds sexy coming out of your little lips," Caspian said, flanking Cassandra's jaw with a seductive look.
With a mischievous smile, Cassandra replied, "Whatever you say, Daddy."
Breakfast with Selene was still fresh in his mind - her smile, the laughter echoing among the aroma of coffee and warm toast. Alaric expected today to be like the days before, peaceful and uninterrupted. But as he stepped out of the car, an unexpected sight changed everything.
At the end of the parking lot, Alaric saw a familiar figure. His father had just arrived, and beside him walked a familiar woman, but whose presence darkened the skies of Alaric's heart. His eyebrows shot up, confusion and fear creeping in. He clutched his briefcase tightly, as if it were the only thing keeping him from exploding.
"She must have been complaining about my affair with Selene," he thought, frowning as he walked quickly toward the CEO's elevator, which seemed to be getting farther and farther away. "How could Daddy be with Cassandra?" The two figures turned their heads, but instead of answering, Caspian checked his watch.
"It's after hours, why are you still in the parking lot? Shouldn't you be at your desk by now?" Caspian's voice boomed, adding to the weight of emotion in Alaric's chest.
When had his father started making a big deal out of his tardiness? Normally, Caspian was a calm person who didn't care if Alaric was late.
"Why are you still here? Hurry and get to work; do you want me to dock your pay?" Caspian asked again, making Alaric even more surprised. He had no choice but to go inside first.
In his mind, Alaric imagined Cassandra standing in front of Caspian, poisoning his father's mind about him. "He was defending Cassandra, not his son. Parents should always support their children, right?"
He chuckled, angry at himself, angry at Cassandra. The day had just begun, but that woman had already managed to ruin his mood.
***
Alaric had brought a file for his father to sign. But when he got to the door of the room, his father's secretary stopped him.
"As I recall, no important guests are coming today. Why won't you let me in?" Alaric asked, confused.
"Sorry, the director told me not to let anyone in," the secretary replied firmly, still preventing Alaric from entering his father's office on the twenty-first floor.
"It's an important file," Alaric insisted, trying to be convincing.
The secretary slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry, but this is an order from Mr. Caspian."
Alaric grew suspicious. It was unusual for his father to forbid people from entering, especially if it was work-related. As he remembered it, his father was a workaholic, so delaying important files was not an attitude he was used to.
Curious about what was going on inside, Alaric recalled that he had seen Cassandra in the parking lot with his father.
"I'm the son of the CEO who hired you. Do you want me to report this disrespectful behavior to my father? Do you want a termination letter in your mailbox?!" Alaric threatened, but the secretary stood his ground and didn't move an inch.
In a fit of frustration, Alaric shoved the much older man and forced his way into his father's room. A moment later, however, he came to a halt. His eyes widened, and the file he was carrying fell away as he saw a sight he hadn't expected: Cassandra sitting on Caspian's lap, and they were kissing.
"I forbade your son, but he insisted on coming in," the secretary said, bowing apologetically to Caspian.
Caspian waved his hand and ordered the secretary out. His expression seemed irritated, disturbed by Alaric's presence.
Alaric was still surprised, and his emotions boiled over when he saw Cassandra not only sitting on his father's lap, but also being intimate, resting her head on Caspian's chest and looking at Alaric with a mocking smile.
"Why do you have to force your way in here, Alaric?" asked Caspian.
Hearing his father's words made Alaric even angrier. Instead of explaining the situation, his father questioned his behavior.
"I should have asked you what you were doing!" yelled Alaric, unable to contain his emotions.
"Don't you have eyes? You could see for yourself that we were making out," Cassandra replied, deliberately provoking Alaric further.
"You! This is your way of getting revenge? Because I slept with Selene, now you're flirting with my daddy? Is your pride that low?!" Alaric never imagined that Cassandra would stoop so low to betrayal, let alone with his father.
"If I have such low self-esteem, how is that different from you and Selene? You cheated on me behind my back for years and made me look like a fool. Don't pretend like you're any better," Cassandra retorted, fueling Alaric's anger.
Alaric clenched his fists, unable to accept the fact that Cassandra and his father were in a relationship. If Cassandra was with another man, he probably wouldn't care. But this was his father - the feeling of humiliation burned in his chest.
"You bitch! There are plenty of men out there, why does it have to be my father? Don't you think about my mom's feelings?"
Caspian, who had only watched the argument so far, finally spoke. "Why would you think about a dead man's feelings, Alaric?"
Alaric was surprised. Granted, his mother was gone, but shouldn't his father be concerned about her feelings?
"It's been a dozen years since Mommy died, but you've never been close to a woman. Isn't that because daddy loved mommy so much and respected her feelings?" Alaric had never seen his father bring another woman home, let alone for fun.
For twenty-eight years, Alaric knew that Caspian put wealth ahead of his family. He felt a lack of affection as his father traveled more often for business than to care for him after his mother's departure.
Alaric thought positively that his father still couldn't let go of his mother and buried himself in work. He thought his father as a hero. But all that was lost when he learned that his father no longer respected his late mother.
"Your mommy is gone. Don't drag her into this. Leave if you have nothing to do," Caspian shooed his son away, seeing Alaric as an interruption to his fun.
"Daddy kicked me out because of that shameless bitch?!" It broke Alaric's heart to see the woman he hated succeed in getting his father's attention.
"Why kick out Cassandra, who has more obvious uses? Go away, Al. I don't have time for childish talk," Caspian said, glaring at Alaric, warning him not to upset him anymore.
"You two are disgusting," Alaric snorted, while Cassandra smiled mockingly at him. With a burning anger, Alaric walked out of his father's room, slamming the door loudly.
***
After Alaric left, Cassandra tried to get off Caspian's lap. But Caspian wrapped his arm around her waist.
"You think our business is done?" he asked, his tone firm. "I've done my part very well. Now you must repay me for my services."
Cassandra paused, confused. "Oh my, didn't we just kiss?"
Caspian's sardonic smile broke out, an angry look on his face. "Who said I only wanted a kiss? Now lift your short skirt, Cass."
Hearing that command, Cassandra's heart skipped a beat. Fear mixed with attraction, making her hesitate. She looked up at him and saw a sharp glint in his eyes that sent shivers down her spine.
Was she really ready to continue playing this game? The tension between them grew, as if the surrounding space was shrinking.