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.