Chapter 11 EMILIANO Emilianos uncle looks at him, concern etched on his face. Whats going on, Emiliano? Why are you so set on marrying this girl? Is she forcing your hand? Emiliano cant help but chuckle. Uncle, come on. Anyone whod dare to try that must have a death wish. You know I dont play by anyone elses rules. Thats exactly why Im confused. Your moms been nagging you to settle down for years, and now, out of nowhere, youre engaged. Dont give me that Im in love crap. Im your uncleI know you. You dont do anything without a reason. Whats the real story? Emiliano lets out a sigh. I have a son. His uncles eyes widen. What? Since when? Is she the mother? Yes, she is. His name is Alex, and hes six months old. Are you sure hes yours? Did you get a DNA test? Yes, Uncle, I did. Otherwise, I wouldnt be marrying her. He takes a sip of his drink. Where has she been all this time? Why didnt you mention her before? Why the secrecy? I only found out recently myself. So, why marry her? his uncle asks. Why not just share custody? She doesnt seem like the type to fight you on that. I have my reasons, Uncle, and theyre personal. Now, if were done with this conversation, I have a meeting to get to. Do you even know anything about her? Her family? Where shes from? I know enough. Just then, one of Emilianos business associates approaches. Luis, good to see you. John, we need to grab that drink you owe me, Emilianos uncle replies. Absolutely, just name the time and place. Emiliano, are you ready? Were waiting for you. Emiliano nods and follows John to their table. He glances over at Cassie, whos still chatting with Beth at the bar, and feels a sense of relief. CASSANDRA Why dont you and Emiliano join us for dinner downstairs after his meeting? Beth suggests to Cassandra. We wouldnt want to impose, Cassandra replies. Dont be silly. Youre about to be family. We should get to know each other. Perez comes over and wraps his arm around Beth. She gives him a warm smile. I was just inviting Cassandra to join us for dinner. Please do, he adds. And I wont take no for an answer. Okay, Cassandra agrees. Well be there. Emilio is deep in conversation with some men at the back of the room when they leave her alone at the bar, so she orders another drink. After a few minutes, a handsome man takes the seat next to her and orders a whiskey. Hi there, he says. Hello, she replies. Mind if I join you? Its a free country, she says. Whats a beautiful woman like you doing here all by herself? Im not alone. My fiancé is in a meeting. Jacks eyes flick to her left hand. How can he leave a beautiful woman like you alone? There are plenty of men here whod love to keep you company. Cassandra takes a sip of her wine. Well, theyre out of luck. Just my luck. I was hoping to get your number. She smiles at him. Im guessing youre not here alone either? If only I was as lucky as your fiancé. Then I wouldnt be alone. I find it hard to believe a good-looking guy like you doesnt have a girlfriend or a wife. All the beautiful ones are already taken, Jack replies, giving her a charming smile. Youre right, and shes mine, Emilio says, surprising Cassandra. He leans down to kiss her passionately. Ready for dinner, sweetheart? Are you finished? she asks, a little breathless. Wishing for more alone time? he whispers, glancing at Jack. No, I… Thanks for keeping my fiancé company, Emilio says to Jack. He pulls Cassandra off her stool. When they reach the hotel lobby, Emilio pushes her against the wall. Who was that guy? he demands. His face is hard, his tone icy. Nobody, Cassandra answers. Dont lie to me, Cassandra. She tries to move away, but hes got her cornered. Im not lying. I dont know him. He just came up to the bar and ordered a drink. We were just talkingwhy are you so upset? Dont, Emilio warns. Dont push me. I havent done anything wrong. Cassandra raises her voice. I can talk to whoever I want. Emilios face is so close their breaths mingle, but even though his eyes are filled with anger, she refuses to back down. Let me go, Emilio. No woman has ever made a fool of me. Dont even think about it. So, now I cant talk to anyone because you said so? The way you were smiling at himyou call that talking? Youre not making sense. Cassandra tries to pull away from him, but she barely moves before he whirls her back into his arms. Pressed against him, she can feel the solid strength of Emilios chest against her own. Im the one not making sense? Did you not see the way he was eyeing you? Like you were some kind of prize he wanted to claim? His gaze was practically glued to your chest. And youre any different? Why get all worked up when someone else looks at me the same way you do? Emilio mutters a curse under his breath, his grip on her tightening. Dont speak about things you dont understand. Im just stating the facts. You just want to sleep with me to show off that Emilio Rodriguez can get any woman he wantseven someone as insignificant as me. Then, when youre bored, youll toss me aside and move on to the next. Well, Im sorry, Mr. Rodriguez, but I dont think I can settle for such a shallow relationship. Even someone as insignificant as me has standards. Title: Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice (English-dubbed) Embark on a riveting journey with Misty, a fresh police academy graduate, as she fearlessly undertakes a perilous mission to infiltrate the enigmatic 'Divine Marriage' ritual in Florals Village. Disguised as a Florals Maiden, she plunges into the depths of the mysterious Florals Cave with secrets lurking at every turn. Immerse yourself in a tale of deception, vengeance, and intrigue as Misty navigates through the shadows of betrayal and unearths shocking truths that threaten to unravel her very existence. 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