Chapter 8 CASSANDRA Cassandra cant believe how she just melted in Emilios arms. She cant even look at him. Her dress is hiked up over her hips, and her belt is missing. She didnt even feel him take it off. She notices a few loose strands of hair framing her face. Touching her hair, she realizes her chignon has come undone.Perfect. She tugs her dress back down. She cant believe she acted like a hormone-crazed teenager. How mortifying. She lightly touches her swollen lips, and when she finally looks at Emilio, she sees a smug grin on his face. Shes tempted to slap it off, but he disappears through a door before she can. He comes back a few minutes later, looking all put together with his hair neatly combed. Do you still think you can work here after what just happened? he asks, standing right in front of her. Butterflies go wild in Cassandras stomach. His thumb brushes her bottom lip, and she shivers. Dont leave; we need to talk. Ill be back in fifteen minutes. Go and clean upthe restroom is through there. He points to his left, and as Cassandra follows his gesture, he kisses her again, gently biting her lip before pulling away. From now on, only I get to bite that lip. He leaves the office, leaving her wanting him even more. Cassandra collapses onto the couch, her knees weak with desire. Shes afraid she might fall over. Once shes calmed down, she heads to the bathroom and splashes cold water on her flushed face. She looks like a messall hot and bothered. She sighs and lets her hair down; shell have to redo it. Cassandra goes back into the office to put her dirty thong in her bag. Shell have to go commandoall thanks to Emiliano Rodriguez. She cant believe her body betrayed her like this. And now she cant even find a hair tie to put her hair back up. *** Are you ready? Emilio asks later. Ready for what? Cassandra replies. Im not going anywhere with you except back to my apartment. I sold it, he says simply. Why? she exclaims. Why would you do that? Where am I supposed to live after the DNA results? I already got the results, and its confirmed that Alex is my son. Ive been thinking, and Ive made a decision. Cassandra doesnt like where this is going. What does that mean? I need a wife, and you need a place to live. If you marry me, Ill take care of you and Alex. You wont have to work. Its a win-win. For who? I dont want to marry you, and I dont want to live with you. Youre crazy. I barely know you. That didnt stop you fifteen months agoor a few minutes ago. My son needs his father, and I plan to be there for him in every way. I cant do that if hes only with you. Cassandra runs a hand through her hair. You dont want to marry me, Emilio; Im not your type. What will people say? Theyll laugh at me. Your friends and family will laugh at me. No one will laugh at you while Im around, he says firmly. Ill be a good father and do my best to be a good husband… Ill embarrass you. Were worlds apart, Cassandra argues. You dont even love me, Emilio. I mean nothing to you. He gives her a scornful look. I dont believe in love and never will. Love is lust, and I can assure you, I wont disappoint you there. Cassandras cheeks turn red.Damn it! She scolds herself, ~This isnt the time for that.~ You dont have to marry me to be a good father to Alexander; Ill share custody with you. You dont have to pretend with me, Emilio. I understand youre shocked about finding out you have a six-month-old, but that doesnt mean you have to take such a drastic step. We barely know each other. That can be easily fixed, he says nonchalantly. Why are you doing this to me? Cassandra gives him a defeated look. What did I do to deserve this? Tell me. I dont owe you or anyone else an explanation for my actions. This is my life were talking about. Marriage is alifetime commitment. I think I deserve an answer for you taking away my life without even discussing it with me. Instead of answering, Emilio walks over to his desk and picks up the phone. Is it done, he says to the person on the other end. He hangs up, walks over to Cassandra, and takes her hand. He pulls a small box out of his pocket and opens it. A stunning, princess-cut ring with a diamond platinum band stares back at her. Cassandras throat tightens with unshed tears. Shes speechless as he slips the ring on her finger. I havent said yes, she whispers. Ill happily change your mind. This is wrong on so many levels. What if I fall in love with someone else? That wont happen. Ill keep you so busy, you wont have time to think about another man. Emilio leads her out of the office and to the elevator before she can respond. Finally, Cassandra manages, I forgot to put my hair up. Leave it be, he instructs. Youre more beautiful like this. And where exactly are we headed? she inquires. Im not a fan of being questioned. Well, I didnt plan on getting hitched, but here I am, engaged. The elevatordings open, and they step out into the bustling lobby. Emilio guides Cassandra down a corridor before halting in front of a door and holding it open. She pauses for a moment before stepping inside, surprised to find most of the banks staff already gathered in the conference room. Cassandra shoots a glance at Emilio, who wraps his arm securely around her waist and pulls her close. This will be quick, he starts. Miller and I are engaged, which is why shes no longer an employee here. Id appreciate it if you all kept her previous involvement here under wraps. Im sure you all recall the confidentiality agreement you signed when you joined the company. If any of you violate that agreement, there will be legal consequences. I trust Ive made myself clear. Cassandra is taken aback by Emilios sudden announcement. Some of the employees look shocked, while others exchange skeptical glances. Jake just looks let down. Once theyre back in the lobby and out of earshot of the employees, Cassandra says, Youre worried about the companys image if it gets out that the big boss is involved with his employeesthats why you held that impromptu meeting. What I said in there applies to you as well. And the boss, as you so crudely put it, isnot involved with any of his employeesdo you understand? As they exit the office building, both of them silent, it becomes apparent that the men who had approached Cassandra that morning are Emilios bodyguards. Theyre here to keep the press at bay. Outside, the camera flashes are so intense that Cassandra has to shield her eyes. Questions are hurled from every direction, but Emilio simply states that hell be issuing a press release later that evening. As they navigate their way to his car, he keeps his arm around Cassandra, and his bodyguards do an excellent job of forming a protective barrier around them. Regardless, the sight of Cassandra and Emilio together will undoubtedly be headline news by tomorrow morning. Once theyre safely in the car, Cassandra lets out the breath shes been holding. She turns to Emilio just as he asks, Wheres my son? At daycare, she replies softly. Good, that gives us time to pick out something for you to wear tonight. Im not really up for going out tonight. Well, its going to be a long night for you then. I wasnt asking. Emilios phone rings, and he answers, leaving Cassandra alone with her thoughts. 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. 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