Chapter 9 CASSANDRA Emilios idea of a gift for tonight turns out to be an entire new wardrobe. Every piece they pick out is set to be delivered straight to his penthouse. When Cassandra questions why she needs so many clothes and shoes, he simply shrugs. Youll need to look the part of Emiliano Rodriguezs wife, which means standing out from the crowd…but I know that wont be a problem for you. He brushes a hand through her hair, adding, Your hair sets you apart. Its striking. My wife will only have the bestIll make sure of it. For some reason, Cassandra gets the feeling hes not just talking about the clothes. The day passes in a blur, but as they head back to the penthouse after picking up Alex, Emilio drops another surprise. The wedding will be in Spain in a week. Itll be a small, private ceremonyjust close friends and family. Is there anyone you want to invite? Cassandra has no family or friends, except for Gwen. Who would she invite? No. Why Spain? My mother cant travel this far for the wedding because of her health. Plus, I grew up in Spain… Didnt your internet search tell you that? Cassandra blushes. It didnt say much about your family history, just how you started your business and how successful youve become. And that he was Spanish, but she decides not to mention that. What about Alex? she asks. What about him? What will you say when people ask about him? Therell definitely be questions about his birth. Well release a full statement after the wedding. Ill handle everything. You just focus on taking care of him. Thats what Ive been doing for the past six months, Cassandra says. Does your mother know why were getting married? No. And I trust you wont say anything, he warns. So, were going to pretend to be a happy, in-love couple thats over the moon about our son? If thats what it takes, then yes. Im telling you now, you will not discuss our personal matters with anyone, especially my mother. She doesnt need any stress right now. Cassandra can tell from his tone that his mother means a lot to him. He wont take it lightly if anyone upsets her. Emilios face softens when he looks at Alex. Its clear he loves him, and that makes Cassandra think shes made the right choice by agreeing to his marriage proposal. He deserves to be in Alexs life; its his right as a father. Plus, Cassandra doesnt want her son to grow up hating her for keeping him from his father. Shes doing the right thingnot for herself but for Alex. Shell do anything for him: go anywhere, sacrifice her own happiness. Theres nothing she wont do for him. Later, as shes preparing Alexs bottle for the night, Emiliano walks into the kitchen looking dashing in his black casual suit, white shirt, and black shoes. His jet-black hair is neatly slicked back, and his jaw is clean shaven. He is yummy indeed. All of Cassandras senses are drawn to him, but she forces herself to focus and finish making the bottles before the sitter arrives in ten minutes. Then she needs to go and get dressed. Emilio looks her over. Youre not ready yet? I will be, she answers. Im just preparing Alexs bottles for the night. This will be our first public appearance together, you know. Yes, I do. I dont like being late. Cassandra meets Emilios dark, intense eyes. How could I forget when I almost lost my job over it? Go and get ready, Cassie. EMILIANO Emilianos mother was overjoyed when he told her over the phone that her only son was getting married. She was thrilled that she would live to see it, and he wont let anyone spoil the occasion for her. His mothers wellbeing is more important to him than his own. Finding out he has a son was a blessing, and being attracted to the mother is just the cherry on top. Emilianos gaze lands on his son sleeping peacefully next to him in the brand-new car seat that he bought for him. He fell asleep in the car on the way home, and they decided not to disturb him by taking him out. Emiliano hasnt told his mother about Alex yet, but he knows shell be even more thrilled once she meets him. He reaches out and gently strokes his sons chubby cheek. This is his son…his blood…his heir, and he cant wait to spend time alone with him. Ten minutes later, Emilio looks up from his phone to find that Cassie has rejoined him in the living room. Shes made good use of all the makeup Emiliano bought for her, creating a classy bronze-gold smokey eye that highlights the green in her eyes. Catlike eyeliner and nude lipstick complete the look. Tonight, Cassie is wearing a wine-colored V-neck dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a side split. Shes paired it with gold heels and a matching evening purse. Emiliano is taken aback. Shes breathtaking… No, breathtaking doesnt do her justice. He cant tear his eyes away from her. Does she even realize how sexy she is? The men tonight wont be able to keep their eyes off her. Emilianos arousal stirs, a testament to the long night ahead. Not just for her, but for him too.God help me! Shes going to drive him insane with her beauty and seductive curves. Cassies dress clings to her breasts, revealing the absence of a bra. Emilianos hands ache to touch them, to feel their softness, to suck them until they harden into peaks. He draws in a sharp breath and mutters a curse. He was so close to having her, and now hes tormenting himself with images of her naked. Cassies voice breaks through his lust-filled thoughts. Whats wrong now? Nothing, Emiliano retorts. Just then, José enters, trailed by a woman. He whispers something in Emilianos ear before exiting. Good evening, the woman greets. This is Annie, Emiliano introduces to Cassie. Shell be taking care of Alex while were out. He turns to Annie. Call us immediately if anything goes wrong. Annie nods in understanding. Ready? Emiliano asks Cassie, offering his hand. Cassie hesitates, but not wanting to appear rude in front of their guest, she places her hand in his. A spark of electricity shoots through Emiliano at the contact. Once theyre in the car and on the road, Cassie voices her concern. Im not really comfortable leaving Alex with a stranger, you know. Emiliano gives her a sympathetic glance. He understands her worries, given shes been with Alex since his birth, but his career and social standing will necessitate frequent outings, so shell need to adaptno matter how difficult. Well be attending a lot of social events, so start getting used to it. I didnt sign up for this, Emiliano. What exactly did you think being my wife would involve? I can assure you, its not just staying at home. Youll be at my side whenever I need you, fulfilling your wifely duties as a good wife should. Cassie laughs. Oh, and Im sure youll fulfill your duties as my husband. Every single one of them, including making you writhe beneath me, begging me to take you. Emiliano watches as Cassies face flushes and her pulse quickens. Its…its a good thing that will never happen, she stammers. Were only getting married for Alexs sakethats it. Emiliano reaches over and caresses her cheek. Even you dont believe that. I can see you want me too. 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. With themes of secrecy, retribution, and dramatic revelations interwoven seamlessly, "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" captivates with its modern twist on traditional narratives. Explore the depths of Misty's character as she grapples with dual identities and faces moral dilemmas that challenge her convictions. Witness the unfolding drama against the backdrop of a clandestine world where nothing is as it seems, keeping you on edge with each unexpected revelation. Dive into this ongoing saga that sets itself apart with its intricate plot intricacies and complex character dynamics. Discover what makes "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" a compelling must-read for fans of modern dramas infused with elements of mystery and suspense. For those seeking an immersive experience, "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" awaits your exploration at CrushReel for an unforgettable literary adventure.