Chapter 18 Tamia had already pulled Anastasia from the reflecting pool , water streaming from her designer gown . She immediately wrapped her blazer around Anastasia's shivering form . Fortunately , Tamia had worn a pantsuit to her business meetings earlier - she still had a blouse underneath . Since the suit was custom - tailored with a unique design , it looked perfectly appropriate for the gala setting . Jasper held Valeria protectively , his face dark as he shot Anastasia an accusatory look . " What the hell , Ana ? You could have seriously hurt her ! " Hearing his words , white - hot rage flooded through Anastasia . She stared at him with ice - cold contempt . " Are you fucking blind , Jasper ? She's the one who dragged me into the water , and now somehow it's my fault ? " The gathering crowd began whispering among themselves , many giving Anastasia judgmental looks , assuming she'd acted out of jealousy . Valeria caught the shift in public opinion , satisfaction flashing in her eyes before she quickly replaced it with wounded innocence . ' Jasper , please don't blame Ana , " she whispered through fake tears . " This is all my fault . I shouldn't have made her angry … ' Yes , she'd done it completely on purpose ! in front of all these influential people , she'd wanted to humiliate Anastasia publicly . ramia exploded with fury , pointing an accusing finger . " Cut the victim act , Valeria ! Everyone saw you yank Ana into that pool , and now you're playing innocent ? You're absolutely shameless ! " Valeria recoiled dramatically , clinging to Jasper's sleeve with trembling hands . " I didn't … I would 16:49 Dumped Today Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 12.19 Chapter 18 never … How can you say such horrible things about me ? " asper's expression turned even darker . He pulled Valeria closer protectively , shooting Tamia a withering glare . " Watch your mouth . Valeria loesn't deserve to be attacked like this . " ' Oh , fuck off ! You're both trash ! " Tamia was practically vibrating with indignation . ust as Jasper opened his mouth to respond , Valeria tugged on his arm . ' It's okay , Jasper . Don't make this worse . I'm fine , but Ana really seems to hate me … " Her performance was absolutely flawless - wounded , forgiving , completely innocent . Suddenly , Anastasia grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing waiter and threw it directly in Valeria's face . The wine hit with a satisfying splash , cutting off Valeria's fake tears instantly . Her shock was genuine this time , wine dripping down her carefully contoured cheeks . That fucking bitch ! How dare she ! Anastasia's voice was deadly calm , laced with dark satisfaction . " Since you want to play the victim so badly , now you actually have something to cry about . I threw that wine - I own that completely . " With that , she grabbed Tamia's arm and walked away with her head held high . The remaining crowd looked at Valeria with newfound skepticism . One woman had remained composed and direct , while the other was clearly performing . It wasn't hard to figure out who was really behind the drama . ' Jasper … " Valeria's voice trembled as she looked up at him with wounded eyes . " I'm so cold , and my head is spinning . " She was absolutely seething at Anastasia , but she had to maintain her helpless act . 16:49 Dumped Today . Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 12 . Chapter 18 Jasper watched Anastasia's retreating figure with unexpected irritation churning in his chest . He looked down at the shivering woman in his arms . " Let me take you to the hospital to get checked out . " Valeria could only nod weakly . " Okay . " Despite being soaked and cold , Anastasia felt strangely peaceful inside . Walking out of the museum into the cool night air , she took a deep breath , feeling the weight of three years finally lifting from her shoulders . " Anastasia . " A deep , familiar voice called from behind her . She turned to see a tall figure approaching through the shadows . He wore an impeccably tailored black tuxedo , his face austere and commanding , eyes that seemed to see straight through to her soul . Cassian . Her heart immediately started racing . She hadn't expected to see him while looking like a drowned cat . ' " Cassian . " She managed a small smile , trying to keep her voice steady . Tamia's eyes went wide as saucers . Wait - this was the legendary Cassian Rhodes ? The most powerful man in Manhattan ? And he knew Ana personally ? This was beyond mind - blowing ! 16:49 Dumped Today . Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 1249 Chapter 18 Before Tamia could process what was happening , Cassian had crossed the distance between them . He took Anastasia's hands in his , his brow furrowed with concern . " What happened ? Why are you soaking wet ? " Anastasia knew he'd find out anyway - the man had resources everywhere . " Just a small … incident . " Tamia jumped in indignantly . " Incident , my ass ! That psycho Valeria deliberately dragged her into the pool ! " Cassian's expression turned dangerous . Someone had actually dared to hurt his wife ? They clearly had a death wish . Anastasia didn't want their relationship public yet - too many complications still to resolve . " It's fine . I handled it . Actually gave her something real to cry about . " She quickly changed the subject . " Cassian , this is my best friend Tamia . " " Tamia , meet Cassian . " " Ms. Summer , pleasure to meet you , " Cassian said with perfect politeness . Tamia was practically speechless . The man before her was absolutely devastating - sharp cheekbones , intense eyes , and an aura of controlled power that was both terrifying and magnetic . When the hell had Ana met this god among men ? She was definitely demanding a full interrogation later . ' Mr. Rhodes , the pleasure's all mine ! " Cassian nodded briefly before turning back to Anastasia . " Let's go home . " 16:49 ០ Dumped Today , Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 12.59 Chapter 18 Anastasia blinked in surprise . " Aren't you supposed to be networking at the gala ? " His gaze dropped to her wet dress , voice gentle but brooking no argument . " Not anymore . You need to get out of those wet clothes . " Anastasia looked down at her bedraggled state . " You're right . Let's go . " Tamia listened to this exchange with her jaw practically on the floor . She grabbed Anastasia's sleeve , whispering urgently , " Ana , what the hell is going on ? You two sound like … like you're together or something! " Anastasia's face flushed with embarrassment as she tried to figure out how to explain . But Cassian beat her to it . " Ms. Summer , Anastasia is my wife . " " WHAT ? WIFE ?! " Tamia's voice cracked with shock . " Since when are you MARRIED ?! " Anastasia hadn't expected Cassian to be so direct about their relationship , her cheeks burning bright red . Tamia finally recovered from her shock , smacking Anastasia's shoulder playfully . " Girl , you've been holding out on me ! How could you not tell your best friend you married Manhattan royalty ?! " " We're keeping it quiet for now , " Anastasia said sheepishly . " I still have to deal with the whole J & A situation . " Tamia immediately mimed zipping her lips . " Ms. Summer , can we give you a ride home ? " Cassian offered , clearly noting how close she and Anastasia were . " No thanks , I drove myself , " Tamia replied quickly . As Anastasia walked away with Cassian , Tamia watched them go with pure admiration . They looked absolutely perfect together - like something out of a fairy tale . 16:49