CASSIE 18: Cunning Tactics
I found myself alone in the garden area for a moment of peace. Asher had excused himself to get me some food after ! asked what was being served.
The crowd and the dim, flickering lights inside the mansion were already messing with my head. Going back in would’ve only made it worse. So, I didn’t stop him.
“Cassie…”
It wasn’t Asher who came back.
I turned to find Mr. Berry approaching with a smile that made my skin crawl.
He’s a business associate in his late thirties, notorious for exploiting women. I had noticed how he looked at me during meetings, like he had imagined me without clothes. He was known for taking over model contracts by offering deals in exchange for sex.
He was known for how badly he treated women.
“All alone out here,” he said, moving closer. “Wouldn’t you prefer some company from a man who knows how to treat a woman?”
I resisted the urge to slap him for his blatant disrespect.
“How about using me to cheat on Asher?” he continued with a sleazy grin. “You get a wild night, hurt your fiancé, and find out how good it feels to be bad.”
“Did your brain fall into your balls?” I snapped, barely holding back my disgust.
Even if I ever did think about cheating, it sure as hell wouldn’t be with him. The guy practically smelled like expired cologne and pure ego.
His expression darkened. Offended. Dangerous. He stepped toward me, eyes narrowing dangerously.
“Mr. Berry!”
We both turned toward the firm voice. The family’s butler was walking toward us, and I felt relief at seeing someone I knew. “Mr. Berry,” the butler said calmly, “I believe it would be best if you rejoined the gathering inside and allowed Miss Cassie some privacy.”
The man bristled. “You think you can order me around? You’re just a butler!”
I straightened my posture. “Either leave now, or I’ll inform the Reids about your behavior toward me. I doubt either of us wants complications between our families.”
He clenched his jaw, leaning closer to whisper, “I’ll have you… eventually.”
He gave a hard kick to a decorative plant and stormed back toward the house. The butler and I stood quietly, watching until he was out of sight.
“Thank you,” I said to the butler, exhaling shakily. “That creep only gets invited because he happens to be a business partner.”
“About Mr. Berry…” the butler continued. He whispered something, sharing crucial information that made my face twist in disgust.
“Thank you for the warning,” I replied.
“These women are targeting you because they understand their place in Sir Asher’s life.”
I could see that. In the past, I would have quickly told Asher about these women, eager to clear my name and save our relationship. But things had changed. My trust in him was gone, and now I had to protect my reputation. No one else would do it for me but myself.
“It’s probably best not to be alone,” he advised. “We can’t be sure what could happen.”
I thanked him again and excused myself, walking toward the illuminated pool area. Several small groups of guests scattered around, absorbed in their own conversations. I placed my phone and clutch bag on one of the high–top tal momentarily relieved.
“Miss Cassie!” a feminine voice called out.
وف
When I turned, I found Rebecca. I carefully comp
“What brings you here?”
Successfully unlocked!
ing not to know she was carrying Asher’s child.
Rebecca’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “I’m here to claim my rightful place as Mrs. Asher Reid, of course.”
“What? No!” I feigned shock and exaggerated sadness.
CASSIE 18: Cunning Tactics
Before our conversation could go any further, I spotted Vanessa approaching with a tray of three bright blue cocktails. Instantly, my guard went up.
“Miss Cassie, Asher asked me to bring you this,” she said, placing the tray on the table. “I know we’ve had our differences these past few weeks, and I’m really sorry. Will you accept my apology?”
Vanessa was as calculating as ever.
“Good thing! I really needed a drink. Asher never mentioned Rebecca’s condition, I responded with equal insincerity. “How could he?”
“You know, women like us should stick together!” Vanessa said with a smile. “I’m really sorry, Miss Cassie…”
“Let’s make a toast!” Vanessa suggested eagerly.
Without missing a beat, I knocked Vanessa’s phone from the table’s edge.
“Oops! Sorry!” I exclaimed with exaggerated concern.
Both she and Rebecca quickly bent down to retrieve it.
In that brief moment when they were distracted, I quickly swapped my drink with Rebecca’s. Since she was pregnant, I knew her drink would be non–alcoholic and, more importantly, free from whatever Vanessa might have put in mine or hers. After finishing the drink, I allowed my posture to slacken slightly, feigning a wave of dizziness.
“Do you want to rest in my room first, Miss Cassie?” Rebecca suggested.
“No… I’ll use Asher’s bed instead.” I emphasized his name, watching their reactions closely. It worked just as I planned. “You can’t do that! That bed’s mine!” Vanessa snapped, clearly annoyed.
“What do you mean?” Rebecca shot back, clearly irritated.
“Shut up, both of you!” I snapped, my voice wavering just enough to sound convincing. “My head is throbbing. I think I might pass out any moment now.”
The two women hurried to help me into the mansion. We had nearly reached Rebecca’s room when Mr. Butler called Vanessa’s phone, interrupting them. He informed her that she had something to do for Asher.
“What did you put in the drink?” I asked Vanessa, feigning dizziness.
“A secret ingredient.” A smug smile flickered across her face. “Take care of her. I need to attend to Asher, and he might ask about Miss Cassie’s whereabouts.”
As soon as Rebecca opened her bedroom door, I put my plan into action. I collapsed onto her bed, feigning the sensation of almost passing out. Before she could react, I grabbed her and yanked her down beside me, holding her tightly so she couldn’t escape.
“You must stay,” I said, my voice low and demanding.
“No!” She gasped. “Oh my God, what’s happening to me?” She stumbled, her voice full of panic. “What’s wrong with me? What did you do?”
I pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, watching them lose focus.
”
“Are you scared now?” I asked, the act of being drunk slipping away. “You should be. This is what happens when you team up with someone like Vanessa.”
Rebecca struggled with her attempts to stand, failing as she slumped into unconsciousness.
I exhaled slowly, then left the room. I knew precisely where Asher’s bedroom was located, and despite everything, it still felt like the safest place for me in this house of betrayals.
To my surprise, real dizziness started to hit me as I walked down the corridor. It wasn’t fake anymore–no drugs, just my illness.
I reached into my bag and pulled out a medicine.
When I opened Asher’s bedroom door, the familiar scent of his space hit me.
On the bedside table, I saw a photo of me–one of those random, candid moments from university. My heart squeezed as I noticed something written on it:
“To my beloved Cassie, I will forever love you.”
Tears welled in my eyes as I stared at the photo. Deep down, I knew Asher truly loved me.
So why had he disrespected me like that? How could love and betrayal exist in the same heart?
