CASSIE 6: Mysterious Stranger
“Boss!” The unexpected entrance of a group of men startled me into immediate alertness
In a panic, I grabbed whatever objects were within reach and hurled them toward the intruders
“Who are you people?! Did you kidnap me?! Help!” I screamed though I knew my cries were pointless, no one would hear me, especially from the top floor of this building
Then my gaze landed on my Grace Kelly bag, abandoned carelessly on the floor. It was getting scuffed by the heels of my shoes. My heart constricted at the sight of my precious possessions treated with such disregard
I let out a sob, rushing toward them as though I were mourning a lost loved one. hugging it tightly to my chest.
The men stood frozen in astonishment. They exchanged confused looks, their eyes drifting to the man who looked as if demons themselves had sent him
“All of you leave! Now!” he commanded, pinching the bridge of his nose in evident
frustration.
“No!” objected forcefully, causing the retreating men to pause. “I want answers! Who threw my bag and shoes on the floor?” I pointed accusingly at the dented mark on my
Kelly bag
“Who made this mark? I want to know!” I said, my anger growing.
Then, I began explaining, “Do you have any idea how much goes into making these bags? They’re hand–stitched by a skilled artisan, made from exotic leather, with gold hardware–and this isn’t just any Kelly! This is a limited edition that I specially ordered! I worked hard to get this, and I deserve an explanation!”
They pushed one unfortunate man forward to face my wrath in response to my impassioned outburst
“Miss Monroe, I swear I didn’t do anything! I had no idea it was valuable”
The frightened man glanced desperately toward the imposing figure I’d first encountered in the room, who had gotten off the bed. And now, he looked irritated.
“Boss, please, let me explain! It’s not my fault!”
‘So, he’s the boss?‘
“I said, leave now!” His voice thundered with unmistakable authority
A chill ran through me as the dangerous edge in his tone seemed to penetrate my very skin. He turned to me. “And you, woman, stop crying unless you want me to throw you out of this building! And I fucking mean it if you continue to test my patience!”
Everyone scrambled to leave. Terrified, I forced myself to stand, forcing back my tears
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CASSIE 6: Mysterious Stranger
through sheer willpower.
‘Survival first. Tears could wait!‘
I rushed toward the door, attempting to follow the retreating group. But they slammed it shut before I could escape, as though sacrificing me to some malevolent force.
I twisted the handle desperately, but the man’s voice stopped me. “Did I instruct you to leave?”
Swallowing hard, I slowly turned to face him.
“You said ‘all‘ must leave…” I countered.
He advanced toward me until my back was pressed against the wall, and I felt as though it was closing in on me, ready to swallow me whole. His towering presence loomed over me like a predator closing in on its prey. But I flinched when his palm pressed against my forehead.
It was then that I noticed my clothing had been changed, replaced by an oversized shirt that clearly belonged to him. My blood ran cold.
I slapped him, my scream tearing from my throat.
Minutes later, the truth finally settled in as we sat at a long dining table across from each other. Through the floor–to–ceiling windows, I could see The London Eye and Big Ben in the distance, confirming I was still in London–probably in one of the city’s most luxurious penthouses, given the stunning view.
His name is Ronan Carter.
“You lost consciousness last night, and I was the one who helped you,” he explained.” The female doctor helped you change your dress. So, if you think I took advantage of you, think again. I have no interest in unconscious women; I prefer my partners fully engaged and participatory, not paralyzed.”
His words hit me hard, each one a sharp rebuke. Despite sitting at the far end of the polished table, his intense gaze and biting remarks felt like they were aimed directly at me, cutting like a blade.
‘Cassie, it’s your fault. You hurt him!‘ I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes, the memory of my impulsive slap still fresh and mortifying.
“You hit a corner during the gathering, then ran a fever for some reason,” he continued, his tone darkening. “I called a doctor to check on you. Instead of expressing gratitude,
assaulted me. Is that how you repay a favor, Miss Monroe?”
you
I swallowed hard, guilt washing over me. A wave of emotions hit me all at once. Did he discover my illness? But from the look on his face, he seemed unaware–maybe the family doctor he called had only performed a standard examination.
“Anyone would be defensive waking up in an unfamiliar place, next to a stranger, and
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CASSIE 6: Mysterious Stranger
wearing someone else’s clothes!” I muttered. “By the way, did anyone attempt to
contact me while I was unconscious?”
“You mean Asher Reid?” he asked directly.
The name emerged from his lips like something distasteful.
“You know him?”
“He’s… a business rival.”
“I wasn’t referring to him specifically,” I clarified, shaking my head. “I meant my parents, my brother… or maybe a friend?” I added, trying to brush it off. Many people love me, not just Asher.
I don’t want to rely on that man anymore. Continuing to depend on Asher would eventually destroy me. I was never truly his priority, a truth I could no longer ignore.
The man was about to say something, but one of his staff approached, holding my phone, which was ringing incessantly.
“Boss, sorry to interrupt, but this is the third time Miss Monroe’s phone has been ringing…” he said. The attendant turned to me, extending the phone with Asher’s image illuminated on the screen.
I accepted the call, conscious of the disturbance it was causing. Moreover, I could feel Ronan’s frown digging into me.
“Hello?” I answered, my voice intentionally low.
“Cassie, where the hell are you?” Asher’s voice crackled through the speaker, filled with frustration. “I’m running out of patience. If this is just another one of your tantrums, I don’t have time for it. I’m fucking exhausted!”
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