Chapter 35- Kassia wave pov
Kassia sat stiffly in the back seat, arms folded tightly across her chest as the car pulled away from the restaurant. The tension between her and Cain was palpable—silent, but alive, thrumming in the air like a storm on the brink of eruption.
"You can't just decide things without even talking to me first," she snapped, her voice slicing through the thick silence.
Cain didn't turn. His gaze remained fixed on the passing city lights outside the window, his jaw set. "I just did."
"You think dragging me in front of your entire family, announcing a wedding date like I'm some pawn in your corporate scheme, is normal?" Her voice rose with disbelief, edged with fury. "Who the hell do you think you are?"
Cain finally turned his head, his dark eyes meeting hers—unbothered, cold. "I'm Cain Mysia. I make decisions. You follow them."
Kassia scoffed, turning away. Her hands trembled in her lap. "You're insane if you think I'm marrying you next week like some obedient pet. I don't care who you are."
"You will marry me," Cain said, his voice low and firm. "Not because I asked, but because you owe me. Your sister's medical bills. Your safety. Your reputation. Every piece of it is tied to me now."
"You think I'm afraid of you?" she hissed. "You think I can't survive without your money or influence? You've always underestimated me."
Cain leaned closer, his tone a menacing whisper. "You're not scared of me? Are you sure, Kassia?"
He whispered the last part directly into her ear.
Her hand moved on instinct, slapping him across the face before she could think.
The sound cracked through the car like a gunshot.
Cain didn't flinch. He stared at her, his expression unreadable, a red mark blooming on his cheek.
"Are you finished?" he asked, his voice chillingly calm.
Kassia's chest heaved. Her eyes were glassy with a mix of rage and defiance. "You're disgusting."
"And yet here you are," he said, straightening his suit jacket. "In my car. On your way to becoming my wife."
"I'm not doing this for you," she said, her voice trembling, but steady. "I'm doing this because of what you did for Chicago. But don't confuse obligation with affection."
Cain gave a dry, humorless chuckle. "Affection? I don't need affection, Kassia. I need obedience. Cooperation. We don't have to like each other—we just have to look convincing."
"Then find someone else," she snapped.
"I already did. And unfortunately for both of us, she's sitting right next to me."
The rest of the drive was silent. The air between them simmered with unresolved tension. Kassia stared out the window, her thoughts racing, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress. Cain remained expressionless, as though the confrontation hadn't touched him at all.
But the red mark on his cheek still burned.
When the car finally pulled to a stop, Cain stepped out first, flanked by his bodyguard. Kassia followed reluctantly, her heels clicking against the gravel.
What the hell are we doing here now? she muttered under her breath as she surveyed the area.
The construction site stretched before them—scaffolding, workers, and a structure still taking shape. Cain led her forward, confident, unbothered by the dust or the stares.
"This will be our new house," he said, finally turning to face her. "After we get married."
Kassia blinked. "What?"
"We can't live in the family house. We need to show the public that we're building a home—creating memories," Cain continued smoothly, as if her opinion was a minor detail.
"I don't want to live with you," Kassia said, folding her arms. "We can attend events together, pretend for the cameras—but that's it."
"No. We live together. As a family. With Chicago," Cain replied.
"What about my school? I planned on staying in the dorms."
"No wife of mine is going to share a pothole-ridden shoebox with strangers," Cain said flatly.
He took a step closer. "There are rules now that we're engaged—and soon to be married."
Kassia narrowed her eyes. "Rules?"
"Yes," Cain said. "You are not to flirt with or be romantic toward anyone during our marriage. You are to act like you love me during public appearances. You will obey everything I say."
"I'm not a dog, Cain," she cut in sharply.
He rounded on her. "Shut your mouth. I wasn't finished."
She froze, her jaw tightening, fury bubbling behind her silence.
"We'll be married for six years. After that, we'll get divorced," Cain said, his voice colder now. "But during those six years, I expect nothing but faithfulness from you."
"Six years is a long time," she whispered, looking away. "And what about my needs? What if I want something else later?"
Cain reached out and held her face firmly between his fingers, forcing her to look at him.
"You'll figure it out when the time comes. While you're bound to me, you stay faithful. That's non-negotiable."
He released her face, then turned sharply. "Robbin will drive you home."
And without waiting for her response, Cain walked away, leaving her standing alone at the construction site, the framework of their so-called future looming behind her.
------------------
Thanks for reading
Xoxo
CC