"What do you think, Al?" Cassandra asked Al once again; the woman seemed impatient to hear Al Vino's decision.
Al was still silent, as if he were considering the offer given by Cassandra.
After thinking for a while, Al nodded in agreement. "Alright!" said Al.
Cassandra smiled with satisfaction. "Good. Now come with me to the mansion; there are some things we need to discuss before we go to the party," Cassandra said.
Once again, Al just nodded obediently to Cassandra's orders. Al thought that maybe this was a great opportunity for him.
Al confidently continued to follow Cassandra's steps toward her parked car.
Arriving at the mansion, Cassandra immediately took Al to her study.
Al could only stare in awe at the design of this room.
"Sit down, Al!" Cassandra ordered.
Hesitant, Al sat down on the soft sofa. He looked very tense.
"Al, I've been looking into you for a month now," Cassandra said in a serious tone. "In fact, I know everything, including your past and your family. I even know about Angela and Crish. One more thing: the diamond necklace left by your late mother," Cassandra added.
Al was wide-eyed after hearing that Cassandra had been finding out about his identity.
"What did you find out about me for, Miss Cassie?" Al asked curiously. "Now I'm just a poor, useless man. I have nothing left but my pride," Al added with a lopsided smile.
Cassandra shook her head. "No, Al. Don't look down on yourself; it's not nice. I found out about you because I felt sure you could help me," Cassandra said. "You know what? Up until now, Jerry has been a nuisance. I need someone I can rely on, and I believe you're the one."
A feeling of emotion rose in Al's heart, but he tried to hide it.
"So, where's the diamond necklace? I want to see it. Is it really mine?"
"Of course, the diamond necklace is yours. I paid more than ten times as much for it," Cassandra said.
Then, Cassandra called Joe, her assistant. The man Al had seen with Cassandra came in carrying a small box and documents.
"Wait... wait!" said Al then.
"Why, Al?" asked Cassandra.
"So he's your assistant, Miss Cassie?" asked Al, thinking that the man was the one Cassandra had paid to be her husband.
"Yes, Joe is my assistant. Why?" Cassandra's brow furrowed.
"Oh, no, no!" Al didn't want to talk about it.
So Joe handed Cassandra the small box and the documents.
Cassandra opened the small box. "Take a good look, Al. Is this your diamond necklace?" Cassandra said, taking the necklace from the box and placing it in front of Al.
Al took the diamond necklace, and sure enough, the necklace was really his.
"If you have any doubts, I'll show you this." Cassandra showed him a photo on her phone of the woman who bought the necklace a month ago. "Do you remember this woman, Al Vino Chandra?" she asked.
"Yes, I know her. And this necklace is mine," Al replied, not expecting the diamond necklace to be back in his possession.
"And here is the contract. You read and study it," Cassandra said later.
Hesitant, Al picked up the document. With trembling hands, he opened the document and began to read it carefully. As he read, curiosity and confusion were clearly depicted on his face. The contents of the contract were really shocking and nerve-wracking at the same time.
The contents of the contract were:
Al Vino Chandra must be willing to be Alessandria Cassandra Lee's husband, until Cassandra became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Cassandra only wanted a son to continue her business in the future, to inherit all her wealth.
If Al Vino Chandra agreed, then he would get the diamond necklace, and would even become a leader in one of Cassandra's companies. A mysterious company, no one even knows who owns it, so Al can easily claim it as his own.
And Al Vino Chandra had the right to touch Cassandra Lee even at Cassandra's request. And Al may not touch Cassandra without permission. If Al violated or tried to escape for personal gain, Cassandra would take Al to court, even to the point of threatening to kill him.
Al swallowed hard, trying to control his emotions and process all the information he had just received.
"So this is the deal she's talking about," Al muttered to himself, feeling that every decision he made now would determine his future. "This... this is horrible, but the benefits are also incredible. However, can I really trust this woman? What is the real purpose hiding behind this offer?" Al continued to wonder to himself.
"How about it, are you willing, Al?" asked Cassandra.
"But, if you give birth to a girl, what then?" asked Al.
"Yes, try again, Al! We'll try again until I have a male offspring," Cassandra replied. She smiled at Al, "I know this may be very difficult for you. But believe me, every man who comes near me just wants to control my wealth. I need someone I can trust completely, and I see that potential in you. So, what do you say, Al? Are you willing to take this contract? For a better future, or are you going to let this opportunity pass you by?" Cassandra asked as if putting pressure on Al.
Al was silent for a moment, thinking about all the things that had happened to him. He looked at Cassandra, a woman who looked so beautiful and even very smart and intelligent. Finally, he picked up the pen and signed the contract.
"I agree," Al said firmly.
Cassandra smiled with satisfaction and said, "Good. Now we are a couple," Cassandra said, and she and Al shook hands.
Since Angela and Crish's engagement party was tonight. So Cassandra had to change Al's appearance first.
"Joe!" called Cassandra.
"Yes, Miss Cassie.
"You get all of Al's things ready for tonight. I don't want to see Al looking rough at the party!" Cassandra ordered.
Joe nodded.
After Joe left, Cassandra breathed a sigh of relief. She was relieved now that she had found the man who would help her secure all her wealth.
"Miss Cassie," Al said suddenly.
Cassandra immediately turned to Al, "Yes, what's wrong?" she asked.
"I have serious doubts! Will they believe that I'm the owner of the company?" Al asked, he was really very doubtful.
"You just relax, Al! It can be arranged," Cassandra replied casually. Maybe she had prepared everything so that she was so confident in her words.
Not long after, Joe came with a stylist who was ready to change Al Vino's appearance.
And Al felt uncomfortable when the man introduced as Marco began to shave off his thin mustache and beard.
"You seriously have to shave everything?" Al complained, feeling uncomfortable. But beneath the anxiety, he was also curious about how he would look after this.
Marco smiled. "Trust me, you will look more attractive and handsome after this."
Al's hair was also trimmed and styled in a modern style that made Al look completely different.
When Marco had finished changing Al's appearance. Suddenly, Al almost didn't recognize himself in the mirror.
"Gosh, is this really my face?" Al thought. The face reflected in the mirror was far from his image of himself.
As Cassandra entered the room, she was stunned to see the final result of Al's appearance. "Wow, Young Master Al Vino Chandra, you are really handsome! Are you ready to prove that you are not a useless trash man?"
Al smiled confidently, "I'm ready!" he replied firmly. "I hope I can carry out this role well."
Cassandra smiled at Al's enthusiasm.
Al took Cassandra's hand in an affectionate manner.
They both stepped out to Angela and Crish's engagement party.
***
"Al, are you ready?" asked Cassandra once again.
Al and Cassandra had just arrived at Angela and Crish's engagement party. The two had just arrived at the front of the building.
Al caught his breath first, "I'm ready, Miss Cassie!" replied Al, he was getting nervous.
"You have to get used to calling me Cassie, not Miss Cassie, do you understand?"
"Oh yeah, now we're a couple. Okay, I understand, Cassie," Al replied with a sweet smile.
With confident steps, Al and Cassandra walked hand in hand lovingly forward into the building.
The party atmosphere that was originally lively was suddenly silent. All eyes were on Al and Cassandra, who looked so good together.
Angela who was holding a glass, dropped it when she saw Al so handsome holding a beautiful woman who turned out to be a CEO. She couldn't hide her surprise. "Al? No way! I must have seen it wrong! It can't be Al!" Angela whispered.
One of the waiters at the party quickly cleaned up the broken glass.
It wasn't just Angela who was surprised, so was Crish.
He knew Cassandra well. The beautiful CEO was once his client. In fact, Crish was one of Cassandra's former lovers.
Crish and Angela looked at each other. Then, both of them immediately approached, "Miss Cassie, aren't you mistaken? You're holding hands with a poor man who's just a construction worker?"
Cassandra smiled sarcastically. "Watch your language, Mr. Crish Edric. Who says this Al Vino is a construction worker? You don't know who he is, Mr. Crish?" Cassandra took Al's arm more intimately in front of Angela and Crish.
"He is my boyfriend, he is the owner of CAPTIVE COMPANY, he is YOUNG AL VINO CHANDRASEKHAR SMITH."
Crish leaned closer, his gaze full of mockery. "What? That's impossible! Haha... no way, Miss Cassie. He... this poor guy must have tricked you!" said Crish while shaking his head. "You must be joking, right? A famous CEO like you hooking up with... him?"
Angela added in a mocking tone, "How sad! Miss Alessandria Cassandra Lee, an educated woman could be fooled by this poor man! Just look at his appearance, even though he's been groomed, that poor, construction worker aura is still visible."
Another guest who overheard the conversation joined in the laughter. "That's really funny! A trashy guy like him claiming to be the owner of a big company? Has the world gone mad?"
Haha haha....
A female guest also joined in the mockery. "Miss Cassie, be careful. Who knows he's just looking to profit from your fortune and big name."
The laughter and ridicule grew louder, creating an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere. Al, who had been silent, clasped his hands firmly, holding back the anger boiling inside him. He almost stepped forward to confront Crish, but Cassandra gently restrained his hand.
"Let them insult and laugh at you, Al! They'll see for themselves who you really are!" Cassandra shouted calmly but firmly, her eyes fixed on Al with a serious look.
Al Vino could only hold himself together, trying to remain calm despite the anger and shame gnawing at him from within. On the other hand, Cassandra was still smiling coldly, her eyes keenly observing the people around her.Al grasped Cassandra's hand tighter, a sign that he was ready to face whatever was coming. Cassandra also felt Al's hand, and she grasped back tighter as a sign of support. Then, Cassandra took a step forward, drawing the attention of everyone at the party. "Well, if you all don't believe me, how about we prove it?" Cassandra said firmly. "You know how valuable this diamond necklace is, right?" Cassandra held up the diamond necklace Al Vino was wearing, displaying its mesmerizing sparkle.All the guests at the party immediately fell silent, their gazes riveted on the necklace held by Cassandra. The diamond necklace was one of the most famous and desired treasures by many collectors. Few people knew about the origin of the necklace, but they all knew that only very
Al held the steering wheel calmly, while Cassie sat next to him, staring out the window blankly. "How are you feeling now, Miss Cassie?" asked Al, trying to break the silence.Cassie smiled slightly, then nodded slowly. "Fine, just a little dizzy, but I'm fine," she replied, although in her heart she knew that the dizziness was more than just normal tiredness."If you're not feeling well, we can postpone the wedding today," Al suggested, a little worried about Cassie's condition."No," Cassie shook her head firmly. "I'm fine, Al. Besides, we're here." She pointed towards the registry building that was coming into view in front of them.Al was silent for a moment, looking at Cassie who looked so excited, probably because Cassie wanted to prove to her ex-fiancé that she already had a partner. "Alright, if that's what you want."Al and Cassie arrived at the registry building and walked in together. The room was small and simple, decorated with only a few flowers and chairs. The registra
Al sat by Cassie's bedside, holding her hand tightly. His face showed deep worry, while Cassie looked even weaker. Her body now looked fragile, but her spirit could still be seen from her eyes looking at Al. Perhaps this was one of Cassie's premonitions, she forced Al to become her pretend husband in order to protect her and save all the wealthy assets she had from irresponsible people, like her ex-fiancé. "Al, I can't go on like this. My body is getting weaker, and I know that I may not have much time left," Cassie said in a hoarse voice. Every word that came out of her mouth was heavy. Cassie was so sure that Al Vino Chandra was the right person."Don't talk like that, Cassie. You will recover. You're undergoing treatment, and I'm sure you'll recover," Al replied in a hopeful tone, even though he knew in his heart that Cassie was probably right.Cassie shook her head weakly. "Al, I have to be realistic. You know how I am. I can't take care of the company like I used to. I've thou
"Angela, what are you doing?" shouted Al Vino from a distance, having approached the table where Angela was sitting with another man. His hand was still holding the small box containing the diamond necklace.Angela, who was surprised to hear Al's voice, immediately stood up and looked at him with a confused expression on her face."Al, when did you go home? Why are you here?" she said with a trembling voice."I've been here long enough to see everything, Angela," Al said in a voice filled with emotion.Al had previously known that his girlfriend was a traitor. When Al was in Italy, he received a Facebook link from his best friend.When Al clicked on the link sent by his best friend, he immediately opened the Facebook page. He saw a video uploaded by an anonymous account.In the video, Angela is seen closing her eyes, enjoying the touch given by the man whose back is only visible.Al closed his eyes, catching his breath first."I came home for you, bringing this." Al opened the diamond
"I'll prove that I'm not a trash man, Angela!" Al whispered, standing in front of the mirror. He looked at himself in the reflection while adjusting his tie.Al Vino still hasn't accepted the humiliation he experienced yesterday from Angela and Crish. However, the more he was insulted, the more eager he became to prove that he could work in a big company, no longer being a construction worker."This diamond necklace is real, Angela, not fake. These diamonds are not the result of my hard work as a construction worker! This necklace was left to me by my mother. My late mother asked me to give this necklace to the right woman. And it turns out... you're not the right woman, Angela; you're a monster."Al clenched the hand that held the diamond necklace, then put it back in the jewelry box.He glanced at the business management degree certificate lying on the table. Today, he planned to change his fate.With steady steps, Al walked out to the bus stop. Today he planned to apply for a job a
Today is Al Vino's seventh day of looking for a job. He didn't give up even though every time he applied, all he got was a rejection.Even so, he will try to get a decent job so that he is no longer humiliated.Before leaving, Al checked the list of companies he was going to. One of them was a company owned by his college friend.Al thought that most likely, his friend would give him a job, considering that Al's relationship with his college friend was quite close."Jefri Sbastian, he will definitely help me," Al whispered; he was so sure of his words.Arriving at the company building, Al was very confident. He met the receptionist, and soon after, Al was invited into his room by Jefri."Hey, Al! Long time no see," Jefri greeted him with a big smile, although there was a slightly sardonic glint in his eye. "How are you? It's been a long time since we met.""My news is good, Jef. I came here to ask you for a favor. I wonder if you can get me a job in your company," Al said with a small
"Who are you?" The man turned to Al with a sharp gaze. "Don't ever interfere; this is my business with my future wife!" he snapped angrily."He's not a stranger!" the woman said after turning to Al. "He's my lover, my future husband!" she shouted sassily.Al was immediately dumbfounded when he heard the confession from the beautiful Chinese woman. Even the man who was her future husband was equally surprised."What do you mean, Alessandria Cassandra Lee?" the man asked. "I am your lover! I am your future husband! And today, we are getting married!" the man shouted.This debate was witnessed by Cassandra's extended family and the man named Jerry. Even friends and work relatives were also here because they were also chasing the bride who suddenly ran away.Cassandra took a deep breath; she smiled slyly at Jerry."Unfortunately, today I will only marry the man I love, and that man is not you, traitor!" Cassandra said.Jerry looked angry. "Cassandra, you're crazy! What drama have you crea
"Ah... never mind, I'd better go to Angela's house. I have to get that necklace," Al said.Al walked hurriedly; he decided to visit Angela's house.Al really regretted that he had rejected the offer from Alessandria Cassandra Lee, a CEO who turned out to have abundant wealth. Plus, Cassandra lives alone and already has no parents, like Al."If I accept Miss Cassie's offer, maybe I can.... " Al paused his steps for a moment, then he took a deep breath. "Ah... it's really embarrassing if I now come over there and agree to her request. Where is my pride as a man?" Al continued to mutter.Al arrived in front of Angela's house. Immediately, Al knocked on Angela's door."Angela!" Al shouted, "Open the door!" He banged roughly on the door.Soon, the door opened, and Angela appeared with a lazy smile. "Oh, it was you who knocked on the door, Al? Huh, you have no education. You have no manners at all. Why did you come to my house?" asked Angela sarcastically."Where's my necklace, Angela? I di
Al sat by Cassie's bedside, holding her hand tightly. His face showed deep worry, while Cassie looked even weaker. Her body now looked fragile, but her spirit could still be seen from her eyes looking at Al. Perhaps this was one of Cassie's premonitions, she forced Al to become her pretend husband in order to protect her and save all the wealthy assets she had from irresponsible people, like her ex-fiancé. "Al, I can't go on like this. My body is getting weaker, and I know that I may not have much time left," Cassie said in a hoarse voice. Every word that came out of her mouth was heavy. Cassie was so sure that Al Vino Chandra was the right person."Don't talk like that, Cassie. You will recover. You're undergoing treatment, and I'm sure you'll recover," Al replied in a hopeful tone, even though he knew in his heart that Cassie was probably right.Cassie shook her head weakly. "Al, I have to be realistic. You know how I am. I can't take care of the company like I used to. I've thou
Al held the steering wheel calmly, while Cassie sat next to him, staring out the window blankly. "How are you feeling now, Miss Cassie?" asked Al, trying to break the silence.Cassie smiled slightly, then nodded slowly. "Fine, just a little dizzy, but I'm fine," she replied, although in her heart she knew that the dizziness was more than just normal tiredness."If you're not feeling well, we can postpone the wedding today," Al suggested, a little worried about Cassie's condition."No," Cassie shook her head firmly. "I'm fine, Al. Besides, we're here." She pointed towards the registry building that was coming into view in front of them.Al was silent for a moment, looking at Cassie who looked so excited, probably because Cassie wanted to prove to her ex-fiancé that she already had a partner. "Alright, if that's what you want."Al and Cassie arrived at the registry building and walked in together. The room was small and simple, decorated with only a few flowers and chairs. The registra
Al Vino could only hold himself together, trying to remain calm despite the anger and shame gnawing at him from within. On the other hand, Cassandra was still smiling coldly, her eyes keenly observing the people around her.Al grasped Cassandra's hand tighter, a sign that he was ready to face whatever was coming. Cassandra also felt Al's hand, and she grasped back tighter as a sign of support. Then, Cassandra took a step forward, drawing the attention of everyone at the party. "Well, if you all don't believe me, how about we prove it?" Cassandra said firmly. "You know how valuable this diamond necklace is, right?" Cassandra held up the diamond necklace Al Vino was wearing, displaying its mesmerizing sparkle.All the guests at the party immediately fell silent, their gazes riveted on the necklace held by Cassandra. The diamond necklace was one of the most famous and desired treasures by many collectors. Few people knew about the origin of the necklace, but they all knew that only very
"What do you think, Al?" Cassandra asked Al once again; the woman seemed impatient to hear Al Vino's decision.Al was still silent, as if he were considering the offer given by Cassandra.After thinking for a while, Al nodded in agreement. "Alright!" said Al.Cassandra smiled with satisfaction. "Good. Now come with me to the mansion; there are some things we need to discuss before we go to the party," Cassandra said.Once again, Al just nodded obediently to Cassandra's orders. Al thought that maybe this was a great opportunity for him.Al confidently continued to follow Cassandra's steps toward her parked car.Arriving at the mansion, Cassandra immediately took Al to her study.Al could only stare in awe at the design of this room."Sit down, Al!" Cassandra ordered. Hesitant, Al sat down on the soft sofa. He looked very tense. "Al, I've been looking into you for a month now," Cassandra said in a serious tone. "In fact, I know everything, including your past and your family. I even k
Al swallowed hard, feeling that the opportunity he thought was in front of him was now gone. He decided to leave. He wasn't going to ask Cassandra for help."Opportunity doesn't come twice, Al," he whispered with a chuckle, laughing at himself."It hasn't even been a day yet, but it's already gone! I recognize," Al whispered.Al continued to walk; he began to feel that the world was no longer in his favor.After experiencing betrayal from his lover, he faced humiliation too. Even now, there is no company that wants to accept him. Only rejection is what he often gets."I've lost Angela, and I've lost a good opportunity with Miss Cassie. Now I've lost my mother's diamond necklace. This is so unfair to me!"Al ruffled his hair roughly. His steps were heavy, but he tried to stay firmly on his feet.Al returns to his small apartment, a place that was a silent witness to the relationship he had with Angela, which should not have happened before marriage.When Al has the money, he intends to
"Ah... never mind, I'd better go to Angela's house. I have to get that necklace," Al said.Al walked hurriedly; he decided to visit Angela's house.Al really regretted that he had rejected the offer from Alessandria Cassandra Lee, a CEO who turned out to have abundant wealth. Plus, Cassandra lives alone and already has no parents, like Al."If I accept Miss Cassie's offer, maybe I can.... " Al paused his steps for a moment, then he took a deep breath. "Ah... it's really embarrassing if I now come over there and agree to her request. Where is my pride as a man?" Al continued to mutter.Al arrived in front of Angela's house. Immediately, Al knocked on Angela's door."Angela!" Al shouted, "Open the door!" He banged roughly on the door.Soon, the door opened, and Angela appeared with a lazy smile. "Oh, it was you who knocked on the door, Al? Huh, you have no education. You have no manners at all. Why did you come to my house?" asked Angela sarcastically."Where's my necklace, Angela? I di
"Who are you?" The man turned to Al with a sharp gaze. "Don't ever interfere; this is my business with my future wife!" he snapped angrily."He's not a stranger!" the woman said after turning to Al. "He's my lover, my future husband!" she shouted sassily.Al was immediately dumbfounded when he heard the confession from the beautiful Chinese woman. Even the man who was her future husband was equally surprised."What do you mean, Alessandria Cassandra Lee?" the man asked. "I am your lover! I am your future husband! And today, we are getting married!" the man shouted.This debate was witnessed by Cassandra's extended family and the man named Jerry. Even friends and work relatives were also here because they were also chasing the bride who suddenly ran away.Cassandra took a deep breath; she smiled slyly at Jerry."Unfortunately, today I will only marry the man I love, and that man is not you, traitor!" Cassandra said.Jerry looked angry. "Cassandra, you're crazy! What drama have you crea
Today is Al Vino's seventh day of looking for a job. He didn't give up even though every time he applied, all he got was a rejection.Even so, he will try to get a decent job so that he is no longer humiliated.Before leaving, Al checked the list of companies he was going to. One of them was a company owned by his college friend.Al thought that most likely, his friend would give him a job, considering that Al's relationship with his college friend was quite close."Jefri Sbastian, he will definitely help me," Al whispered; he was so sure of his words.Arriving at the company building, Al was very confident. He met the receptionist, and soon after, Al was invited into his room by Jefri."Hey, Al! Long time no see," Jefri greeted him with a big smile, although there was a slightly sardonic glint in his eye. "How are you? It's been a long time since we met.""My news is good, Jef. I came here to ask you for a favor. I wonder if you can get me a job in your company," Al said with a small
"I'll prove that I'm not a trash man, Angela!" Al whispered, standing in front of the mirror. He looked at himself in the reflection while adjusting his tie.Al Vino still hasn't accepted the humiliation he experienced yesterday from Angela and Crish. However, the more he was insulted, the more eager he became to prove that he could work in a big company, no longer being a construction worker."This diamond necklace is real, Angela, not fake. These diamonds are not the result of my hard work as a construction worker! This necklace was left to me by my mother. My late mother asked me to give this necklace to the right woman. And it turns out... you're not the right woman, Angela; you're a monster."Al clenched the hand that held the diamond necklace, then put it back in the jewelry box.He glanced at the business management degree certificate lying on the table. Today, he planned to change his fate.With steady steps, Al walked out to the bus stop. Today he planned to apply for a job a