VOWS OF VENGEANCE

Cold Reception

However, Ethan looked at the big house one last time before getting into his car. The thought of saying no to Cassandra Paige was all he could think about. But he was trapped, she was his boss and it was either he said yes or got sacked the following day. He was lost in thought as he drove back to his modest apartment.

Everything about Cassandra Paige’s world was different—polished, calculated, and cold. He wondered if he would ever fit into that life.

The next day, Ethan received a text from Cassandra. It was short and precise: “We’ll make the announcement tomorrow. Wear something appropriate. No arguments.”

Ethan sighed. He had agreed to this arrangement, but Cassandra’s tone already grated on him. She hadn’t bothered to ask if he was ready or comfortable. This wasn’t a partnership; it was a command.

He went through his closet, eventually settling on the best suit he owned. It was slightly outdated and worn, but it would have to do.

The next evening, Ethan found himself standing in front of a large hall, its entrance flanked by luxury cars and paparazzi snapping photos. He adjusted his tie nervously, feeling completely out of place. Cassandra arrived shortly after, stepping out of a sleek black car, her presence commanding attention. She didn’t look at him immediately, instead turning to smile for the cameras.

Finally, she approached him,” Don’t tell me you don’t have anything better than this to wear.”

Ethan looked at himself and back at Cassandra’s face. “ What is wrong with this?” He asked, staring at himself from up to down. Cassandra said no more. “You’ll walk in with me,” she said, her voice low but firm. “Smile. Say as little as possible. I’ll handle everything.”

Ethan nodded, swallowing his pride. The doors opened, and they entered the glittering hall together. The room was filled with people Ethan had only ever seen on TV—business magnates, politicians, and celebrities. He kept his head down, feeling like a fish out of water.

Cassandra’s parents were already inside, mingling with the guests. When they spotted Ethan, her mother raised an eyebrow, while her father gave a tight-lipped smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Ah, the fiancé,” her father said as they approached. “Ethan, isn’t it?” His tone was casual, but the underlying mockery was impossible to miss.

“Yes, sir,” Ethan replied, keeping his voice steady. Many people looked at the gaze between the both of them and wondered how Ethan’s supposed father-in-law didn’t know his name.

“Tell me, Ethan,” Cassandra’s mother cut in, her smile as sharp as her tone, “how does it feel to suddenly be part of such a… prestigious family?”

Ethan hesitated, looking at the cameras in front of him unsure of how to respond. Before he could say anything, Cassandra intervened. “Mother, let’s not overwhelm him,” she said lightly, though there was no warmth in her words. “Ethan’s adapting well.”

Her father chuckled. “Adapting, yes. It must be quite the adjustment for someone like him.”

The humiliation burned in Ethan’s chest, but he kept his expression neutral. He reminded himself why he was here—to save his family. Whatever insults they threw at him, he would endure them.

As the evening progressed, Ethan stayed close to Cassandra, though she barely acknowledged him. She moved through the crowd with ease, greeting guests and making conversation, while Ethan stood silently by her side.

At one point, a guest approached them—a tall man in an expensive suit with an air of arrogance. “Cassandra,” he said smoothly, ignoring Ethan entirely. “You’re full of surprises. I didn’t expect you to settle down so quickly.”

Cassandra gave a polite smile. “Well, you know how it is, Richard. Life takes unexpected turns.”

Richard glanced at Ethan, finally acknowledging his presence. “And this must be the lucky man. Ethan, was it? What do you do?”

Ethan hesitated. “I work for Paige’s family. I am a secretary.”

“A what?” Richard interrupted, with disbelief. He looked back at Cassandra who had her head bowed. It was the first day of their marriage and Ethan’s role as a secretary in the company was already tainting the family’s image.

” You must find all of this… overwhelming.” Richard said finally.

Ethan clenched his jaw, he told a quick glance at Cassandra’s gaze showed she didn’t care.

The conversation ended quickly, but the damage was done. Ethan felt like a fool, a man who meant very little in Cassandra’s world.

Later that night, as they drove home, Cassandra finally spoke. “You need to work on your composure,” she said, her tone sharp.

Ethan frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“You looked uncomfortable,” she said. “People notice that. If you’re going to be my husband, you need to act the part. No one can know this is fake.”

“I’m doing my best,” Ethan replied, frustration evident in his voice.

“Your best isn’t good enough,” Cassandra shot back. “This arrangement benefits both of us, but you’re making it harder than it needs to be.”

Ethan wanted to argue, to defend himself, but he held back. He had already learned that Cassandra wasn’t the type to listen. Besides, it was not ideal to talk back to her. She was his boss after all.

The next day, Ethan found himself sitting in Cassandra’s office. She had called him in to discuss the “rules” of their arrangement.

“There are a few things you need to understand,” she began, looking up from her seat. “First, you don’t make decisions without consulting me. Second, in public, you follow my lead. Third, and most importantly, you don’t embarrass me.”

Ethan nodded, though her words stung.

“Anything else?” he asked, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “Yes. Don’t get any ideas about this being anything more than a business deal. We’re not partners. We’re not equals. This is my world, and you’re here because I allowed it.”

Ethan clenched his fists under the table, but he forced himself to stay calm.

“Understood,” he said finally.

That evening, they attended another event—a fundraiser hosted by one of Cassandra’s family friends. The venue was even grander than the last, and Ethan felt the same sense of unease as they walked in. He was not used to being around the paparazzi that much.

There was no difference. It was the same as before, with Ethan standing silently beside Cassandra as she mingled with the guests. But this time, her parents took it a step further.

“Ethan,” her father said loudly, drawing the attention of nearby guests. “Tell us, what’s it like being married into wealth? Must be a dream come true.”

The guests laughed politely, but Ethan felt the sting of the words. Cassandra stood by, saying nothing.

Ethan forced a smile. “It’s certainly… different,” he said, keeping his tone neutral.

Her father smirked. “I’m sure it is.”

As the laughter died down, Ethan excused himself, stepping outside for a moment to breathe. The night air was cool, but it did little to calm him. He felt like a puppet, constantly pulled in different directions by people who saw him as nothing more than a joke.

When he returned to the hall, he caught a glimpse of Cassandra talking to Richard, the man from the previous event. They were laughing, their body language relaxed in a way he hadn’t seen with her before.

Ethan felt a slight jealousy. He reminded himself that this wasn’t real, that Cassandra’s life was none of his business. But the humiliation and frustration were hard to ignore.

As they left the event that night, Ethan couldn’t help but voice his frustration.

“Do you always let people humiliate me like that?” he asked, his tone sharper than he intended.

Cassandra glanced at him, her expression indifferent. “You agreed to this, remember? If you can’t handle it, that’s not my problem.”

Ethan shook his head, his patience wearing thin. “You could at least pretend to care.”

Cassandra’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t about caring, Ethan. This is about business. Don’t forget that.” She said and walked away leaving Ethan staring at her from behind.