"What is it?"Cassie asked, pausing the spoon mid air, while Mark took this opportunity to take the spoon in his own hands and blow on the soup to make sure it was cold enough to eat and hot enough to enjoy the flavor of the soup.He fed it to her as he opened his mouth to complete his sentence. "We have to leave for Lancaster tomorrow-""Tomorrow? So suddenly!" The unknown fear of being judged by her in-laws grabbed Cassie in its grip.She had been fortunate to not go through this fear in the initial days of their marriage, while also being the witness of how badly her family had treated Mark in the first place.It was true that she had already met his family and they were all very loving and caring people, but still, she was frightened. Back then, she had met them as a guest, not the only daughter-in-law of such a prestigious family. Mark seemed to sense the fear Cassie was feeling at the moment, as he coaxed her gently. "Why are you getting nervous, there is nothing to be nervo
After Alex disconnected the call, he realized that Mark might have somehow saved himself from his wrath for skipping the party. But there was someone from whose wrath he had to save himself now! Because no matter how generous he was towards his best friend, his sister was never going to forgive him for the heart attack he might have given her, because of the surprise.Thinking this, he stepped towards her room, assuming that she was going to pop out the moment he knocked on the door.But when no reply came after three knocks, he became a little anxious and opened the door without any delay, fearing the ominous… Only to find his sister sleeping peacefully like a child.It is true that the person who thinks about others' happiness before their own, is blessed with the world's best sleeping rituals.Perhaps, the party and work has worn her out. He would talk to her tomorrow, and by talking he strictly meant that he would hear her scolding.This was when a message popped up on his scree
As per Mark's demands, everyone headed towards their own rooms, without discussing a single word about what had been said.After a few minutes, he entered his room, only to find Cassie sitting near the window that once used to be his favorite spot in the room, if not the whole mansion. He approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist as she looked up with hundreds of questions in her eyes.He softly kissed her temple and spoke up before she could ask him anything."You don't have to worry about anything, okay? Nobody can raise a single finger at you, as long as I am by your side."The words that Cassie had at the tip of her tongue remained there, as she nodded silently and sunk into his embrace. The scent of familiarity lingered- a blend of cologne, the comforting aroma of well-worn pages, and the subtle hint of Mark's presence, making her feel peaceful at last. ______The afternoon was progressing as per the plan.The party was going to start shortly, and despite the grand oc
Anthony looked at the baffled expression on Nina's face after hearing that he didn't care about how happily they were celebrating the news of their daughter- in- law being pregnant. Feeling quite pleased with her reaction, he gave a half- smile and spoke;"Nina! Let them celebrate, let them be distracted from all the matters of business for a while, as well as whatever else is going on right under their noses… and everything will be in our favor.""But you are the one who put everything regarding the aviation deal on pause!"Nina retorted the moment Anthony ended his sentence."Yes! And I will be the one to tell you when to initiate the proceedings; because right now, I am looking at something new. But leave that for now- tell me, has Connor reached the edge of desperation yet, where he is ready to do anything after knowing that his plan has failed miserably?"A smirk appeared on his face."Yes! He is going insane, I just got the news. But I am still not understanding, why are you
Alex took a total of twenty minutes to complete the entire story, starting the evening when he had dropped by at Mark's new villa, unannounced. Towards the end, Mark finally found the opportunity to add;"I know her grandmother, cousins and brother have always manipulated her, every single time. And this decision was also one of the results of that manipulation.But trust me grandpa, she is not a bad person. She also wants our kids, just as much as I, or anyone else in my family, wants them to come into this world."Maxwell was now forced to re- think his words. Because so far, it seemed like Marcus was right.He had been a really fair person to everyone in his life, and had always tried to think from the perception of everyone.Although he was also not sure why, but whenever it came to Marcus or his wife, he tended to become a little more strict and a little unfair too.After the story they had just narrated to him, it had already made him think that he needed to give Cassie one mor
On the four- poster bed in Mark's room, he and Cassie lay fast asleep in each other's peaceful embrace, while the room was dimly lit in the soft glow of the moonlight that was pouring in from the open window, along with a chilly breeze. The night had settled in, and the Rover estate was covered with a blanket of tranquility. Meanwhile, the couple was completely dead to the world as the events of the day, filled with melodrama, celebration and revelry, had finally taken their toll.Close to midnight, the silence of the bedroom was shattered by a series of loud, banging noises. The resounding knocks on the door were sharp and insistent, causing Mark and Cassie to be startled awake. Cassie stirred first, her eyes flickering open, and Mark followed suit as he lifted his arm and flicked on the bedside lamp to confirm the source of the sound. The knocks persisted, echoing through the room, and Mark, who was still groggy but slowly coming back to his senses, untangled himself from the she
Anthony, engrossed in slicing his steak into perfect squares, spared no glance for the newcomer, who stood near the door. Summoning his courage, Connor began to explain his situation. "Anthony, I am actually in a tight spot and need some financial help to-"Before Connor could finish his sentence, Anthony interrupted him with a dismissive wave of his hand without even lifting his gaze to look at his face. He casually reached into the pocket of his robe, pulled out a wad of cash, and tossed it in Connor's direction. The bills fluttered through the air, landing at Connor's feet."And remember, I don't always spend money on all my dogs if they won't remain loyal to me," Anthony remarked coldly, dismissing him without wasting a single moment. "You can leave now."Connor was left with no choice but to gather the money at his feet silently. The dismissive tone and Anthony's uninterested demeanor had humiliated him deeply, but for the first time in his life, he was in a position where h
Early the next morning, a flurry of activity enveloped the Rover Mansion as Mark and Cassie prepared to leave. The stone pathway stretched out before them, flanked on both sides by manicured lawns and towering trees. Lady Romera stood at the forefront, a mix of sadness and concern etched on her face, and Matthew by her side.Maxwell, the patriarch of the Rover family, stood a little distance away, observing the unfolding scene with his hands folded behind his back. Alex had decided to join Maxwell to not interrupt their departure, as their own conversation continued in hushed tones. While everyone was still waiting, Mariella Holmes marched out of the mansion without looking right or left. She slipped into the second car without so much as a glance from the others.Romera, her eyes reflecting a mother's concern, turned to Cassie. "You know, dear, it's not too late to change your mind. It would be so nice for you to stay a little longer even if Marcus wants to leave on his own."Cas