Page 27 of Vows of Deceit
“She’s up to something,” Kelly said.
He didn’t turn. “She’s always up to something. That’s Cassie.”
“No,” Kelly pressed. “This feels different. Bigger.”
Damien rubbed his temple. “You’re just paranoid.”
“I know her,” Kelly hissed. “She’s acting too calm. Too sweet. She doesn’t even look at me like she used to.”
“Maybe she’s moved on.”
Kelly scoffed. “No. She’s planning something. I can feel it.”
Damien finally turned. “And what do you want me to do about it?”
“Find out what it is.”
He sighed. “Maybe you’re the one who's slipping.”
Her jaw tightened. “If she embarrasses us in front of the press—”
“She won’t,” he said, cutting her off. “Cassie doesn’t air dirty laundry. She’s too classy for that.”
Kelly gave a dry laugh. “You’ve underestimated her before.”
He didn’t respond.
Later that night, Cassie met Harper and Delia in the hotel bar. The mood was quiet but electric.
“It’s all coming together,” Harper said.
“The guest list is finished,” Cassie added. “And the seating chart is strategic. Kelly will be beside Elaine. Damien across from me.”
Delia leaned in. “And Leo?”
Cassie smiled. “He’ll be right where he needs to be.”
They clinked glasses. The storm was brewing and every invitation sealed its inevitability.
Chapter Twenty
The Last Touch
Jared paced across the hotel’s PR suite like a man possessed, fingers flicking through pages of concept designs, staging plans, and media pitches. Cassie sat beside a digital monitor, arms folded, watching as her trusted friend polished the finishing touches on what he called “the most watched event of the year.”
And it wasn’t even the wedding.
“This,” Jared said, holding up a sleek trifold brochure mock-up, “isn’t just a vow renewal. It’s a dynasty celebration. You’re honoring legacy, marriage, empire, and love. People eat that shit up.”
Cassie smirked. “Subtlety isn’t your strong suit.”
“I’m not aiming for subtle,” Jared replied, “I’m aiming for headlines.”
Behind him, Harper poured a round of espresso shots. “And we’ve got confirmations from Elite Affairs, Regal Vision, and Vanity Luxe. All attending. All promised first-look rights to exclusive photos and speeches.”
Cassie took the shot, swallowing the bitter heat. “And what about the teaser video?”
Jared grinned. “Already in production. Romantic shots of you and Damien through the years. Some vintage familyclips. Overlaying your voice reading a new ‘vow.’ It’s poetic. Painful. Perfect.”
