Page 20 of Vows of Deceit
“That’s the thing, Grayson,” she said softly. “I’ve talked enough. Now I act.”
He nodded slowly. “I can work with that.”
Later that evening, Cassie stood on the terrace of her penthouse, the city lights winking beneath her bare feet. Her hair was twisted up in a loose knot, the black silk of her robe brushing her calves.
Her phone buzzed.
Grayson:“Today was a good day. Looking forward to our next session.”
She smiled faintly, fingers hovering over the screen.
Cassie:“So am I.”
She tucked the phone away and turned back toward the darkened suite. In the reflection of the glass, she saw herself bare, alone, powerful. No more pretending. No more shrinking. The expansion wasn’t just a business project anymore. It was her rebirth.
Chapter Fourteen
Smoke & Mirrors
The ballroom shimmered in candlelight and curated perfection, the soft hum of jazz melting into the clink of champagne flutes and murmurs of the elite. Cassie glided across the marble floor like she was born for the stage, her sapphire gown hugging her form and diamonds glittering like secrets around her neck.
“Cassie, you look radiant.”
“Cassie, tell us about the vow renewal, so elegant!”
“Such a power couple!”
The voices echoed around her, sycophantic and blind. She smiled, gracious and poised, slipping her arm through Damien’s as they posed for photos. Her fingers brushed his cuff, affectionate in public. Calculated in private.
Damien’s jaw was tight. He hadn’t touched his drink. His eyes darted across the room, searching for shadows that refused to stay still. Kelly wasn’t here tonight. But her presence haunted him all the same. Cassie leaned in, lips barely grazing his ear.
“Smile, darling,” she purred. “They’re watching.”
Damien managed something between a grimace and a grin.
Back at their penthouse, silence stretched like a noose. Damien stood by the window, jacket discarded, tie loose. Cassie poured herself a drink and settled on the chaise.
“You didn’t say much tonight,” she said softly.
He didn’t turn around. “Wasn’t in the mood to play house.”
Her eyes gleamed. “You’re always playing something.”
He exhaled. “Cass, don’t—”
She stood and approached, her hand grazing his back. “If you’re going to lie beside me every night and pretend, you could at least lie well.”
His body stiffened. “You think I’m pretending?”
She moved around to face him. “Aren’t you?”
Damien stared at her, jaw tight. Then his phone buzzed. A message from Kelly.
“You owe me a choice. Soon. Or I’ll make one for you.”
He closed the screen, heart pounding.
The next evening, he met Kelly at her penthouse. The lights were dim. The air thick with tension.
