Page 30 of Vows of Deceit
The Interview
The camera’s red light blinked on. Cassie adjusted her posture in the chair, her perfectly styled hair cascading over one shoulder. The studio was warm, lit with soft gold tones that matched her honeyed smile. Across from her, Vivienne Cho, Regal Vision’s premier lifestyle anchor, leaned forward with practiced curiosity.
“So, Cassie,” Vivienne began, her voice velvet-smooth, “you’ve been remarkably quiet these past few months. Until now.”
Cassie’s lips curved. “Some stories need time to find their voice.”
Vivienne tilted her head. “And is it your story that’s changing or you?”
Cassie met her gaze. “Both.”
Vivienne smiled. “You and Damien are about to renew your vows. Legacy, love, partnership. Your union has always been… aspirational.”
Cassie nodded slowly. “On the surface.”
Vivienne blinked, sensing something beneath the statement. “Are you saying things haven’t been as perfect as they appeared?”
Cassie gave a small, deliberate pause. “What I’m saying is appearances are just one side of a story.”
The air tightened.
Vivienne leaned in. “Is this vow renewal a fresh start?”
Cassie’s smile deepened. “It’s a statement. Of truth. Of clarity. And of choice.”
Across the studio, Harper stood just outside the camera’s range, arms folded tightly.
She could see the steel in Cassie’s spine. The calm ferocity in her voice. The power but beneath all that, Harper saw something else.
Hurt.
Later, backstage, Harper cornered her.
“Cass,” she said quietly, “what was that?”
Cassie was still in makeup, wiping her lips with a tissue. “It was just enough to keep people guessing.”
Harper stepped closer. “You said the word ‘choice.’ You didn’t say ‘love.’”
Cassie looked at her. “Because I’m not sure love was ever part of this equation.”
Harper’s voice lowered. “Are you?”
Cassie didn’t answer. Instead, she turned toward the mirror, staring at the reflection of a woman in control.
“I’m sure about what comes next.”
Meanwhile, at Sterling Manor, Elaine and Kelly watched the interview on a massive flatscreen.
“She’s setting the stage,” Kelly muttered.
Elaine’s lips pursed. “She’s inviting suspicion. Not wise.”
Kelly scoffed. “No, it’s brilliant. Because no one will dare ask her directly. They’ll speculate. Whisper. She’s baiting us.”
Elaine’s tone was clipped. “Then don’t bite.”
But Kelly already had. She picked up her phone, scrolling. Cassie King was making her move and Kelly hated playing defense.
