Chapter 70
Lorraine couldn’t quite pinpoint the root cause of her worry. It wasn’t just the unsettling dream she had experienced. Now that their wedding was approaching, she should have felt overjoyed–after all, her dream was finally coming true. But instead, anxiety gnawed at her, making her question whether this marriage would ever actually take place. The closer she got to what she desired, the more it seemed to drift away.
“I know! Why don’t you talk to Callisto about it? He’s probably the only one
who can put yo
your mind at ease, Amber suggested
Lorraine shook herself free from her spiraling thoughts, offering Amber a gentle smile as she stood up. But the idea of confiding in Callisto was out of the question. He might perceive her concerns as mere attention–seeking or an attempt to be coaxed. It was better to keep these worries locked away within herself
They were right–four months would pass in the blink of an eye. Once married, she reasoned, she wouldn’t have to worry about these trivial
mullers anymore.
“Lorraine, my love! Callisto is looking for you!” l’enelope, Callisto’s younger sister and her soon–to–be sister–in–law, suddenly appeared, startling Lorraine.
The smell of alcohol clung to Penelope, her grip still firm on an empty wine glass. She wrapped her arms around Lorraine from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder.
“H–He said…ng! He wants to introduce you to someone….hing!” Penelope hiccupped, her words slurred. “Why is the atmosphere here so gloomy!?” Lorraine pinched her nose, cringing at the pungent scent of alcohol on Penelope’s breath. She would never understand why they loved drinking so
“Hey, girl! Maybe you should take a breather first! This is an engagement party, not a bar!” Amber snapped, helping Penelope into an empty seat. “What? W–Why are you still alive? Where have you been? Thought you died!” Penelope babbled incoherently.
“Ha! You’ll go before I do! And what’s that? A hickey on your neck? Which guy was it this time?”
“What… I only have one man.” Penelope muttered before passing out on the table.
“Ugh! Looks like I have to babysit this witch again!” Jannette groaned.
Watching her friends scramble to handle Penelope, Lorraine couldn’t help but laugh. It seemed she wasn’t the only one with troubles. Perhaps she was simply overthinking everything.
“Guys, I’ll go see Callisto!” Lorraine excused herself, eager to escape the chaos. The moment she heard Callisto was looking for her, her focus shifted completely.
“Yeah, yeah! We’ll be here!” they called our
With purpose, Lorraine made her way across the poolside, heading toward the other side of the backyard where Callisto was likely chatting with his friends. Each step was careful, her long, thick pink dress trailing behind her, and the high heels she wore slowed her down as she navigated the
grass
As she approached, she spotted him lounging lazily in a party chair, glass of alcohol in hand, surrounded by a group of muscular, intimidating male friends. It felt as though she were a rabbit stepping into a den of wolves.
“C–Callisto, babe!” Lorraine softly called out, trying to capture his attention
Callisto immediately stopped laughing, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. In a flash, he was on his feet, rushing over to envelop her in a tight embrace. The scent of alcohol wafted from him, signaling that he was a little tipsy. Normally so composed, Callisto had never been one to display affection so publicly.
“I’m ready to go to heaven now that an angel’s calling my name,” he murmured, nuzzling his face into the top of her hair.
She felt her cheeks heat up embarrassment washing over her. The teasing looks from his friends made her feel even more awkward as she averted her gaze
pit, babe. Why did you call me here?” Lorraine asked, her voice low
“S–Stop
Callisto released her, smiling brightly. “Nothing important, I just wanted to introduce you to my younger brother. He’s been studying abroad, but he’s finally back. You remember Cassian, don’t you?”
Cassian! The name struck a chord in Lorraine, recalling a distant memory of Callisto’s little brother. The last time she had seen him, he was a gangly teenager on the cusp of adulthood, still growing into his looks, sweet and quiet. She had always had a soft spot for him, like the little brother
Chapter 701
she never had.
Excitement flickered inside her as she remembered how Callisto had often spoken of Cassian. He had been sent abroad to study at a prestigious school and had remained there through college. Callisto had always expressed pride in his brother’s accomplishments, and for years, Lorraine had looked forward to meeting the man Cassian had become. Yet, that excitement began to wane.
Lorraine watched as Callisto’s brother emerged from the shadows. Her heart sank as she laid eyes on him.
This was no longer the shy teenager she remembered. Cassian had transformed into a man.
He walked with slow, deliberate steps, exuding an air of confidence that had never been part of him before. His features were sharper, more mature, and undeniably handsome, but there was something darker in his demeanor, a coldness that made Lorraine’s skin crawl
His sharp piercing gaze was focused solely on her, and Lorraine couldn’t shake the feeling that he could see right through her, as if she were transparent. A chill ran down her spine.
“Lorraine,” Cassian said as he reached them, his voice deep and smooth, commanding the space around him. The awkwardness of his teenage years had vanished, replaced by a presence that felt unsettling.
Lorraine forced a smile and extended her hand. “Cassian! It’s nice to see you again after so many years.”
He grasped her hand firmly, holding it just a moment too long. His touch sent another chill coursing through her.
“The pleasure is all mine,” he replied, his gaze never wavering.
A wave of unease washed over Lorraine. This was not the Cassian she had anticipated meeting. There was something off about hirn, an intensity that made her want to retreat.
-Cassian, it’s been so long! You’ve grown up,” she said, attempting to keep the conversation light,
Cassian’s lips curled into a smile, though it failed to reach his eyes. “Yes, it’s been quite some time. You’ve changed as well… but still as beautiful as
ever.”
His compliment felt wrong, as though it carried a hidden meaning. Lorraine laughed awkwardly, glancing at Callisto, who seemed blissfully unaware of the tension simmering between Cassian and her.
Cassian’s gaze remained fixed on her, and Lorraine felt his eyes on her even as she tried to shift the conversation elsewhere.
“How was your time abroad?” she asked, hoping to steer the focus away from herself
Cassian’s smile widened, though it still felt cold. “It was enlightening. I learned a lot… about the world, about myself… and about what I truly want.”
His words sent another chill down her spine. Lorraine couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t merely talking about his education.
She swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure. Something about Cassian’s presence unnerved her, and she couldn’t quite comprehend why. The excitement she had once felt at the prospect of reuniting with him had turned into something darker, something she couldn’t name.
“Well, it’s
‘s great to have you back,” she said, forcing another smile.
Cassian’s gare lingered on her a moment longer before he finally looked away. “It’s good to be back.”
As he turned to greet some other guests, Lorraine let out a quiet sigh of relief, though the chill in the air remained.
What had happened to the sweet boy she once knew!
After divorce he wants[/caption]
