Chapter 8
Seraphim nodded in agreement with his words. “You’re going to marry Cassian, so just stay at home and handle things here.”
Thalia hadn’t anticipated they would try to seize the only thing her mother had left her. Her fingers clenched so tightly they turned white, and she could no longer contain her anger. “That company was my mother’s gift to me. What right do you have to make decisions on your own?”
Callum frowned, asserting his position. “I have shares in the company, which gives me the right to make this decision. Now, stay home and rest. The doctor said your health is delicate, so don’t stress over the company.”
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When the door closed, tears welled up in Thalia’s eyes, and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Whether it was the photograph or the company, she hadn’t been able to hold on to anything her mother had left her.
During this difficult period, Cassian made an effort to visit her every day. When he learned about the situation, his eyes were filled with compassion as he held her gently, comforting her with tender words, “Don’t worry. Once we’re married, everything will be yours again. No one can take away what belongs to you.”
Yet his words no longer stirred any emotions in Thalia’s heart. To lift her spirits, Cassian flooded her with an endless supply of her favorite stuffed toys.
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The entire room soon overflowed with plushies in her favorite pink tones,
transforming it into Thalia’s sanctuary within the house.
One day, as Thalia woke from an afternoon nap, she overheard Selene’s voice, “You gave Thalia all these dolls, but what about me?”
Her tone was filled with both playfulness and irritation. Through the sheer white curtain, Thalia saw two figures leaning close to each other.
Cassian’s voice was tinged with panic. “Thalia is still inside. Let’s talk outside.”
Selene let out a soft snort. “No, why are you scared? She’s asleep. You give her dolls but not me? Hmph, I’m not talking to you anymore.”
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As she spoke, she turned to leave. Cassian glanced nervously toward the room, and seeing no signs of movement inside, he quickly pulled her into his arms. He gently tapped her nose with a doting smile. “Silly girl, if you want some, I’ll buy them for you too.”
Selene’s fingertip trailed down his chest, slowly moving up to his Adam’s apple. “But I want these ones. Will you give them to me?”
Cassian grabbed her hand firmly, his expression turning cold. “Selene, please behave.”
Selene let out a soft snort, her face full of grievance. “But I just want the ones here!”
Cassian’s expression softened again. “If you want, I’ll buy you more, but these are off–limits.”
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Through the curtain, Selene’s eyes flickered with a mix of jealousy and hatred as she glanced inside. Her expression shifted to one of triumph as she lifted her head and kissed Cassian’s lips.
Cassian’s throat bobbed as he tried to push her away. “Let’s go somewhere else.”
Selene’s voice carried a playful laugh. “Haven’t we been doing this all along these days? Let’s do it here. Thalia won’t notice.”
He exhaled slowly, seemingly reassured, and lowered his head to bite her pale neck with abandon. “You little seductress,”
Their intimate, breathy whispers echoed through the room. Thalia’s long–numbed heart ached sharply once more, a wave of coldness spreading over her body.
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After they left, she collapsed by the trash can, vomiting violently. For days, as she drifted into sleep countless times, Cassian and Selene had already been entangled in their secret affair.
While they were lost in their reckless entanglement, Thalia recorded everything.
Not long after, she moved out. Every time she thought of that room, all she felt was disgust. When Cassian discovered she had moved, he rushed to her in a panic. “Thalia, why did you move out?”
Thalia fixed her gaze on him and enunciated every word, “Because it’s dirty.”
His face instantly turned pale. Seeing this, Thalia curled her lips into a faint smile. “A dirty room is disgusting if it’s not cleaned
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properly, right?”
Hearing her words, Cassian’s heart, which had been racing, finally settled down. He let out a slow sigh of relief. However, something about her words felt off, though he couldn’t quite figure out why. “You’re right. It does need a good cleaning.”
A trace of regret crossed his face as he realized he wouldn’t be able to visit this place anymore.
With that thought, he spoke, trying to hide his guilt, “Thalia, we’re about to get engaged. I’ll make sure you have a grand wedding.”
Thalia barely tugged at the corners of her lips; there was no trace of a smile in her eyes. “Before the engagement, I’ll give you a surprise.”
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Cassian pulled her into his arms, a pleased smile curving his lips, his eyes soft with affection. “What’s the surprise?”
“It’s a secret.”
He was momentarily stunned, then chuckled helplessly, tightening his embrace around her. He whispered, “Thalia, do you know? I’ve been going crazy wanting to be with you.”
Thalia remained silent. Only she knew that they wouldn’t be getting engaged, because she planned to leave this place on Selene’s birthday, and there were only five days left until then.
