Chapter 21
CASSANDRA
Before the reception, they swing by the mansion to change. They’re heading straight to the airport for their honeymoon after the party. Cassandra is still in the dark about their destination.
The reception hall is a vision in white, with crystal chandeliers, tablecloths, and centerpiece bouquets. As they step in, everyone breaks into applause. Emilio’s arm finds its way around her waist. Cassandra’s smile is genuine as people approach to offer their congratulations.
“Congratulations, you two,” Beth says, pulling her into a hug. “You look stunning, Cassandra, and I love your necklace.”
Cassandra’s fingers brush the diamond necklace Emilio had given her on their way over. It was his wedding gift to her, he’d explained.
Her heart swells with love. She hadn’t thought to give him anything, but he’d surprised her with a wedding gift. It’s these little things that make her love him, even if he’s just pretending. It all feels so real to her.
“Thank you, Beth,” Cassandra murmurs, then locks eyes with her husband.
Her husband. She lets the word sink in as his mother comes over to congratulate them.
“Can I borrow my daughter-in-law for a bit?” Emilia asks. Without waiting for Emilio’s response, she whisks Cassandra away to introduce her to the entire Perez and Rodriguez clan.
They all welcome her warmly, without prying or asking unnecessary questions. Cassandra realizes she’s actually having fun. This is her new family, and she feels comfortable around them.
While she’s ordering a glass of wine, Emilio’s cousin—Beth and Luis’s son—joins her.
“Cassie,” he drawls.
“Rafael.” Dark hair and dark eyebrows seem to be a family trait; maybe that’s what makes them look so intimidating.
“Where’s the groom?” he asks. “Shouldn’t he be hovering around you?”
She hasn’t seen Emilio since his mother whisked her away. “Probably mingling. Did you need something?”
“No. Just wondering how he snagged such a beautiful woman.” He touches a strand of her hair. “Redhead…interesting. Do you have a sister?”
Cassandra is quickly learning that Rafael is a flirt—and very hands-on. She smiles awkwardly. “No, I don’t.”
“Too bad. I would’ve loved to have a redhead as a girlfriend.”
“I’m sure you would’ve, Rafael—and then broken her heart.”
He chuckles. “So, what did you see in my overbearing cousin? I’m surprised you got him to settle down.”
I’m surprised too, she thinks.
“He’s a good man, and he swept me off my feet. One look into those eyes, and I was lost. He understands me; when we’re together, there’s no need for words because we know what the other wants. He’s my better half, and I can’t imagine my life without him.”
“Wow!” Rafael exclaims. “Glad I’m not a sucker for love.”
“And I wish my wife would tell me more often what I mean to her,” Emilio’s voice comes from behind her.
Cassandra’s skin prickles, and warmth spreads through her at the sound of his voice. He gives her a kiss on the lips that leaves her blushing.
“I was just asking her if she has a sister,” Rafael says.
“Good thing she doesn’t. I don’t think your mother could handle more girls showing up at her door claiming to be heartbroken.”
“I have no idea who those girls are.”
“Sure, you don’t.”
“You scored big,” Rafael says. “Too bad I was late.”
“You would’ve lost anyway. She was mine from the moment I saw her. Even if you had crossed paths, my name was already etched on her heart. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
“That will forever remain a mystery,” she teases.
Emilio smiles. “Will you save me a dance later?” he asks.
“Sure, as long as you don’t step on my toes.”
Emilio laughs and stands beside her. Once Rafael leaves, his hand brushes her cheek.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today, Mrs. Rodriguez?” At a loss for words, Cassandra just shakes her head. “Well, you truly are breathtaking.”
Emilio traces a finger down her cheek, stopping at her lips. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself later.” She shivers at his words and feels her throat go dry. “Did you miss me?”
She’ll never admit that she did. “No,” she says, her voice shaky.
“Liar. One thing I love about you is your eyes never lie, nor does your body. I know you want me too.”
Cassandra needs to change the subject. “The guests must be waiting for us,” she says.
After dinner, they cut and feed each other cake. Everyone might think they’re happy and in love, but Cassandra has to remind herself that Emilio is just playing the part of a dutiful husband. Still, he doesn’t leave her side for the entire night, and she welcomes his presence after not seeing him for two days.
By the time they leave the reception to head to the airport, Cassandra is exhausted. Soon, she’ll be alone with Emilio, and the thought is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Why? She doesn’t even know. She’s been alone with him countless times and never felt this flustered.
To calm her nerves on the drive, she asks where they’re going for their honeymoon.
“Paris,” he says, continuing to scroll through his phone.
Paris? How romantic—the city of love. He really is going all out with this marriage thing, but then again, it has to be believable for everyone watching.
