Chapter 19
Charlotte glanced at her phone. The message was from Valeria.[]
She rolled her eyes before even opening WhatsApp.]
It was a photo.
The image showed a string of prayer beads, deliberately snapped and scattered across what looked like expensive bedsheets.
Charlotte’s stomach dropped as she stared at the screen.[]
Those prayer beads–she’d dragged herself halfway around the world to Tibet two years ago to get them blessed at the Potala Palace.[]
She’d been such a naive romantic back then, believing in all that spiritual protection bullshit. To prove her devotion, she’d climbed endless stone steps in thin air, performed traditional prostrations until her knees were bloody, and waited for hours in freezing temperatures for some monk to bless the damn things.
She remembered that trip–the altitude making her dizzy, her designer jeans torn from all the ceremonial kneeling. But she’d felt so fucking righteous about it.
She’d wanted those beads to protect Jasper, to keep him safe and successful. God, she’d been pathetic.[]
When she’d given them to him, he’d acted all touched, spinning her around their apartment. “Babe, you’re incredible. I’m the luckiest bastard alive,” he’d said.
Now those “sacred” beads were destroyed–just another piece of trash in Valeria’s bedroom.]
The whole thing felt like the universe’s sick sense of humor.]
Another message popped up, oozing fake concern:
wil wetreat or whatever? Anyway, I totally
broken!
Hope you understand!?“]
“OMG Ana! I’m SO sorry! Jasper gave me these beads for protection–I think broke them by accident! You’re not mad, are you??”
got them
some spiritual
“I feel horrible but Jasper said they were just cheap.
I stuff anyway so,
e if they’re
Valeria was practically purring with satisfaction. Nothing got her off
quite like twisting the
Charlotte stared at the carnage for exactly three seconds before firing back: “Honestly? They can buy a dozen on Amazon if you want. Though I doubt
prayer beads
can help
Valeria’s response was immediate rage. Was this uptight bitch actually coming for her?]
That fucking princess was about to learn what real pain felt
е.П
were garbage. Got them with your karma.?“]
Charlotte was already basically an orphan. Once Valeria finished destroying her professionally and personally,
The thought made Valeria practically giddy.[]
But Charlotte had already moved on from Valeria’s juvenile mind games.
ta
gift
shop for like $10. You
196
a have nothing left to live for.l
She twisted the heavy signet ring on her finger, wondering what Cassian was doing
She still couldn’t believe she’d married a complete stranger.[]
But zero regrets so far.
On impulse, she opened Cassian’s WhatsApp profile.[]
い
busy looking forward to her new life as Mrs. Rhodes.]
this
His avatar caught her completely off guard. Instead of some corporate power shot, it showed
exace 4
moment.
an artistic latte with
1027
an
incredibly detailed leaf pattern in
Chapter 19
the foam. The delicate, almost feminine image seemed totally wrong for someone so intimidating.[]
Cassian Rhodes was a coffee art enthusiast?
T
The specific design triggered something in her memory–she’d definitely seen that exact pattern before, but couldn’t remember where.]
While she was still puzzling over it, a new message appeared.]
Cassian: “You up?”
6
127
Charlotte quickly typed back: Just about to sleep.
“Good. FYI, my parents are dying to meet you.” The message hit like a freight train.]
17
W
42 2 4 4 5 3 4
2 4 4 5 5 LET 454
4
7 5 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 5 7 44
FENCED 6 4 4 6 4 6 7 g h h b 4 7 1 4 # # 5944
Charlotte’s heart immediately started hammering. Meeting the in–laws was inevitable, but Jesus, could they not ease into this?
She forced herself to sound casual: “Sure, whenever works for you.“[]
He seemed satisfied: “Perfect. Get some sleep.“]]
“Night!” After closing the chat, Charlotte could still feel her pulse racing.
Get it together, Ana!]]
Nothing more, nothing less.
This whole thing was just a business arrangement–two people helping each other solve family problems. That’s it.
…Right?
