Neptune

Chapter 6 | The Break

The next day, I find myself curled into a ball on the couch, looking at the disgusting picture of Lucas Klein on the projector screen as my team conducts another meeting at my house.

Staring at his face, I scoff. On the exterior, he might be every woman's dream, but inside, he's everyone's nightmare. It's such a shame that such an angelic face is tainted by such a devilish heart.

"Lucas Klein," Peter informs. "28 years old. Currently the one and only successor of Klein Enterprise. His father started shoving him into the board of directors around seven years ago, when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Surprisingly, he has turned the tables and made Klein Enterprise one of the most influential companies in the world."

I note the information with disinterest, while Paul whistles. Mike, however, growls in irritation. He's still very much pissed that Luke dared to get rid of him yesterday.

"He was number two on Tatler's list of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the world last year," Peter continues, and I roll my eyes, bored. "It is said that women fall not only for his charm but also for his intelligence. The guy is smart as fuck. It's not easy to save a company that was once on the verge of bankruptcy, but Lucas Klein proved that he could turn what was impossible into possible. His business has grown significantly during those seven years, expanding into various sectors, a few of which are news and media, social networks, hotels and high-end brands."

I've never heard Peter curse before, so he must envy that crazy man a lot.

"I don't care if he's a walking god. He's mental," I mutter.

Silence falls, and I know that my whole team is now staring at me. They've known that I turned down Luke's offer yesterday.

Yes, it's an offer, not a proposal. I will never ever acknowledge that he proposed to me—the thought of it makes my skin itchy.

Oscar lets out the biggest sigh I've ever heard.

"I must agree with you this time, Cassie. Indeed, he is," he says, sounding so tired it surprises me.

I snap my head toward him, trying to figure out what he's trying to point out.

Finally. Has he realized how stupid that arranged marriage idea is?

"I'm sorry, Cassie." Oscar leans his back against the couch, his arms spread at his sides, his eyes filled with guilt. "I shouldn't have tried to persuade you to agree with him. This is your personal life we're talking about, and we've barged in a little too far. I'm not married, so I have zero experience to give you advice, but I guess that marrying the man you love would be a good start. You shouldn't marry that asshole."

I'm suddenly speechless. To say that I'm touched is an understatement. Oscar is a man who would definitely grasp any golden opportunity that ever crosses his path, and right now, he's willing to let it go because he cares about me.

"We can still work it out, you know," he says. "Your next album is coming out, but I'm thinking of postponing it because now is just not the best time. Maybe it's time for you to take a rest for a while. Get out of the spotlight until the rumor dies, perhaps for one or two years. All this time, you've been working extremely hard, and you deserve a break."

A genuine smile forms on his lips, and I know that he means what he said, not because he's mad at me.

I'm so overwhelmed that I feel like running to him and suffocating him with a tight hug. A break? Is this real? Because this feels too good to be true. I don't even remember the last time I felt like a normal person—it feels so long ago.

"In the meantime, Morgan and I will try to secure all your paid partnership deals," he adds. "I'll figure out how to minimize the damage."

I'm still at a loss for words. Words can't express how grateful I am that Oscar is taking my side now.

"I'm sorry for treating you like your consent doesn't matter," Oscar says. "Lucas Klein can go fuck himself." There's a hint of anger in his voice.

"Excuse me?" Morgan's voice booms, and all heads are turned toward her now. "A break? Are you kidding me now? A fucking break?"

I feel myself shaking with anger the moment Morgan's voice echoes in the room. This is very typical of her. I know that she won't ever think about my wellbeing.

Even when I was at the top of my success, she never let me have a break.

"With all the damage she has created, she's supposed to do something to fix it," Morgan hisses, trying to argue with her boss, but Oscar doesn't seem fazed. "Not taking a break instead."

It's sad that during a time like this, the only family I have in this world apparently has to be the one against me. I can imagine what Morgan would do to punish me—she would probably force me to release more new hit songs, prepare a comeback and performance to die for, which usually results in me having nonstop practices.

But right now, I'm just too tired. Physically and mentally. I guess that hooking up with Alejandro, the Spanish football player, was a result of my rebellious mind.

"She's had enough for this year, Morgan," Oscar says. "Yes, the company will have to pay, losing profits for a while. And we have to do extra work without her. But maybe, the world needs to lose Cassie for a while to realize how much they will miss her. Sometimes, the only thing we can do to go against all the controversies is let the rumor die by itself. Time will answer everything, and I'm pretty sure that Cassie needs that time."

He looks at me with a knowing look, and I feel my heart sink.

My team knows how heartbroken I was after I broke up with Jude, and then, a train of unfortunate events fell upon me.

So, yes, I definitely need time for myself.

"That's nonsense," Morgan fumes, standing up from the couch. She shoots me a glare before storming out of the room.

I sigh while Oscar shakes his head in disbelief.

"Well then, I guess that the meeting is done." He approaches me and pats my shoulder. "You may take a rest, Cassie. Call that spa therapist or whoever you need at the moment. I'll deal with Morgan."

With that said, he hugs me, and I return it with all my heart, closing my eyes as I hug him back.

"Thank you so much," I say. "You don't know how much this means to me."

He nods with a smile and walks off. Next, Peter approaches me after packing up his laptop.

"Don't worry, Cassie." He grins. "I'll try to help as much as I can."

I nod, hugging him too. Peter is a typical mama's boy who always does good deeds and never disappoints everyone around him. Watching him leave, I feel Mike and Paul walk to my side, and another sigh leaves my lips. I know that unlike Oscar and Peter, who are probably going straight to work to cover for my mistakes, my make-up artist and my bodyguard will stay here in case I need someone to talk to.

But somehow, the comfort I'm feeling from knowing that my team actually cares about me still can't erase the pain I'm feeling from Morgan walking away. Just like that.