Family Ties - Tom x Mattheo x Reader (Cassandra)

Chapter Ten

Cassie
1 year later

I knew it, I knew it was too good to be true! Pansy that absolute slag dug her claws in, took Mattheo away from me and Tom. The Dark Lord has been around trying to figure out what happened. I have a theory, I know it wasn't Amortentia so it has to be Imperio. About 5 weeks after the party at the house, Mattheo started acting weird, avoiding me and Tom at all costs. Then another 2 weeks after that she made an appearance again, and we have been forced to watch them every day since. I want to be sick whenever I see them. Tom has distant as well, diving in to the work his father is doing, cannot say I blame him. I want to figure this all out but I know the only way to break and Imperio connection is love, it won't be me as we didn't spend that much time together, I mean Tom could but he has been burned so doubtful he will come back from that. The broody cold part of him is here to stay. So again I am on my own. A feeling I didn't think would come back. Not even the others have been by, suppose there isn't much point now Pansy has made her claim on Mattheo again.

So I do what any usual nearly 21 year does. Distract myself with work. I told my step father my interests in books and writing so he literally bought me a bookstore. He knows I have no interest becoming a death eater, yet. Things are quiet in that front but I said if it comes down to it he has my loyalty till the end.

My mum helps organise the shop with me and I do invite Daphne and Astoria. The inheritance from my dads life insurance came through and I was surprised when he did leave it all to me. I sold the house and kept the money in a savings account, but truth be told I told my mum to transfer the sum of the shop back to the Dark Lord, I can afford this lifestyle on my own now.

We get stuck in with the shop and I am more excited for the coffee bar that I have set up, complete with professional coffee machine, syrups and sauces. This isn't a typical store, you can chill out and read or buy the books. Enjoy a coffee and mingle with people or find a quiet corner. "Mum I am going to refurbish the apartment above the shop and move in, I think it is time" she half smiles. "I thought that would be the case with everything that has happened over the last 12 months, I can't say I blame you, you know you have our support and that bedroom back at the manor will always be yours."

We hug it out, I make the arrangements as soon as I can to gut the upstairs out. It has two bedrooms, and an open plan kitchen/living area. My cup of tea. Daphne arrives not long later and offers Theo and Reggie to help out. I said it isn't necessary, she insists. Her way of saying sorry for being distant herself. "Hey at least we all have a new hang out now" she is forever the optimist. "Hands down, I have missed you all" she hugs me and we set up the counter and cash register. Our first day of business will be the weekend. The boys get to work upstairs and they have roped in the other boys as well, to speed things along, they said it will be ready within the month. I cannot wait.

I need to get out of that manor, I am driving myself crazy. I am not even giving the boys the pleasure of telling them that I am leaving, they can find out when I do not show for the family dinner. My mother disagrees but supports me, the Dark Lord was completely on my side. Unpacking the last of the stocked books and organising them, we all go for a meal and a few drinks to celebrate. I feels weird socialising with them without the brothers, but they made their bed.

I end up stumbling through the door, heading towards the kitchen, I make myself some toast and take it to my room. Seeing that my bedroom door is open. Fuck sake. I enter my room and low and behold it's Tom. "I am getting sick and tired of your bullshit Tom, you either speak to me constantly or not at all, it is getting exhausting" I set my toast on the nightstand, grab some sleepwear and change in the bathroom. I do not give him the satisfaction of seeing me bare anymore. "So I hear you're moving out" he growls. I look to him and scoff. "Yup, I have no reason to stay, I have the store to look after so it makes sense that I live above it, Draco is making sure is has the best security so I will be completely safe" he runs his hand over his face. "I don't want you to leave" his tone has softened.

"Well tough, you were the one that went cold and distant 10 months ago, so fucking live with it, what happened was not my fault yet somehow you projected it onto me, if you want to blame someone, she is across the hall sleeping with him!" I snap. I am done, trying not to break down, he closes the gap and strokes my face. "I know I was a cunt, I shouldn't have taken it out on you" I pull away. "What's done is done, you know she has used Imperio yet have done nothing to help, so what is the point, you made it perfectly clear you do not want me unless he is involved, so fuck off and leave me live my life!" I point to the door and he gets the hint. As soon as the door closes, I fall to the floor, crying hysterically, I just ripped my own heart out. I fell quickly for both of them and didn't tell them in time. It is too late now. Time to move on.

The time has come for me to move out, I have one box to take. I look around my old empty room, take a deep breath and head downstairs, to my surprise Tom takes the box and apparates it to the apartment. I see Mattheo there, thankfully Pansy isn't here. He approaches me, "Take care Cass" I hug him and whisper. "I love you Matty, don't ever forget me" kiss his cheek and join Tom.