The Stranger

Chapter 30 - Cassandra

I decided against driving to the office to confront Alex. Instead, I clutched the manila folder like it held the monarchy's secrets, something precious and dangerous. The information John had given me, along with the articles I printed, felt like the key to unlocking truths no one wanted exposed.

As I reached the building's entrance, I glanced up at the 43rd floor. It was irrational, but part of me still hoped I might see him through the glass, as if that would change everything. My stomach twisted in anger at him, but more so, anger at myself. Even with everything I had discovered, I still wanted to see him. My fingers absentmindedly brushed against the bruises on my wrists. The dark marks, hidden beneath the sleeves of my shirt, stung as much as the memory of how he made me enjoy it. That wasn't me. I wasn't submissive. I told him I wasn't, but I still let him convince me I was.

The elevator ride was suffocating, my anger brewing with every floor we ascended. I couldn't wait to see his face when I threw those accusations at him. When the doors finally opened, I stormed out, my pace quickening with each step toward his office, the noise of phones ringing and voices chatting was somewhat muted. I could feel eyes on me as I passed cubicles, but I didn't care. My hand tightened on the doorknob-I didn't bother knocking.

Alex looked up from behind his desk, impeccably handsome as always in his white shirt and black tie, but his expression was colder than usual. Without a word, I tossed the folder onto his desk.

"Explain this," I demanded.

He blinked at the folder, then started flipping through its contents. "What is this?"

"You hit your ex-wife? Abused her? Cheated on her? Were you ever going to tell me?" I tried to keep my voice low, not wanting the whole office to hear, but the fury was bubbling over.

"Where did you get this? Did Valeria give it to you?" His voice was calm, too calm.

"No. John gave them to me."

"John?" His tone sharpened. "What does he want with you?"

"That's irrelevant."

"It's very relevant. I don't trust him." Alex's voice grew more forceful.

"Don't start with the jealousy crap. Not now, Mr. Dominant," I snapped, my frustration mounting.

"I'm not jealous. I'm protective. There's a difference. I don't trust him."

"Protective? Of what? Are you going to deny those articles are true?" My voice rose with each word, trembling between anger and betrayal.

He stared at me, his gaze cold, calculating, and distant. Then, finally, he spoke. "No, I'm not denying it. But when you're done being this aggressive-"

"Aggressive?" I scoffed, cutting him off. "You're calling me aggressive? Unbelievable. I can't believe I let you play me. I'm not a submissive, Alex. I told you that, but you-no, I-let you manipulate me."

"Cassandra, listen-"

"No. I've read enough about you, your affairs, and your violent games. I don't need your explanations. I'm done being one of your toys." My voice trembled, but I didn't care. I couldn't let him pull me back in. "You're going back to Spain soon, and I'm glad. This was never going to work."

His face shifted, the coldness deepening into something almost like sadness. "Anything else, Cassandra?" he asked as if dismissing me. I wasn't going to let him give me more orders.

"No. I am walking myself out now. Our relationship from now on will only be a professional one. Goodbye." I turned on my heel, leaving the door open behind me as I walked to the elevator without looking back.