Cassiopeia Forbes has spent years distancing herself from Mystic Falls-a town steeped in memories of her younger sister, Caroline, and the mother she never truly connected with. Leaving at just nine year old to live with her father, Cassie vowed nev...
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Bonnie left, and it was just me and Cassie in the room. The silence between us was thick, heavy with everything we weren’t saying, everything we were avoiding. I was afraid to approach her, not sure if she'd let me in or push me away. But then Caroline walked in, giving me a brief reprieve from the tension.
Caroline’s presence was a temporary distraction, but it didn’t last. She left, and I was alone with Cassie again. The weight of what we hadn’t discussed settled back in.
Cassie broke the silence, her voice steady but distant. “You don’t have to be here, Damon. You can leave.”
I tried to keep it light, tried to pretend that everything wasn’t unraveling. “It’s okay. I’m just being supportive.”
She saw right through me, like always. “Is Stefan taking care of Elena? Is that why you’re here?”
Her question caught me off guard, and I hesitated, searching for a way to respond. “Well…”
“Don’t try to lie,” she cut me off, her gaze unwavering.
I sighed, knowing I couldn’t hide anything from her. “Yes. But I also want to be with you.”
She didn’t buy it for a second. “I told you not to lie.”
“I’m telling the truth, Cassie,” I insisted, feeling the need to close the distance between us. I moved closer, sitting beside her on the bed.
“What happened?” I asked softly, desperate to understand what was going on with her.
She shook her head, her voice tinged with regret. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything before.”
I gave her a small smile, trying to keep the mood light. “Actually, Stefan told me about what happened when Barbie Klaus took me.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“That you said some mean things about Elena in front of her.”
She looked away, guilt flashing across her face. “I didn’t mean that either.”
“I know, Cassie. I know you better than you think. Something’s wrong with you. I can feel it,” I said, trying to sound reassuring, though I knew she was hiding something.
She sighed, her frustration evident. “Wrong? Nothing is wrong with me, Damon. I’m just like you all—filled with heightened emotions and feelings.”
“Yeah, I know,” I replied, my voice softer, more understanding.
Cassie looked at me, her expression tired. “Sorry for what I said earlier. I’m not in the mood to talk. I just want to sleep.”
“Then I’ll sleep with you too,” I offered, wanting to stay close.
“You don’t have to,” she protested, but I could hear the weariness in her voice.
