Faking Amends (BadLuckBrides series #2)

17

Cassie

"I need to make a return..."

"A return?" The woman, dressed in a slim black dress that went up to her neck, looked at me sideways. "All sales are final. Is there anything else I can help you out with?"

"Final..." I pursed my lips. "Um...no I..."

I felt her eyes zone in on my ring and spun it around my finger with my thumb.

"Are you...still getting married?"

"No, I..." I gulped, feeling my eyes prickle and water. "Yes, I just changed my mind about this dress."

It killed me to go back to the bridal store to return the dress, and even more so when they told me it couldn't be returned. I didn't have the courage to tell the worker I was no longer engaged, I was actually so hurt over everything, I knew I'd burst into tears if asked.

I simply smiled and said I would take my business elsewhere.

I sold it online for only a fraction of what I'd purchased it for, but the woman who picked it up smiled bigger than I did when I tried it on, so it was nice to know I'd helped make someone else's wedding dreams come true, even if mine suffered in silence.

It sold in hours, and it had to because I had a plane to catch. As soon as the dress was off my hands, I rushed home to pack. I filled a bag full of dresses and things I hadn't worn in years. Things I hadn't worn since I'd been home six years ago.

I grabbed my brown hair dye and held it in my hand, biting the skin on my lip as I had a debate in my head over whether I needed it or not. Whether I'd be coming home anytime soon, or not at all.

I put it down. Left it on the counter and slung my bag over my shoulder. While on the way to the airport, from the back of a taxi, I sent Ashlyn a text. I kept it short, but included the saying, 'once an asshole, always an asshole,' and told her I was going to take some time away from this big, crazy city.

She responded with a sad emoji and asked me to call her when I landed safely.

I kept the engagement ring, but I took it off. I couldn't wear it with a clear conscience. Without the bitter reminder that I was involved in a crazy scheme like this. Because of him.

It'll always be a loveless ring. Beautiful and meaningless.

I kept it in my carryon and it sat in my lap as I the plane glided through the plush, fluffy clouds.

Knowing home was my destination. Knowing I could soon cry to my grandma about how I almost went through with something so insane, but also knowing that a tear wouldn't dare escape because she'd make me laugh more than feel sorry for myself.

She'd empower me.

Stein's didn't feel sorry for themselves. They kept pushing, and kept living. And that's what I intend on doing.

Riley: Please pick up Cassie.

Riley: Can we talk. Just for a moment.

I'd been screening her calls all week. I couldn't bring myself to block her, though. She'd been good to me in my short time interning, and I really wanted to help, but I'm about as useless as useless is.

I'd sat day in and day out staring at that "My name is Cassandra Stein," for weeks without mustering up the nerve to finish writing out a statement.

And now we're here. The case is in just a couple days, and I know she needed my input to give her a shot at winning this thing.

At proving that Vincent Calhoun is a monster. A horrible husband, employer, and all around business man.

But I can't handle the heat anymore. I just want to be home.

I set my phone down on its face and lay my head back. In only a matter of time I'll be surrounded by my family. My dogs, the animals. My Granny.

Just the thought alone that I'm closer in this moment than I was an hour ago, makes me feel that much better.