Cassandra de Ville

CHAPTER 27

(Trigger Warning- 18+)

The days passed quietly, and Cassandra was now feeling much stronger and more determined. The dull ache in her limbs reminded her she was healing, but the storm inside her had only grown louder.

The image of Antonella standing amidst the flames, eyes cold with betrayal burned deeper than any of her physical wounds.

Seeing Antonella had torn her apart in ways she hadn't expected. For so long, Cassandra had considered her part of the family. She remembered childhood dinners, soft smiles, gentle reassurances when her mother had died.

Antonella had held her like a daughter. Guided her. Loved her—or so it had seemed.

But now?

Now, all Cassandra could see was the cruelty behind those warm hazel eyes, the manipulation hidden beneath carefully chosen words and perfectly timed affection.

"I can't believe she tried to kill us," Cassandra muttered one morning, staring out the window as the early light touched the frost-covered trees. "I can't believe she was behind everything that happened."

Roman, seated across from her, paused in the act of wrapping fresh gauze around his arm. He didn't ask who she meant. He already knew.

"She was the last person I expected," Cassandra continued, her voice quieter now, tighter. "She didn't hesitate. She didn't even flinch."

Roman set the bandages aside and flexed his muscles. "That's because people like her don't feel guilt. They're too far gone."

Cassandra turned to him, her jaw clenched, her eyes blazing. "I won't let her get away with this. I promise I won't." Her fists curled in her lap. "I'll ruin her just like she ruined my family. Mark my words"

Roman's gaze held hers, steady and unwavering. "I know you will."

They sat in silence, the tension between them lingering like smoke. Then Roman stood slowly and walked around to her side. Without a word, he sat down beside her and gently pulled her into his lap.

Cassandra tensed for only a moment before letting herself relax into him, her body folding into the warmth of his embrace.

His arms, though bandaged and healing, wrapped around her protectively. She rested her head against his shoulder, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Strong and grounding.

"You don't have to carry all of it alone, you know," Roman said quietly, his hand stroking her back. "You've got me."

Cassandra closed her eyes, drawing in a slow breath. "And you've got me."

"I know, love..." Roman whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. Then his voice grew more serious. "Damon called."

Her breath hitched, and she leaned back slightly to look at him. His expression was grave.

"He said the Italian Mafia has already started polishing their gear. They suspect we killed you, and now they're out for revenge."

Cassandra stiffened in his arms, her pulse quickening. "They really think I'm dead?"

"Looks like it. A few days ago the police found the burnt warehouse... and your burnt body," Roman said quietly.

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, her expression sharpening. "What do you mean by my body?" she asked, shifting in his lap to face him fully. Her tone was steady, but there was a flicker of unease behind her eyes.

Roman met her gaze, his own unreadable. "It's been ten days since the fire. Damon planted two bodies. Male and female, close enough in build. Burned beyond recognition just enough left to pass as you and me, but Antonella's people removed my body."