Chapter 2

I hit end call and placed the phone face down, thoroughly erasing the panic from a second ago.

When I turned, Cassius was standing with his arms crossed over his chest. He stared down at me, his posture feeling like an interrogation.

"Diana," I met his gaze, forcing a weary smile. "She was crying. Her fiancé cheated on her, and she wants to call off the engagement and leave."

Cassius's brow smoothed out. He reached over and cupped my cheek.

"Fool," he said, his tone dripping with the arrogance of a man in power. "A man like that deserves to lose everything."

He pressed his forehead against mine, our breaths tangling in the narrow space.

"Evelyn, that kind of mess will never happen to us. I will never betray you." His voice was soft enough to drown in.

His calloused fingertips slid down my waist line, coming to rest unconsciously on my lower stomach—right above the exact spot where a new life was quietly growing.

I wanted to tell him. I wanted to tell him we were having a baby. But then I looked at his face—the same face that, just moments ago, had been discussing another baby with his mistress.

My child didn't need a father like him.

"Is that right?" I let out a soft laugh, looking him dead in the eyes. "But what if that day actually comes? Cassius, what happens if you ever betray me?"

His brow furrowed sharply.

"That day will never come." He swore it almost through gritted teeth. "If I ever did, let me lose everything I have. Let my family be destroyed and my men turn their backs on me. Let me spend every second of the rest of my life rotting in the hell of losing you."

"Really?" I asked.

"Of course."

Since he was so eager to make that vow, I would help him keep it. Word for word.

I closed my eyes and leaned into his chest, letting myself feel this one, final embrace.

The half-open door was suddenly pushed wide.

"Don, everything is ready." Selena stood in the doorway, her eyes fixed directly on Cassius.

Cassius patted my back and took my hand. "Come on. I have a surprise for you."

Minutes later, I was standing on the estate's grandest terrace.

"Three, two, one," he counted down against my ear.

Massive fireworks exploded over the private harbor, lighting up the entire night sky. The surrounding VIP guests erupted into waves of gasps and cheers.

Cassius turned me to face him. Right there, in front of everyone, he cupped my face and kissed me deeply.

"Five years, and it feels like the first day, Evelyn. You are the only crown in my life," he murmured against my lips.

Once upon a time, that would have brought tears to my eyes. Now, it only made my stomach churn with nausea.

If I hadn't just watched his hand skillfully squeeze Selena's ass moments ago, I might have actually fallen for his Oscar-worthy performance.

Then, his phone vibrated.

It was a custom, private ringtone.

Cassius's expression shifted slightly, but he didn't reach for his pocket. "Tonight is about you. No one else is worth my time."

Pretty words. But he couldn't control his eyes. I watched clearly as his gaze drifted over my shoulder, landing on Selena at the edge of the crowd. She was raising her champagne flute, shooting him a disgustingly smug look.

The buzzing in his pocket grew more frantic, urging him on like a war drum.

I bit the inside of my cheek hard enough to taste blood, killing off the last, pathetic shred of hope in my heart, and voluntarily took a half-step back.

"If it's ringing that much, it must be urgent." I smoothed out his tie and offered him a perfectly understanding smile. "Go ahead. Don't let me keep you from business."

I caught it. That split-second flash in his eyes—relief. He could finally make his clean getaway to soothe the adopted daughter carrying his bloodline.

"I'm sorry, baby. I'll be right back. Wait for me."

He practically sprinted away. I stood there beneath the falling ash of the fireworks, watching him weave through the crowd. Across the terrace, Selena was already making her exit. Moving in perfect sync, shielded by the oblivious guests, they slipped away through separate doors.

To them, I was just the clueless fool in their cheap little play—the only one who didn't know the script.

I stared coldly at the direction he had gone, before turning on my heels and heading straight downstairs to the parking garage.

I pulled open the car door and started the engine. If there was an emergency, then as his loyal wife, it was only right that I go see exactly how urgent it was.

I hit the gas, locking my eyes on Cassius's taillights as I followed him into the endless night.