Chapter 90
Fireworks lit up the sky one after another, illuminating the entire stretch of the river. Cassandra found herself entranced by the spectacle.
How long had it been since she last watched fireworks in such quiet serenity? The last time she recalled was back in college when Cameron had taken her to Sparkleland.
They had waited for over four hours just to see the evening fireworks show.
Cassandra had been so tired that she could barely keep her eyes open. Cameron took off his jacket, draped it over her, and said, “Lean on me and sleep for a bit. I’ll wake you up when the fireworks start.”
But she hardly saw any of them in the end, because he started kissing her the moment the show began. By the time the kiss ended, so had the fireworks.
He promised her, “Next time, I’ll have a firework display just for you. You’ll see as much as you want.”
Cassandra shook her head and said, “Forget it. Setting off fireworks for me is such a waste. And it pollutes the environment, too.”
Women were just like that—always saying one thing and feeling another.
Logically, fireworks added to the PM2.5 pollution. But deep down, who wouldn’t want the person they loved to light up the sky, just to make them smile?
Not because it was a birthday or holiday, but just for the sake of seeing a loved one smile.
“What are you thinking about?” Ryan asked.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Cassandra shook her head. “Nothing.”
“Are you reminiscing? Did Cameron ever take you to watch fireworks?” Ryan asked further.
“It’s been too long. I don’t remember,” she replied.
As they spoke, Cassandra suddenly felt something warm on her shoulders. At some point, Ryan had taken off his coat and placed it over her.
Given that they were two people of the opposite sex alone together, it felt too intimate. Instinctively, she took it off and tried to return it.
However, he said, “The night is chilly. If you get sick, who’s going to walk my dogs for me?”
Cassandra gave him a look of exasperation. “Mr. Scott, with a mouth like yours, it’s no wonder a certain someone won’t take you back after 15 years. Only someone like Janice can handle you.
11
Chapter U
“Why do you keep bringing her up?” Ryan asked. ‘Are you two close or something?”
Cassandra looked up at him as if he were being deliberately obtuse. “You really don’t know why I mentioned her?”
A recruitment drive just for her, a job tailor–made to keep her close, and the title of personal assistant. Ryan was trying to keep her close, and now, he dared to pretend like he hadn’t orchestrated the whole thing.
“Face it. Janice and I were probably there for cover, right? We’re just smokescreens to cover up abuse of power. Who knew you were such a romantic, Mr. Scott? Orchestrating this whole charade just to hide your real motives.”
your
Ryan let out an exasperated laugh. “What kind of nonsense-”
“Oh, and let’s not forget,” she cut in. “Janice is supposed to be your personal assistant. But I’m the one fixing your coffee machine, walking your dog, and cooking homemade pet meals. I’m not just her decoy. I’m part of whatever weird role–play scenario you two have going on.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You think the woman I like is Janice?”
“Who else would it be?”
Ryan rubbed his temples. “You’re unbelievable…”
Cassandra narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “You don’t like her, yet you made her your assistant? Even Lilian openly helped her skip the line.”
“She’s my cousin,” he said plainly. “My actual blood–related cousin. She’s my aunt’s daughter.
Cassandra was stunned. “No wonder… even Cameron had no clue who you’re into. So that’s it! You’re into taboo romance.
“Are you two planning to have kids in the future? I heard that cousin marriages can lead to genetic risks… although historically, they weren’t exactly rare. Weren’t Geralt and Lily cousins, too?”
Ryan closed his eyes in resignation.
She leaned in mischievously. “Mr. Scott, I’ve discovered your biggest secret. I swear I won’t tell anyone, but can we waive Daisy’s hotel bill, too?”
He looked at her in disbelief. “You’re already staying for free, and now you want to get your friend a free room too?”
Cassandra grinned shamelessly. “I was just asking.”
