I force myself to take a slow breath. I won't let emotions cloud my judgment.
"Talk." I demand. "And make it make sense."
Cassian finally exhales, running a hand through his hair. His face is tense, his gaze unflinching. "Because I didn't want her to talk to you first."
I narrow my eyes. "What?"
"She had been threatening to tell you about the pregnancy, and I didn't want that to happen. I needed to handle it before she got to you."
I let out a bitter laugh. "So you decided to go behind my back and meet her in secret?"
He shakes his head. "I didn't go to 'meet' her. I went to end it. To make it clear that whatever she was trying to do, it wouldn't work."
I cross my arms. "And the drink? The setting? Her, naked on your lap? Explain that."
His jaw tightens. "I took the drink to calm myself. I didn't pour it for her, I didn't sit there enjoying her company." His voice is steady, controlled. "I won't deny she tried to seduce me. But I didn't go there for that. I let my guard down for a second, and she used it. By the time I realized what she was doing, you were already there."
I shake my head, the image of that night burning in my mind.
"You let your guard down?" I echo. "She was on your lap, Cassian!"
"I was pushing her off!" He leans forward, his eyes locking onto mine. "Celeste, I know how it looked, but I swear to you, I didn't betray you."
The room feels too small, too suffocating. My heart slams against my ribs, my emotions warring inside me.
I want to believe him.
But trust isn't just about words. It's about actions. And right now, my trust in him is shattered.
I swallow hard, my voice barely above a whisper.
"You should have told me."
His shoulders drop slightly. "I know." His voice is softer now. "And I regret it. But Celeste, I didn't cheat on you. I didn't touch her. That baby isn't mine."
I don't respond.
I don't know what to believe anymore.
So I turn away. Because I'm not ready to give him an answer yet.
***
The next morning, I'm out of the wheelchair, taking slow, deliberate steps around my room. My legs are weak, but I push through. My body is healing, but my mind is still burdened by last night's conversation with Cassian. I'm not as grieved by his deception anymore, but I refuse to let my emotions cloud my judgment. I need to approach this logically, like a lawyer.
I know he'll come soon.
Right on cue, the door opens, and Cassian steps in. His eyes immediately flick to my legs.
"You're walking." There's a flicker of relief in his voice. "How are you feeling?"
"Good," I respond flatly.
He studies me for a moment, sensing my guarded tone. "What's on your mind?"
"I need a favour."
He raises a brow. "What is it?"
"I need Nancy's number."
Cassian's expression shifts; subtle, but I catch it. He's uncomfortable. "Why?"
"I need to talk to her." I fold my arms. "If she's lying about the pregnancy, I'll know."
His jaw tightens. He hesitates for a second, then pulls out his phone and forwards the number to me.
"Thank you," I say, pocketing my phone. "One more thing."
He exhales, already wary. "What?"
"Why would someone be sending me threatening messages from Wild Villa?" My eyes stay locked on his. "Is it Nancy? Or someone else?"
Cassian's expression darkens. "I'm already working on it, Celeste. I will get to the root of it."
I nod, but I don't fully believe him. He's still yet to trace the first SMS I received, ; the one warning me the night the assailant came to my window.
I say it out loud. "You still haven't traced the first message. Why?"
Cassian doesn't answer immediately. Instead, he steps closer and takes my hand. His touch is warm, steady. "Come," he says gently. "You need to eat and take your medication."
I let him lead me to the dining table, where breakfast is already served.
He's trying, really trying to take care of me.
I just wish he hadn't lied.
***
I sit alone in my chamber, staring at the garden through the open window. The breeze carries the scent of fresh roses, teasing me with the freedom I desperately crave. I want to walk outside, feel the earth beneath my feet, but I know I can't push myself too far just yet. My body is still recovering.
The door creaks open, and Esther steps in, her usual warm smile lighting up her face.
"Oh, Princess, you look radiant today. Much better than yesterday," she says, walking toward me. "Have you eaten? Taken your drugs?"
I nod. "Yes, dear." Then, lowering my voice, I ask, "Esther, have you found my diary?"
Her expression darkens. "Not yet, my princess."
A chill runs down my spine. "Who could have taken it?"
She hesitates. "I have no idea, but I suspect it's with the Queen."
My grip on the armrest tightens. "Why? What does she want with my diary?"
Esther's gaze sharpens. "Something. A secret to use against you, I guess."
I frown, my heart pounding. I have no terrible secrets at least, none that could ruin me. But there is one thing I don't want anyone to find out. Not now.
Ray.
I exhale slowly, pushing away the anxiety clawing at my chest.
Esther steps closer. "I think there's a guard around you working for the Queen."
My head snaps up. "Who?"
She shakes her head. "I can't tell for now, but I'm still investigating."
I remain silent. I don't tell her about Nancy's pregnancy. Not yet. Not until I speak to Nancy first. Esther doesn't know what I saw in Wild Villa. She doesn't know about Cassian's deception.
Only my mother knows the truth.
And until I have all the pieces of this puzzle, I intend to keep it that way.