They didn't sleep. Not out of fear this time. But because the world outside was burning — and they chose to hold each other while it did.By sunrise, the news had spread.
Miranda Voss Arrested for Kidnapping Heiress and Corporate Sabotage.
Ashford Heiress Rescued by Cassandra Ashford Herself.
Julian Ashford Finally Admits Secret Love Child.
The media? Exploding. The boardroom? Imploding.
But Cassandra? Wrapped in Julian's shirt, sipping espresso on the balcony, hair wild, eyes steady.
"You'll need to give a press statement," she said, handing him the phone.
Julian took it, eyes on her the whole time. "Only if you're standing beside me."
She arched a brow. "Standing? I'm writing it."
★★★★★
Later That Day — Ashford Industries Press Room.
Flashbulbs. Fury. Curiosity.
The room was packed with journalists, cameras, gossip columnists—and even a few enemies.
Julian stood at the podium, suited in black and steel. Cassandra at his side in deep emerald, glowing like the queen she never asked to be, but was anyway.
"Thank you for coming," Julian began.
"Today is not about shame. Or secrecy. It's about truth."
He took a deep breath.
"Yes, I have a daughter. Her name is Lena. She is the light I never knew I had, and the reason I'll never live in shadow again."
The room went still.
"And yes," he continued, "Cassandra and I married under contract. But somewhere between forced dinners and scandal... I fell in love with my wife."
He turned to her, eyes soft but blazing.
"She's the fiercest woman I know. She saved my daughter. And she saved me."
Cassandra stepped forward, lips parting.
"I didn't marry Julian Ashford for power. I didn't need to."
She smirked.
"I married him because no one makes my blood boil like he does — in boardrooms and bedrooms."
Laughter exploded across the room.
Julian leaned in, whispered, "Spicy."
She winked. "Had to remind them who they're dealing with."
★★★★★
Later That Night – Ashford Private Gala.
The elite had gathered again, but this time… Julian and Cassandra owned the room.
She wore red silk, hair in a sleek twist, lips the color of victory. He couldn't stop looking at her.
"You're staring," she murmured, brushing past him.
"You wore that on purpose," he growled, catching her wrist.
She tilted her head. "So?"
"I'm cancelling dessert."
"Why?"
"Because you're coming home with me. Now."
★★★★★
Penthouse. Minutes Later.
The door slammed shut.
He pinned her to it.
"Still mad?" she teased.
"I'm mad you wore that and made me wait all night."
She laughed. "Then do something about it, Mr. Ashford."
He did.
God, he did.
He peeled the dress off inch by inch, kissed every part of her like it owed him something. And when they finally came together, it was primal — two forces that had fought the world and now… were free to worship each other.
Her nails raked down his back. His lips never left her skin. The couch, the floor, the shower — nothing was spared.
At one point, he whispered, "Marry me again."
Cassandra froze beneath him. "What?"
He kissed her, slow and deep. "No contracts. No pressure. Just love. You. Me. Lena. A new beginning."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"You're insane."
"I'm yours."
She nodded. "Okay. But this time, I pick the cake."
★★★★★
One Week Later – Ashford Estate Garden.
Lena tossed flower petals like confetti as music played softly in the background.
Julian stood in a tux, smiling like a man reborn.
Cassandra walked toward him, in white lace and combat boots.
He grinned.
"You wore the boots."
"I didn't come this far to twist my ankle for tradition."
The small gathering laughed. The sky was pink and gold. The air was winter-crisp.
They exchanged vows under an arch of red roses and snowflakes.
No boardrooms.
No media.
No lies.
Just a man, a woman, and a future built from fire.