The Royal Contract

It was late when Cassie finally finished her story. She wished there was something more she could do to rectify her wrongdoings against Dani and her father, but at the moment, she could think of none.

Alex had arranged for her safe house where she would temporarily hide until he could prepare for her travel to a more secure location and eventually her freedom. 

"Jacob, is it?" Alex asked when he had the chance to talk to the man accompanying Cassie to her new place. When he nodded, he continued. "I hope we can trust that her secret will be safe."

He had no idea of who the man was. All he knew was that Cassie trusted him to bring him along. They had no option now but to do the same.

"Of course. I also want the same thing. I am here to protect my friend." Jacob assured him as they stood outside the room while waiting for Cassie to come out.

She had remained inside the room, requesting a few minutes for a private conversation with her former friend. Jacky was hesitant to leave, but Dani assured her that everything would be fine.

"I am sorry again for hurting you and for ruining our friendship." Cassie apologized once more, knowing that her wrong judgment and actions resulted in a series of heartbreak on Dani's part.

She knew begging for her forgiveness would never be enough, but she should still do it. She should set aside her pride and show Dani that she genuinely regretted her past actions.

She fell on her knees, head bent down, unable to look into her eyes. She felt ashamed for what she had done, not only to her but as well as her father, who only showed kindness. 

"Come on, now. There is no need for that." Dani stood up from her seat and walked towards her. "Let us see what we can do to keep you safe."

Dani could see her emotions pouring out of her. Either Cassie told her the truth, or she was just a good actress. But Dani would prefer to believe the former.

Outside, Dani found Alex discussing something with Jacob. She walked with Cassie by her side while observing the doctor's movements. She still could not figure out his involvement with Cassie.

After less than an hour more, Dani rode in the passenger seat of Alex's car on the way home to his apartment. But her mind still went back to the doctor who was currently helping Cassie.

"Do you think Jacob is the reason why Cassie suddenly dumped Nick and decided to change her ways?" She voiced out her curiosity, looking at the man at her side.

She still could not understand Cassie's sudden change of heart. She analyzed her story and realized that Cassie had already decided to end her revenge plot, even before discovering the truth.

Something must have made her realize that it was not worth it. That there were things much significant than getting her vengeance. And her association with Nick would only lead her to trouble.

"I honestly don't know. First, we don't know much about the guy, except that he was a doctor who recently moved here. Aside from that, his association with her remained a mystery." Alex answered her query.

He wondered if he should look into Jacob or let it be. After all, he seemed to be just an innocent bystander in all that was happening to them.

But they had no clue about the relationship of Jacob to Cassie and the man that they all despised, Nick. Jacob and Cassie failed or intentionally omitted to mention that part to them.

"I think Cassie is telling us the truth. Even the evidence supported all her claims." Dani concluded based on what she observed earlier. 

In a way, she was glad that Cassie turned to their side, giving her the chance to clear her father's name. But there was no reason for them to reveal what they knew.

If word came out about Ethan's involvement in the crime syndicate, Dani would have no choice but to clear him, putting Cassie's father in the spotlight.

It would not do any good to the people concerned, especially Cassie's father, who was at the center of the issues. Dani would like to avoid that from happening.

"I also think so," Alex agreed with her, glad that she also believed in Cassie's story. 

At least that answered many questions in their mind about the past. It cleared Ethan of any crime, and the company was safe from speculations.

"Anyway, since Cassie is safe. Can I invite you to dinner?" She changed the topic, giving him a sweet smile with imploring eyes.

She felt like she had to make up for her lack of time for him, and most of all, for the stupid things she had done. It was not that late to find a decent restaurant. If not, they could always find something else to eat.

"Hmmm?" He thought of her offer, considering the time as he looked at his watch. "What do you have in mind?" He finally asked as he stirred the car out of the parking lot.

He instantly liked the idea of going out with her. If he would have it his way, he wished they could do it more often. Even if they were married for ten years, he still planned to go out on dates with her.

"I was thinking of a quick meal, then probably a late movie." She suggested, letting him decide on the rest. 

She looked outside her window, finally admiring the view of the city. It had been a while since she appreciated her surrounding. The place that she grew up and loved.

She let her eyes roam around, staring at nothing in particular, allowing herself to get lost in her thoughts. Her mind began to conjure up images of the two of them together.

She could see a simple two-story house with a small garden and a beautiful view of the countryside. She even saw a dog running about on a green, well-maintained lawn.

A familiar voice greeted her from behind that made her smile.. "Welcome home."