Escape from the Loveless Zone

Cassian’s fans swarmed every exit, leaving her no path to escape. They demanded answers from Vivienne, his agent, about the mortifying scene at the awards. The event had been broadcast live and everyone witnessed Vivienne’s humiliating display, standing there in a wedding dress, lost in a hopeless dream. “Oh, please, did she really think Cassian’s tweet was about proposing to her? Like she’s even in his league!” “What a delusional, self-important frog!” As soon as Vivienne appeared in their sights, their rage ignited and a storm of insults filled the air. A few fans even threw withered vegetables and eggs at her, leaving her once-pristine lace gown smeared with dirt and stains, reducing her to a picture of utter defeat. Vivienne bowed her head, silently enduring each jeer. In two weeks, she would finally be free of Cassian and causing a scene now would only draw his attention. Just hours before the awards ceremony, Cassian had sent her the wedding dress, along with a bouquet of roses. Nestled among the petals was a card in his own handwriting. [Wear this and be my bride.] Her heart had raced at those words, drumming with a mix of hope and disbelief. After five years, hidden in the shadows as his secret lover, Cassian was finally ready to acknowledge her. In that instant, Vivienne felt that every sacrifice, every stolen moment, had been worth it. But now, reality had shattered that illusion, a brutal slap leaving her thoroughly awakened. Cassian had only wanted to humiliate her, using her devotion as a cruel game. “Cassian is coming out!” At someone’s shout, the angry crowd surrounding her surged toward him. Vivienne was left standing alone, humiliated, watching Cassian as he carefully escorted Freya, basking in the crowd’s praise and blessings. Then, someone asked why she had stood up in a wedding gown during Cassian’s proposal. Cassian’s gaze swept the crowd, settling on Vivienne with a cold indifference. His voice held not a shred of warmth as he spoke, dripping with disdain. “We’ve crossed paths a lot for work. I suppose someone got the wrong idea.” “Thankfully, Freya is understanding and didn’t mind this madwoman disrupting our proposal.” Freya, content in Cassian’s arms, beamed at the crowd. “Thank you all for your blessings! Let’s focus on celebrating, not on anything unimportant.” She continued with a soft, forgiving tone, “Vivienne just made a mistake in the moment. I hope everyone will let her move on and avoid targeting her online.” Fans burst into applause, marveling at Freya’s kindness and beauty. The sight of this flawless couple made Vivienne feel a wave of nausea. She turned to leave, but a fan with sharp eyes stopped her, calling out, “Vivienne hasn’t apologized to Freya yet!” In an instant, the crowd rallied, chanting, “Apologize! Apologize! Vivienne, apologize!” The sound rose, reverberating through her chest. For a fleeting moment, Vivienne felt unsteady. Had it all truly been her fault?

Cassian shot a cold, disdainful look at Vivienne, her appearance utterly disheveled and humiliated. Holding Freya’s hand, he approached her, frowning with an air of contempt. "Vivienne, whatever ridiculous fantasies you might indulge in privately, you’ve crossed the line," he said sharply. He sneered, his voice laced with scorn. "Don’t you understand how meaningful a proposal is for a woman? You’ve ruined a precious moment for Freya. Isn’t it time you apologized?" Freya tugged softly on Cassian’s sleeve, her voice delicate, yet her gaze at Vivienne glinting with pride. "Let’s not be too harsh on her," she murmured. "It must be hard for her, liking you so much but watching us find happiness together." Cassian’s handsome features twisted in disdain as his gaze shifted to Vivienne, his expression as if she were something distasteful he’d rather avoid. With a cold scoff, he said, "Why should I care about her feelings? It’s pathetic. She’s like a leech, clingy and unwilling to let go.” The foul smell of raw egg clung to her hair as Vivienne stood silently, letting Cassian and Freya’s taunts wash over her. Only the night before, Cassian’s embrace had been possessive, his kisses searing and unrelenting, as if he couldn’t pull away. But now, his words sliced through her with a merciless edge, every ounce of warmth gone. When Vivienne stayed silent, Cassian’s patience thinned and a shadow of irritation crossed his face. "Vivienne, are you mute? Or deaf?" he spat. "I told you to apologize to Freya, didn’t you hear me?" With nowhere left to turn, Vivienne raised her head, looking into the eyes of the man who had filled her world for eight years, feeling a jarring sense of unfamiliarity. Yet perhaps, knowing Cassian’s egotistical pride, it was no surprise it had come to this. At fifteen, Vivienne’s life had unraveled when her father’s failed investments buried them in debt. In despair, he abandoned her and her mother, taking his life with a leap from a twenty-story building. Her mother, alone and desperate, hid from creditors and worked herself into exhaustion, juggling four jobs until her health gave out and left her bedridden. Vivienne had barely entered high school when her world collapsed. When her life seemed to be at a dead end, Cassian appeared like a lone ray of light piercing the darkness. At twenty, he paid off her father’s debts, arranged top medical care for her mother and even allowed Vivienne to continue her studies. At first, she had been cautious around him, fearing hidden motives. But as the months passed, she realized he expected nothing in return and rarely visited her. Yet the image of his handsome profile, as he held an umbrella for her during a rainstorm, had etched itself into her heart. That memory had stayed with her for eight years. Perhaps it was the dim evening light, but Vivienne found herself wondering if the man before her was still the Cassian she had once loved. "Oh, Cassian, please don’t push Vivienne any further. She just…" Freya’s soft voice cut through the tension, only to be interrupted by Vivienne’s cool response. "Fine. I’ll apologize." The crowd, noisy moments before, fell into an abrupt silence.

The arrogance in Cassian’s eyes wavered for a brief moment as he frowned, eyeing Vivienne with growing suspicion. "Are you really apologizing to Freya? Don’t start cursing us behind our backs." Vivienne clasped her hands over her abdomen and bowed deeply toward both Cassian and Freya. With genuine sincerity, she spoke, "I apologize. Today, I was wrong." She shouldn’t have held onto any illusions about Cassian. From the moment he had hurt her for Freya, Vivienne should have understood her place and severed her feelings. Instead, she had let herself become a spectacle, disgraced to the point of being cast aside. In the end, she was about to leave the land where she had spent twenty-three years of her life, escaping to a foreign country. "Ruining your proposal was my fault. If there’s anything I can do to make up for it, please let me know." Her voice was quiet, humbling herself as if she truly regretted her actions. But instead of remorse, Cassian’s fury only deepened. He looked at her with cold eyes, irritation pulsing through him at the very sight of her. "Who knows if you’re being sincere or just putting on an act? I don’t believe a word you say." Freya playfully tugged at Cassian’s ear. "Oh, Cassian, don’t be so cruel." She added, "Vivienne already apologized. What more do you want from her?" By now, the security guards had started clearing the crowd, leaving only the three of them behind. Cassian’s gaze turned hard as he spoke, "I want her to kneel and apologize to you!" The words hung in the air and even Freya paused, momentarily stunned, before her shock gave way to a self-satisfied smirk. Vivienne stared at him in disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?" Years ago, when she’d been on her knees, drenched in rain and desperation, begging him for help against the debt collectors, Cassian had pulled her up and told her that her knees were only for heaven, for earth and for her parents, not for anyone else. Now, this same man was demanding that she kneel to someone else. Seeing the familiar fear and pleading in her eyes, Cassian’s pride swelled further, his voice dripping with venom as he scolded her. "You humiliated Freya in front of everyone. Isn’t it only fair for you to kneel and apologize?" "Vivienne, when did you become the kind of person who refuses to own up to her actions?" Vivienne pressed her lips together, her whole body trembling with barely contained anger. "I won’t." Most of the guests had already filed out of the venue and a security guard approached, inquiring when they planned to leave. With tears brimming in her eyes, Freya wrapped her arms around Cassian. "Cassian, with Vivienne acting like this, can we even believe her apology was sincere?" "She turned my proposal into a joke and still, I was willing to forgive her…" Cassian frowned, gently pulling Freya closer. He then turned his piercing gaze to Vivienne. "Vivienne, isn’t groveling to the wealthy what you do best? All we’re asking is for you to apologize to Freya, yet you refuse?"

"What’s the fuss? It’s just kneeling; it won’t kill you!" Vivienne gritted her teeth, feeling the sharp throb of her jaw from the pressure of clenching it so tightly. "Vivienne, are you seriously refusing to kneel and apologize to Freya?" Sensing the growing danger, Vivienne backed away, trying to escape the escalating situation. "I won’t." "I already said I’d do my best to make up for it! What else do you want?!" Freya’s crying intensified and she whimpered to Cassian, her voice cracking. "A proposal… it only happens once…" Cassian’s expression turned stormy, his patience slipping. He gently comforted Freya before giving the command, "Fine! Grab her!" Cassian’s bodyguards, followed by the venue’s security, rushed forward in unison. Despite her frantic struggles, Vivienne was no match for the men’s combined strength and soon found herself restrained. With a mocking smile, Freya watched as Cassian yanked a fistful of Vivienne’s hair, forcing her to look him in the eyes. The pain surged through her scalp and tears streamed down her face, leaving her completely humiliated. When Vivienne thought her scalp might tear, Cassian finally released her with a sharp tug. Breathless, she thought it was over until his cold voice sliced through the air. "Strip her wedding dress off.” "What kind of person dares to act out in front of me?" At Cassian’s command, the bodyguards moved in without hesitation. Vivienne screamed, her body thrashing as she kicked and punched, trying to break free. But her struggles were in vain. With a loud tear, the delicate lace of her wedding dress was ripped apart, exposing her skin to the cold night air. As the fabric fell away, Vivienne finally crumbled, sobbing uncontrollably, curling into herself. But the bodyguards held her firm, forcing her to remain exposed as they stripped her down to her undergarments. Standing close by, Cassian cradled Freya in his arms, murmuring soothing words to calm her. "Freya, stop crying. I’ve punished her." "A lowly woman like her doesn’t deserve to wear a wedding dress in front of you." "She deserves this. I’ll make sure she learns her lesson later." With a glance of disdain, Cassian looked down at Vivienne. "Don’t try any more tricks with me. There won’t be a next time." At his signal, the bodyguards released her. She immediately collapsed to the ground, hugging herself tightly as if trying to shield her dignity. With a mockingly satisfied smile, Cassian wrapped his arm around Freya’s waist and walked away, leaving her broken and exposed. One of the venue security guards leered at Vivienne, his gaze lingering on her with clear intent. "Leaving already, Miss Waverly?" he sneered. "Or perhaps you'd like to have some fun with us?" Vivienne’s face drained of color as she slowly rose to her feet, her legs unsteady. She turned and began to walk toward the exit. The vast venue loomed dark and silent behind her, the only sound the soft patter of rain starting to fall. Drenched in the downpour, Vivienne felt a lump form in her throat, but she forced herself to keep walking. Her phone was gone and she wandered aimlessly, trying to block out the hushed whispers and judgmental glances from the few remaining bystanders. A wave of shame washed over her, but just as it seemed unbearable, a kind cleaning lady approached, offering her a coat to shield her from the cold. She also handed Vivienne her phone to help her find her way home. Vivienne didn’t know how she would have managed without the woman's kindness.

The house was in the opposite direction of the venue and if Vivienne had to walk back, it would take her at least seven or eight hours without a single break. By the time she finally reached home, her body was drained and completely worn out. But there was no time to rest. Vivienne wasted no moment and immediately contacted her financial advisor, instructing him to liquidate all her assets. These funds were hers, earned from writing novels and selling their rights. They had nothing to do with Cassian. Years ago, Cassian cleared her debts, paid her mother’s medical bills and supported her through school. She had kept meticulous track of every expense he’d made for her and now, she intended to return every cent, severing all ties with him once and for all. After two or three hours of sorting her finances, she collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. But before she could rest, Cassian returned home as if nothing had happened. "Vivienne, make me a bowl of hangover soup," he ordered. Vivienne’s breath caught in her throat, but she steeled herself and forced her legs to move. She couldn't risk showing weakness until she was completely free from Cassian’s hold. With his family’s influence, she wasn’t sure she’d even be able to escape the villa. Staring into the flickering flames of the stove, she was lost in thought when Cassian’s voice cut through her reverie. "What are you doing, so lost in thought?" The soup had long since boiled over, spilling out of the pot in a bubbling mess. Startled back to reality, Vivienne quickly turned off the heat, but the boiling water seared her hand. She jerked her hand back with a sharp cry, the pain searing through her skin. Cassian’s voice, sharp and commanding, pierced through her daze. He grabbed her hand, placing it under cold running water. "How could you be so careless? A grown woman and you still manage to burn yourself just making soup? Quite the talent," he scolded, urgency slipping into his tone. Suppressing her urge to pull away, Vivienne let him hold her hand beneath the cold water. Noticing her lack of response, Cassian’s gaze darkened, his impatience evident. "Why aren’t you saying anything?" "Still angry?" "Vivienne, I’ve warned you time and time again, don’t harbor any foolish thoughts about me." "If you weren’t hoping for something, why would you have been so eager to wear that wedding dress? Were you thinking you could use that to secure a title from me?" "I’ll tell you this, you’re not fit to be Mrs. Tucker. Someone like you, with no status or power, will never deserve it." "Consider this your lesson. If it happens again, you’ll suffer a hundred times more." "Did you hear me?" Once, Vivienne would have flinched at his words, but now, she concealed the cold resolve within her, bowing her head in apparent meekness. "I heard you. I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t covet things that aren’t meant for me anymore." The words hit their mark, but instead of satisfaction, Cassian froze. His breath caught for a moment and then a rush of anger swept over him. Without warning, he flung her hand aside, storming out of the room. She was caught off guard by his sudden movement and her already injured hand slammed into the hard edge of the table, drawing a stream of blood. Cassian immediately turned, panic flashing across his face. "I’ll take you to the hospital!" Vivienne didn’t protest, simply nodding. "Alright." As he started the car, the navigation system chimed and Freya’s sweet voice echoed through the speakers.

"Are you ready, Cassian? Let’s head towards happiness together!" Cassian’s expression shifted and he quickly tried to explain, "Freya took an endorsement for this navigation software. She was worried she wouldn’t get it right during the recording, so she decided to test it out in my car first." He added, "If it bothers you, I can switch it." Vivienne suppressed the sting of pain in her hand and responded with a calm composure, "There’s no need." Cassian studied her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face as he checked her expression for any hint of discomfort. "You’re not upset?" Vivienne pressed her lips together, the words hanging between them. Being angry required caring and that was something she no longer felt for him. In the past, Freya had hurt her because she had still held on to some attachment to Cassian. Now, she had nothing left to lose. Why would she bother herself with the women in his life? "It’s just a navigation voice. I’m not that petty." Cassian suddenly grew animated. "Why couldn’t you have been this way before?" "I promise, no matter who I marry in the future, you’ll always have a place in my heart and our relationship will never change." "Vivienne, you're the one I truly love." In the past, hearing Cassian confess his love would have made Vivienne’s heart soar. But now, all she felt was disgust. "Let’s go. My hand really hurts." Vivienne and Cassian lived in a secluded villa in the suburbs, a quiet haven far from the bustle of the city. The neighborhood boasted excellent security, but its remoteness was a constant reminder of how disconnected it was from the life Vivienne once knew. The pain in her hand had intensified, leaving her with a numb, dull ache that seemed to spread through her entire arm. Leaning against the car window, her face pale, she fought the dizziness creeping over her. After a ten-minute drive, just as they reached the city's edge, Cassian’s phone rang. "Cassian, what are you doing? Freya misses you!" The familiar, personalized ringtone of Freya echoed in the car. Vivienne turned her gaze to the window, desperate to avoid the suffocating reality of it all. To her surprise, after glancing at Vivienne’s face quickly, Cassian ignored Freya’s call and pressed the gas pedal harder. When the car came to a stop at the next red light, Freya’s call rang through again. Cassian fidgeted awkwardly. "Freya called twice; she might need something urgent..." "Go ahead, answer it," Vivienne said flatly, cutting him off. Sweat beaded on her forehead from the pain and the skin on her burned hand felt as though it were still being scorched by fire. Every fiber of her being screamed to claw at it, but she held herself back. Cassian answered the call and a soft, genuine smile spread across his face as his fingers tapped the steering wheel in a rhythmic pattern. "Cassian, I’m really craving that strawberry cake from the dessert shop in the south part of town!" The mention of the familiar shop made Vivienne’s eyes snap open. She couldn’t help but glance at him, a bitter taste rising in her chest. It was the same cake he had bought for her all those years ago when he’d rescued her from the clutches of her debt collectors. And whenever he had angered her, he would show up with that cake, hoping to win her forgiveness. And each time, she had given in. Vivienne had once thought it was a special little understanding between them. But now, it had twisted into nothing more than a way for Cassian and Freya to flirt, an inside joke she had never been a part of.

The taste of the cake, sickly and sweet, lingered in Vivienne’s throat, bringing a wave of nausea that made her stomach flip. Her face drained of color as the feeling threatened to overwhelm her. “Freya asked for some dessert,” Cassian explained, as though the reason was perfectly reasonable. “Her manager’s always watching, so she finally gets a break. I can’t disappoint her.” He added quickly, “I’ll call Remiel to pick you up. Wait by the corner for a moment.” Without missing a beat, Cassian pulled over, clearly eager to leave. Suddenly, a deafening clap of thunder split the air, rattling Vivienne and making her shiver uncontrollably. The rain began to pour in torrents as if the sky had cracked open. Vivienne tightened her grip on the seatbelt, curling up in her seat, trembling uncontrollably. The storm brought with it memories she couldn’t escape. When her father had failed in his investments and jumped to his death, the debt collectors always seemed to show up during storms like this, demanding what they were owed. Her mother, always out working, left Vivienne alone at home and the sounds, the wind howling, thunder cracking, the shouting, the relentless pounding on the door, had struck her young heart like a hammer, imprinting a deep-seated fear. Ever since that night, she had been terrified of thunder. In the past, Cassian had discovered her fear and would hold her close, covering her ears as he spoke in a raspy, soothing voice, "Don’t be scared, Vivienne. I’m here." “It’s just thunder. If you’re still afraid, you can hide in my arms, alright?” But now, Cassian simply frowned, his gaze cold as ice, with a faint hint of concern furrowing his brow. Vivienne knew all too well that his worry wasn’t for her. "Freya, are you scared again?" "Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll be there soon." Once he ended the call with Freya, Cassian’s patience snapped and he clicked his tongue in irritation. "Hurry up and get out of the car." "Can you stop being so dramatic over a minor injury?" Vivienne’s fingers trembled as she gripped the seatbelt, doing her best to mask her unease as she replied, "The rain’s coming down so hard. I’m worried my wound might get infected." Cassian’s face darkened at once and he sneered, his disdain palpable. "Vivienne, what are you pretending for?" "Freya was coddled like a princess, so of course she’s afraid of thunder. But you, afraid of thunder?" "Don’t play the pity card here. Get out of the car, now!" Before Vivienne could even open her mouth to defend herself, Cassian had already stepped out into the relentless rain, swiftly circling to her side. With a firm grip, he yanked her from the passenger seat, effortlessly undoing her seatbelt and pulling her out without a second thought. "See that? A bus stop just a hundred meters away. Wait there for Remiel to pick you up." "I know you're upset. Call me when you're done at the hospital and I’ll come get you." The car sped away like a shadow, splashing filthy water across Vivienne, though the torrential rain quickly rinsed it off. The raindrops stung like tiny daggers against her skin as she cradled her injured hand to her chest and stumbled toward the bus stop. The open shelter at the stop barely shielded her from the deluge and the pain in her hand gradually numbed. Her body burned with fever, her thoughts were muddled and her lips, cold as ice, began to turn an unnatural shade of purple.

Vivienne slumped against the bus stop bench, letting the relentless rain drench her. An hour had passed, yet Remiel, the driver Cassian had promised, still hadn't arrived. She fumbled for her phone, but it had already shut down, waterlogged from the storm. With a wry smile, Vivienne slowly pushed herself to her feet and trudged to the roadside, hoping for a taxi. The rain washed the streets as if purging them of all the filth and grime. As she watched the rain blur into a curtain of water, a quiet sense of clarity settled in her heart. She had no more feelings for Cassian. In the deserted, rain-soaked outskirts of the city, only a few cars passed by and fewer still dared to venture through the downpour. Vivienne waited, her fever mounting, barely able to keep her eyes open before finally, a car slowed down to a stop in front of her. By the time Vivienne reached the hospital, her body was feverish, burning with a heat that only worsened as her wound began to show signs of infection. The doctor advised her to stay for treatment. During her days in the hospital, not a single word came from Cassian, not a visit, not even a call to check on her, let alone an offer to "pick her up." Yet, as his manager, Vivienne couldn’t completely escape hearing about his movements. The very night he had abandoned her to see Freya, the latter posted on social media, even tagging Vivienne. The photo showed Cassian braving the storm, rushing toward Freya. [Cassian really makes me feel safe! I told him I was scared of thunder and he came through the rain just for me!] At that moment, Vivienne had just finished her IV drip, curled up alone in the sterile quiet of her hospital room, the scent of disinfectant thick in the air. She lay awake as the thunder rumbled outside. As Vivienne saw Freya’s post, a quiet, almost bitter reply escaped her lips. "I wish you a lifetime of happiness together." Freya never bothered to respond. The following day, Vivienne noticed that Cassian and Freya’s seemingly perfect moments were trending across social media. #A Fan Spots Cassian and Freya at a Dessert Shop, So Sweet #A World Without the Ex is So Sweet Vivienne found herself scrolling through the comments, the words cutting deeper with each passing second. People mocked her, calling her a clown, a toad dreaming of swan meat, a delusional fool. Cassian did nothing to protect her, letting the insults rain down on her without lifting a finger. Each harsh word only made the image of Cassian and Freya’s romance seem even sweeter as if their happiness came at her expense. After over a week in the hospital, Vivienne’s fever finally broke. The doctor cleared her to go home, advising her to continue her recovery with regular checkups. The day she was discharged, Cassian’s call came through and without skipping a beat, he launched into a tirade. "Vivienne, are you growing a backbone now?" "It’s been over a week and not once have you come back. Are you trying to pull one of your disappearing acts on me?" "I only dropped you off by the side of the road that night and went to see Freya. Was that what upset you? Didn’t I arrange for Remiel to pick you up? What could you possibly be so unhappy about?" Vivienne had waited in the storm for what felt like an eternity, but Remiel, the driver Cassian had mentioned, never showed. If Cassian didn’t care, it was no surprise his employees treated her with even less regard. In the past, Vivienne would have defended herself, arguing until Cassian understood and finally apologized. But now, she simply stood in silence, letting him vent his frustration, letting him berate her without a word. One more week, she thought. Just one more week and she would be free from Cassian for good.

"Are you done shouting?" "If you’ve finished, then just hang up. I’m tired." Cassian’s teeth ground together in anger, his words sharp and cold. "Fine, have it your way." "Vivienne, you’ve got guts." "Don’t want to come back? Fine, never return." In a fit of rage, Cassian threw the phone across the room, shattering it against the wall. Vivienne, unbothered, smirked bitterly. After completing her discharge, she checked into a hotel, feeling free at last. For the days that followed, Cassian seemed to enjoy parading his love for Freya, each post more public and shameless than the last. The two seemed inseparable, their sweet romance splashed across every screen, sparking admiration from many, though some passersby couldn’t help but feel annoyed by the constant drama. But for the most part, people cheered them on, caught up in the spectacle. Each time someone praised Cassian and Freya, Vivienne found herself dragged into the conversation, a target for ridicule and verbal assault. Yet, she paid it no mind. Soon enough, she’d liquidate her assets, repay Cassian and leave it all behind. Five days had passed since that last phone call, with Cassian nowhere to be found. When he finally called again, Vivienne had gathered enough money and was ready to say goodbye for good. Cassian’s voice sounded stiff and strained as he asked, "Have you been reflecting these past few days? I’ll pick you up later and take you to meet some friends." Vivienne recognized this for what it was: Cassian’s awkward attempt at an apology, a clumsy peace offering. If it had been before, she might have felt some flicker of hope at his rare vulnerability. But now, she merely shrugged it off, almost amused by the whole charade. After giving him her location, Cassian arrived on time, with Remiel driving, as promised. When Remiel saw Vivienne, his lips curled into a smug, almost taunting smile as though he were sure she wouldn’t call him out for his earlier neglect. Vivienne had no intention of doing so. She was leaving and there was no need to bring it up now. With a calm smile, she opened the car door and took a seat in the front. She wasn’t about to sit in the back with Cassian. Being near him made her skin crawl. When the door to the private room swung open, fireworks erupted overhead with a deafening crack. Multicolored confetti rained down, drifting lazily through the air. Cassian’s friends cheered in unison, "Congratulations to Cassian and Sister-in-law on your happy marriage!" Vivienne looked up, her gaze falling on a red banner that hung across the room, emblazoned with the words: "Wishing Cassian and Freya a lifetime of happiness!" "Why is it you, this crazy woman?" As the confetti settled, the room fell into an eerie silence. Everyone’s eyes turned to Vivienne, burning with a quiet, intense anger as though she had committed some unforgivable sin. Vivienne simply shrugged, offering a helpless smile. "You’ll have to ask Cassian about that." The air in the room grew thick with tension. Cassian moved to the center of the room, taking a seat. After a brief pause, he cleared his throat twice, "Everyone, take a seat." The group exchanged uncertain glances before slowly finding their places around the large round table, leaving a spot beside Cassian and across from him. Vivienne chose a seat as far from him as she could manage. "Did Cassian bring this crazy woman here to make her see the difference between her and Sister-in-law?"