Cassandra awoke the next morning, disoriented by her unfamiliar surroundings. The lavish bedroom was unlike anything she had ever seen, with ornate furnishings and a view of sprawling gardens outside the large windows. She ventured out into the grand hall, where a butler stood at attention.
"Where am I?" she asked, confused and wary.
"You're in the Devil's Castle," a familiar voice replied. The stranger from the bar descended the staircase, looking effortlessly elegant in a tailored suit.
She frowned, trying to recall the events of the previous night. "Who are you?"
"I'm Damien Blackwood," he said with a smirk. "The devil you summoned last night."
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Why am I here? Why did you change my clothes?"
"You told me you had no home and you vomited on us both," Damien explained. "I couldn't leave you like that. You also made a deal with me."
"A deal?" she echoed, horrified.
"Yes. You promised to marry me in exchange for my help in getting your revenge."
Cassandra shook her head. "I was drunk. That doesn't count."
At that moment, the managing director of Korea's number one electronics company entered, addressing Damien as "sir" and begging him to take over as chairman. Damien declined, citing a lack of interest.
Recognizing an opportunity, Cassandra pulled Damien into another room. "Join the company. I'll help you run it and destroy my family in the process."
Damien's eyes gleamed with interest. "If you marry me, I'll do it."
Cassandra hesitated but then countered, "I'll work as your secretary. We can have a contract marriage."
Damien agreed, and they immediately drew up a contract with stipulations from both sides. Cassandra had to kiss him every day and warm his bed, though she insisted there would be no sex.
After signing, they drove to her apartment to collect her belongings.
When they arrived at her apartment building, it was swarming with reporters, clearly tipped off by Lila. Damien glanced at Cassandra, who looked worried.
"We can't go through the front door like this," she said, her voice tense. "The media will recognize me immediately."
Damien nodded and pulled out his phone, making a quick call. Within minutes, Korea's most famous celebrity designer, Jisoo, arrived with an array of outfits.
"Let's give you a makeover," Damien suggested, leading Cassandra into her apartment.
Jisoo worked quickly, transforming Cassandra's appearance. Her hair was styled into soft waves, dyed a striking shade of deep red, contrasting beautifully with her blue eyes. She wore a stunning black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, exuding confidence and allure. The finishing touches were a pair of designer sunglasses and a chic handbag.
When she emerged from the bedroom, Damien's eyes widened in appreciation. "You look incredible."
Cassandra felt a surge of confidence. "Thank you."
Damien handed her a pair of sunglasses and put on his own. "Let's go."
As they stepped into the lobby, the reporters' heads turned, but they didn't recognize her. With her new look, they assumed she was a celebrity, especially with Damien by her side.
"Who are they?" one reporter whispered. "They must be some big stars."
"They're too glamorous to be anyone else," another agreed, stepping aside to let them pass.
Cassandra felt a thrill of relief as they walked past the press, maintaining their composure. In the elevator, she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"They really think we're celebrities," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Damien smiled. "You are a celebrity now, in a way."
They exited the building and got into Damien's Bugatti La Voiture Noire. As they drove away, Cassandra glanced back at the building, feeling a strange mix of emotions. She was leaving behind her old life, but she felt a new sense of purpose.
When they arrived back at Damien's estate, he parked the car and turned to her. "Remember our first condition."
Reluctantly, Cassandra leaned in and kissed him, her cheeks burning with shyness. Damien smiled, but then his expression turned serious.
"I have to leave for a few days," he announced suddenly.
"You can't," she protested. "I have to fulfill our contract."
"I'll try to return early," he promised, leaving her alone in the grand house.
That night, wearing cute pajamas, Cassandra sat on Damien's bed, the scent of him filling her senses. Lost in thought, she didn't notice him standing at the door, watching her.
"If I smell this good, why don't you marry me for real?" he teased, stepping closer.
Blushing, Cassandra tried to leave, but Damien caught her arm gently. "Sleep here tonight."
She shook her head and escaped to her room, her heart pounding. This was only the beginning of their tangled web of revenge, ambition, and unexpected feelings.