The sound of a slammed door resonated down the long corridor of a beautiful penthouse. A woman was obviously shocked from her seat in the living room. She stood and walked slowly, her heart rate up. Her silk skirt slid across the floor, her gentle voice almost drowned out by the thundering rain. Cassandra had gotten accustomed to the solitude that comes with marriage. A marriage that appeared perfect on the outside was a sign of power and prosperity. But beneath the glamor, there lurked an abyss she would never traverse.
Apparently, Tiberius Marlowe had just arrived home, and Cassandra could feel her husband's anxiety even before he appeared at the door. Tiber's evening air appeared to cool everything down.
"You think I don't know what you're doing, Cassy?" Tiber's voice was low, nearly a whisper, but every syllable carried a menace.
Cassandra tried to remain calm as her skin crawled, while the stranger approached with deliberate steps. She stood up and tried to put some distance between herself and Tiber. It appeared that the rain outside was ready to turn into a large storm. Tiber was in a state of restrained anger.
"What do you mean?" Cassy asked calmly, despite her anxious tone.
Cassy realized that when Tiber spoke like that, a great storm was on its way. Tiber moved fast, covering the distance in a moment, and gripped her arm firmly. Cassie jumped, despite her attempts to mask her amazement. She was used to Tiber's forbidding exterior, but tonight felt different, more deadly.
"I saw the way you looked at them—the politicians, the investors, all the men who tried to feed your ego," Tiber told her. His voice was full of hatred. His hands grasped her waist too strongly, as if he wanted complete control over her. "You think I don't know? You think I don't notice your little game?"
Cassy was trapped, her back against the wall behind her. Her heart was pumping, but she stayed still.
"You misunderstand, Tiber," she said softly, her gaze fixated on her husband. She refused to give this man the gratification of witnessing her terror.
"Really?" Tiber grinned and softly caressed her chin, but the pressure was unpleasant. Cassy felt a cold draw down her spine as Tiber's fingers trailed up her neck, making her feel confined. "Cassy, you've always been very good at lying. That's what makes you so attractive."
Tiber's smile expanded even more, but it was not one of affection. It was a predatory smile. Cassy sensed something horrible approaching. Tiber's hands began to creep down, stroking her skin in a way that seemed too familiar and pressing, as if to establish his complete control over her body.
"I am yours, Tiber," Cassy murmured with reluctance. This was a game she was familiar with: a game of survival in a universe constructed by her husband, in which every action was aimed at maintaining control. But Tiber would not stop. The man's hands became more daring, tracing her body while Cassy could only hold her breath. She understood that resisting would just make matters worse.
"Yes, you're mine," Tiber said quietly in her ear, his lips brushing against Cassy's neck with uncomfortable pressure. "But don't forget, Cassy... I can also destroy you whenever I want."
Cassy bit her lip. The pain in her chest was not just physical. It was also a profound shame, but she refused to exhibit weakness. This was a dark dance they'd done too many times, with Tiber constantly asserting her authority and Cassy having to hold on, seeking an opening to exit without actually losing.
"Are you going to destroy me, Tiber?" she said, this time with a sarcastic tone in her voice. Even while her body was under attack, her mind stayed alert, searching for a way to save herself. "You always talk about strength, but in the end, you still need me."
Tiber halted his motions, his pupils narrowing quickly. Her hands halted at Cassy's hips, but her grasp tightened. "Don't try to play with me," he screamed. "I have no concerns about ruining what we've achieved, Cassy. Don't think I can't do that."
"And what about Ivy?" Cassandra fought to suppress the shaking that was developing. "I want to be honest with each other for the first time. Have you ever loved me, Tiber? Or was I just part of your power play?"
Something within Cassy rebelled. But physiologically, she couldn't hold back. Deep down, she intended to curse her spouse with the most terrible curse known to man. But Tiber was always able to keep the flow of their dark dance under control, leaving Cassy practically helpless.
"That name," Tiber's face went from her cheeks to her neck. His eyes were those of a starving animal. A prey was in sight, but the beast was still hesitant to eat. Tiber's hands did not hesitate to touch Cassie's body, this time focusing on her neck. Her long fingers curled gently around Cassy's neck, almost taking her breath away. Though the hold was not very powerful, it was enough to make a lady lose her mind. "The name... is none of your business, Cassy."
The woman swallowed and dared to ask, "How often have you slept together? I can tell you're just putting on an evil face for me. I don't think you can terrify Ivy with your terrible attitude. You should have provided her with a first-class meal and a first-class room. Then you may have obtained what you desired."
Tiber let go of Cassy harshly, nearly knocking her to the ground. Tiber glanced at her with loathing and an incomprehensible passion. Cassy was always nauseated after this combination. Tiber returned to his wife's pale face and whispered, "I've given you everything you could ever want. You possess wealth, power, and position. And you want more? Love? Loyalty? Don't even try to think about it!"
Tiber turned and walked out of the room, not giving Cassy another look. Tiber's footsteps receded, leaving Cassy alone in the darkness.
***