Cassandra’s POV
Something wasn’t right.
I could see it in the way Katrina’s eyes darted around the room, the way she fidgeted with the hem of her dress, the way her lips parted as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the right words.
She was hiding something.
I had asked her a simple question—had she spent the night with a man? And instead of answering, she suddenly changed the topic, rambling on about something completely irrelevant.
That was when I knew.
She was lying to me.
"Katrina," I said, my voice sharp, cutting through her nervous chatter.
She froze, mid-sentence, her eyes wide.
"You didn’t answer my question," I pointed out, tilting my head slightly. "Where were you last night and whose shirt are you wearing?"
She swallowed hard, then let out a shaky laugh and answered. "This is mine. And I just told you. I went for a walk."
"All night?" I arched my brow.
She hesitated for a fraction of a second, but it was enough. "Yes."
I crossed my arms, leaning against the door. "Interesting."
Katrina shifted on her feet, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress. "Why are you interrogating me like this?" she asked, forcing a chuckle. "Do you think I did something terrible?"
I didn’t answer. I only stared at her, letting the silence stretch between us.
Over the years, I had seen the way she looked at Adolphus. I had never thought much of it because, well, who wouldn’t stare at him? He was powerful, handsome, and respected. I had even told her before that I suspected he was my mate.
And she had always reassured me that she had no feelings for him.
But now?
The way she was acting now, the guilt written all over her face.
I clenched my jaw, feeling betrayed.
"You know," I said slowly, watching her reaction, "I used to think you had a little crush on Adolphus."
Katrina’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with alarm.
I smiled, though it didn’t reach my eyes. "You always denied it, of course. You always swore you didn’t feel anything for him."
"I—I don’t," she stammered.
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "You’re a terrible liar, Katrina."
She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say another word, there a knock at the door.
We both turned toward it, and my heart pounded in my chest. Katrina hesitated before stepping forward and pulling the door open.
And there he was.
Adolphus.
His golden eyes flicked toward Katrina first, concern etched into his face.
"Why did you leave in such a hurry?" he asked, his deep voice laced with something I couldn’t quite place.
Was it worry? Frustration?
Katrina looked like she wanted to disappear. She glanced at me quickly, guilt flashing in her eyes.
And that was all the confirmation I needed.
I felt something inside me snap.
Still, I smiled warmly, pretending nothing was wrong. I stepped to the side, letting Adolphus see me fully.
His gaze flickered to mine, and his expression shifted slightly to surprise, then something more guarded. He inclined his head in a polite bow.
"Lady Cassandra," he greeted.
I nodded back, forcing a smile. "Adolphus."
Then, without another word, I turned and walked away.
My heart pounded violently in my chest as I made my way to my chambers, each step heavier than the last.
The moment I entered my room, I shut the door behind me, my breathing ragged. My hands trembled as I pressed them against my face.
And then, I crumbled.
A sob tore from my throat as I collapsed onto my bed.
I had been a fool.
All this time, I had convinced myself that Adolphus was meant for me, that he was my fate, my destiny. But Katrina… Katrina had betrayed me.
Tears blurred my vision, hot and unrelenting.
I had always trusted her. I had always believed her. And now, I didn’t know if I would ever forgive her.