Page 29 of Clashing with the Ice Queen

“Wait—” she called, though her voice caught in her throat. But it was too late. Nadine opened the door and stepped into the hallway, leaving Cassandra behind in the hotel room.

As the door clicked shut, realization sank in. She’d built walls high and thick, convinced that vulnerability was weakness, and yet here she stood, on the verge of what could have been. Guilt washed over her like a tidal wave, but there were no apologies left to give, only an empty space where Nadine’s moans and laughter had filled the air moments before.

Maybe her loneliness was her own creation, a reflection of the barriers she refused to let down. But wasn’t that what it meant to be a powerful woman in fashion? To appear unbreakable in a feminine form? With a heavy heart, Cassandraretrieved her phone and sent the Venmo request, all the while feeling the absence of something real she’d brushed aside like it was nothing.

Cassandra’s thoughts spiraled, her hands trembling as she fidgeted with the edge of the blanket that lay crumpled beside her. Why, when everything felt right, had she chosen to retreat into the coldness that had always defined her? Self-disgust forced her to confront the truth. She had been cold to Nadine, and not because of anything she’d done.

Over ten years had passed since the last time she’d allowed herself to be vulnerable. As the guilt deepened, so did her protectiveness. She couldn’t help but feel that Nadine deserved more than the confusion and turmoil of a woman like Cassandra. Nadine had her whole life ahead of her, a vibrant future full of love and joy. The thought of attaching to someone so full of promise and possibilities felt like a crime. What could someone like her possibly offer a woman so young, so beautiful?

Cassandra sighed, allowing the weight of her fears to settle over her like a heavy cloak. It wasn’t merely her age that ate at her, but the collection of voices that told her she was no longer desirable, no longer worthy of the kind of love that Nadine would surely want. Sexually, sure, it worked. It was incredible. But, beyond that, what did Cassandra really have to offer someone like Nadine?

Yet deep down, Cassandra knew that her heart ached with longing. Her hands wanted to reach for Nadine and hold her close. As she sat there, heart heavy and hollow, Cassandra caught a glimpse of herself in the hotel room mirror. It was hard to imagine the woman she’d been once: one who’d laughed, loved freely, and given herself over to the possibility of joy.

It all just felt so long ago.

10

NADINE

Nadine sat in the back of the cab, her fingers tapping nervously on her lap. She looked out the window, watching the city pass by, but her mind was focused on one person: Cassandra Wynter.

Cassandra was beautiful, and had a strong and undeniable presence in Nadine’s world. Nadine felt a deep connection with her, especially now. Sexually and otherwise. There was something so powerful between them. But lately, Nadine felt defeated. No matter how close they got physically, Cassandra still seemed to hold something back.

It made Nadine feel annoyed and confused. They had so much in common. They were both driven, creative, and passionate about fashion. Yet Cassandra wouldn’t let her guard down. That conversation in the hotel last night had really bothered Nadine. Why was it so hard for them to connect on a deeper level?

As the cab turned another corner, Nadine decided she couldn’t let the feeling eat away at her anymore. She knew she had to confront Cassandra about it. It wasn’t fair to either ofthem to keep pretending everything was perfect when it wasn’t. Nadine wanted more than just physical encounters.

What’s going on with you, Cassandra?Nadine thought, her green eyes reflecting her determination. She wished she could understand why it was so challenging for the older woman to be vulnerable with her. It was time to find out what was really missing between them. She couldn’t wait any longer.

As they approached an intersection, the cab seemed to inch through the late afternoon traffic. Nadine peered out at the crowded sidewalks. People rushed by, lost in their own stories, completely unaware of her struggles. She tapped her fingers against her knee again, feeling the weight of what was to come. How should she start? Would Cassandra be receptive to her words, or would she retreat even further?

“Just be honest, Nadine,” she muttered to herself. “You deserve to know where this is going.” She had to remember that she was strong. She’d built Pulse Media from the ground up, overcoming every obstacle in her path. But this? This was something different. This was about the heart, and it was the messiest problem she’d ever faced.

Finally, the cab pulled up in front of a chic building with large glass windows. Nadine paid the driver and stepped out. She adjusted her blazer again, taking a moment to breathe. She couldn’t let her nerves take control.

Nadine marched into the sleek office of Cassandra Wynter, her rival and collaborator. Just the night before, they’d fought in a hotel room, and Nadine still felt like she was carrying the weight of that argument with her. She was desperate for some sort of resolution.

The air between them felt heavy, and Nadine couldn’t shake the anger she felt. Just the day before, they’d shared a nice dinner together, and so much passion, and Nadine had thought maybe, just maybe, they were getting closer. But now, standingin Cassandra’s office, Nadine felt the distance between them more than ever.

Cassandra was her collaborator, and Nadine had hoped for more. For weeks, they’d worked closely together, sharing ideas and laughs. There was a spark, something that made Nadine believe that maybe there was a chance for romance. But Cassandra seemed to put up a wall that Nadine couldn’t break through.

When Cassandra reluctantly agreed to the hotel, Nadine had felt a surge of hope that maybe this would be a turning point. But when the sex was over, Cassandra had kept her distance. She barely touched Nadine, almost avoiding her. And then, just before they went to bed, she’d suggested they should just leave it for the night. Nadine had been hurt and confused, and the surprise visit to Cassandra’s office was a last-ditch effort to figure things out.

“I thought we had something,” Nadine blurted out, her frustration spilling over. She felt like she was shouting, but she couldn’t help it. “You agreed to a hotel, and we shared… something incredible. And then, well for you to just say it was nothing. Meant nothing. I don’t believe you.”

Cassandra looked up from her papers, her expression unreadable. “Nadine, I…I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just need some space.”

“Space?” Nadine repeated, disbelief coloring her tone. “I thought we shared something real.”

Cassandra’s gaze dropped to her desk, avoiding eye contact. Nadine’s heart sank. Maybe she’d made a mistake by thinking they could be more than just friends and colleagues. In that moment, she realized that Cassandra likely just saw her as a partner in work and nothing more. But it just didn’t feel like that when they were alone together. The truth stung, and Nadine felt her anger mix with a deep sadness.

Just then, the door swung open, and Mia, Cassandra’s intern, stepped inside. She looked apologetic as her eyes darted between the two women, sensing the tension in the room. “I’m so sorry for interrupting. I didn’t know…” she started, but her voice trailed off.

Nadine shot a glance at Mia. “It’s fine, Mia. You didn’t know I’d be here, did you?” she snapped, annoyed at the interruption, but also at the situation. There was no point in pretending that everything was okay when it clearly wasn’t.

Mia looked frightened, unsure of how to react. “I can come back later…” she offered timidly, not wanting to stay in a room thick with unresolved feelings.

“No, don’t do that,” Nadine said sharply. “Cassandra and I have some…important things to talk about. Somefuckingthings that need to be said.” Her innuendo hung in the air, an awkward admission in the office setting.

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