Page 18 of Legally Yours

“Yes, I am.”

“What kind of modeling do you do?”

“Runway modeling. And I sometimes model fashion for magazines.”

“Oh! Well, that’s wonderful. Do you intend to work during your marriage?”

I give her a small smile.Remember, Cass, she comes from a different world!“I do. I enjoy the work.”

Finally, dinner is over. I wish I could have eaten more than I did. The chicken, vegetable and garlic mashed potatoes are delectable! The dessert is so delicate, just melting in my mouth.

We leave the dining room and return to the sitting room. While we are talking, Liam leaves the room. He wants to show something to me.

While he’s gone, Mrs. Anderson beckons me to her side, gesturing for me to bend close to her. “Cassandra, I will give you a large sum of money to just go away. I want you to leave Liam alone.”

Shocked, I look at her, and she doesn’t look like evil incarnate.I look more closely into her eyes.There’s pain and fear in there.She truly thinks I’m going to hurt her son!Now, I can’t wait for Liam to come back. I just want to leave.

“No, ma’am. I can work and earn money. I won’t destroy Liam’s trust in me.”

Is it just his trust you don’t want to lose?

I push the question away. I can’t answer that yet. Shortly after, Liam comes back downstairs, carrying something.

“Cassandra, look! A chess set and an old set of Legos. I was thinking Brayton might like them.”

I give the first genuine smile of the entire evening. “Wow, that’s great!” I say, feeling so appreciative of Liam in this moment.

“Cassandra, who is Brayton?” Mrs. Anderson is curious.

“He’s my little brother. My family met Liam. My brother thinks he’s the best thing next to ice cream.”

“Mom, we’d better leave. I don’t want to tire you out.” Liam bends over and gives her a kiss on her forehead.

Mrs. Anderson grumbles a little, but she does comply. “I am tired.”

I let Liam and his mother talk a little before she goes up to bed, trying my best not to think about what she just offered me, and why I find it so hard to think about living without him now.

Am I in too deep?

17

CASSANDRA

I’ve been on vacation for the past few days and loved it. But I’m not cut out for just relaxing all day long. It’s time for me to return to work. As much as I appreciate the break, I’m excited to be going back into work today.

When I get to the modeling agency, it’s the day of the fashion showdown. I’m still in shock about having to go up against Emma. But it’s a great opportunity to flex and will get me back in the game pretty fast!

Models taking part showcase designers who are trying to break into the fashion world. This is the fun part. Here, I get to see what kinds of fashions are being created. Today’s designs are all on the casual side. My favorite.

Leslie told me that Emma requested this showdown. She also requested that I take part. Thinking of how Emma betrayed me with David, I feel I have to accept this challenge.

I’ve taken part in these before. So, I go with Leslie and prepare myself. I peek outside the curtain and there are so many audience members. I also see the paparazzi there. They outnumber the audience!

I turn to Leslie. “This is like an all-star cast, and we’re on live television.”

I take a deep breath and blow it out through pursed lips. I’m nervous but not so much that I can’t perform. Liam sends me a text and promises to be there after his meeting.

I put my first design on. The hair and makeup people fix me up and make sure my hair is picture-perfect. I give myself some self-talk.You are strong. You know how to show this design to its best advantage. You are loved, and you are beautiful.

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