A/N: Wow, you guys! I only posted Chapter 12 yesterday and everyone went to town on voting and commenting. I really appreciate it. This is an exciting time because a lot of the readers are starting to really voice out their take on Sebastian's actions and the split and Cassie's heartbreak.

Here's the next instalment—what you've all been waiting for with bated breath since less than twenty-four hours ago... =P

I'm being very generous here (LOL!) so please vote and comment!

***I'm dedicating this chapter to SheldonCooperRules as a thank-you for updating Met His Match (after a short hiatus) which is one of my current favorites because it's funny and endearing.***

***

During the week, Tamara put me to work and she wasn’t kidding when she said it was going to be a pretty heavy start.

Bradley and I pored over all of Ruthgard’s financial statements and we sat with Tamara and Bob on a number of conference calls and meetings to determine our position in the bid.

We also devised a bunch of business proposals to forecast just how profitable Ruthgard would prove to be for us if we successfully acquire them.

The company wasn’t insolvent but the scandal of its previous CEO over some badly managed investment projects put them in a precarious position. There’d be quite a bit of debt for us to assume but we had a pretty good feeling we would earn every penny back in three years.

By Saturday morning, I was so dead-tired I didn’t get up until Emma came over and pestered me to go out and get some brunch with her because Ty was out golfing with some of the managers who were prepping him for a promotion at work.

“Speaking of a promotion, I have something to tell you,” I told Emma as I came out of the shower in my underwear. She’d already picked out a light gray sweater dress for me and was now sprawled on my bed, flipping through the weekend newspaper she’d swiped from the floor along the hallway.

I quickly told her about my conversation with Tamara, the new job offer and a summary of my first week at work.

“Wow, that’s pretty awesome,” she said with a broad smile as she pulled me into a brief hug. “I’m very happy for you, Cass. You worked so hard for this, you know? You deserve it.”

I bit my lip and picked at the hem of my knit dress. “You don’t think it has anything to do with him, do you?”

Emma scrunched up her nose. “Based on your conversation with Tamara, it doesn’t sound like he’s just handing this to you. Besides, you’ve been there a week and he hasn’t shown you his face yet, has he? If he’s doing all of this for you, I expect he’d want something in return and Sebastian Vice doesn’t strike me as the type to wait around.”

I told myself she was right, of course.

It made perfect sense.

We went out for brunch and a little bit of shopping before I invited her to come with me for drinks with the people from work at Bar None. I was more comfortable with the group now, having spent a few more lunch breaks with them at the cafeteria. Sebastian was still a constant topic but I quickly learned to comment very little when his name came up.

“Actually, that’s perfect!” Emma said brightly. “My cousin Marcus just got back from Maui and he wants to meet up. I haven’t seen him since last Christmas. He can meet us there. You’ll like him.”

I looked at her warily. “Um, I don’t like that expression, Em. It usually means you’re thinking of setting me up with him.”

Emma laughed. “Of course I am, silly. He’s a good guy. A bit friendly with the girls but he’s real nice. He’s twenty-nine, I think. He’s very cute.”

“I don’t know, Em,” I said with a resigned shake of my head as we walked home. “I’m too busy to date.”

“You’ve been saying that in the last four years,” Emma replied sternly. “How many dates have you been out on in all that time? Ten, twelve?”

“Eight, because I don’t count the group dates,” I answered sulkily. “It’s not my fault that no one was interested enough to make a go for it.”

Emma’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You were so picky! There was always something wrong with the guy. You kept giving them excuses as to why you couldn’t go see a movie with them or meet up for coffee after school. They all eventually gave up.”

“Jackson seemed pretty interested—until he started making excuses for God knows what reasons.”

Jackson Marsh was the only guy in college that I had been more than a little interested in. He was cute and hunky and sweet. I met him at a pep rally in my third year and he seemed very eager at first, calling me and inviting me out all the time. We went on four dates in total, the last of which we concluded with some pretty steamy kissing inside his car. He didn’t call me for a week after that. When I called him, he bumbled through some pretty lousy excuses that I decided to drop him completely.

I didn’t actively prevent myself from dating in college.

In fact, I had been convinced I should do it.

It was healthy for me to enjoy my youth and meet other guys instead of letting my thoughts constantly drift to a man I would do well to forget.

But no one had intrigued me.

No one had sparked anything in me but friendliness.

I decided not to force it—that if it was going to happen, it should happen naturally. Forcing matters just made me seem more desperate and I didn’t want that.

Later that evening, Ty and Emma picked me up on our way to Bar None.

It was a very high-end kind of club—swanky, polished and hip—easily attracting young professionals and the rich crowd.

“Cassandra!”

I scanned the crowd as we walked through the door and easily spotted Bradley in his lime green and pink striped shirt. He was over at a corner booth with a guy I recognized as Liam from the pictures he showed me, along with Chad, Sasha from the reception desk whom I learned this week was sleeping with Chad, Annette, Miriam, and Tamara’s secretary Justine.

We sauntered over to them and I made the introductions.

They all quickly warmed to Emma and Ty—they were hard to dislike—and invited them to squeeze into the booth.

Emma sweetly declined, telling them we were meeting up with her cousin too and that they were going to return me as soon we found him.

“He said he’s got a table by the DJ,” Emma said as she fiddled with her phone, reading a text message as Ty shepherded us through the dance floor.

Emma paused and craned her head around, suddenly seizing my shoulder excitedly.

“There he is!” She waved at the direction of the more secluded booths at what looked like a loft area near the stage where the DJ was spinning some tracks. “Marcus!”

I followed her, Ty trailing behind me, and I ducked my head slightly to avoid the swerving trays from passing waitresses and the flailing arms from the crowd gathered in the dance floor.

Emma released me as she lunged forward to hug a guy who got up on his feet at our approach.

“Hey, Ems, good to see you.”

Ty and I slipped into the booth and waited as the two cousins hugged affectionately.

I smoothed down the front of my simple body-hugging, black boatneck dress I paired with red patent stilettos, reassuring myself I didn’t look like I was too eager to meet the guy.

Emma finally stepped back and gestured to us.

“Hey, Ty, good to see you too, man,” Marcus said, reaching forward to shake Ty’s hand. “Thanks again for keeping this one out of trouble.”

Emma laughed and swatted Marcus’s arm before she grabbed me by the wrist and yanked me forward. “I also want you to meet my best friend, Cassandra. I told you about her before. Cassie, my cousin, Marcus Aldridge.”

I froze, my eyes sweeping up to his face as recognition dawned on me.

He was as tall as I remembered, his light brown hair and bright blue eyes familiar.

He looked a bit older but still definitely the same Marcus Aldridge I met at Cove Manor on a fourth of July party four years ago.

He blinked at me, recognition clear on his face now too.

“Cassandra Collins?” he asked before his face broke into a grin, his arms coming around me in a brief hug. “It is you! Wow, you are more beautiful than I remember.”

Both Emma and Ty glanced at me in question.

I cleared my throat and smiled weakly. “We’ve met before. At a party at Cove Manor.”

Emma’s expression filled with understanding.

I had eventually told her everything after Sebastian’s appearance at school, and only she and Ty knew of my painful past.

Before I could fully recover from the shock, Marcus gestured for us to take our seats, signaling for a waitress to take our orders.

“So how have you been?” Marcus asked as he settled next to me, his voice low enough for just the two of us to hear it. Ty and Emma were still arguing about the drinks list while the waitress patiently stood, waiting for them to make up their minds.

“Good,” I answered as casually as I could manage, smiling a little. “Busy with work now.”

“Where do you work now?”

“The Vice Group.”

His brows furrowed slightly. “Hmm, interesting. I asked Sebastian about you, you know, when I saw him again around fall that year, after he came out of mourning for Alfred. I actually asked him for your number but he just glared at me so hard I worried a little that he was going to smash my nose in.”

I swallowed hard but didn’t say anything.

“But then, you’re a family friend so I guess it makes sense,” Marcus continued. “Everyone thinks I’m a playboy. He probably didn’t want me taking interest in you.”

He angled me a look and smiled. “He must be happy to have you on board the company.”

I forced a smile. “Um, he doesn’t actually know I work there. We, uh, lost contact over the years. Besides, I don’t want our association to make any difference so I would really appreciate it if you don’t mention it to him.”

Marcus looked at me for a long moment before nodding. “You’re still as mysterious as you were four years ago, Cassie. Don’t worry. I want to see you again and I don’t doubt that Sebastian’s going to guard you like a dog if he knows you’re here.”

And just like that, Marcus dropped Sebastian out of our conversation.

We talked lightly over drinks and for the first time that night, I felt myself relax.

Half an hour later, with my beer finished, I stood up to go. “I have to join my coworkers at another booth. I’ll be back in a little bit.”

“I’ll come get you if you don’t,” Emma warned with a wink.

Marcus got up on his feet as well. “I’ll walk you. I need to grab another drink at the bar anyway.”

I let him escort me through the thickening throng of people on the dance floor and just as we were about to split up, he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him.

“Can I call you, Cassie?” he asked, his blue eyes earnest. “I’d really like to to see you again.”

I bit my lip as I deliberated before I smiled at him and nodded. “Okay. I’d like that.”

He grinned and took out his cellphone, handing it to me so I could type my phone number in.

He rang it to register his number in my own.

“I’ll wait till you get back to us,” he said before lifting my hand to his lips and brushing a light kiss on the back of it. “Later.”

“Later,” I agreed before I turned to go, pulling my hand away slowly.

Bradley was whistling loudly as I came up to their table.

“Who was that hottie?” he asked as he scooted over to give me a spot in the booth.

I laughed. “An old friend I haven’t seen in a while.”

“I’m pretty sure that was Marcus Aldridge,” Sasha said, raising a brow at me curiously. “He’s a celebrated car racer. How in the world do you know him?”

I stiffened at Sasha’s tone but forced a polite smile out. “He’s cousins with my best friend.”

Before she could say anything else, I turned and waved at a waitress. “I could use a drink.”

The conversation was flowing much like the alcohol in the booth and despite Sasha’s narrowed glances at me here and there, I decided to enjoy myself.

The world would never be rid of annoying people but it didn’t mean I shouldn’t have fun just because they were there.

“Oh, my God, don’t look right now but Adrienne Olsen just came through the door,” Miriam whispered excitedly.

I downed another sip of the fizzy apple cocktail Bradley recommended to me and leaned in to ask, “Why, who is she?”

Miriam’s looked at me incredulously. “You don’t know? She’s the starlet rumored to have attempted suicide after Sebastian Vice dumped her for a British model two years ago. They were out to two events—two!—and she thought he’d marry her or something. It’s pathetic.”

“Maybe he meant that much to her,” I said quietly before taking another swallow of my drink.

“Probably but we know how much she meant to him,” Sasha sneered. “But then, that’s the reason they all want him. Because no one can have him.”

“God, is it always about just having the person?” I grumbled. “Like they’re your possession? Maybe if they stop objectifying him and focus on who he is a person, they might understand who he really is. Then they’ll see that he’s not just some arm candy but a man to love and care for. And maybe then he’ll let them in.”

“Cassie?” Bradley asked in concern seconds after I realized everyone in the booth was silently looking at me. “You okay?”

I bit my lower lip, annoyed that my lowered inhibitions were going to rat me out before the night was through.

I nodded and got up. “I have to go back to my friends, guys, and then I’m heading home. I think I’ve had enough to drink tonight.”

They didn’t argue as I left my money on the table and headed back to the other booth only to find Marcus sitting there alone, sipping another beer.

“They’re out on the dance floor,” he answered to my unspoken question as I slinked down on the booth next to him, too tipsy to worry much about sitting there alone with him.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked, touching my arm gently.

I shook my head. “I actually have a headache. I think I’m going to head out. I can take a cab so they won’t have to leave too.”

“Nonsense, I’ll drive you home. I’ve only had two beers and I’m still perfectly sober,” he said as he signaled to a waitress. “Go tell them goodnight while I settle the bill here. I’ll come get you and we’ll be on our way.”

“It’s alright, Marcus. You don’t have to drive me home,” I insisted as I got up and picked up my bag.

“But I want to,” he said softly, tilting my chin up slightly. “I promise I’ll be a perfect gentleman. Emma will have my hide if I do anything stupid.”

I looked at him for a moment, decided that he was no threat, and nodded. “Alright. I’ll go find them.”

Ty and Emma weren’t on the dance floor anymore. They were at a table with a few people from Emma’s work. She made quick introductions before I pulled her aside to tell her that Marcus was driving me home.

“Oh, my God, you’re totally having sex already?” she squealed in delighted surprise. “My cousin’s that good?”

I groaned. “No, silly. I have a headache and he was kind enough to offer me a ride home. This means nothing.”

“Well, I wish it would soon mean something so you can move on with your life,” Emma said stubbornly. “I want you to be happy, Cass. You’re doing great on the career track but I don’t think you’re very happy.”

“I am happy,” I said quietly as Emma pulled me into a hug. I patted her back. “I have you and Ty and I’m only twenty-two which means I have plenty of time to figure out the rest.”

“If you say so,” Emma said as she released me. “Text me once you’re home, okay?”

“I will.”

Just then, Marcus appeared, pressing a protective hand on the small of my back. “Ready?”

“Take care of my best friend, okay, cuz?” Emma gave Marcus a meaningful look.

I rolled my eyes and went to hug Ty goodbye. “Goodnight you two. I might see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Cass.” Ty patted my shoulder and nodded at Marcus. “See you around, Marcus.”

I stopped by the booth with my coworkers and said my goodbyes too, Marcus smiling at everyone while waiting patiently for me.

It was a bit chilly when we got outside and without a word, he slipped off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. We walked a short distance to where his sleek red sports car was parked and he opened the door for me.

“Are you feeling better?” he asked, glancing at me as we coasted down the street. For a car racer, he was surprisingly driving at a decent speed.

I nodded. “A bit especially without the pounding music. I don’t drink very often and I was never big on the clubbing scene.”

He grinned. “I believe you. I’m not either but it’s part of staying social so I occasionally go.”

His expression grew thoughtful. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Rest and more rest,” I answered with a soft groan. “Work’s been pretty hectic and Monday’s going to be a big day.”

“Alright. How about next weekend?” he asked with a hopeful smile. “Will you join me for dinner on Saturday evening? No pounding music, I promise.”

I was ready to say no because that was my automatic answer but I caught myself just before it spilled out of my mouth.

Marcus was very cute and easy to be with. We haven’t seen each other in four years but it felt like we were old friends. There were no fireworks but then I didn’t want to get burned. What was the harm in hanging out with him?

“Sure, I’d like that.”

He pulled up in front of my apartment and went around to open the door for me.

He was smiling broadly as he walked me up to the entrance. “I’ll call you. I can’t wait for next Saturday.”

I couldn’t resist smiling back as I slipped off his jacket and handed it to him. “I’ll have to get through this week first but I’m looking forward to it as well. Thanks again, Marcus. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Cassie.”

I rose on my toes to kiss him on the cheek before turning my key in the front door and stepping in.

Seeing Marcus tonight shook my world a little bit—he was another fragment from that past I wanted to forget.

I knew I was playing a dangerous game.

I only wondered how long it would be before everything else caught up with me.

***

I came to work earlier than usual to give myself enough time to double check all the reports before sending Bradley off to print them out. I also went through Tamara’s entire slideshow, cross-checking graphs and tables with our data before emailing it to her and Bob.

The whole office was abuzz with the board meeting.

Although this was the main corporate office, the board members and top executives weren’t always around and definitely not all here at the same time so when they were, it was a big deal.

Everyone was dressed more sharply than usual, desks were tidier and everyone appeared to be busy with work.

I started out okay, happy with my simple outfit of a berry-colored silk blouse, pencil skirt, black stockings and red mary-janes, the top half of my hair swept up with a silver clip. I didn’t eat much because of my nerves but I downed two cups of black tea and wolfed down a donut for some sugar boost.

By ten, my composure was starting to fray at the edges.