Chapter 14
The grand opening of my boutique felt like a dream I’d buried long ago–only to have it rise again, fierce and shining. The boutique was alive with energy, filled with guests, models dressed in my collection, champagne flowing, and flashbulbs going off every few seconds. I stood near the center of it all, in a dress I designed myself, watching my name flicker in gold lights on the display screen.
“Cassandra Ruiz: The Phoenix of Fashion.”
They were calling it my comeback.
My fingers were still trembling slightly from all the handshakes and congratulations. It was overwhelming, but in the most beautiful way. My heart was full. For the first time in years, I felt seen. Not just as someone’s wife, not just as a name attached to a man–but me, on my own.
“You did it,” a familiar voice whispered from beside me.
I turned and found Scott smiling, eyes gleaming with pride.
“I still can’t believe this is real,” I said, shaking my head. “All of it.”
“You better believe it,” he replied. “You worked your ass off. This is all yours.”
I sipped my champagne and tilted my head. “You know… you never told me you owned the mall.”
He let out a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t want you to think I gave you the spot because of… us.”
“Us?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.
“You know what I mean,” he said, grinning. “I gave it because you deserved it. Your designs are brilliant. I’d have accepted them even if I didn’t know you.”
That warmed me more than the champagne did.
And then it happened.
One question from a reporter earlier had changed everything. “Are the rumors true? About your engagement?” The words had hung in the air, and without hesitation, we both said yes. There was no use hiding it anymore.
Sure, it started as an arrangement. A deal. But somewhere along the line… things shifted. People began seeing us not just as business partners, but something more. And maybe, just maybe, it started feeling that way, too.
Mom was glowing. She hadn’t stopped smiling since the boutique opened. Every few minutes, she’d hug me like it was the first time.
“I always knew you’d rise again,” she whispered earlier. “And this time, no man will dim you light.”
People swarmed around us–designers, investors, stylists–all congratulating me. Compliments came in waves.
“Your work is breathtaking, Cassandra.”
“This boutique feels like a museum of modern elegance.”
My Husband Faked Our Marriage.
1/3 55.69
3:59 pm M MM
“You’re a visionary.”
I thanked them all with a humble smile, my cheeks aching from the constant grin on my face. I couldn’t stop looking at how happy Mom was either–laughing, hugging guests, holding a champagne glass like she had just won the lottery.
And then, in the middle of all the noise, Scott slipped beside me, leaned down, and whispered, “Dance with me.”
I turned, surprised. “Right now?”
He gave me a playful smirk. “Unless you’re too busy being famous.”
I laughed, rolling my eyes. “You’re impossible.”
“I’ve been told,” he murmured, then gently took my hand.
The DJ noticed, as if Scott had orchestrated everything, and the music slowed–melodic, soft, romantic. The crowd instinctively stepped back, creating a space in the center of the boutique. A spotlight floated to where we stood, and in moments, it was just us.
Scott placed a hand on my waist and pulled me closer. I rested my hand on his shoulder, letting him guide me.
“You’re glowing tonight,” he said, his voice low, his breath warm on my skin.
“I think it’s the adrenaline,” I replied, though my heart thudded for a different reason.
“No,” he said, twirling me gently before pulling me back. “It’s you. You’re everything tonight.”
People around us watched, smiling, taking photos. I caught the eyes of stylists and business owners who’d once turned me down–now looking at me with admiration. Even awe.
But I only cared about one gaze.
His.
“You’re quite the dancer,” I teased.
“I’ve been practicing,” he replied smoothly. “You’d be amazed what I can do when you’re my motivation.”
I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, smiling despite myself.
The song faded just as he gently stopped our movement. My breath caught in my throat when he didn’t release my hand right away. Instead, he stepped back slightly and reached into the pocket of his suit.
“What are you doing?” I whispered, my heart suddenly racing for a different reason.
He didn’t answer. He just turned slightly to face the crowd that had slowly gathered again. Cameras were already raised. Whispers spread like wildfire.
‘Everyone,” Scott said, his voice steady, clear. “Thank you for being here tonight–for supporting this woman who has built something extraordinary from the ashes of what others tried to bury.” The crowd went still. My heart felt like it was about to leap from my chest.
Scott turned to me, holding both my hands now.
‘I could talk about how brilliant you are. How your designs are changing the game. How you’ve taught me more about strength and resilience than any business mentor ever could.” His voice softened. “But this moment… this one’s just about us.”
Chapter 14
2/3 56.9%
He slowly knelt on one knee.
Gasps echoed through the boutique. I blinked, frozen.
He pulled out a ring–an elegant, vintage piece, set with a deep sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Timeless. Bold. Like something out of an old love story.
“I didn’t plan to fall for you,” he said, looking up at me. “But I did. And every day, I’m grateful I bumped into you–twice.”
The crowd laughed softly.
“So here we are, in front of everyone, celebrating you. And I want to be part of this life you’re building. I want to stand beside you as your partner–in business, in chaos, and in everything
else.”
He smiled,
“Cassandra Ruiz… will you marry me?”
The room blurred.
My hands trembled.
I could barely breathe.
And just when I thought I was going to finally say yes-
A voice, sharp and loud, cracked through the perfect moment.
“No.”
Heads turned. Some gasped.
My heart dropped.
There he was.
Standing at the edge of the boutique, disheveled, wild–eyed.
Johansen.
“Don’t say yes!” He shouted, taking a step forward, eyes locked on mine.
The music cut.
The spotlight didn’t move. But the air in the room shifted.
3:59 pm
I had expected this moment.
