Chapter 30 – Cain Mysia's POV (Two Days Ago)
Cain Mysia was losing his patience. His younger brother Caleb had once again crossed a line—this time by calling their father and claiming Cain had kidnapped a woman and was forcing her into marriage.
Thankfully, their father was a rational man. He had called Cain directly to hear his side of the story.
Cain had explained that, for public relations reasons, it was important that he appeared more approachable. A stable relationship—or even better, a fiancée—would bolster his image significantly. His father understood the strategic value and didn't press further.
Just as Cain leaned back in his chair, deep in thought, a knock sounded on the door.
"Sir, Mr. Brandon's team is ready for you in the conference room," Peter, his assistant, announced.
"Okay, let's go," Cain said, standing up and following him.
The moment Cain entered the conference room, everyone rose and greeted him respectfully.
"Shall we begin?" he asked, nodding curtly as he took his seat.
The meeting stretched on for hours, each proposal and contract dissected in detail. By the time it concluded, the wall clock read 4:00 PM. Cain rubbed his temples, the fatigue weighing on him, and made his way back to his office.
To his surprise, two familiar faces were waiting for him—Gabriel and Kevin, lounging comfortably like they owned the place.
"My man, how've you been?" Kevin grinned.
Cain frowned. "What are you two doing in my office?"
"Come on, man," Kevin replied. "You've been dodging our calls. We figured we'd stop by."
"Then take a fucking hint," Cain muttered, sitting at his desk and opening his laptop without looking at them.
"Gabriel said you've been ignoring him," Kevin added.
"Hm," Cain replied noncommittally, fingers clicking away at his keyboard.
"He didn't invite her to Miami, you know," Kevin continued defensively. "He'd never do that to you."
Cain's eyes remained on the screen. "I'm getting engaged during the National Youth Innovators Award ceremony. In two days."
There was a beat of silence before both men erupted at once.
"What?!"
"Who's the unlucky girl?" Kevin asked, eyes wide in disbelief.
"There's no way a girl agreed to marry you," Gabriel added.
"The boys have to hear about this," they said in unison, already pulling out their phones.
Just then, Peter's voice came through the intercom. "Mr. Cain, your six o'clock appointment is here. Should I let them in?"
"Both of you—get out of my office," Cain snapped, not even glancing up.
They ignored the command as usual, grinning like idiots.
"This conversation isn't over," Kevin whispered as they walked out.
"We will talk about this," Gabriel added.
"Let them in," Cain instructed Peter with a sigh.
---
Several hours later, Cain finally wrapped up the last of his meetings.
"Mr. Bernard, I expect to hear from you tomorrow," he said, shaking the man's hand.
"We'll see each other again at the Innovators Award," Bernard replied before leaving.
Peter stepped in again. "Sir, your 8:00 PM dinner meeting—should I confirm or postpone?"
"Cancel it," Cain replied, unbuttoning his suit jacket. "And tell the driver to get the car ready."
"Yes, sir."
Cain's phone began to ring. He checked the caller ID—it was his mother.
"Yes, Mum," he answered.
"Your brother is threatening to go to the media," Charity said, her voice tight with worry. "He says you kidnapped a girl and forced her to be your wife."
Cain's face darkened. "I don't have the patience for his nonsense today. I'm on my way."
---
Less than an hour later, Cain walked into the family estate's living room. His mother and Caleb were deep in conversation when he arrived.
He didn't waste time.
"I've tolerated your stupidity and nonsense because you're my brother," he began, voice low and sharp. "But if you continue this madness, I'll freeze all your assets. Every single thing you own—I gave it to you, and I can take it all back."
Both Caleb and their mother stared at him, stunned. Cain rarely raised his voice. His fury now was ice-cold and unmistakable.
"And one more thing," he added, turning toward Caleb. "You're no longer invited to our engagement party."
With that, he stormed upstairs without another word, ready to wash away the day's tension.
Present Day
Cain Mysia was dressed sharply, as always, in a tailored suit that made him look both intimidating and impeccably refined. Every inch of him exuded authority, precision, and control.
It was exactly one hour before the National Youth Innovator Award ceremony was scheduled to begin, and Cain—who loathed lateness—was more than ready. Punctuality was a pillar of his discipline.
His phone buzzed just as he adjusted his cufflinks. Kevin's name lit up the screen.
"We're on our way," Kevin said. "The boys and I will meet you there."
Cain ended the call without another word and descended the grand staircase. His mother, Charity, was already waiting at the base, dressed elegantly for the event.
"Let's go, Mother," Cain said briskly, walking past her toward the front door.
They were halfway to the venue when Cain, seated silently in the back of the car, broke the silence.
"Did you deliver the dress to Caesarea?" he asked, his tone sharp and clipped.
Charity glanced at him, hesitating. "Yes… I did," she mumbled. "Though… her living conditions are really bad—"
"That is not your business, Mother," Cain cut in, not even looking at her. His voice was cold, final. "Just remember to bring them to their table when they arrive. I already instructed their driver, Joshua, to call you the moment they get there."
Charity pursed her lips, deciding not to press further.
They arrived at the venue moments later. Cain stepped out of the car first, instantly commanding the attention of photographers and guests alike. His mother quickly joined him, walking beside him as flashes from cameras lit up their path.
Over the next hour, Cain found himself pulled into conversation after conversation—smiling tightly through compliments, handshakes, and shallow pitches from businessmen eager to align themselves with his name. As usual, most of them were opportunists looking to exploit an opening.
Eventually, he managed to slip away from the small crowd and found a quiet spot by the edge of the ballroom—just in time for his closest friends to find him.
"We heard the news," Lucas said with a knowing smirk. "Is it true? You're really getting engaged?"
"Yes," Cain replied simply, adjusting his sleeve.
"Well, then," Gabriel said with a grin, "show us the lucky bride-to-be."
Cain scanned the room briefly, his expression unreadable—until his gaze landed on her.
There she was.
Kassia.
Wearing the very dress he had arranged to be delivered. Elegant, composed, and breathtaking.
Cain's lips curved into a rare, quiet smile.
"There she is," he said.
His friends followed his line of sight, their reactions a mixture of shock and admiration as they took in the sight of the woman who had unknowingly shaken Cain Mysia's world.
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Author's note
Thanks for reading
Xoxo
CC