The Substitute Heiress

The Dinner

Chapter 4: The Dinner

Cassandra

Warrick's warning from the previous night was still echoing in my head when I woke up. His arrogant attitude and threatening tone had bothered me more than I wanted to admit. I knew I had to stay strong and move forward with our plan. After all, it was the only way to save my family.

As I opened the curtains of my old room, the morning sun illuminated the space, but it didn't manage to dissipate the cloud of worry hanging over me. I decided to start the day with a hot shower, hoping the water would help clear my mind.

After getting dressed, I went down to the kitchen where my mother was already preparing breakfast. She smiled at me when she saw me and offered me a cup of coffee.

“Good morning, Cass,” she said, in a tone that tried to be light.

“Good morning, Mom,” I replied, taking the cup. “Any news?”

“Yes, actually. I saw an article about you and Warrick in the press this morning,” she responded, sliding a newspaper towards me.

I took the newspaper and read the headline:

"New Couple in Town? Cassandra Carlisle and Warrick Renfield Fuel Romance Rumors"

The article included a photo of us at the charity event the previous night, with a detailed description of our interaction:

Cassandra Carlisle, known for her successful fashion boutique "C&N Designs," and Warrick Renfield, the handsome heir of the Renfield family, seemed inseparable throughout the evening. From the moment they arrived, photographers captured images of them walking together on the red carpet, exchanging smiles and glances.

During the gala, they were seen conversing closely and sharing laughs, leading many to wonder if this is the beginning of a new and exciting relationship in the city's social elite. Although neither Cassandra nor Warrick have made official comments about their relationship, their joint presence at such an important event has sparked a lot of talk.

A source close to the couple commented, "They've always known each other, but lately they've been spending more time together. It wouldn't be surprising if this is the start of something more serious."

So far, both have kept a relatively low profile regarding their personal lives, but this public appearance could mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Keen observers of high society will be eagerly waiting to see how this story unfolds.

Is this romance a mere friendship or is there something more behind the smiles and affectionate gestures? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Cassandra Carlisle and Warrick Renfield are the couple everyone will be talking about this season.>>

Despite the fact that the idea was precisely to attract media attention, seeing the speculation about our relationship made me feel uncomfortable.

"I didn't expect this to happen so quickly," I murmured, more to myself than to my mother.

"It's part of the plan, Cass. People need to believe in this romance," said my mother, placing a plate of toast in front of me.

I nodded, knowing she was right, but unable to avoid the knot in my stomach.

After breakfast, I decided I needed to distract myself and stay busy. I headed to my boutique, where Nicole was already working on preparations for the new collection.

"Good morning, Cass!" Nicole greeted enthusiastically. "Did you see today's article?"

"Yes, I saw it. I can't say I liked it much," I replied, leaving my bag on the counter.

Nicole gave me a sympathetic look and came closer.

"I know this is hard, but remember we're in this together. Let's focus on the collection and try to forget about the press for a while."

I smiled, grateful for her support, and we immersed ourselves in work. However, my concentration was interrupted when the boutique door opened and a familiar figure entered. Warrick, of course.

"Cassandra," he said, nodding in greeting, "we need to talk."

Nicole gave us a curious look before retreating to the storeroom.

"What are you doing here, Warrick?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Tonight we're having dinner with our parents. Your mother and mine are taking care of the details now that your father has recovered," he replied, approaching.

I sighed, knowing he was right.

"Fine, but I've already told you I don't like you showing up unannounced. This is my workplace, and I don't want you here," I said, crossing my arms.

"I understand. I'll try to notify you next time," he responded with a fake smile, which meant to me that he would keep showing up whenever he wanted.

We sat at a table at the back of the store to discuss the details of the dinner. As we talked, I noticed that Warrick still displayed his usual arrogance, though he was trying to be more conciliatory.

"So, what do you think about today's article?" I asked, wanting to know his opinion.

"I think it was a good start. The press is interested, and that's what we need. But I understand this is difficult for you," he said, looking me in the eyes with a hint of sincerity I didn't expect.

"It's not just difficult, Warrick. It's everything I hate about this world," I replied, letting out some of my frustration.

He nodded, apparently understanding.

I couldn't say he completely understood, but he seemed to be trying. He had always been the protagonist of newspaper covers, while I had always been the one to shy away from all this. The world of showbiz and all that couldn't interest me less.

"I know. But we're in this together. We'll make it work," Yeah, he's faking his kindness. That's clear to me.

***

That night, as I was getting ready for dinner, my thoughts kept swirling around our conversation. Maybe Warrick wasn't as insensitive as he seemed. Perhaps there was more to him than I wanted to admit.

When I arrived at the restaurant, Warrick was already there, waiting for me. He greeted me with a formal smile and offered me his arm. I took his arm, aware of the curious glances from the other diners.

The dinner began with trivial conversation, but it soon turned more serious when our parents started talking about our "future" together.

“Cassandra, Warrick, we’d like to know more about how you plan to manage your life together,” my mother said, clearly trying to keep the conversation going because otherwise, we’d all be sitting in silence.

“Well, we plan to take it one day at a time,” I responded, trying to sound convincing.

Warrick’s father, however, didn’t seem so convinced. His furrowed brow made it clear he had doubts.

“I thought you two didn’t get along,” he said in a strong tone, making me swallow hard. “I’ve never seen you speak to each other at events, and now… this.”

Warrick and I exchanged a quick glance before he responded.

“Well, you see, Father, as they say, there’s a thin line between love and hate,” he said, with a firmness that surprised me.

My father, who had been silent until that moment, finally spoke.

“If that’s the case, then go ahead. I was also very surprised by the news; I always expected to see my daughter with… someone else. But in matters of the heart, reason doesn’t rule, and I’m not one to speak without fully knowing your story,” he said, with a severe look.

“We understand, Dad,” I responded, feeling the weight of his words.

Warrick’s mother tried to lighten the mood with a smile and a change of topic.

“Cassandra, tell us more about your boutique. I’ve heard wonderful things,” she said, trying to sound genuine.

“It’s hard work, but very rewarding. I love being able to create and offer something unique to our customers,” I responded, trying to keep the conversation light.

“That sounds wonderful,” she said, nodding approvingly.

After dinner, as Warrick walked me to my car, I stopped and looked at him.

“Thank you for your support tonight. It was... less horrible than I expected,” I admitted.

“You’re welcome, Cassandra. We’re in this together, remember,” he responded, with a sincere smile.