Chapter 2

Cassey (POV)

Her eyes flashed with anger, burning holes through me. "Seriously, Cass? What the hell was that?" she snapped.

I shrugged casually, feigning innocence as if her reaction wasn't exactly what I'd expected. "What?"

Andrea's jaw tightened, and I could see the disbelief flicker across her face. "Don't play dumb with me. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

I folded my arms, raising an eyebrow. "I don't, actually. Care to enlighten me, Ma'am?" I made sure to emphasize the last word, my fake smile widening just enough to irritate her further.

She exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose like she was trying to reign in her temper. "Cass," she started, her voice lower now but still brimming with frustration. "You're seriously going to stand there and pretend you don't know me?"

"Huh, that's odd," I tilted my head, pretending to think. "I don't recall us ever meeting before. But then again, I meet so many people, it's hard to keep track sometimes."

"Cassey please. Please don't this. Enough!"

"What do you mean, Ma'am Andrea? Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry for upsetting you," I said in a low voice. I knew I was pushing her buttons, but there was no way I was letting go of this act.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, "Just stop it, Cass. I mean it," Andrea warned, her voice dropping to that sharp, commanding tone that used to intimidate me.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but—"

"FUCK! Cass! What is wrong with you?" she snapped, running her hands roughly through her hair. I stayed silent, watching her unravel. Inside, I was giddy with satisfaction at how annoyed she was.

"I'm really lost here, ma'am. I feel like I'm missing something important and that's what's upsetting you."

"It seems you're hell-bent on holding onto this façade," Andrea said, exhaling sharply as she returned to her desk.

"But ma'am, I really don't know what you mean. Do you think you know me from somewhere?" I asked, feigning confusion as I stepped closer to her.

"Ooh, really?" Andrea spat, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Her fists clenched at her sides, and for a brief moment, I thought she might actually lose it. Part of me wanted her to. I wanted her to feel even a fraction of the turmoil she'd left me in years ago.

"Yes, really. I don't seem to recall you. Tell me," I said, my voice steady, challenging her to open up old wounds. "You are of those people that have memorable faces but I don't know you from..."

"Shut up, Cass!" she snapped taking a seat. Her gaze locked with mine, and for a split second, I thought I saw something vulnerable flicker in her eyes. Pain, maybe? Regret? Whatever it was, it was gone just as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the familiar mask of confidence she always wore so well. "You know what? Fine. I'll indulge in this silly game of yours and see how far you're willing to take it."

I tensed, shifting my weight uneasily. "Ma'am Andrea, who are you really mistaking me for?" I calmly asked despite the knots tightening in my stomach.

Andrea leaned back in her chair, her gray eyes narrowing as they studied me. "You just look, act, and talk like someone I love... I mean, deeply loved. Weird, don't you think? But it doesn't matter. As you said I'm just confusing you with someone else, right?" Her words were quiet but deliberate, and I felt my breath hitch.

My chest tightened. Did she just say she loved me? No, was lying, trying to break through my defenses.

"Y-yeah... yes, it seems like you're definitely confused," I replied, forcing my voice to remain calm. My walls were cracking, but I couldn't let her see it.

Andrea's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "Well, time will tell, Cass. You know, it's just very weird, you share the exact same names, features and those eyes. I'll tell you a secret about her then. Her eyes were so beautiful... so beautiful that I always found myself getting lost in them."

Her words struck something deep inside me and I instinctively folded my arms across my chest, trying to shield myself. "There are over seven billion people in the world, ma'am. It's not uncommon to find people who share physical attributes and the same names. Research has proven that."

Andrea let out a soft laugh, one that felt more mocking than amused. "Research, you say. Interesting."

"Ma'am, can you assign me my duties, please?" I asked desperate to change the subject. My wall was crumbling fast and I needed to get away before she tore it down completely.

"Sure," she said, leaning back in her chair. "You'll be working here with me. Your desk will be placed over there," she said, pointing to a corner near the door.

"What? Why? I'm sorry, I mean what about the desk just outside? Can't I work from there, Ma'am?" I asked trying to reason with her.

"No! You work where I put you, okay, Ms. Cassey? I'm the boss here, not you!" she said slapping her hand on her desk.

I clenched my teeth, swallowing the string of insults I wanted to throw her way. She was doing this on purpose, Andrea knew I'd prefer to be anywhere but near her. And the shouting? That wasn't an accident either. She knows I can't stand it when she raises her voice at me. Or maybe… maybe she doesn't know. After all, I've been pretending not to recognize the only woman I ever truly loved.

"Okay, Ma'am. I'll sit wherever you want me to," I said evenly.

Andrea smirked, pointing to her chest and lap. "Even here and here?"

"In your fucking dreams," I muttered under my breath, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes or hit her with the keyboard.

"What was that, Cass?" she mocked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing, Ma'am Andrea. And my name is Cassey, not Cass, Ma'am," I said firmly.

"I'll call you whatever I want. I'm the boss, remember?" she replied, snickering.

I sighed heavily, wishing I could knock her out. If she only knew what was going through my mind right now, she'd probably run for the hills.

"Sure, Boss," I muttered, half saluting her.

"You're unbelievable," Andrea muttered as she shook her head.

"I'll take that as compliment," I replied sweetly, ignoring the tension tightening my chest. "So thank you, ma'am. Let's start."

"Today, you'll work here with me," she said, pulling out a stack of papers. "Start by filing these. Tomorrow, you'll find your desk ready."

I nodded and sat down at the chair in front of her desk, grateful for the temporary silence. The documents were all spotless, no mistakes, no corrections needed. Damn, Andrea was really good at her job.

When I glanced up to see if she needed anything else, I caught Andrea staring at me. Her eyes held an intensity I couldn't ignore, and for a moment, it felt like she was trying to read my mind.

"Like what you see?" I blurted out stupidly. The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

Andrea's lips twitched in amusement, and she bit her lip, swiveling slightly in her chair. "Yes, I do. I love what I see."

Her words sent a jolt through me which had me shooting shot up from my chair. "Ma'am Andrea, I... I need to go to the bathroom," I stammered, practically running to the door.

As I reached for the handle, I heard her soft voice behind me. "Please, Cass. Please stop this."

I paused, my heart racing. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. I think you've got me confused," I said without turning around, then stepped out into the hallway, desperate for air.

My legs moved faster than I intended, I needed to be away from her, to get the chance to centre myself before heading back to her. I didn't care where I was going, I just needed space. Damn it. I didn't even know where the bathroom was, and the first floor looked completely deserted. My heart pounded wildly in my chest with my breaths coming out quicker as I tried to calm myself.

I heard the sound of a door opening behind me and my stomach twisted. No. Not yet. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Andrea. Of course, it had to be her. But I couldn't look at her. I just couldn't. Because if I did… if I met her gaze… I'd want to wrap my arms around her, even though I swore I never would again.

"Miss Cassey," Andrea's voice was calm and steady. "I take it you didn't find the bathroom. Let me show you around." She walked past me without so much as a glance in my direction, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor.

I followed, keeping a small distance between us, grateful for the reprieve. As she led me through the show house, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful it was. The first floor was impressive, with her office tucked in next to an open lounging area, a spacious master bedroom, and a guest bedroom.

Out tour took us downstairs, the space opening up into a reception area, a cozy sitting room, and a modern kitchen. Everything was carefully designed, down to the smallest detail. The colorful paintings on the walls were vibrant and elegant, giving the place a warm, inviting glow. The furniture was a perfect mix of comfort and sophistication with each piece clearly chosen to complement the next.

The master bedroom's en-suite bathroom was nothing short of breathtaking. It was sleek and luxurious, with polished marble surfaces and a deep soaking tub that practically whispered relaxation.

I barely listened as Andrea explained the layout of the show room. My mind was elsewhere, replaying our earlier conversation, trying to figure out why she insisted on making everything so complicated.

By the time we were back in her office, I had lost myself to my thoughts as the rest of the day went by in a blur. I kept my head down, working through tasks and avoiding her gaze. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

At exactly five o'clock, my phone buzzed. An excited Stacy was out front waiting for me to clock out. A wave of relief washed over me. Finally, freedom.

"Ma'am, I'm heading out now. Have a good night," I said as I picked up my bag from the couch, my tone polite but detached.

Andrea didn't look up. "Oh… okay. You too," she said softly, almost absently, as if her mind was somewhere else.

I didn't linger. I walked out of the office without a second glance, determined to leave her and all the memories she stirred behind, even if only for the night.

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