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Chapter 6

I froze, my eyes darting toward the stairs as the sound of footsteps grew louder. Who else could be here? My heart began to race again, but I took a deep breath and steeled myself. I had faced worse before.

The footsteps stopped, and a figure appeared at the top of the stairs. It was a woman, elegant and poised, with long dark hair and piercing blue eyes. She looked at me with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice cool and commanding.

I swallowed hard. "I'm Cassandra Davis," I said. "Teddy brought me here. I... I was caught in the storm."

The woman's expression softened slightly, but she remained wary. "I see. My name is Evelyn Tiffins. I'm Teddy's sister."

I nodded, trying to appear calm. "It's nice to meet you, Evelyn. Thank you for letting me stay here."

Evelyn descended the stairs gracefully, her eyes never leaving mine. "Teddy has a good heart. He always helps those in need. But you must understand, Cassandra, we are very private people. We value our solitude and safety."

"I understand," I replied, my voice steady. "I don't want to intrude. I just needed a place to stay for the night."

Evelyn studied me for a moment longer, then sighed. "Very well. You may stay as long as you need to. But remember, this is a place of refuge and discretion."

"Thank you," I said, relieved. "I appreciate it."

Evelyn nodded and then turned to leave, but paused at the doorway. "Dinner will be served in an hour. I hope you'll join us."

"I will," I said, grateful for the invitation.

As Evelyn left, I sat down on the edge of the bed, my mind racing. There was something about Evelyn that made me uneasy, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Still, I was grateful for the warmth and shelter I had found here.

I decided to take a quick shower to freshen up before dinner. The bathroom was luxurious, with marble countertops and a large, clawfoot tub. The hot water felt heavenly, washing away the grime and tension of the day. Afterward, I dressed in the clothes Teddy had given me, a simple but comfortable dress.

When I emerged from my room, I followed the sounds of laughter and conversation to the dining room. The table was now set for three, and Teddy and Evelyn were already seated, engaged in a lively discussion.

"Cassandra, please join us," Teddy said, smiling warmly as he saw me.

I took a seat, feeling a bit like an outsider but trying to relax. The food looked delicious, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation.

As we ate, Teddy and Evelyn asked me about my life, where I had come from, and what had led me to their doorstep. I was cautious with my answers, not wanting to reveal too much, but I shared enough to satisfy their curiosity.

"You've been through a lot," Teddy said sympathetically. "I'm glad we could be here for you."

"Thank you," I said, feeling a lump in my throat. "I don't know what I would have done without your help."

"You're safe here," Evelyn said, her tone softer than before. "But you should know, our lives are not without their complexities."

I looked at her, curious. "What do you mean?"

Evelyn glanced at Teddy, who nodded slightly. She took a deep breath. "We have...certain responsibilities. Our family has always been different. We value privacy because it protects us."

I frowned, not understanding. "Protects you from what?"

"From those who don't understand," Teddy said gently. "From those who might fear us."

A chill ran down my spine. "Fear you? Why?"

Evelyn exchanged another look with Teddy. "Cassandra, there are things about our family that are difficult to explain. But we want you to feel safe here. Just know that we mean you no harm."

I nodded slowly, trying to process what they were saying. "I appreciate your honesty."

After dinner, Teddy showed me around the mansion, pointing out the various rooms and their purposes. It was clear that this place was more than just a home; it was a sanctuary. I felt a sense of peace and security that I hadn't felt in a long time.

As the night wore on, I found myself growing more comfortable with Teddy and Evelyn. They were kind and welcoming, and despite their cryptic warnings, I felt a genuine connection with them.

Later, as I lay in the luxurious guest room bed, I couldn't help but wonder about the mysteries of the Tiffins family. What secrets did this grand mansion hold? And how did I fit into their world?

Sleep eventually claimed me, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I dreamed not of my past struggles, but of a future filled with hope and possibility.

★★★ TEDDY'S ROOM ★★★

Teddy and Evelyn sat in the dimly lit room, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm ambiance. Their conversation was laced with a hint of tension, as they discussed about Cassandra.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Teddy?" Evelyn asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "If Alexander finds out you're harboring his ex-wife, don't you think that will bring problems between you two and your friendship?"

Teddy stood up, his movements fluid as he began to change into his pajamas. "Evelyn, I've been stalking them for a long time, and I know Cassandra is the innocent victim here despite the fact that she doesn't want to tell me the reason why she was thrown out in the rain. She's treated as trash, and Lily is the only one they value." His voice was laced with venom, his eyes flashing with anger.

Evelyn's expression turned pained, her guilt evident. "But, Teddy, we can't just turn a blind eye to what Cassandra has been through. She's been suffering for four years, and we can't deny that but......"

Teddy snorted, his laughter cold. "Suffering? Ha! That word is an understatement for what she's been through. Cassandra is just an innocent and naive girl who unfortunately fell into the wrong hands. And I'm not surprised Alexander's marriage ended in divorce because he has always been a bastard from day one, he who believes one side of the story with fake evidence and doesn't care about the others as long as the Lily is among."

Evelyn's eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper. "But, Teddy, Alexander is our friend. We can't just betray him like this."

Teddy's expression turned calculating, his eyes glinting with determination. "Alexander and I have been friends since childhood, but I've never liked Lily. She's always been a manipulative, deceiving human being. And now that Cassandra is free, it's time for me to claim her and remind her of our past together."

Evelyn's face paled, her voice laced with fear. "Teddy, please reconsider. This is a dangerous game you're playing, and it could destroy our friendship with Alexander forever."

Teddy's smile was cold, his voice dripping with malice. "I'm not afraid of Alexander, Evelyn. And I'm certainly not afraid of Lily . She's mine now, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep her." With that he turned back and laid on his bed giving no room for any other conversation, Evelyn seeing that she has lost quietly left to the room. Teddy released a venomous smile as he thought of what he would do to Alexander.

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