Chapter 2

I looked at her disappearing figure as she walked towards the kitchen and shook my head.

Beth went inside the kitchen and through the partition, she looked thoughtfully at Cassey and recalled that in the past five years, she had lived with her she had never seen Cassey in such a frightened state.

Though she was not showing it, she could easily make out a difference in her behavior. Whatever the reason things did not seem to be okay with her but it is better not to question her and she should respect her privacy. She had been through a lot at such a tender age. After pondering for a while she picked up the pasta and starts preparing dinner. 

Cassey, with her eyes, closed lies down on the sofa and thinks about the incident which happened a while ago. It had been six years since she had last seen him, still the breathtakingly charming Nick Java. 

He could still make her heart flutter and the emotions which she has kept hidden inside her were erupting like lava. He had that enigma so powerful and forceful that nobody could ignore him. She had fallen in love with him at such a tender age and he was the most good-looking man she had ever met. She followed him everywhere, whenever he came to the manor, and loved spending time with him. She always belonged to him and only him alone, but fate had planned something else for them. But today when she saw him all her fears were back. Again, thinking about the manor, her whole body started to tremble and she quickly came out of her past and she took a deep breath. 

 No matter what happens I cannot go back, it would mean losing him forever no matter what I have to do to make him believe that I am Cassey and not his Rio. It’s better to be a stranger than to see him give away his life. I must be strong.

 Tears were flowing down my cheeks, but I composed myself. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard Beth calling me for dinner. I get up abruptly and went to the kitchen and smilingly hug Beth and think no matter what, I will not involve Beth in my problems. She has been with me in all my tough times and this bond has grown over the years. She is not my blood sister but more than that. “

No matter what you cook the smell can be delicious and the taste is something I can never get tired of eating. Thank you for always being so nice to me.” I tell her sincerely.

 Beth rolls her eyes and says, “Tell me something new.” And we both start laughing.

***

After finishing his meeting Nick walks into his room and sees a file lying on the table after going through it, he dials his assistant’s number and tells him to come in.

 As soon as Harold comes inside he says, ‘Harold I am not questioning your ability but are you sure the details mentioned here are accurate?” Harold clears his throat and thinks about all the things he had to do to get the information his boss wanted. Being the assistant of the CEO of Citadel International it was not that difficult to get the information. He followed through the CCTV footage in the shopping complex and was shocked to see his boss kissing an unknown woman in the crowded place while everyone was watching but he dare not question him so he got the picture and then he surfed through the internet and got a lot of information about the women. He also visited the store she owned. 

“You mean to say she has her flower shop and owns an event management company?” Nick inquired feeling shocked and happy as well. Harold nodded his head and continued; “Her name is Cassey Brown. Her father had passed away 5 years back she has been living with her elder sister Beth Brown, since then in the Wellington Apartment which is a very sophisticated locality in this city.” “Their mother Lara Brown lives in the same apartment but on a different floor. They both own two shops in San Martin. It is a family business that was started by their parents Lara Brown and Vincent Brown. It is said that the father was working overseas so she lived with him abroad and came back to San Martin with him five years back.”

“Beth handles all the financial matters of the shop and occasionally dates around but does not have a fixed boyfriend. Cassey is single and is always busy with her work she is the main designer of the events. They both party hard on the weekends and have a good social circle.” “I have even checked with their neighbors and the shops nearby, everything is accurate. They are quite successful and have an exceptionally good business relationship with everyone.”

 Nick looks at Harold and says. "Something is missing somewhere. Do a thorough check once more no matter what it costs."

"Okay boss, it will be done, by the way, are you going to attend your grandmother’s birthday party?" Harold asks politely. 

"Yes, I better not miss it, this is the other reason I accompanied Grandma to San Martin," Nick said smiling. "But I did not expect to bump into Rio no matter what you say I still believe that she is my Rio and I will get her back no matter what. Cancel all my appointments for tomorrow. And Harold checks the news about the plane that crashed five years ago and I want you to investigate it thoroughly." He throws a file in front of him and says, “I know you are curious as to why I am investigating her, I am giving you all the information you need to know, to have a better understanding of getting her information." 

Harold nods his head and thinks this guy can read anyone's mind no wonder he is known to be a shrewd and ruthless businessman, and no one dares to mess up with him. 

After Harold left, Nick takes out his phone and dials his grandmother’s number and an extremely sweet voice replies from the other end “Nick my darling grandson how come you are calling grandma at this hour.”

 He smiled and said, ‘I can call my grandma anytime I want; do you have a problem?’ "All the sweet talks won't flatter me, you cannot even find me a decent granddaughter-in-law and are always busy, what do you want Nick I am busy with your grandma Sam preparing for my birthday party as all my friends are coming, just tell me what do you want? Grandma Lisa spoke hurriedly.

 Nick laughed and said, Grandma, you don’t have to bother too much, I will personally deal with all the preparation you just leave everything to me. Grandma paused for a second and said, “Nothing much to do but to think about it I do have something which you can do. I have ordered some flower decorations for tomorrow, but we need to go to the salon to get ready for the party can you come a little early and see that everything is organized properly? It would be of great help. Your grandpa has some work, so he won’t be there to give instructions."

"Do not worry grandma, I will personally see to it that everything is arranged properly." He assured her and cut the call.