**********

Past

He doesn't know what he was getting into when his boring high school life takes a lift.

He sighed, blinking his eyes as his daydreaming came to an end. He got himself out of his bed and pushed to get ready for the first year of High school. He makes his way down the staircase to the dining hall.

"Young Master Coltrane" the maid bowed at him. He nodded his head and sat down on the chair. This was not a new thing for him even if he tried to stop them, they continued to treat him this way.

"What would you like for breakfast?" She asked.

"Corn flakes will be fine," he said after seeing the large breakfast decorated on the dining table. It's not like he was being a brat but this was getting out of his hand.

They serve him hurriedly while he eat slowly waiting to see if his father was home. It's not a new thing that he was alone. It became a habit for him to be lonely. After a while, he stood up grabbing his car keys, walked out of the house.

He opened the door of his car when his cell started ringing.

"Hello" he picked up.

"Can you pick me up?" The person on the other line asked.

"Where are you now?" He fastened his seat belt.

"Stratford gate" He replied.

"Wait, I am coming " He sighed, his face remained blank as he replied coldly.

The phone went dead. He went all the way to Stratford. Opening the door signalling the other person to come in.

"The first day of high school and it became such a pain in the ass" He quickly looked at the guy who was groaning and cursing.

"What happened?" He asked.

"My bike broke down" He raised his eyebrows at his answer.

"It could have been worse, you know?" He said.

"Tell me about it when you need to walk half the way" He rolled his eyes.

He parked the car at the parking lot. There are very few people around. It was a private prestigious high school, usually ordinary people cannot get in without being extraordinary. He looked at the man sitting beside him looking at the school, he was the epitome of extraordinary.

"Jeremy? Why did you choose this school?" He asked. Jeremy does not belong to one of those high-class socialites, his mother was a single mother. Getting into this school is quite difficult. But Jeremy ace it. He entered with top grades. He is a genius. The margin with which he topped will be a record in this school's history.

"I don't know" Jeremy's face became passive as he said those words.

"Is it because of me?" Coltrane does not want to say this but the only friend he actually had is Jeremy. Other than that everyone wanted something from him. He was tired of their fake plays.

"Don't get on your high horse?" Jeremy remarked sarcastically rolling his eyes. He tilts his head, smirking. Most people might think Jeremy was cold and unnerving but he knows that he cared. Though he have a bad habit of always saying whatever comes to this mind. Jeremy will be brutally honest but he cannot be honest with his emotions. It might because of his parenting. He tends to keep his emotions under wrap.

"So what should we do?" He asked.

"Wait in the hall, I will get our schedule" Jeremy replied.

"I don't know you were that interested in school" He commented.

"It's not like that, Coltrane" Jeremy sighed.

"As you know that ordinary people can be a part of this school but the discrimination against them is horrible. We are put in different class hours through different subjects and make sure we cannot proceed as easily" he said.

Coltrane never had to think this through, his father recommended and applied for this school. Being the son of Caven Robertson Mayor, he was supposed to be the heir of Mayor Empire. It's not like he had any other options.

"So we will be in different classes?" He asked knowing very well what the answer will be. Jeremy nodding his head. Coltrane sighed annoyed at that.

"Let's get this over," Coltrane said.

"I heard you" Jeremy walked off.

"I know" He get out seemingly followed Jeremy until the hallway.

"I will wait here," he said only to get a wave from Jeremy.

He was standing in the middle of the hallway only to bump into a certain someone. He felt annoyed turning around.

"Look where you are going man" he snapped at him... It's a her.

"Don't tell me to look when you can't identify between man and woman" She snapped back and started picking the books. He stands there and glared at her. As much as he felt embarrassed about the fact he was so lost in his thoughts that he did not consider her gender.

He sighed and rolled his eyes as she struggled to pick up those books. He did take pity on her even though her words pissed him off but it was kinda refreshing to hear that. He was about to get down to help her when she stood up bumping into him. He stared at her as she rubbed her head.

"What's with you and bumping into me?"

"It's not like I want to " she glared at him and stopped rubbing her head. She did not want him to see that it hurt her forehead. That's when he noticed that she scratched her forehead. His eyes soften,

"Are you alright?"

**********

Present-day

"Are you alright?" She asked him her voice soft, waiting for his reply.

She entered his office without his permission to see he was in his own world. It was weird seeing him distracted from his work. Coltrane blinked his eyes.

"What happened?" She asked again, this time concerned. He smiled at her.

"Nothing, just remembering how we met......." his face softened as he trailed off with a faraway look. She smiled at him. She did not say anything after all many things happened during that period. Even though those were happy days where they were all together. It doesn't matter what was happening inside the house but those 8 hours of school was a solace for them. It was not as complicated as it is now. She sighed, her thoughts taking a darker turn.

She wanted to ask whether he is alright? But they don't talk about high school after everything happened. It was a sore topic especially after high school everything fall apart.

"So, you have something you wanted to say?" Coltrane asked her. She blinked her eyes coming back from the memory lane.

"Ah! yes," she smiled at him not bothering to go ahead with the conversation.

"You were asking how to implore new ideas. I thought I will submit a petition" she put down the file on his desk, he looked through it. She takes a seat in front of him.

"I thought we could use the local shut down cafes for a buffet" she opened the file for their restaurant requirement.

"Don't you think this will lower the quality?" He asked as he went through it. His eyes roamed around the prospect of bringing new changes.

"We could check it. Why not throw a party as a setup. This way we could get some reviews and a start-up" he nods his head after a while.

"Let's do this. If it becomes successful we can have support from locals" He closed the file, standing up.

He looked at her, checking her out from top to bottom. She stilled before turning to him a bit uncomfortable.

"Where are you going?" She asked, trying to change the atmosphere. He stands in front of her hovering over her. She blinked her eyes as he softly pressed his lips over her soft plump lips, sucking on her lower lip. Her hand goes on his chest trying to push him away. His tongue invaded her lips rubbing her tongue.

"Coltrane..." she softly said.

"We are going, love. Your mother called me to come and visit. So, I am taking you with me" she stiffened up a bit not knowing where this will go. Her mother was never good news, she stilled for a while. Her thoughts again running wild.

"Catherine, Let's go" she nodded her head and walked behind him. She was a bit nervous about seeing her mother.

"Do you have any idea why she called us?" He asked after getting inside the car.

"No" Catherine looked outside. He parked in front of her parent's house, it's a beautiful cream coloured two storage mansion.

"Where is Mother?" She asked after entering the house, the maid standing there bowed and turned to call for her mistress.

"It feels like we are in some kind of ancient era. Whenever I come here." He whispered.

She laughed hearing his words, not that she herself favours it but still.

"You are here, I can't believe that you are working today when tomorrow's the big day" her mother came down only to scold them. Catherine stiffened up trying to keep her posture straight. She moved forward and hugged her mother while he gave an acknowledging nod.

"I am glad that you came with your tight schedule" Mrs Walmart invited them in with her undertone sarcasm.

They went inside and took a seat on the couch in the living room.

"I know you are both busy with work and marriage but here is something from us. Sorry her father is not here he left for an urgent meeting." she handed him a key.

"What is this?" He asked, confused looking at the key.

"It's a farmhouse in Turkiye. This is a marriage gift from us." She smiled at them.

"Thanks but I already have a hotel there and I can't...." he trailed off looking at Catherine for help. She just stared at her mother.

"I will not take a no for an answer" her mother insisted. Coltrane looked uncomfortable.

"Sorry, Mother but I don't think we can accept this as a wedding gift" she finally said.

"Yes, as long as you give your blessing we are happy," Coltrane said, holding Catherine's arm squeezing it softly in reassurances.

"Okay you win, but for now only," her mother said in a mirthful voice. They both stand up.

"We are going to our bachelor's party," she told her mother and walked out.

"So, headed to where?" He asked curiously while wrapping his arm around her.

"I don't know but the club I guess," she said softly.

"Hmmm," he mumbled.

"So?" She asked awkwardly.

"Will Jeremy come?" She asked the question, looking at him. Coltrane's face filled with hurt but he can understand. Catherine feels uncomfortable, standing in his arm biting her lips.

"He cannot be here on time but he said he is going to come" he sighed. After that disastrous 1st year of their college life, Jeremy dropped out. And he changed into someone else. He rubbed his head trying to relax. Catherine softly touched his forehead.

"I am sorry" she whispered. He shakes his head, smiling softly.

"Go ahead and enjoy your last day as a single woman and no stripper" she looks down for a bit before chuckling softly. He went inside the car and drove away. She waved at him.

I am sorry

Still lingered as a cold unheard whisper.

The night passed away in a blink as he waited for the time when the love of his life finally became his.

***********

Past

She blinked her eyes at his question. Is she alright? She looked confused. She dusted off her skirt making sure she is not disoriented, "I am fine"

She did not wait for him to say anything anymore and take a few steps towards her destination after collecting her books. But she stopped in her steps and turned back.

Coltrane looked at her extended hand as she smiled weirdly. He was trying to understand what the hell is wrong with her, 'Was not she scolding me a while ago?'

He glared at her extended hand. She rolled her eyes, taking his hand.

"Let's try to get along," she said shaking his hand before walking away with a smile gracing her face brightening her eyes as she laughed. She made her first friend or that's what she thought.

Even though her words were a bit difficult to comprehend but, he nodded his head and whispered, "Let's be friends". Then he remembered that he forgot to tell her his name or ask her name.

"What are you thinking about?" Jeremy asked as he returned from the office. He blinked.

"I just met a weird girl" he shook his head. Jeremy smirked, "First day and you are already getting girls"

"Of course not, I will never go for a girl as awkward as her" he shakes his head. Who knows that time, he will make a good stand on that.

"This is your classroom number 2-A head to 2nd floor and my class is 4-A" Jeremy handed over his handouts shaking his head.

"See ya" Jeremy walked away he sighed hunting down your class is a bit difficult when there is nothing expect never-ending hallways.

Coltrane heard a scream coming from the corridor. At first, he decided to ignore it and move forward. But when he saw them bullying her in front of him. He stopped.

"You think you can take Karl away from me with that face of yours. How dare you try to flirt with my boyfriend?" The girl slapped her across her face.

"I don't know what you are saying...." she trailed off when he intervened.

"Excuse me" he stepped in, he did not know why? But seeing her hurt pricked him and the fact that she was not even trying to defend herself. Otherwise, he would have never intervened on girl's fight.

"What do you want, pretty boy?" The bully asked.

"You must have been mistaken she is my girlfriend" they looked at her and scrambled away in a second. She was looking at him shocked.

"Thank you very much, for helping me" he nodded his head, rolling his eyes at her. Does she have Multiple Personality Disorder? A moment ago she was fighting with him for no reason, Now she was getting beaten up. She was about to walk away but this time he stopped her.

Name, he needs to know her name.

"You forget to tell your name. You are quite pathetic you know? You can't help yourself in such a situation" He smirked waiting for another comeback.

"Sorry for not fighting over everything like a brat" she snapped pouting cutely. He stared at her a bit confused but extended his hand.

"Coltrane, Coltrane Flynn Mayor" she shyly takes his hand.

"Catherine, Catherine Walmart" shaking his hand she smiled at him softly.

"Thank you and sorry for not doing anything. I just don't want any attention on me" he shrugged his shoulders and walked away.

It's not like he can say anything to her.

••••••••••••••••

She entered the classroom happily as she made her first friend. Now that she was excited, almost hyped to meet many new friends. She looked around and take the last seat near the window. It's not like she did not want to sit in the front but she wanted to look over the class. She waited for students to enter. After a while, someone took the seat beside her. She took a deep breath to keep aside her nervousness.

"Hello! My name is Cassandra Walmart Nice to meet you" she said turning to him. Jeremy was shocked at her abrupt introduction and just stared at her smiling face. No one remained hyper this early in the morning.

"Jeremy," He said with a deadpan expression and gave her a nod of approval. She looked at him in confusion, did her idea of being friendly backfired.

"Don't you like to talk ?" She asked him.

"Don't you like to talk too much?" he shook his head mockingly. They talked. At first, Jeremy does not want to do anything with her. He decided to avoid her but after talking to her, it changed.

"By the Jerry....." She was cut off by his "Jeremy" injection for the tenth time. She rolled her eyes at his persistent attempt to rectify her.

"Class take your seats" all of a sudden the pin-drop silences, indicating the entry of their homeroom teacher. They were engrossed in talking that they did not notice how much time have passed.

"Good morning all of you. My name is Leon McCarthy. I am your homeroom teacher" He greeted them. They all greet back with a good morning.

"Firstly as You know, I will be the homeroom teacher ask me any time if you have any problem. Now, why don't you all start by introducing yourself?" He asked. They went one by one telling their hobbies and replied if any of the classmates asked anything. It was ridiculous to some extent but Mr.McCarthy was free. He smiled and laughed with them. It was Jeremy's turn.

He confidently walked at the front a few girls were almost drooling. He is good looking, no question in that enough to make everyone stop and turn. He is almost 6 feet or taller. His black hair was set and those green eyes were astonishing.

"Jeremy McGill" pin-drop silence, it's not every day you get the combination of beauty with brain.

"You are, The Jeremy McGill?" a girl stood up asking him shocked.

"I don't know about 'the' but I am Jeremy, nice meeting you," He said with a smile. That's it.

"Do you have a girlfriend ?" They asked at once.

"That's a secret for me to know and for you to find out " He smiled, winking at them before personally greeting Mr.McCarthy.

"Can you be any more charming?" She asked him, annoyed.

"Jealous?" Jeremy smirked, amused at her reaction.

"Oh, you wish I was. I will do better than you" She said standing up straight walking up to the teacher. She greeted him, standing in front of everyone.

"Hello, My name is Cassandra Walmart" She smiled at them. And walked back.

"Is this your way of getting better than me?" Jeremy mocked her. She smirked, "No I have not said anything yet" Jeremy looked at her confused.

"Now that we know each other, We need to select the class represent...." Leon said when Cassandra lifted her hand up Mr.McCarthy raised his eyebrows. She did not even let him complete his sentence.

"You have something to say, Ms.Walmart?" He asked.

"Yes sir," She said as she turned to everyone in the class.

"I don't know but, I want to say something inspirational so that some students want to become the class representative," she said with a smirk. Mr.McCarthy was shocked but he let her. Having a willing Class Representative is difficult especially for a normal course.

"Go ahead" he sighed.

"Well, here we go" She whispered, giving a brief look at Jeremy.

"I know that no one wants to be the class representative but I have a good suggestion. You can misuse those powers and make people compelled to do what you want. If you are in love with someone and want to talk to him or her. You could use the name class representative as an excuse as well as you can call him or her out" the moment she said that most of the girls lift their hand. She sits down laughing at Jeremy, who just rolled his eyes.

"Well, Ms.Walmart that's a wonderful suggestion you have there. Why don't you apply it for yourself?" Mr McCarthy smirked at her.

"So, it's decided that you will be the class representative Ms Walmart" he added, shaking his head for getting a troublesome student.

"What? But I thought...." she was cut off the second time that day.

"Open your English book" he glared at her.

"Geez, I didn't even get a thank you " she mumbled.

"You should be thankful that you are not suspended" Jeremy whispered, as he lifts his fist which she bumped with a grin.

The first bell rang and they stood up to change classes. Every one of her classmates turned to her as if she was a showcase creature. They wanted to talk to her. She greeted them back and get up to go to the next class.

"Let's meet at the cafeteria" Jeremy walked out, trying to get away from those female students.

"Wait, we have the same classes" she hurriedly stood up getting away from the crowd.

"How do you know?" He asked when she pointed out at the book he was holding.

Slowly and steadily the class passed away. They enjoyed each other's company.

"I have a friend so we are going to eat with him. Any problem?" He asked as they made their way to the canteen.

"No, not at all," she said when the passers-by students talked to her.

"You have become quite famous huh?" he told her.

"It's not that I want to be famous, I just wanted all those girls to turn to you. You know?" Cassandra looked around, he smirked.

"Well, that plan backfired?" Jeremy laughed, she rolled her eyes pouting.

"Where have you been?" A voice, she heard before asked them. She looked up to see the same boy she met but forgot to ask his name.

"Sorry?"Jeremy said while she stared at him.

"So, do you know that absurd student who said, if you are in love with someone and want to talk to him or her. You could use the name class representative as an excuse. I heard it happened in Class 4-A" Coltrane laughed when Jeremy pointed at the girl standing right beside him.

"Yo! That's the one and only me" she said giving him a thumbs up rolling her eyes at the process.

"You???" He looked at her, almost taking a step back.

"I ordered some food" they all turn around, hearing the soft clear voice. Jeremy stared at her and then looked at the girl beside him.

Jeremy shakes Cassandra, "I am seeing two of you"

"She is my sister, Stop behaving as if the world just came to an end," she said and rolled her eyes at him.

"Oh! Now I understand" Coltrane nods his head. Jeremy just stared at the girl who smiled softly.

"Catherine Walmart," she said, blushing a bit as he was staring at her too much.

"Jeremy," he said in his one-word answer.

"C..Could you stop staring?" She asked a bit nervously.

"I just wanted to differentiate between you two. But sorry if I am making you uncomfortable" he said as her eyes went wide.

"No.. I" Jeremy did not wait for her reply as he walked up to the canteen.

"My name is Cassandra Walmart, I forgot to tell you," she said holding out her hand to him. He laughed, shaking his head and grabbing her extended hand.

"It's Coltrane Flynn Mayor" he takes her hand again for a handshake.

"Flynn..."

*************

Present.

"Flynn.."

Cassandra blinked her eyes coming back to the present and looked at her phone. Her mother called her to invite her to the wedding.

Five years, it's been 5 years since she last talked to her on that dreadful day. She looked lost as Austin approached her.

"Are you alright?" She flinched back.

Alright?

Is she now?

"I am fine" She smiled at him, reassuring him.

"What is it?" He pointed at her cellphone, which is something she does not use that much having only his number saved.

"Mother called me," She said coldly. Austin looked confused at her sudden change in behaviour but later on, he realized.

"Why?" His voice does not reach her as she had a faraway look.

"Coltrane and Catherine are getting married" her face remained blank, even she cannot comprehend what she is feeling.

"Are you alright? Do you want to attend?" Austin asked her, looking at her blank face.

She looked down wandering, herself if she wants to attend or do anything as a matter of fact.

Tomorrow is the wedding, she does not have time to mentally prepare herself. She sighed.

"I don't know, " She shakes her head, smiling at him.

"Why don't I make you something?" She said walking up to the kitchen. Austin sat on the table attached to her kitchen. She silently cooked.

After setting table for two she takes a seat beside him. They are making small talks here and there.

"Call me if you wanted to go? I will accompany you" Austin said washing his hands.

"Good night, Cassey" He walked out of her studio. She looked at him waving her hand. When he was out of sight she sighed letting her guard down, she curled up in a ball. Her face is devoid of any emotions as she stared at nowhere.

Does she want to go?

Go?

Don't go?

Go?

Don't go?

She sighed again, making a simple decision was becoming difficult. She got up walking to her cough cum bed, sliding herself in, closing her eyes. But sleep was the last thing in her mind.

Morning came before she could wrap her mind around her thoughts.

She did not get a wink of sleep. She gets up and calls Austin. She decided that she needs to go. To get closure for her own peace of mind. She does not need to make her life miserable because of them. She took a relaxing bath. Her eyes roamed around the section of dresses. She stopped buying dresses a long time ago as it was not on the list of essential commodities.

Austin came within 30 minutes.

"You are early," she said, frowning at him. He was wearing a black dress pant and striped tie over a white shirt looking handsome. He is clean-shaven, his black hair and black eyes contrasting with his dress.

"I thought, you are in need of a classy dress," he said.

"No need for that" she rolled her eyes at him.

"Oh! Is that so?" He mocked her. She said yes while trying to fish out a dress she can wear. After trying for 15 minutes she gave up.

"Let's get a dress worth wearing," she said, grabbing a pair of faded jeans and a black t-shirt.

"Well, I thought you don't need any new dress" Austin again mocked her. She glared at him, opting not to say anything.

After a while...

They went to a nearby mall. Austin insisted that he would buy her a dress but she stubbornly refused. And went to a cloth mart. It does have a good section of clothes with standard quality and price.

She went through the section before selecting a beautiful boat-necked Persian blue dress with a big bright rose design.

"How is it?" She asked Austin.

"Not bad" he sighed knowing very well how stubborn she can be. He gives up.

They went back, as he waited for her to get dressed. It was almost 10 a.m. not knowing why she put on this effort. She wore a black velvety hat and a two-inch black pump shoe with her dress. She is looking adorable with the blush and red lipstick. She walked down the stairs where he was waiting for her, his eyebrows raised.

"Do you actually want to go?" Austin asked again.

"Yes!" Cassandra replied, looking at him seriously. After giving thought last night she decided she needed this, to get closure.

"I want to see them even if it's for the last time" she smiled at him. He nodded his head and looked at her for the second time. He did not compliment her, but her radiating smile and bright eyes, making her pretty. Here he handed her a red rose to complete her look. She blinked her eyes before accepting it.

"Is it ok for me to look like this?" She asked him awkwardly, her smile dropped. He smiled trying to bring back her smile. This is after all a once in a lifetime moment for him seeing her dressed up.

"You look just like a lady" he winks at her with a smirk. She rolled her eyes seemingly annoyed at his words. She pushed his chest, "Now I know why are you single.." she smirked.

"Man that's hurt" he holds his hand over his chest, rubbing it. They both burst out laughing. This lightened up her gloomy mood.

"I am wondering something?" he looked at her as they got inside the car.

"What?" she asked knowing very well what he wanted to say. She is just afraid to hear it out loud.

"Why do I feel something's off?" He asked her a nagging question why would they all of a sudden call her asking her to attend the wedding just the day before it. They did not ask, her too come to any pre-wedding ceremony or remember her as a matter of fact.

Cassandra looked down, this is something even she is worried about. She wanted to be optimistic, but the nagging thought did not go away. She understood his trouble.

"I don't have anything left to lose anymore," she said that to reassurance him, but it only hurt him. Her face turned cold as she silently looked out.

"I want to see things through my eyes and move on. For that, I am willing to take this risk" She whispered.

If only she knows what risk she is going to take? She would have stayed far away from the wedding.

Even hearing her words did not make him feel relaxed. He knows something is going to be wrong. His gut feeling always comes true, 'let's pray it's nothing serious'.

"This is going to be a long day" he sighed under his breath. She nodded silently.

***************

She gets down taking a deep breath to relax. Her eyes roamed around as she wanted to avoid any known face.

The church was beautifully decorated with pink and white roses. Everywhere held the purity and beauty of peace in white. The crystal chandelier held in the middle of the roof giving an ethereal look making the church a fairytale wedding set up. The most beautiful thing she has, ever seen in her life. They are still early for the wedding even though it's almost 11 a.m.

"I need to visit my sister and let her know that I am here," she told him and started walking behind the church, without waiting for his reply. She sighed this is taking a toll on her. She hides behind the church taking a deep breath. Her shoulder slumped, she looked down as if that's the most fascinating thing to do.

She took another deep breath to calm her nerves. How much time has it been, 5 years? She doesn't want to come here not at all but...

'When will I let go everything' she asked herself, biting her lips which bleed a little. The salty taste of blood reminded her why she is here. She gulps down getting ready to see them. She straightened up turning to see the first person she never wanted to meet, now standing right in front of her. Bitter reality slapping on her face, her initial thought was to ignore her mother but when she stepped in her way she was forced to acknowledge her.

"What is it?" Cassandra asked her mother whose eyes are as cold as ice not bothering to be polite.

"I did not think you would actually come" her mother mocked her, she glared at her.

"Thanks for inviting me, " she replied sarcastically.

"Where is Cath?" Cassandra asked casually with a poker face she mastered.

"Oh! so, you are telling me, You don't know" her mother asked her coldly. She raised her eyebrows.

"Do tell, what should I know? She asked, rolling her eyes.

Slap

She looked at her mother, holding her cheeks, eyes wide open.

"I know you know where she is? Tell me this instant" her mother demanded. Her face throbbed, she thought of many scenarios but this was not one of them.

"I have no idea," she said coldly. Her mother was taken back by her coldness.

"Then, tell me where is she?" Mrs Walmart is also is known as her mother glared at her. If looks could kill she would have been dead by now.

"Where is she?" Her mother asked angrily.

Her face turned bored. So this is, what's going on?

"Are you saying she ran away?" She laughed, mocking her mother. She laughed till a tear trail of her cheeks falling from her eyes. She wiped her eyes. This is fucking hilarious.

"I know you know where she is?" Cassandra glared at her.

"Tell me where is she? Where are you keeping my daughter?" Her mother screamed raising her hand to hurt her again but she stopped her.

"Enough" her voice vibrated coldly. Her mother snatched her hand.

"Don't get me involved in this mess" she grit her teeth.

"You are already in this mess" her mother smirked.

"I am on my way back as no wedding is going to happen," she said, something is wrong. She needs to get out of here. Austin's words ring in her head.

She should have listened to her guts and avoided coming here. She had to get out of here before she falls into a trap.

"Who said there will be no wedding ?" Her mother said with confidence. Her breath hitched, she looked at the woman, her eyes widening. She turned away hurriedly not interested anymore in this talk.

"Don't you want to know who is going to marry him?" Mrs.Walmart asked as few men blocked her way. She turned around sharply glaring back at the lady she once called Mother.

"No! " she said.

"Move" her order was unheard as those men stood in her way. She calmly turned to her mother.

Mrs.Walmart was taken back by her calm expression. She had a good idea now, as to why she was invited here. Hearing the words made her still. She makes sure to keep every emotion out of her face when her mother blurted out those words

"You are going to marry him" Mrs.Walmart decided and looked at her. She gets a blank stare in answer. For the first time, Mrs.Walmart felt uneasy. She is not saying anything.

"What is in stake now?" she said slowly and directly to the point.

As much as she wanted to refuse and run away from here. She knows that was not the answer, Carina Walmart wanted to hear.

Knowing her mother she knows how much dirty she can play. So if she is going to bear the consequences of her sister's runaway excursion there will be some leverage she had, to make this kind of demand from her. She needs to know.

"Your cafe" she stilled as bitter reality filled her.

"These are the documents" her mother waved at her.

"I will throw you and your misfit friends out on the road" her mother smirked

"Do you actually think I would care?" Her mother smirked dropped as she smirked.

"I don't care, I am habituated of getting thrown out," she said bitterly. She looked at her mother understanding the person behind her cafe was her mother. It's not a new thing but still, it bites her where it hurts the most.

A bitter laugh built up and escaped as a sob. But she will not give her the satisfaction of controlling her.

"Anything else?" She said.

"I will make sure they don't get work anywhere" Her mother provoked.

"And why should I start caring about them?" She raised her eyebrows mockingly. She will fight for her cafe rather than doing what her mother wants. Her mother almost smiled.

"Don't you want to marry the love of your life?" Carina asked. She looked down, If this is a joke, then it held dark humour beyond the level of cruelty.

"No." her voice came out strong and cold, not showing how she actually feels.

Her mother handed her some papers. Her heart skipped a beat.

"What the fuck is this?" She read through the paper.

"This will ruin that boy's career" her mother laughed coldly.

"How did you get this?" Cassandra asked.

"Is this actually the question you wanted to ask?" She closed her eyes. She cannot do this to Austin. He was the only one who was there when she needed someone the most.

"I will" her voice shakes a bit. She bit her lips to keep it under control.

"I will but I want the cafe on my name and I want the original papers of this. I wanted, prove that this will never leak out" she spoke the words coldly making a business deal out of her life.

"You will get it after the wedding. Here are the papers of the cafe which I signed over to your name" her mother confidently handed her the paper.

It's as if she knows she will accept no matter what.

"What about those papers?" She asked.

"I will hand it over. The moment you get married. How should I know you will not burn the originals and run away?" Carina asked.

"And how should I know, you will keep your end of the deal" Cassandra glared at her coldly.

"All I need from you is to get married to Coltrane. Other than that you have nothing that I can take from you by holding a leverage" she grit her teeth as much as she wanted to protest, she can't.

"Go get ready. Be happy that you will act as her stand-in as Coltrane's wife till we find where she is" Mrs.Walmart walked away saying the final words.

She waited till her mother was far away then she let her lingering tears fall. She slipped down holding her legs. She wanted to show them that she has changed but here she is standing and doing whatever her mother wanted like a puppet. How did she think that she finally breaks through? Nothing can hurt her.

Her peaceful dream broke as the bitter reality set in, but what cut her soul deeper was the horrible nightmare which continued through open eyes.

"Stand in................................"

"I am not a stand-in" she whispered as tears fell down her eyes. Her shoulder shakes as she clutches her dress. Her eyes turn red as tears fall unconditionally.

"I am not a stand-in........." she repeated again and again at least trying to make herself believe it.

**********

So, here it is dear readers an edited and elaborate version of the old chapter. It is actually a three-years-old chapter.

So I have been getting various messages that I can't understand what is going on but I am curious. So I thought why not rewrite it. I know I am one of the most disorganized people.

As I was saying it is the longest chapter I have written so far 6k. I am shocked at myself and a bit proud too. Hehehehehe...

Thank you for reading...

Do share your thoughts, especially my older reader who actually read it already and don't worry I will update new chapters too. So enjoy...

Until next time...