Dumped Today Married Tomorrow: My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Cassian turned to study Anastasia’s pale face, his brow creasing with immediate concern.

Sensing something was seriously wrong, his voice dropped to that protective register that made her heart skip. “What happened back there?”

Anastasia shook her head. “Nothing serious. Just family drama.”

Instead of pushing for details, Cassian reached over and intertwined their fingers, his thumb tracing

gentle circles on her palm. The intimate gesture sent warmth shooting straight to her core.

“You know you can tell me anything, right?” His voice was low and reassuring, making her feel safer

than she had in years.

Looking into his intense gaze, Anastasia felt her walls crumbling. “I know. Those toxic assholes are

in my rearview mirror now.”

Cassian understood immediately–her father and his replacement family were clearly the “toxic

assholes.”

“Good. They don’t deserve another second of your thoughts.” He lifted their joined hands and

pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Let me take you somewhere that’ll make you forget all about

them.”

The unexpected tenderness of the gesture made Anastasia’s breath catch. “I’d like that.”

Suddenly, an SUV swerved into their lane without warning. Their driver slammed the brakes,

sending Anastasia flying forward.

She gasped in shock as strong arms immediately wrapped around her, pulling her against Cassian’s

solid chest.

The car’s ambient lighting cast everything in an intimate glow, highlighting the sharp angles of his ace as he looked down at her with concern.

Anastasia’s face went bright red as she realized how intimately they were positioned.

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Her heart was absolutely racing–not from the near–accident, but from being pressed against his warm, muscular body.

She could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her palm, inhale his intoxicating scent, and see every detail of his perfect features from this close.

Cassian’s eyes darkened as he studied her flushed face, his hands still steady at her waist.

“You hurt?” His voice was rougher than usual, and she noticed his pulse had quickened too.

“I’m… no, I’m fine,” she whispered, making no move to pull away despite her embarrassment.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension.

Cassian’s gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. “You sure?”

The way he was looking at her made her feel like she might spontaneously combust. “Yeah, I’m sure.‘

When she finally pulled back, it was reluctantly, and she noticed he seemed equally reluctant to let

her go.

The driver was apologizing profusely. “Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, I’m so sorry! That idiot came out of

nowhere-”

‘Don’t worry about it,” Cassian said smoothly, though his eyes remained fixed on Anastasia. “Just get is there safely.”

The next morning, Anastasia walked into J&A to find Jasper lurking by her office.

She expected to see the signed buyout papers in his hands, but they were conspicuously empty.

Jasper, if those contracts aren’t signed by end of day, I’m selling my shares to Cartier. I’m sure hey’d love to poach some of your top designs.” Her tone was pure business ice.

She wanted this over with–every minute of connection to him felt toxic.

‘lus, she’d promised Cassian that once this was resolved, she’d officially meet his family.

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Jasper’s jaw tightened. “I’ll sign, but there’s one final client dinner tonight. Marco Parker specifically asked for you to handle the account.”

Anastasia’s eyes narrowed. “Your word?“.

“You have it,” he ground out.

“Fine. One last performance, then we’re done forever.” Her contempt was unmistakable.

Jasper could barely contain his rage. He’d lost her completely, and it was eating him alive.

The old Anastasia would’ve done anything to please him, forgiven any betrayal.

This new version was like dealing with a completely different person.

Fine. If he couldn’t keep her, he’d at least make her final assignment as unpleasant as possible.

Marco Parker was notorious for being a sleazy predator. None of their other designers would go

near him.

Throwing Anastasia to that particular wolf seemed like poetic justice.

After work, Anastasia texted Cassian about the business obligation.

Rather than sit home alone, Cassian decided to grab drinks with his old friend Yinsen Hunter and a

few other guys.

Leaving the office, Anastasia was joined by a colleague–and unexpectedly, Valeria.

‘I’m coming to this dinner too,” Valeria announced like she had any authority.

Anastasia’s expression darkened. “Since when do you handle client relations?”

‘I’m supervising,” Valeria replied with fake importance. “Marco Parker is a major account–we can’t afford any screw–ups.”

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She’d volunteered specifically to watch Anastasia squirm.

Parker was famously handsy with attractive women. This would be entertaining.

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Chapter 23

Anastasia ignored the parasite and headed for the car.

At the upscale restaurant’s private dining room, Anastasia had just finished ordering when Marco

Parker arrived with his assistant.

“Mr. Parker, Anastasia Kingsley from J&A.” She extended her hand professionally.

Parker’s eyes immediately raked over her body before taking her hand–and holding it way too long while his thumb traced her palm.

“Ms. Kingsley, the pleasure is definitely all mine.”