Chapter 388
"Let's be frank," Joseph initiated, tenderly taking her hand and nestling it beneath his chin. "My involvement with Luna was purely because she reminded me of you. I confess, upon my return to Madison, I found it impossible to let you go."
His words pierced Cassie's heart more deeply than anything else he had uttered since her arrival in New York. Her pulse raced.
She had noticed a slight resemblance between herself and Luna when they first met, but she had never suspected that this was his motivation for getting close to Luna. Particularly considering his resolute departure from Madison and the deep wounds his distrust had inflicted on her.
"I reasoned that since you never truly loved me and only sought my company to deceive me, why not wed someone who bore your likeness? But I never anticipated her being your half-sister."
A complex emotion flickered in Joseph's eyes as he continued, "Ever since our unexpected encounter at Leo's Family eatery, I haven't spared a thought for what might transpire with Luna."
"You've been lingering around her, frequenting Leo's Family estate, and let's not overlook your attendance at Grandpa's birthday celebration. You seem to have forgotten your arrogant display of protection for her," Cassie retorted, the memory scratching at her irritation. "It certainly didn't appear as though you had any concern for me, yet I've tolerated more than my fair share of your insults."
Joseph's response was steeped in sarcasm. "If it weren't for the desire to see you, do you think I'd bother attending some birthday party? And there you were, not even officially divorced and introducing David to the family. Did you pause to consider my feelings? Or am I expected to simply watch you and David flaunt your affection, seated across the same table as me?"
Cassie seethed as she listened to him. His ability to manipulate the situation while maintaining an air of superiority infuriated her. "So, you've never paraded your love in front of me?"
"Why should it matter to you if I did?" Joseph shot back, challenging her.
"I couldn't care less," Cassie retorted, turning her face away, her voice clipped.
Joseph was exasperated but found it impossible to remain angry with her for long. He pulled her into his embrace, holding her close, "You claim not to care, but I do, Cassie. I'm aware you despise me, but what can I do? I feel manipulated by you, yet I can't let you go. I'm hooked on something called Cassie."
The more he spoke, the more agitated he became, his mouth claiming hers in a kiss that was a mix of frustration, urgency, and... tenderness.
Cassie had always resisted him.
For some reason, an impenetrable wall seemed to exist between them.
She harbored deep resentment towards him.
But as he laid his feelings bare, her resolve seemed to dissolve under his kiss, becoming as soft as cotton.
She was aware that no matter how hard she tried to guard her heart, this man was gradually breaking down her defenses.
After all, she remembered the sacrifices he'd made—standing against the entire Hernandez family estate for her, defying the elite circles of New York, even relinquishing his position as CEO of the Hernandez group...
These were irrefutable facts.
That's why, when Walter had given her the choice, she chose to stay.
Ultimately, it was because of him.
Sensing the slightest shift in her, Joseph's joy soared. He deepened the kiss, his body pressing against hers.
Just as they were lost in the moment, Cassie thought of Rosalind in the kitchen, and instinctively tightened her grip on his arm, whispering, "Stop, Rosalind is..."
In response, his arm quivered violently, and for a fleeting moment, a flicker of pain crossed his clouded eyes.
"You..."
"Alright, if you want me to stop, I'll stop," Joseph conceded, propping himself up on one arm, "I'll be right back, just need to use the bathroom..."
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