Chapter 4

Ned's grip on Cassie's neck tightened, and his anger was evident in his eyes. Cassie could see the pain and confusion he was experiencing, and she knew she needed to find a way to break through the barriers that had been built between them.

"Ned, please... I understand that you're hurt, and I know it's hard to trust me right now. But I swear to you, I never betrayed you. Scott and my stepmother manipulated me into believing lies about you and our relationship." Cassie struggled to speak.

Ned's grip loosened slightly as he listened to Cassie's words, but his guard remained up.

"How can I believe anything you say? I can't remember anything, and I don't know who to trust." Ned replied.

"I know it's difficult, Ned, but we can work through this together. Let's start by being honest with each other. You deserve to know the truth." Cassie said with tears in her eyes.

Cassie proceeded to recount the events leading up to their marriage and the surrogacy agreement. She explained how Scott had taken advantage of her vulnerability and manipulated her into believing that she had no other choice.

"I felt trapped, Ned. I thought marrying you and going through with the surrogacy was the only way to protect my family. " Cassie said being emotional.

Ned's expression softened as he saw the sincerity in Cassie's eyes. He realized that she had been caught in a web of deceit, just like him.

"I don't know what to believe anymore. But if what you're saying is true, then why didn't you tell me sooner?" Ned replied.

"I was scared, Ned. Scared of losing you, scared that you would hate me if you knew the truth. I made a terrible mistake, and I'm so sorry for hurting you." Cassie said with regret.

Ned's anger seemed to waver, and he released his grip on Cassie's throat.

"I don't know if I can forgive you right away, but I want to find the truth. We need to build our trust, and that starts with being honest with each other." Ned softly replied.

"I promise to be honest with you from now on. I want us to work through this, no matter how difficult it may be." Cassie said.

As Cassie and Ned faced their painful past, they knew that building their relationship would be a challenging journey. But they were both willing to take the first steps towards healing and finding their way back to each other.

As days passed, Cassie and Ned worked on building their relationship, taking small steps towards understanding and forgiveness. They spent hours talking, sharing memories of their past, and creating new ones together. With time, Ned's walls started to crumble, and he began to see glimpses of the woman that he married involuntary.

In the process, Cassie learned to be patient and allow Ned the space he needed to heal. She kept her promise of honesty, and each day, their bond grew stronger. They navigated through the challenges and insecurities, and Cassie proved to Ned that she was committed to making things right.

As they faced the truth about the surrogacy and the manipulation by Scott and her stepmother, Cassie found herself stronger than ever before. She realized that she didn't need to be defined by others' actions, and she was determined to take control of her life.