Call me by my name, Cassius

Lia buried her face into the pillow, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise to her cheeks. What on earth had just happened? Cassius had said things that were so bold, so unexpected. His actions, too, were beyond what she had ever imagined. It was as if he knew everything—too much, in fact. His behavior was startling, and though she tried to process it, she couldn't help but feel flustered by the entire experience.

It seemed like forever before it was finally over.

"Rest, don't move," Cassius murmured gently as he tucked the blanket around her. His touch, though light, felt more intimate than it had any right to be. Then he quietly left the room, presumably to wash his hands.

Lia, still hiding under the covers, kept her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. She knew she was being overly shy, but Cassius didn't press her. He seemed to understand her embarrassment and left her alone, giving her the space she needed.

Whether it was from the exhaustion of the day or the effect of the cold medicine, Lia soon drifted off into sleep again.

...

"Miss Lia?"

His deep voice pulled her from the depths of her dreams. Lia stirred but didn't respond, still too groggy to fully wake up.

"Lia?"

He called her name a few more times, but when she didn't react, Cassius leaned in and observed her closely. Her small, flushed face looked peaceful in sleep, and her long lashes fluttered slightly as she breathed softly. Her lips were still slightly swollen from the earlier kiss, and her skin radiated warmth, a sign of her fever.

Cassius stood there for a moment, his expression unreadable, before finally walking back to the sofa and resuming his work. With his laptop balanced on his knees and headphones in, he started a video conference, occasionally glancing at the woman sleeping soundly on the bed.

Cassius was very different from Lucas. Lia knew this much. While Lucas had charm and wit, he lacked the discipline to lead. Cassius, on the other hand, was capable and driven. In just two years, he had taken over the Ravencroft Group, proving himself as a force to be reckoned with. His position was now untouchable, and everyone in the company followed him without question. Even in this quiet moment, as he worked from a distance, he exuded authority.

Lucas had potential, but he never applied himself. He avoided responsibilities, rebelling against his family's expectations. Lia had once foolishly believed she could help him, that she could guide him to be the man he was meant to be. But in the end, she only changed herself. The realization that she could never be what Lucas needed had been a painful one, but it had also freed her.

Now, she was with Cassius, and for the first time in a long while, she was starting to see what it felt like to be valued. Even if it was all temporary, this connection was real in its own way.

...

When Lia finally woke up again, she found Cassius still sitting on the sofa, his headphones on as he stared at his laptop screen. His posture was relaxed but focused, a stark contrast to the way Lucas had always carried himself—restless, distracted, never fully committed to anything or anyone.

Lia didn't want to interrupt him, so she quietly shifted in bed, noticing a neatly folded dress beside her. It was a soft, pastel yellow, delicate in design. She reached for it, but as she slipped it over her head, she realized the zipper at the back was stuck. She struggled with it, her fingers fumbling.

Cassius, hearing her movements, removed his headphones and stood up. "Not sleeping anymore?" he asked, walking over to her with his usual calm demeanor.

Lia froze in place, her face growing warm. "I'm awake," she murmured.

He moved closer, his eyes catching the zipper's snag. "Don't force it," he said gently, reaching out to help. "Let me do it."

His fingertips brushed hers accidentally, and Lia pulled her hands back quickly, her heart racing. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling more flustered than she'd like to admit.

Cassius worked the zipper loose with ease and slowly pulled it up, his fingers brushing her skin lightly as he adjusted the dress. The soft fabric fit her snugly, showing off her figure in a way that was both elegant and playful.

He took a step back, admiring the way the yellow dress complemented her complexion. Her shoulders were bare, her long hair cascading down her back. Without thinking, Cassius gently swept her hair to one side, resting his chin lightly on her left shoulder.

"Does it fit?" he asked softly, his voice close to her ear.

Lia stiffened slightly, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin. "It fits well, thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she instinctively shrank her shoulders, feeling exposed under his gaze.

Cassius's eyes flickered with something she couldn't quite place. His gaze dropped to her chest, lingering for a moment before he asked, "Is it too tight?"

Her cheeks burned, and she quickly crossed her arms over her chest, trying to hide the blush spreading across her skin. "It's fine, it doesn't affect anything," she stammered, though the dress did feel a little snug.

Cassius smiled slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm not exactly an expert when it comes to these things," he admitted.

Lia's mind spun at the realization of what he meant—he wasn't used to buying clothes for women.

He continued, his voice teasing but gentle. "Last night… I may not have measured correctly."

Lia felt her face grow impossibly hotter, and she coughed awkwardly, trying to avoid his gaze. Cassius's hand stroked her back in response, his touch soothing but undeniably intimate.

"If it's uncomfortable, you can take it off," he offered. "I'll ask them to send something else."

Lia shook her head quickly. "No, it's fine. Really."

She had always thought Cassius was cold, distant. But now, after spending the night with him, she realized that he wasn't just talkative—he could be surprisingly attentive and even, dare she say, playful. She wasn't sure how to handle this side of him.

"Next time, I'll be sure to have better-fitting clothes ready," he said thoughtfully, as if making a mental note for future reference.

"Next time?" Lia repeated, her voice laced with surprise.

Cassius raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her reaction. "Ms. Lia, you think this was a one-time thing, do you?"

Lia's heart skipped a beat. She had assumed that what happened between them was a one-time arrangement, but now, hearing his words, she wasn't so sure. She swallowed nervously, unsure how to respond.

"I'm quite selective," Cassius added, his tone casual but with a hint of amusement. "I don't do this with just anyone."

Lia blinked in surprise. She had always known Cassius to be particular, even back in school. He had rejected countless girls who had pursued him—many of whom had cried after being turned down. Despite his good looks and charm, he was always distant, focused on his studies. She had never imagined that he could be interested in someone like her.

"And though I'm not particularly fixated on these things, there are needs," he continued, his arms tightening slightly around her as he spoke, his breath brushed against her neck.

Lia didn't know how to respond, so she stayed silent, listening to him. He wasn't wrong—he was a man, not a monk. She understood that much. But his words left her wondering how long this arrangement was supposed to last.

"How long do you intend this to go on?" she asked quietly, voicing the question that had been swirling in her mind.

Cassius's dark eyes met hers, his expression unreadable. "The time working as my secretary, do you have any objections ?" he asked, his voice calm and measured.

Secretary? How long did he expect her to remain in that role?

"How long is that supposed to be?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion.

Cassius's grip on her hand tightened slightly. "At Ravencroft Group, no one has special privileges. Your time here depends on your ability—maybe it'll be a year, maybe three months. It all depends."

Lia understood now. Her fate at Ravencroft Group, and with him, was not set in stone. It would depend on how well she performed. The power rested in both of their hands. It was, in a way, fair.

"Any questions?" he asked softly, watching her closely.

Lia shook her head. "No," she replied. No matter how long she stayed at Ravencroft Group, she would undoubtedly learn more than she ever had at Valen Group. It was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

Satisfied with her answer, Cassius gave a small nod. "Good. Let's eat."

...

At the dining table, Lia hesitated, unsure whether she should sit down before him.

"Sit," Cassius instructed, gesturing to the chair beside him.

"Mr. Cassius, please go first," she said respectfully, standing by the chair, still feeling the need to maintain some sense of formality.

Cassius looked at her, his expression softening. "Lia, in private, I think it's time we dropped the formalities."

She blinked in surprise. "Yes, Mr. Cassius," she responded automatically.

He raised an eyebrow. "Call me by my name."

Lia hesitated before speaking again. "…Cassius."

"Better," he said with a satisfied nod. Then, with a teasing smile, he added, "I don't make my subordinates stand while I eat, and I certainly don't make my woman stand either."

Before Lia could process his words, Cassius reached out and pulled her gently into his lap. They were face to face now, and their eyes locked in an unspoken exchange.