Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 476

Chapter 476 The Devil

Oscar and Amelia enjoyed a night of passion, while Cassie woke up with a splitting headache in a hotel the next day. She held her head and groaned from her hangover.

“Awake?” A woman’s cold voice rang out in the room.

Startled, Cassie lifted her head and met the gaze of an unknown, expressionless woman. She croaked, “Who are you?”

Jean ignored her question and shot straight to the point. “That’s not important. If you’re clear-headed, I’m leaving.”

She was almost at the door when Cassie screeched, “Stay right where you are.”

Jean grimaced, having hoped that she could leave without fanfare. Still, considering Cassie’s friendship with Oscar and Amelia’s orders to look after Cassie, Jean could only swallow her indignation at dealing with the hungover woman’s rudeness.

“Yes?” Jean turned around.

“Who sent me here last night?” Cassie tapped her head, struggling to recall what had happened after her argument with Amelia. Despite her best efforts, nothing came to mind. It was as if her brain had stopped remembering anything at that exact moment.

“Boss and Mrs. Clinton sent you home after you drank yourself into oblivion. You looked even more pathetic than the homeless ruffians on the street,” Jean scoffed as her gaze roved over Cassie. “I have no idea what Boss saw in you in the first place. You’re way below Mrs. Clinton’s league. In fact, I’d venture to say you’re like a swan that regressed into an ugly duckling.”

Cassie’s face twisted with rage, and she threw a pillow at Jean, shrieking, “Get lost! Get out of my sight!”

Jean gladly left the massive presidential suite, leaving a stunned Cassie on the bed.

Her gaze was unfocused. She was seemingly lost in her thoughts.

Suddenly, Cassie scrambled off the bed and ran barefoot into the bathroom.

She began appraising herself in the mirror, gently running her hand over her pale face. A self-deprecating laugh bubbled out of her. No wonder she called me an ugly duckling. I’m giving those poor ducklings a run for their money. Her gaze traveled across the mirror as she took in her bloodshot eyes, dark eye circles, and pale lips. Stray freckles dotted her face, and there was a light smattering of bumps on her forehead. It was a horrifying sight.

“Ah!” Cassie wailed as she cupped her face, questioning her sanity in accosting Oscar in such a state.

Two whole years had passed, and despite her claims of hating Oscar and plans to sabotage Clinton Corporations with June, Cassie had never gotten over Oscar. She could never bring herself to execute their plans and had chosen to drown her sorrow in alcohol.

Cassie broke down and muttered to herself, “This isn’t me; this can’t be me! How can I look like this?” She could not come to terms with the fact that Oscar had seen her in such an unkempt state. Oh God, he already hates me enough. He must’ve been so disgusted last night.

She suddenly felt like throwing up.

Exhausted after her mental breakdown, Cassie collapsed on the floor, staring mindlessly at the luxurious fixtures in the bathroom. A spark of determination flickered in her gaze, pushing her to get off the floor. She murmured in a frenzy, “I have to change. I have to get back on my feet again. Oscar sent me here last night because he still cares about our old relationship. I’m sure he hasn’t gotten over me! I just need to return to my old, innocent self, and he’ll love me again. Yes, yes! That’s right! I’ll go home, eat a little, and put on some nice makeup. Oscar loves a caring woman. I’ll be kind and caring toward him, and he’ll remember how nice I was.”

Invigorated by a sense of purpose, Cassie arranged for a hotel employee to bring her some fresh clothes.

She changed and began applying her makeup meticulously, successfully covering the dark eye circles that had horrified her earlier.

Cassie scrutinized herself in the mirror, pleased with the results of her artfully applied makeup. Unfortunately, she could not do much about her gaunt face.

June called her as she left the hotel. She ended the call, only to receive a text message instead.

Cassie read the message. Honey, answer the phone. I got a fright when you disappeared last night. I’ve been searching for you all night. Now be a good girl and come home. If you’re really into that stuff, I’ll get some for you. I just didn’t want you to get addicted. You’re my only baby. I can’t find a better toy if you’re out of action.

His act merely riled Cassie, who pointed at his nose and accused, “Just drop your pretense already, June! I’m this close to puking at the sight of your faux concern.”

June’s worried expression remained admirably in pace.

“What are you doing, Cassie?” Elizabeth interrupted her daughter’s rant with a stern reprimand. “Dear God, you’ve been getting more out-of-hand these few years. Where are your manners? Only June is patient enough to deal with your antics. Hurry up and apologize to him. Don’t think about frequenting bars, either. Those shady places are hardly suitable for a lady like you.”

Cassie continued pointing at June as she muttered indignantly, “Mom, do you know what he’s done to your daughter over the past few years? He has been playing you and Dad for fools for years! He has brought me to bars, nightclubs, and the wildest parties you can’t even imagine! He’s a devil; my downfall is entirely his doing!”

“Nonsense!” Elizabeth turned to June next and placated, “June, Cassie must’ve been triggered by something last night. I hope you can forgive her tantrum. I’ll have someone whip up your favorite dishes later. You must promise to stay for a meal.”

June smiled affably and replied, “Of course, Mrs. Yard. I guess I’m in for a treat today. Thank you so much for the invitation.”

Cassie was instantly overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness at the sight of her mother falling for June’s elaborate lies. My obstinance over the years has utterly shaved away at my parents’ patience. They’d rather believe in a stranger than their own daughter at this point.

Sadly, she concluded that she had brought this fate upon herself.

Cassie implored, “Mom, he’s the bad guy here. You can’t believe him, or he’ll rob our family of our wealth.”

“Cassie, what is wrong with you?” Elizabeth frowned. “I haven’t even begun to lecture you for staying out the whole night. Go upstairs and clean yourself up. Don’t throw a tantrum here like some madwoman.”

Cassie trudged upstairs, defeated. She turned around and stared at June, conflicting emotions in her gaze. June happened to look up and met her gaze, shooting her a satisfied smirk.

Frightened, Cassie sped for the safety of her bedroom.