Chapter 3

Cassidy's POV

Of course it was enough.

It was the perfect reason for divorce.

But seeing him like that, the fire inside me inexplicably died down by half.

If he really hated me, why would he call my name in his dreams?

"Tristan, that reverse psychology trick is pathetic."

I crossed my arms. "You want to scare me away by playing the pervert card? So your pathetic ego can stay intact?"

Tristan's expression froze for a moment.

I leaned down, bringing my face close to his.

I could even see his fine lashes trembling.

"You think I'll be scared?" I smiled. "Tristan, let's make a deal."

"What?" His brows knitted together, clearly not following my train of thought.

"I'm not getting divorced."

I straightened up, speaking deliberately. "Since you like watching surveillance footage, I'll let you watch to your heart's content. But what's the fun in just watching?"

"Starting today, I'm moving back into the master bedroom."

I stared into his eyes, enunciating each word. "I'll change clothes in front of you every day. I won't lock the bathroom door. I'll wear those lace nightgowns you hate most and parade around in front of you. Since you like torturing yourself, I'll just see how long you can hold out!"

Tristan's face instantly turned ashen.

"Cassidy, you wouldn't dare!"

He ground his teeth, looking like he wanted to strangle me right there.

"Why wouldn't I dare?"

I shrugged, turning to leave. "I'm Mrs. Bennett, legally. If you can't stand it, you can move out of the villa right now."

I glanced back at him and winked. "Or you could beg me. Beg me to sleep with you."

"Get out!"

Behind me came the dull thud of a pillow hitting the door.

Since he wanted to hide, I'd just peel away his shell layer by layer.

I'd see what kind of heart was hidden beneath that cold exterior.

...

Tristan and I fell into a cold war.

Though he didn't move out, he avoided running into me as much as possible.

He left early and came home late every day, diving straight into his study the moment he returned.

And I kept my word.

I replaced all the sleepwear in the master bedroom with nothing but slip dresses.

Every night, I deliberately left the bedroom door cracked open, letting the hallway light spill inside.

I knew he was watching.

Even if he didn't come into the room, I knew those eyes were staring at me from behind some screen somewhere.

That feeling of being watched was both chilling and carried an indescribable thrill.

The fourth night.

I'd just gotten out of the shower and was about to blow-dry my hair when my phone rang.

It was my friend Mia calling.

"Cassidy! Help! My clingy ex showed up at my door. Can you come get me out of here? Please!"

I sighed helplessly. "Fine. Send me the address."

After hanging up, I casually threw on a trench coat over the low-cut silk nightgown I was still wearing, grabbed my car keys, and headed out.

I didn't notice that from the second-floor study window, a pair of eyes was staring fixedly at my car as it drove away from the villa.

Half an hour later, as my friend and I walked out of the bar entrance, a black car screeched to a halt right in front of us.

The window rolled down.

Revealing Tristan's dark, stormy face.

His gaze landed on my open collar, his eyes murderous.

"Get in."

He coldly spat out those words.

I hesitated for a moment, then released my friend's hand, gave her an apologetic smile, and opened the car door to get in.

The door had barely closed, and I hadn't even buckled my seatbelt yet, when Tristan suddenly leaned over.

His overwhelming presence instantly engulfed me.

He gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him, his voice dangerous. "Cassidy, my patience has limits."

I was forced to tilt my head back, looking at him so close I could see every detail.

This was the closest we'd been in three years of marriage.

I could even see myself reflected in his pupils.

"What?"

I challenged him. "You can spy on me, but I can't have friends?"

"Spy?"

Tristan suddenly laughed.

The smile carried a touch of pathological obsession.

"Since you know I'm a pervert, you should know..."

His fingers traced my lips, his fingertips scorching hot.

"Prey marked by a pervert isn't allowed to be touched by anyone else."

The next second, without any warning, he lowered his head and kissed me fiercely.