CHAPTER NINETY FIVE – WEDDING PLANNING

A soft knock at her door made her look up. To her surprise, it was Florian, looking troubled. "Cassie, what are you still doing up?" he asked, taking in the scene before him. Cassie gestured tiredly at the pile of cards. "Vivian's latest assignment. They need to be done by morning." Florian's jaw tightened. "This is ridiculous. Here, let me help." As they worked side by side, Cassie could feel the tension radiating from Florian. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. "Florian, are you okay?" she asked softly. He sighed, putting down his pen. "No, I'm not. Cassie, I... I don't know if I can go through with this wedding." Cassie's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm. "What do you mean?" Florian ran a hand through his hair, his expression pained. "I don't love Vivian. I never have. This marriage was arranged to strengthen our family's position in the werewolf society, to secure alliances. But the cost..." He trailed off, his eyes meeting Cassie's. The unsp