Chapter 2

Ivan

My day starts like any other, to the point of boredom. I ring a bell next to my bed, and a maid walks inside, pushing a cart with my breakfast. Today's meal consists of eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and a side of fresh summer fruit.

My favorite thing here, though, is the plain black coffee, which I start drinking right away. Sometimes I enjoy the simple things in life, and while I would be perfectly happy with scrambled eggs and toast, Grandmother always makes sure I get served the best.

"You have to keep up a certain image, even at home," she has told me time and time again. "You're not the same filthy teenager you were when I found you. You're the CEO of a major company. You must always act like one."

I try not to think about my dark past. I can never escape the nightmares of my little sister's death, but I do have some closure. Grandmother made sure to punish the bastard who killed her.

As I finish eating, my butler, Robert, comes inside.

"Remind me what's on today's schedule," I ask, wiping my face and allowing the little maid to bow and take the cart away.

"You have a meeting first thing this morning with the board members and the chairwoman," Robert begins, and I have to stifle a groan. I hate dealing with those people. They always treat me as if I'm a toddler who can't make any decisions on his own.

Robert gives me a sympathetic look but continues. "You have a lunch meeting with one of your donors, Stephan Hartman."

That one's better. He's a good older man and one of Grandmother's old friends. He won't treat me like a helpless child, even if all he does is offer random words of wisdom.

"After your usual work, calls, and paperwork, you have one final meeting late in the evening at Velvet Noir. It's more laid-back—just catching up with some of your business partners," Robert finishes. "The chairwoman wishes to remind you to stay proper either way."

I let out a sigh and shake my head. Sure, I can try to do that, but I don't plan on it. It's one of the only times I get to drink and catch up with my friends. I plan on making the most of it.

"Thank you, Robert. Have Amy pick out my suit and tie while I take a shower," I tell him as I stand up and stretch. My eyes linger on my bed, longing more than anything to have my fiancée next to me.

"Ms. Thorn will be back from her business trip next week, Mr. Winters," Robert reminds me. "Just a little longer."

He then leaves the room to let me get ready for the day.

My heart pounds in my chest, and I can't help but smile. Kassandra will be coming home to me soon. I know her work is just as important, but I can't help but miss her every day.

As I take a hot shower, I close my eyes and envision the love of my life. Kass is perfect in every way, with her soft, creamy skin, light brown hair, and beautiful blue eyes. They haven't changed at all since we were children, and even if she doesn't fully remember me, I remember everything about her.

I shake my head, scolding myself for getting too excited. It's not worth it when Kass isn't here anyway.

I step out of the shower and quickly dry off. It's going to be a long day, and I can't afford to be late.

My hair is getting too long again, but I like it that way. Grandmother hates the style, but I won't let her take everything from me. I need something for myself.

I step out into my room with just a towel around my waist. The little maid, Amy, jumps, and her face goes beet red. She must have just finished laying out my clothes for me.

"I-I'm sorry!" Amy squeaks and bows her head low. "I-I'll get out right now!"

Before I can say a word, she rushes out of the room and closes the door.

I laugh softly and shake my head. Poor thing scares too easily. Kass told her off once when a similar situation happened in the past, but I smoothed things over then.

Amy's harmless, and most of all, she's Robert's granddaughter. She knows her place, and that's all that matters. She's more afraid of me than attracted to me anyway, likely because of the many scars covering my upper body.

I look down at the clothes she chose for me and nod in satisfaction. Amy knows me very well. A nice dark suit and dark blue tie will look professional and won't get too wrinkled during the many meetings I have today. She's such a good girl.

Once I'm fully dressed, I make my way downstairs to the grand entrance of the mansion and look outside, spotting my driver waiting for me. As much as I want to drag my feet, I might as well get it over with.

The ride to the office is nothing special, and many of the sights that used to awe me when I first came to live here mean nothing to me now. It's all the same nonsense that no longer pleases me.

When we arrive at my workplace, I spot a familiar face and groan under my breath. Of course Grandmother would be out waiting for me. With her stern dark brown eyes and short light gray hair, she looks nothing like me, but I do see plenty of my mother in her.

I step out of the car and walk over to her.

"Good morning, Grandmother." I dip my head. "I hope your day is going well so far."

Grandmother looks me over and taps her cane with her right index finger.

"At least you look the part. You really do need to cut that mess off your head, though."

Sounds like a passing grade to me.

"I'd never do anything to embarrass myself, you, or the company," I promise and offer her my arm. "Shall we go inside?"

She gives me a sidelong glance before nodding.

"You've come a long way. You'd better keep it that way." She sighs. "Now if only you could choose someone decent..."

I ignore her words as I walk inside with her. She's never liked Kass, but that doesn't matter to me. In the end, who I marry is my choice, and I love my Kassandra Thorn more than anything in the world.