Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

Chapter 1338: Marrying me would be worse than death

When Dean first approached Cassandra, he had been kind, charming, and funny. Their first meeting was just a chat over coffee, but even after finishing their drinks, they kept talking. And it was clear-Dean had shown interest in Cassandra.

That was why she felt a little torn.

Cassandra had harbored a long-time crush on the number one student in the Star Section. She had liked him so much that, back in the day, she started resenting Finn. After all, her engagement to Finn-and how others teased her about her fiancé had made her feel as if she had no freedom to like anyone else.

Had Finn ever told her he wanted that marriage, she would've hated him to the core. But Finn and Cassandra had always been on the same page. Their mutual reluctance had been the foundation of their friendship.

In other words, when she had accidentally bumped into Dean that day, a silly thought crossed her mind.

What if... she gave it a try with him?

Sure, Cassandra was with Jonathan. But for the longest time, they hadn't put a label on it. They were only just starting. So, even if she knew she might hurt Jonathan in some way, the idea of being with Dean had lingered.

But then something changed.

Why did Cassandra get rid of that thought?

Why did she suddenly stop talking-or even thinking about it?

It wasn't as if she woke up one day and simply changed her mind.

It was that moment when Jonathan had mentioned Dean and warned her about the Piersons.

At the time, she didn't want to dwell on it. But she couldn't help it.

After all, she had gone to the same university as Dean, yet even when they had crossed paths, he had never spared her a glance. Even when Cassandra had approached him briefly back then, he had merely smiled, said a few words, and

left.

It wasn't as if he hadn't known who she was.

Dean had known her.

he had rarely attended school, with his sharp mind, he knew everyone in the Star Section-their names, their ages, the families they came from, and what businesses those

So she asked herself:

approached her

not been an

get her answer, Cassandra had made some deliberate choices. One of

Jonathan began circulating in hushed whispers, Dean started sending her more and more

alone had answered her question-like a slap

anyone blame

the end, she simply felt

her. At least he hadn't

[Present Time]

while Dean sat

Director Dean Pierson?" she asked, her voice sharp. "I'm giving you one minute before I consider

chuckling. "You're far

breath hitched as she turned back to him, only to find his face far too close

Section," he murmured, studying her face up close. "I didn't see it clearly last time, but you... you really aren't the type

she had portrayed herself as the last time they had met. Cassandra

assuming you already know our family meeting was postponed." She exhaled sharply. "So I'm really not in the mood for whatever game you're

she demanded, this time firmer. "Get

We were classmates back then-calm down," he

and that bastard... you're

"What?"

tell me you think you and I are?" He laughed, making her stiffen, her neck tightening with restraint. "Though, for a second, I did think

why you dragged

shook his head. "Just before I

"...What?"

"I was thinking you should just marry me. I mean, compared to your fiancé, I'm the better match

want to punish you," he added. "Marrying me would be worse than

for you.

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