Chapter 16
A celebrity once spent millions of dollars on the gown but was rejected. Ashley was an influential designer. Even Meredith dared not dream about owning the gown Ashley designed.
“A Night in Mallowbrook is sold at MacQueen‘‘ Meredith exclaimed inwardly as she walked to that dressing room door and was about to push it open. However, the door swung open from the inside.
“I’ll get you some accessories, Daphne said as she exited, bumping into Meredith. “Ms. Meredith Jensen…
Meredith peeked inside to see a woman in an exquisite gown–simple, yet elegant. It was a black fishtail dress with a satin skirt that faded to a gradient and intricate black lace details. The tailored design accentuated the woman’s graceful figure. Such a tightly–fitted dress would be a challenge if not for someone with a flawless body. The woman’s hair was styled with care, with a focus on a playful curl that framed her ear, highlighting her stunning diamond earrings.
Just then, Cassidy turned around. She had on light makeup, but her charm shone through effortlessly. Seeing Meredith, Cassidy seemed taken aback.
“Cassidy?” Meredith’s gaze once again fell on A Night in Mallowbrook. “Why is Cassidy wearing this million–dollar gown?”
“Meredith, are you done?” Samantha walked over from the end of the corridor.
Meredith glanced at Samantha and turned to look at Cassidy in the room, feigning surprise and stepping back. “It’s you…”
“Meredith, what’s wrong?” Samantha noticed Meredith’s reaction and approached with concem. Upon reaching Meredith, Samantha followed her gaze towards the dressing room.
Cassidy walked out gracefully in A Night in Mallowbrook As soon as she saw Samantha, she raised her eyebrows and smiled. “What a coincidence.”
Samantha froze. She couldn’t believe Cassidy, who supposedly died five years ago, stood before her.
Meredith had informed Samantha the previous night that Cassidy was alive, but Samantha remained skeptical. Now, seeing Cassidy now, the reality was still hard to grasp.
“Cassidy’s really alive? I thought Meredith was just imagining things. Samantha thought before asking, “Cassidy, is it really your
“Mrs. Jensen, long time no see. How have you been?” Cassidy spoke casually, her graceful demeanor and poise making it challenging to connect her with the timid girl she once was.
“You… How did you… Aren’t you… Samantha stuttered incoherently for a moment. “Are y
you really alive? Then five years ago, you..
Meredith said aggrievedly, “See, Mom? She’s alive! I didn’t expect to meet her here!”
Samantha’s face reddened as she questioned, “What’s going on?”
“Mrs. Jensen, do I have to explain it to you?” Cassidy replied, her tone indifferent, aloof, extinguishing Samantha’s enthusiasm like a splash of cold water.
“You deceived us! You aren’t deceased, yet you led us to believe so. You vanished for five years without a care for your family. You abandoned your father and me. Where have you been all this time?” Samantha questioned.
“I told you I don’t owe you an explanation,” Cassidy said nonchalantly.
Samantha’s anger flared. “You’ve been lying to us for years. And now, you still have this attitude towards me. Have you ever considered me your mother? You vanish for all this time, then suddenly return. What exactly are you up to now?”
“Will the Jensen family even welcome me back?” Cassidy inquired.
Samantha was speechless.
Cassidy spoke straight to the point. “I don’t think you and Father were sad without me. Why must you pretend to be a caring mother and ask this hypocritical nonsense?”
“Cassidy, please don’t do this to Mom.” Meredith changed her domineering attitude and persuaded Cassidy kindly, “I know
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Chapter 16
you’ve come back for Nathan. I’ll give you whatever you desire. Just please don’t take Nathan away, okay?”
“Meredith, you’re just too kind. There’s no need to talk so much with her. See? She doesn’t even want to acknowledge me!” Samantha yelled
I do, but have you ever treated me as your daughter?” Cassidy narrowed her eyes. “Back then, you feel sorry for Meredith because she has a heart disease and can’t have children. You used me to give birth to Meredith and Nathan’s child. Did you ever truly care for me then?”
Samantha was at a loss for words.
Meredith intervened, “Cassidy, that’s not how it is. I’ve always dreamed of being a mother. Mom and Dad simply wanted to fulfill that dream for me?
“Your wish? How noble. They fulfilled your dream while trampling all over my dignity? What great parents I have,” Cassidy taunted.
“Have you said your piece?” Samantha couldn’t take it anymore. “What exactly is your game here?”
“I have no intentions, Cassidy replied with indifference.
Samantha glanced at Meredith with concern and directed her words to Cassidy, “Nathan is about to propose to Meredith soon. Since it’s been so long. I advise you to give up on him.”
Cassidy cast a cold glance at Samantha. After five years apart, they finally reunited, but Cassidy could only sense wariness, not joy, in Samantha’s eyes. All this while, Samantha treated Cassidy like an outsider. Fortunately, Cassidy had long been disappointed and already let things go.
“Their engagement means nothing to me, Cassidy stated before turning to Daphne. “Don’t bother with the accessories anymore. I’m done with these two. Please help me change out of this dress. I’ll pick it up the day after tomorrow.”
“Okay, Ms. Saunders, Daphne replied.
As Cassidy got changed and stepped out once more, Kenny entered the hall. Cassidy emerged, inadvertently colliding with
him.
It was only when Kenny laid eyes on her that he could believe there was more to the story of the car accident from live years ago–Cassidy was alive.
“Mr. Jensen, what brings you here too?” Cassidy glanced at the trio. The whole family’s all here, huh?”
Kenny questioned harshly, “Where have you been in the past five years?”
“Do I have to tell you where I’ve been?” Cassidy retorted.
“What’s with the attitude? I’m your father! Shouldn’t I care whether you’re kicking or
or alive?” Kenny fired back.
“Am I not speaking the human language? Mr. Jensen, can’t you comprehend what I’m saying?” Cassidy’s words cut deep.
“You!” Kenny was furious. “How ill–behaved!”
“Me, ill–behaved? How so?” Cassidy asked.
“Hah! I know why you picked this time to return!” Kenny scoffed.
