Chapter 1617: This is now exploitation, Hugo.
The first step toward freedom felt surreal, and to think Cassandra had been in prison not so long ago. Yet, it felt as though she had spent far more time there than anywhere else.
Therefore, Cassandra almost didn’t want to believe it.
Even with the bubbling joy creeping into her heart at the thought of freedom, she tried to squash it down with every step. She kept her eyes fixed on Grace’s back, making sure the latter wouldn’t just disappear.
What if I wake up?
Her thoughts, which should have been filled with relief, slowly grew negative. The what-ifs and doubts filled her head, replacing the emotions in her heart with nothing but dread.
Please... don’t let this be a dream.
Just as she whispered that prayer in her heart, she heard another shrill of metal as the gates to the premises opened. Cassandra froze, her breath hitching.
Please... please... don’t wake me up.
Slowly, Cassandra lifted her head, and her breath instantly hitched. There, standing a step outside, were Kiara and Hugo Bennet.
Kiara stood there, her hand clasped close to her chest. The second she locked eyes with Cassandra, she froze. Her eyes, however, shone with tears, as if she were trying to process the situation herself.
"Cassy..." she called, her voice breaking.
The call was quiet, but the chill of the night breeze carried it to Cassandra’s ears. The second it caressed her ears, her vision blurred with tears.