marked by midnight: the enemy's heiress-Chapter 59 : reporters again

They were at the counter when Mira’s expression shifted.

Cassian was signing the receipt when she lightly patted his arm.

"Babe."

"Hmm?" he said, still focused on the bill.

"Did you... call the reporters too?"

He paused.

Slowly, he followed her gaze toward the glass entrance of the boutique.

Flashes.

Cameras.

At least six reporters clustered outside, trying to peer through the tinted windows.

His jaw tightened slightly. "No," he said calmly. "I didn’t."

Mira’s brows pulled together. "Then how did they know we’re here?"

He studied the scene for a second, calculating. "I don’t know," he admitted quietly. "But it’s definitely something we need to look into."

Her fingers instinctively curled around his sleeve. "This is concerning."

"It is," he agreed. Then his expression shifted — not worried, but composed. "Don’t panic. I’ve got a solution."

She narrowed her eyes. "You already got bodyguards because of them?"

He glanced at her, a spark of mischief breaking through the seriousness.

"On the count of three," he said calmly.

"What?" she blinked. "Is someone coming to protect—"

"One," he counted.

"Cassian."

"Two."

She stared at him. "What are you—"

"Three." He grabbed her hand. "Run."

"What?!"

He didn’t sprint dramatically — he moved fast, weaving smoothly through a side exit the staff had just opened for deliveries. Mira had no choice but to follow, half-laughing, half-protesting, as they slipped out into a quieter side street.

"Cassian!" she gasped between laughs. "We’re grown adults!"

"Yes," he replied, walking quickly while holding her hand. "Grown adults who prefer peace."

They turned a corner, then another, until the noise and flashes faded behind them.

Only then did they slow down.

Mira bent slightly, catching her breath, laughing despite herself. "Why are we even hiding from them?"

Cassian exhaled, glancing back once to ensure they weren’t followed.

"I could answer them," he said honestly. "I could shut down every question right now. I already cleared the rumors about the contract marriage — officially, publicly."

She nodded.

"But," he continued, his voice calmer now, "it won’t stop. There will always be another headline. Another ’source.’ Another theory. Some people don’t want the truth — they want drama."

Mira’s smile faded slightly. "So we just avoid them?"

"For now," he said gently. "Yes."

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his thumb lingering softly against her cheek.

"This trip isn’t about statements or press conferences," he added. "It’s about us. About our wedding. About being normal for five minutes."

She studied him quietly.

"You don’t regret this, do you?" she asked softly. "All of it. The attention. The noise."

He didn’t hesitate.

"No."

His answer was immediate. Certain.

"I don’t regret choosing you," he said. "If that choice comes with cameras, rumors, chaos — fine. I’ll deal with it."

Her eyes softened.

"But I won’t let it steal moments like this," he finished, gesturing between them. "Running down a random street in Mexico because my fiancée wanted to go shopping."

She smiled slowly. "You enjoyed that."

"A little," he admitted.

"A little?" she challenged.

He leaned closer. "Okay. A lot."

She laughed, the tension dissolving completely.

"Next time," she warned lightly, "at least pretend someone important is coming to protect us."

He squeezed her hand. "I did."

She blinked. "Who?"

"Me."

She rolled her eyes — but the way her fingers tightened around his said everything.

As they walked back toward the mall and the parking lot, Mira glanced at him thoughtfully.

"So... are we planning to call our parents? And my friends?"

Cassian unlocked the car, opening the door for her first. "Yes, sweetheart. The next step is inviting the parents."

He paused slightly before adding, "But... Mr. Regis Serrano."

She exhaled softly at the mention of her father.

"Yeah. Dad..." A faint sadness passed over her face. Then she straightened. "It’s okay. Someday he’ll understand. He’ll accept me — and you."

Cassian looked at her carefully, then nodded once. "He will. And until then, we handle it with respect."

She gave him a grateful smile, and together they got into the car, driving back to the villa where they were staying in Mexico.

When they arrived, the place was softly lit — calm after the chaos of the afternoon.

Cassian pulled out his phone almost immediately. "Let me call Ryan and check the arrangements."

Mira slipped off her heels with a relieved sigh while he stepped aside.

"Yes," Cassian said into the phone. "Confirm the guest accommodations. And security around the venue — make it subtle."

As he spoke, a familiar voice chimed from behind Mira.

"Hi, sis!"

Mira turned quickly.

Livia stood there, waving dramatically with a grin on her face.

"Guess what?" Livia said, walking closer and lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Mom’s on the way."

Mira blinked. "What?"

"I already called her," Livia continued proudly. "And I asked Ryan to call Cassian’s parents too. They’re arriving together."

She leaned closer and whispered, giggling, "I thought we should speed things up."

Mira stared at her in shock. "You— when did you do that?"

"The day we arrived here," Livia replied casually, flipping her hair. "I had a feeling you two would take forever being emotional about it."

Mira’s mouth slowly curved into a smile. "You did a great thing, Liv."

"I know," Livia said confidently.

Cassian ended his call and looked between them. "Why do I feel like something has already been arranged without my knowledge?"

Livia clasped her hands innocently. "Because it has."

Mira laughed softly, shaking her head.

Before Cassian could respond, the sound of tiny hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway.

The kids came running.

"Mama! Mama!" Ivy shouted, almost skidding on the polished floor before stopping in front of Mira. "Is it true? Are we really having a big wedding?"

"And will there be cake?" Lucien added immediately, eyes sharp and serious despite being only five.

"Not just cake," Ivy corrected, lifting her chin importantly. "A giant cake."

Cassian crossed his arms, pretending to think. "Hmm. I’m not sure. Weddings are very formal events."

Both kids gasped.

"No cake?" Ivy whispered dramatically, clutching her chest.

Lucien frowned thoughtfully. "That would be highly disappointing."

Mira crouched down, laughing. "Who told you that?"

"Aunt Livia," Ivy and Lucien said at the same time, pointing accusingly at her.

Livia raised her hands. "I only said there might be a dessert table."

"A dessert table?" Ivy repeated, eyes sparkling. "Can we invite our friends?"

Lucien stepped closer to Mira. "And can I walk with you? Properly. In the front."

Mira’s expression softened instantly. She pulled them both into a hug. "Of course you can."

Cassian looked down at Ivy and Lucien with a small smile. "But only if you promise not to eat the cake before the ceremony."

They both looked at each other.

Ivy grinned.

Lucien considered it carefully.

"No promises," Lucien replied honestly.

Laughter filled the room — light, warm, and full of life.

And just like that, the wedding didn’t feel like a grand event anymore.

It felt like family.

The moment Livia excused herself to check on the guest rooms, Cassian’s expression changed.

Warmer fiancé.

Colder strategist.

He pulled his phone back out. "Ryan. Come to the main hall."

Mira watched him carefully. "You’re not letting this go, are you?"

"No," he said simply.

Within minutes, Ryan stepped inside — tablet in hand, already alert.

"You wanted to see me?"

Cassian gestured toward the seating area. "Reporters showed up at the boutique."

Ryan’s jaw tightened. "How many?"

"Six that we saw," Mira answered quietly. "Maybe more outside the block."

Ryan nodded once, already typing notes. "Understood."

Cassian’s tone sharpened — not loud, just precise. "I want perimeter security doubled around the villa. Discreet. No visible guards at the front gates unless necessary."

"Done."

"And the venue?"

Ryan glanced up. "Currently secured with standard private detail."

"Upgrade it," Cassian said. "Guest list only. No unnamed plus-ones. No press under any circumstances."

Ryan hesitated slightly. "Not even approved media?"

"Especially not approved media," Cassian replied evenly. "This is not a publicity event. If I see one camera that isn’t authorized by me personally, someone loses their contract."

Mira crossed her arms lightly. "Maybe don’t threaten people."

Ryan gave a small, knowing smile. "He’s not threatening. He’s being clear."

Cassian continued, calm but firm. "I want blind spots checked. Delivery access monitored. Staff vetted again."

"They were already screened."

"Screen them again."

Ryan nodded without argument.

Mira stepped closer. "I don’t want it to feel like a fortress."

"It won’t," Cassian assured her. "Security should be invisible. If you can see it, it’s done wrong."

Ryan added, "We can rotate plainclothes personnel. Blend them with staff."

"Good," Cassian said. "And one more thing."

Ryan waited.

"If there’s a leak, I want to know where it’s coming from. Quietly."

Ryan’s expression turned serious. "You think someone tipped them off?"

"I don’t believe in coincidence," Cassian replied.

Mira’s fingers brushed his arm lightly. "Don’t turn this into a war."

He looked down at her.

"I’m not," he said softly. "I’m preventing one."

Ryan closed his tablet. "I’ll handle it. Reporters won’t get within a hundred meters of the venue."

"And the parents’ arrival?" Mira asked.

"Private entrance through the back drive," Ryan said. "No press visibility."

Cassian gave a short nod. "Good."

"And no statements," Cassian added immediately. "Silence makes noise die faster."

Ryan nodded once. "Understood."

As he turned to leave, Mira called softly, "Ryan?"

He paused.

"Thank you," she said sincerely.

He gave her a small smile. "It’s my job. But... I’m happy for you. Both of you."

When he left, the room felt quieter.

Mira looked up at Cassian.

"You were really that calm in the boutique," she said. "But this bothers you."

He didn’t deny it.

"I don’t mind being watched," he said. "I mind you being watched."

Her expression softened.

"You can’t shield me from everything."

"I know," he replied. "But I can choose which battles reach you."