Chapter 7

Cassandra had seen glossy photos of the gallery both on the internet and in some gossip magazine she had leafing through while at the dentist just the other day. But nothing prepared her for the loftiness of the building. Nor had she fully recovered from her first sight of Evan when he picked her up from the cottage.

His silver eyes had wandered over her from head to the toes of her fashionable stilettoes, back to her face, his expression showing his appreciation of the effort she had put into her appearance.

"What is it called?" He had not commented on her appearance until they were inside his maroon BMW, the seat so soft, it molded itself to her body.

"Pardon?" Turning her head, she gave him a startled look, which he returned, his expression inscrutable.

"Your hair." He nodded to the tumble of curls reaching her shoulders.

"Oh." Her hand flew to her hair as if she had forgotten what she had done to it. "My hair is natural, so I used something to make it this curly. I hardly ever wear it loose because it takes time and effort."

"I like it.' His voice was gruff, earning him another speculative look. "It suits you."

"Thanks."

Afterwards, they spent the remainder of the journey in relative silence.

A valet had taken his keys as soon as he turned into the arched gateway of the private building that was in the middle of the uptown area.

They were met at the door by a waitstaff who handed them glasses of champagne. Cassandra always told herself that she would never allow herself to be dazzled by people or things of the world. She lived a simple life. S

he loved R we would do things together no matter how busy we were. I used to come into this very room to prepare for Sunday and you would sit right on that sofa and offer your contribution. Afterwards, we would either take a walk or sit and read the Bible together. What happened to you?"

"I lost my son!" She cried. "I am dealing with that tragedy; the best way I know how and apparently you are dealing with it by being with another woman." She took a breath and leaned back against the cushions.

Her eyes were vacant as if all the light had been turned off and she was existing in complete darkness. "Chad was the best of us and God took him away. How could he?"

"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away…" Her laughter cut off the rest of the scripture he was automatically quoting from Job.

"Really?" She scoffed. "I suppose I am Job's wicked wife who is going to tell you to curse God and die?" She closed her eyes and leaned her head back wearily.

"Have your affair if that's what you want to do, William. I am getting to the point where I don't care about anything anymore." Tilting her head forward, she stared at him sadly. "I still love you, surprisingly. It's still here…"

She thumped the place where her heart was. "I don't know if we can ever go back to where we were before, in fact I doubt that very much. And I am sorry for that." Rising a little unsteadily, she waved a hand at his desk. "I will leave you to finish your sermon."

He watched her leave the room, a bleak and bitter expression on his face.