After Yuria got back to her room, Michelle and Gilbert tag-teamed her with lectures about how she needed to stay out of Anastasia and Sonia’s drama from now on.

Yuria was feeling pretty shitty about the whole thing when Sonia called, asking about the photo situation. Yuria couldn’t keep anything to herself, and she’d always treated Sonia like her big sister confidante, so she spilled everything that had gone down over the past couple days.

The more Sonia heard, the more her blood ran cold. This fucking idiot. Not only had Yuria completely botched the job, she’d dragged Sonia down with her! Now Sonia was totally screwed – there was no way she could talk her way out of this mess.

Sonia was absolutely livid but had to keep her voice sweet while comforting Yuria, which made her want to chuck her phone at the wall. The second she finally got Yuria off the line, Sonia hurled her phone across the room.

Jenny jumped as the phone exploded into pieces. How many phones is that this month? Sure, buying new phones was pocket change for Sonia, but Jenny was the one who had to deal with transferring all the data and photos every time, which was a total pain in the ass.

“Princess, who pissed you off this time?” Jenny asked in that tone you use with cranky toddlers.

“That moron Yuria. Not only did she fuck up the whole plan, she dragged me into it too,” Sonia snapped.

After Sonia explained what had happened, Jenny sighed. “Whatever you do, don’t try to explain this to Cassian.”

Sonia looked confused. “If I don’t explain, he’s gonna think the worst! He’ll be so disappointed in me!”

Jenny shook her head. “If you rush to defend yourself, it’ll just make Cassian think you were the one pulling Yuria’s strings.”

“But if you act like you have no clue what happened, and if Cassian brings it up, you just look totally shocked like this is news to you. Yuria did all this shit on her own and never said you told her to, so what are you worried about?”

Sonia thought about it and realized Jenny had a point.

“Get me a new phone.”

Jenny rubbed her temples. “Yes, your highness.”

When Anastasia told Cassian about visiting her mother’s grave, he got up early that morning and spent forever picking out clothes.

“I mean, with all due amusement, it’s just a memorial visit – is all this really necessary?”

Cassian looked completely serious. “Of course it is. This is my first time meeting my mother-in-law. Shouldn’t I make an effort?”

Anastasia’s eyes welled up and her nose started tingling. She turned away to quickly wipe at her eyes.

Seeing her cry, Cassian panicked and started trying to dry her tears. “Hey, if you don’t like it, I’ll stop. Whatever you want.”

Anastasia took a deep breath and smiled at him. “No, I’m not upset. I’m really moved that you’re treating my mom like she’s still here.”

Cassian paused, then pulled her into his arms. Leaning against his chest, Anastasia could hear his steady heartbeat and catch that subtle scent of his cologne – light and fresh, something that made her feel both alert and completely safe at the same time.

“Let’s go pick up your grandmother.”

Suddenly, Anastasia felt this wave of anticipation building in her chest.