#augu

She scoffed, shaking her head, and halted outside the building. Turning to face him, she responded, "Talk? Talk about what? You were dating another woman..."

"It was just sex. Isn't that what you tell me?" he retorted with a smirk.

Cassidy closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to regain her composure before responding. "Then why were you taking her to restaurants and on dates?"

Joe shrugged nonchalantly, maintaining his smirk. "You go on dates with your clients..."

"Clients being the keyword there, Joe. But don't worry, I'm not doing that anymore..."

"Really?" Joe's grin widened as he watched her abruptly turn and march away. He reached out and grabbed her arm, causing her to wince as he forced her to face him.

"Let me go..."

"Now we can truly be together, Cass. I love you."

She scoffed and laughed, trying to pull her arm free. "No, you don't." Stepping closer, she lowered her voice. "I've met someone who has made it worth my while to stop and only be with them. And that person isn't you, Joe..."

"You fucking..." His jaw clenched, anger boiling over as he raised his hand and slapped her cheek, sending her stumbling back.

"Hey!" Another man intervened, positioning himself between them, facing Cassidy. "Are you alright, miss?"

"I'm fine..." she mumbled as the man turned to confront Joe, who was already retreating. "Thanks."

"Can I give you a lift somewhere? Or walk you somewhere?"

She sighed and looked up at the man with kind brown eyes, shaking her head. "I'm okay. Really. Thank you."

"Cassidy, right?" He jogged to catch up with her as she continued to hurry away.

"That's right. Do I know you?"

He chuckled sheepishly, running a hand through his dark hair. "Sort of. We've been in a lot of the same classes for the last four years... Nate Franklin..."

"Oh god," she groaned, bringing her hand up to her head and then turning toward him once more. "I'm sorry. I don't really pay much attention."

"I noticed. You do your work and rush away."

"Yeah... sorry. I like to keep to myself... I swear I'm not trying to be rude or anything."

"Nah," he chuckled, falling into step beside her. "The mysteriousness adds to the allure of your attraction."

"That's cute," she chuckled, stopping him with a light touch of her hand, "but I'm seeing someone."

"Not that guy," he scoffed, gesturing to where Joe had disappeared.

"No," she laughed, shaking her head firmly. "Not him. Not anymore."

"Good. Well, it was nice to officially meet you, Cassidy. I guess I'll see you around?"

"I'm sure you will. Later, Nate." Cassidy couldn't help but replay her encounter with Joe in her mind as she headed home. The sting of the bruise on her cheek served as a painful reminder of the volatile past she was trying to escape. As she entered her apartment, she sighed heavily, examining the bruise in the bathroom mirror. She knew she had to conceal it before she met August the next morning; knowing his penchant for getting angry easily.

Cassidy started her day by opening the door to leave her apartment, but her path was unexpectedly obstructed by a vase of flowers resting on the floor, right in front of her doorstep. A sense of frustration welled up within her as she let out an internal groan. She bent down to retrieve the flowers, determined not to let them ruin her morning.

As she picked up the bouquet, she noticed a card tucked amidst the blossoms. Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to investigate. Carefully removing the card from its envelope, she read the message within:

I won't give up so easily. -Joe

An exasperated huff escaped her lips, and she rolled her eyes in response to Joe's persistence. She gathered the card and the flowers, tossing the latter into the trash chute before exiting the building. Slamming the door behind her, she was resolute about moving on and leaving Joe's advances behind.

August sensed Cassidy's unease as she approached him and Simon at the zoo's entrance. Simon's joyful greeting momentarily lifted her spirits, but August could still tell that something was amiss.

Simon rushed toward Cassidy with a beaming grin, shouting, "Cassidy!"

Cassidy couldn't help but chuckle, crouching down to offer the young boy a warm hug. He eagerly embraced her, holding tightly to her hand as she straightened up to greet August. "Morning."

August's concern for Cassidy was palpable. He leaned in closer to her as they walked together, his voice low as he whispered in her ear, "Are you okay?"

She attempted to brush off his concern with a nonchalant shrug, accompanied by a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, really."

August didn't entirely buy her reassurance, but he decided to let it go for the moment. They continued into the zoo, Simon's excitement and curiosity serving as a welcome distraction for everyone.

Chapter 19 Candy

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