CASSANDRA
“I thought you
“No, ma’am,” he answers, and she knows that’s all she’ll get
et from him.
When she gets to the mansion, Emilia is surprised to see her.
“I had to handle something in New York,” she explains.
“Emiliano can’t seem to leave work behind, even for a few days.”
Cassandra lets out a heavy sigh at Emilia’s words. “Is Alex awake? I’ve missed him.”
“I just put him down for his nap,” Emilia tells her. “Why don’t you freshen up while I have Annah make us some tea?””
Cassandra hurries upstairs to the master suite. All her clothes are already there, along with Emilio’s. After a quick shower, she joins Emilia on the patio.
“I asked Annah to move the rest of your things into Emiliano’s room.”
“Thank you,” she says, sipping her tea. Her mind wanders back to Emilio and what he might be doing. She’s dying to call him.
“You love my son. Cassandra.” Emilia says, catching her off guard. “I can see it in your eyes and the way you look at him.” Cassandra doesn’t know what to say, so she just nods. “Emiliano doesn’t know, does he?”
“No.” Cassandra whispers, setting her cup down. “Mother… I–I need to tell you something.”
“There’s no need, Cassandra. I already know. Emiliano is my son–I raised him. I know him. Even though he married you for my sake, I’m glad he chose you. You love my son, and that’s enough for me.
“I always hoped he’d find a woman who would love him for who he is, not his money. A woman who would make him happy and put a smile on his face… You’ve done that. Thank you.”
Emilia places her hand on Cassandra’s, and Cassandra feels a pang in her heart. She rushes to Emilia’s side and hugs her.
“I’m sorry… I’m sorry for lying to you, for deceiving you.” Tears stream down her face.
“It’s okay, my dear.” Emilia strokes her back. “I understand. You will bring love into my son’s life, and there’ll come a time when he needs it.”
Cassandra wipes her tears and looks at her, puzzled.
“Sit down,” Emilia instructs, and she does. “I’m telling you this because I trust you and know you’ll never tell anyone what I’m about to
say,”
“Are you okay? Emilio said you had a heart attack.”
“I’m fine; my health is good. It’s what’s inside that’s eating me up.”
Cassandra takes her hand. “Mother…..?“”
“Carlos isn’t Emiliano’s real father.”
“What?” Cassandra asks, shocked.
“Yes, my dear. The life everyone thinks Emiliano has led is a lie; Carlos wasn’t his father.”
“Does Emilio know?”
“No. I’m terrified to tell him the truth. I don’t know how he’ll react.”
Emilia smiles faintly. “Emiliano’s father was a very handsome man. Any woman would fall for him; he was charming, well–groomed, polite, a smooth talker. I was young and naive, and he swept me off my feet.
“We had an affair for seven months, and it was passionate and amazing. He was an incredible lover–very attentive, showering me with
to be true, it probably is.
When I
really
Was out I was pregnant, I was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to tell him, but when I went to his house, I discovered who he
Cassandra squeezes her hand. “He was a drug dealer. A rich one, yes, but the image he’d created for himself was all a lie
“What was his name?” Cassandra asks softly.
“Victor.” Emilia answers. “When I found out who he really was, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him I was pregnant. He was a powerful man who led a dangerous life, and I didn’t want that for my child or myself, so I left and never looked back.”
“What about your family? Did they know? What did they say?”
“My family knew, and they were ashamed of me, but they still took me in. Their only concern was how they would face society and their taunts. In our family, we don’t believe in abortion; it’s a sin and illegal..
“So, I was two months pregnant when I met Carlos. I wasn’t showing yet, and he liked me and started courting me like a perfect gentleman. I knew it wouldn’t last because soon I’d start showing, so one night I told him the truth over dinner. To my surprise, he said he’d marry me and accept my child as his own.
“Carlos talked to my family, and they didn’t object. After that, we got married in the same church where you and Emiliano were married.”
Surprised. Cassandra says, “Emilio never told me about the church.”
“Why would he? He might act like he doesn’t care, like he’s heartless, but he’s not. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s going to fall for you, and hard. I’ve seen how he is with you… He’s a different man, gentler, softer. He cares.”
Cassandra switches gears. “Carlos was really noble to take Emiliano in as his own. What about Emiliano’s real dad? Is he still around?”
Emilia shakes her head. “He died when I was eight months pregnant. A deal gone wrong, or so the rumors said.”
Cassandra can’t help but gasp..
“It was for the best,” Emilia says. “If he’d known about Emiliano, he would’ve taken him and forced me to stay. That scared me, so I kept quiet and left.
“Carlos was a good man. He treated Emiliano like his own. Their bond was stronger than most fathers and sons.”
“And Emiliano really loved him,” Cassandra adds, and Emilia nods. “Did Carlos know about Victor?”
“They were half–brothers.” Cassandra is stunned by this revelation. “Carlos told me when Emiliano was a year old. Carlos’s dad had an affair with Victor’s mom and Victor was the result. No one knew, but Carlos’s dad confessed on his deathbed.”
“The birthmark behind Alex’s ear…” Cassandra’s voice trails off.
“It’s a family trait. Victor had it, Carlos had it, their dad and granddad had it. That’s why no one questioned Emiliano’s parentage.
“They were brothers, but they couldn’t have been more different: Victor a drug dealer, Carlos a businessman. How Victor ended up like that, I’ll never know.”
“Did Carlos have any kids?”
“He couldn’t. That’s why he didn’t hesitate to marry me. He also felt guilty about his dad’s actions. His dad supported Victor financially, but wasn’t there for him. Carlos was looking for Victor when we started dating. That’s how he found me… Our meeting wasn’t a coincidence.”
“What do you mean?”
“He somehow knew I was pregnant. He never told me how, but he felt he owed it to Victor to take care of me and Emiliano.”
“Did you and Carlos love each other?”
“We had an understanding. We shared a bed, but we didn’t really love each other. Victor had my heart. Despite his dangerous lifestyle. I loved him.”
“We can’t choose who we fall in love with,” Cassandra whispers. The heart has its own mind.”
a see him settled and
“You’re right, it does. I knew your marriage was a sham to fool me. He probably married you because I wanted to see
Chapter 24 of 57. Chante Da
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with kids.
“But I know you love him now, no matter how much you deny it. He’s playing a role for the world and his family, but you’re in this because you love him and can’t imagine life without him.”
Cassandra stands and moves away from Emilia, lost in thought. He can never know how I feel. I can handle him not loving me, but I can’t bear him knowing the truth and playing the good husband out of guilt. It would break me, Emilia. Please, don’t tell him.”
“Your secret’s safe with me. But I know he can love, and I want him to love you. He’ll be crushed when he learns the truth about his past, and he’ll need you.
“I want to tell him about his dad, but I can’t. He’s the spitting image of his father, and he’s turned out better than I hoped. But I know he has the same ruthless streak as his dad. He hides it because he’s scared of what he might do. That’s why he lives the way he does: to suppress his inner cruelty.
“He has nightmares that keep him up at night. He’s always had them. He doesn’t see it yet, but he needs you. Cassandra. You’re the light that can chase away his darkness. Your love can set him free.”
Emilia touches her shoulder, and Cassandra turns to see her mother–in–law’s tear–filled eyes. “Never leave him or give up on him. He’ll need someone when he learns the truth, and I want you to promise me you’ll be there for him.”
“I will,” she promises. “Of course, I will.”
Dinner is peaceful, and afterward, Cassandra spends some time with Alex. But as she climbs the stairs to their room, her mind keeps replaying her conversation with Emilia. She wonders how Emilio will handle the truth. Learning that his life has been a lie won’t be
easy.
Emilia’s confession also explains why Emilio never shares a bed with her-
or anyone. His nightmares must be terrible.
Cassandra sits on the bed and scrolls through her phone until she lands on his number. She wants to call him, but she doesn’t want to give him the wrong impression.
She sighs deeply. How will she face him? How will she keep the truth from him? Was Emilia right–will Emilio learn to love her? Can she really heal his wounds?
Cassandra decides to have faith that things will work out. But as she gets into bed, she’s anxious that she hasn’t heard from Emilio. She knows it’s going to be a long night.
Chapter 24 of 57: Chapter 24
