EMILIANO
Emiliano is taken aback by Cassie’s candid response about why she’s never been married. Her love for his son is evident, and it speaks volumes about her character. She’s kind and selfless, and he’s grateful that she’s Alex’s mom.
After hanging up, he heads to their bedroom and finds Cassie on the balcony. He wraps his arms around her, and she leans into his embrace.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yes,” she replies, but he knows her better than that.
“You seem tense. Something bothering you?”
“What happens when the spark between us fades? Cassie asks.
Emiliano tenses, then forces himself to relax. “It won’t,” he says, turning her to face him. He releases her hair, and it cascades down. framing her face. “Stop overthinking it’s messing with your head. Let’s go grab dinner.”
“Can we just stay in? I’m fee
feeling a bit worn out.”
He gently brushes her cheek. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Absolutely,” Cassie says, but he’s not convinced.
CASSANDRA
Cassandra steps away from Emilio’s embrace. His affection is tearing her apart because it means nothing to him.
“I’m going to take a bath,” she says, walking past him.
He stops her with his words. “Are you still on the pill?”
“Of course,” she answers without turning around. “Why do
you | ask?“.
“Just checking. We’ve been having sex without protection. We don’t need another surprise pregnancy… We both know the deal.
Emilio’s words slice through her heart, and tears well up in her
eyes.
**You don’t have to worry,” Cassandra assures him. “I remember.”
She rushes to the bathroom, locks the door, turns on the shower, and crumples to the floor. Tears stream down her face.
Who is she kidding? His mother was wrong: Emilio will never love her. Men like him don’t know how to love; they only understand Just, money, and power. Why did she let herself believe he might care for her one day? Why would he want someone like her? Even her own parents didn’t want her.
Cassandra doesn’t know how long she sits on the bathroom floor crying, but when she feels strong enough, she gets up and showers. When she comes out, Emilio is gone. She breathes a sigh of relief. At least he won’t ask about her red eyes,
At eight o’clock, Emilia comes to her room, asking if she’s going to eat dinner.
“I’m not hungry. I think I ate too much ice cream earlier, and now my stomach feels off. I’m going to bed early.”
“Okay then. I’m also heading to bed. Emiliano is in his office if you need anything.”
Cassandra nods and slips under the covers. She falls asleep quickly.
During the night, she wakes to Emilio’s gentle touch. Moaning, she lets him make love to her. He even falls asleep there, just like the night before, but the next morning, Cassandra wakes up alone.
At breakfast, she asks Emilia where he is.
“He said something about a breakfast meeting with a client. Did you need something?”
“No.” Cassandra replies.
1:05 PM N
“Why don’t we go shopping today?” Emilia suggests, “I’ve been wanting to buy something for my grandson.”
Cassandra doesn’t have much left of her personal savings, and she knows Emilia will insist she buy something too. “Mother…”
“I won’t take ‘no‘ for an answer, Cassandra. If you’re worried about money, don’t be.”
They leave after breakfast, taking Alex with them. Everyone in town seems to know Emilia, and it’s clear from the way people treat her like royalty that she is highly respected–or at least that money talks.
They visit all the high–end boutiques, and despite the outrageous prices, Emilia buys whatever she likes. Five hours later, Cassandra’s feet are sore and tired, and many of the “few” things Emilia bought will be delivered to the house because the car is full.
Among her purchases are toys and a new wardrobe for Alex, and Cassandra feels lucky that her son has such a generous grandmother. “Thank you, mother.”
“For what?”
“For everything you bought for Alex.”
“Don’t be silly, he’s my grandson; it’s my right to spoil him. You don’t need to feel guilty about anything.”
Emilia takes her to an outdoor café. “Emiliano seems different,” she says when their tea arrives.
“In what way? Cassandra asks.
“His behavior. And those dark circles under his eyes are fading. All thanks to
you.”
Cassandra feels like laughing. “I didn’t do anything.”
“He’s changing.” Emilia says, “and I can see that you have something to do with it.”
Cassandra doesn’t push the issue, but after what he said last night, she doesn’t think there’s hope for them. For Emiliano, their relationship is just another business deal. No feelings, no commitment. The sooner she accepts this, the easier it will be for her to handle
the pain.
He only married her for Alex’s sake, so she should cherish every moment he’s still with her. It could all end at any time.
A few minutes later, her phone rings, and Cassandra sees it’s him.
“Hello,” she says, keeping her voice neutral.
“Miss me?” Emilio asks, his voice low.
“Should I?”
“Think you should, Feeling any better?”
What’s he on about? “I’m lost.”
“Never mind. Got any plans coming up?”
“I’m in a foreign country with no friends–what plans could I have other than taking care of your son?””
Emilio laughs. “Good. José will be here to get you in five minutes.”
Before Cassandra can reply, the call ends. What’s he planning?
“That was Emiliano,” she tells Emilia. “He said José will be here in five minutes–does he even know we’re here?‘
“I wouldn’t put it past Emiliano.”
They finish their tea, and sure enough, José is there exactly five minutes later.
“Where’s Mr. Rodriguez, José?” she asks.
“I can’t say, Señora. I was just told to come get you.”
“Well, I’m not going anywhere.”
BUD PM IST IPI
Boss’s Secret Baby
Serene
Emilia takes her hand. “Cassandra, don’t be so stubborn. Just go. He might have a surprise for you.”
“But mom…Alex…”
“Go. He has a grandma, right? If anything happens. I have both your and Emiliano’s numbers.”
Cassandra hesitates, but finally, she gets up and kisses Alex before leaving with José. She can’t figure out what’s up with Emilio, surprising her like this.
She pulls out her phone to call him, but it goes straight to voicemail. Odd. She just talked to him–maybe his line is busy? She tries again, but it doesn’t connect.
A few minutes into the drive, Cassandra asks, “José, can you tell me where Emiliano is?”
“Just a few more minutes, Señora, then you’ll see.”
“Why all the mystery?” she mumbles, but José stays quiet.
She hates going into situations without knowing what’s going on.
