CASSANDRA
As Emilio barks out commands, Cassandra finds herself in his car, clutching Alex close. There’s no car seat, so she holds him tighter. He’s still restless, but at least he’s stopped crying.
She can feel Emilio’s gaze on her, and when she looks back, his eyes are unreadable. It’s unsettling. What’s going on in his head? What’s his plan? Am I going to lose my son.
When the car stops, Emilio is out and by their side in an instant. He helps Cassandra out and guides her into a building.
This looks like a private hospital, she thinks as they step inside. I can’t afford this.
She’s about to voice her concerns when a pretty young receptionist greets them with a smile.
“Mr. Rodriguez. How can we assist you?“”
Cassandra watches as the woman subtly pushes out her chest and bats her eyelashes at Emilio, Does she have no shame? She’s at work!
“Is Dr. Perez in?” Emilio asks.
“Yes. Follow me.”
the right. A
The receptionist leads them down a hallway and stops at a door on the right. After a soft knock, a woman’s voice responds, “Candice, I thought I told you…” Her voice trails off when she sees Emilio, “I’ll handle this.”
Once the receptionist leaves, Dr. Perez and Emilio share a warm hug and a check kiss. The doctor is stunning, with her medium skin tone, honey–colored hair, and hazel eyes.
“You’re as handsome as ever,” Dr. Perez tells Emilio. “How’s your mother?”
“Better. Thanks for asking.”
“What brings you here?””
Emilio steps aside, revealing Cassandra and Alex. Dr. Perez looks surprised as she glances between them.
“Your mother didn’t mention a baby when we last spoke. I know she’s been wanting grandchildren.”
“I was surprised too.” He glances at Cassandra.
“What’s wrong? Dr. Perez asks, taking Alex from Cassandra. “He’s hot–did you give him a cool bath?” Cassandra nods.
Dr. Perez lays Alex on a small bed in her office and checks his breathing. Cassandra can only hope that her son isn’t seriously ill.
The doctor turns back to Cassandra. “Any allergies?” Cassandra shakes her head. “Tell me about his fever–how long has he had it, and what medicine did you give him?
Cassandra answers as best she can. He was fine last night; it was only this morning that he seemed off. She had thought it was nothing, but clearly, she was wrong.
“He had a cold a few days ago,” Cassandra adds.
Dr. Perez checks Alex’s ear, and he starts crying again. Cassandra is by his side in an instant. When the doctor finishes her examination, she addresses them both.
“He has a mild ear infection, likely from his cold. It’s not serious, but it would explain his fussiness and fever. I’ll prescribe some antibiotics”
Cassandra picks up Alex and holds him close. She’d been so wrapped up in work that she hadn’t noticed something was wrong. Guilt washes over her, and she fights back tears.
Dr. Perez places a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself; it’s not your fault. These things happen. If you hadn’t noticed now, his symptoms would have just gotten worse. Let me write his prescription.”
is he?
The doctor goes to her desk and grabs a prescription pad. “I’m also giving him something for the pain. How old is
Cassandra tells her and then says, “Thank you, doctor.”
12:52 PM P
Dr. Perez smiles. “I’m just doing my job.” She hands the prescription to Emilio. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, Beth,” he replies. “Give my regards to Uncle. I’d appreciate it if we kept this quiet for now,”
“My lips are sealed. Take care.” Dr. Perez pauses. “He does look like you. He even has the birthmark.”
Cassandra looks between them, confused, but then Emilio guides her out of the hospital. Soon, they’re back in his car, and Emilio hands the prescription to his driver, instructing, “Get this filled as soon as possible, and take us back to the penthouse.”
Cassandra’s head snaps up. “I need to get home, please. It’s time for Alex’s bottle.” Emilio’s look sends a chill down her spine, but she stands her ground. “I’m not staying with you.”
Cassandra can see Emilio’s mind working, so she stays quiet, She still needs Alex’s medicine, so she’ll go with him for now.
For the rest of the drive, Alex is calm. He even falls asleep in her arms. Poor baby, he must be exhausted from all the crying.
When they arrive at one of the most luxurious hotels in Times Square, Emilio leads her to an elevator that requires a pin. He enters it, and they ascend. Thankfully. Alex remains asleep.
What was she thinking? She can’t stay here: she has to go back to work tomorrCINK.
If I still have a job, a small voice in her head whispers.
Stepping into Emilio’s penthouse, Cassandra is taken aback by its size. The open floor plan and floor–to–ceiling windows make it seem even larger. There’s a bar and wine wall in the entryway, showcasing a variety of expensive brands. The kitchen and dining areas offer a stunning view of Central Park. The decor is all white and light gray, adding to the overall elegance.
Emilio sets Alex’s bag down on the couch in the living room. “Come with me,” he instructs, guiding Cassandra up the stairs to a bedroom. He steps aside, allowing her to enter first.
The room is dominated by a massive bed, with large lamps perched on nightstands on either side. Two leather chairs flank a glass table near the window. A grand portrait adorns the wall, and a door to the left likely leads to a bathroom. The walls are a cool gray, just like downstairs, and the floor is made of hardwood.
This isn’t the same suite he’d brought her to before. She shoots him a questioning look.
“Why am I here? Cassandra queries.
Emilio’s brows furrow. “We have some things to talk about. Put him down.”
“I can’t just leave him here alone, he could roll off the bed. When he wakes up, he’ll need his bottle. We need to go home.”
“You’re not leaving until I have the results of a DNA test, and that’s going to take a few days. If it t turns out he’s mine, I’ll need to make a public statement before the news gets out.”
“Well, we can’t stay here. And what makes you think
you think I’m going to let you do a DNA test? He’s not your baby,” Cassandra fibs.
“Be careful,” Emilio cautions. “If he is mine, I won’t hesitate to take him from you. You’ll stay here until I say you can leave. José will get whatever you need for him.”
“You can’t make me stay here!”
“Just watch me.”
“I have to go to work tomorrow.” Cassandra pleads, “Emilio, please don’t do this. I can’t afford to lose my job.”
Emilio raises an eyebrow. “Did you forget who you work for? If you want to keep your job, you’d better do as I say.”
“What am I supposed to tell Mr. Smith about why I’m not there?”
“I’ll handle that. Give me your apartment keys and your address.”
“Why?”
Emilio gestures towards Alex. “He’ll need his things–I’ll have José go get them. Write down everything he needs; there’s a pen and paper on the bedside table behind you.”
“Emilio….” Cassandra starts, but he’s already turning away, leaving her standing there, staring after him.
Chapter 5 of 57. Chapter 5
Emilio raises an eyebrow. “Did you forget who you work for? If you want to keep your job, you’d better do as I say.”
“What am I supposed to tell Mr. Smith about why I’m not there?”
“I’ll handle that. Give me your apartment keys and your address.”
“Why?”
Emilio gestures towards Alex. “He’ll need his things–I’ll have José go get them. Write down everything he needs; there’s a pen an paper on the bedside table behind you.”
“Emilio….” Cassandra starts, but he’s already turning away, leaving her standing there, staring after him.
Cassandra lays Alex down on the bed and buries her face in her hands. What is she going to do?
She walks over to the balcony and looks out at Central Park. How did she end up here? What was she thinking when she slept with fifteen months ago?
Cassandra’s attention returns to Alex’s tiny, sleeping form. She walks back to the bed, sits down next to him, and gently strokes his l She has no idea what her next move should be.
P
