CASSANDRA
A handful of relatives are already there, including Rafael, Isabelle, and Emilio’s Aunt Elena and Uncle Antonio. Cassandra had met them at the wedding, along with their three stunning daughters, two of whom are married.
“Emiliano, Cassandra.” Elena greets. “Congratulations to you both.” She wraps them in warm hugs and kisses.
“Son, you sure didn’t dilly–dally.” Antonio chimes in. “Congratulations. Your mother is overjoyed; I’ve never seen her this happy.”
“Aunt. Uncle, thank you.” Emilio replies. “And thank you for coming to celebrate our good news with us.”
“I long for grandkids, but your cousins are so career–driven that kids aren’t on their radar right now.” Cassandra can hear a hint of sadness in Elena’s voice. “We’re not getting any younger.”
e, dear.” Antonio comforts his wife. “Until then, you can come and help with Emiliano and Cassandra’s twins.”
“The right time will come,
“You’re more than welcome,” Cassandra jumps in. “Extra bands are always a blessing with babies.”
Emilia, flanked by two others, approaches with a radiant smile on her face. She’s genuinely thrilled about the pregnancy, Cassandra
muses
As they wait for his mother to join them. Emilio hands her a glass of juice. “No champagne tonight.”
Cassandra grins and whispers, “Don’t tempt me.”
He plants a kiss on her temple.
When Emilia reaches them, she says, “Cassandra, dear, I’d like you to meet an old friend of mine. This is Mrs. Johnson and her husband. They recently relocated here from New York.”
“Nice to meet you.” Cassandra extends her hand, and they both shake it
“Likewise,” Mrs. Johnson replies. “Congratulations to you both.” She turns to Emilio. “Emiliano, your wife is truly stunning.”
“Thank you.” he responds.
“Congrats,” Mr. Johnson adds. To Emilio, he suggests, “Let’s grab a drink. Give the ladies some space.”
Emilio glances at Cassandra, unsure.
“I’ll be fine,” she reassures him.
When the men leave, Mrs. Johnson says, “You’re truly being blessed with grandchildren, Emilia.”
“I’m not getting any younger,” Emilia admits. “I’m glad to enjoy them now.”
“You must have a lot of plans,” Elena chimes in.
“Yes. Cassandra and I still have a few things to discuss.”
“Twins–you’re really lucky,” Elena says. “Good thing the whole family will be here to help out.”
“We’re definitely going to need it,” Cassandra responds.
Just then, Isabelle comes over and gives her a hug, saying. “Congrats.” To Emilia, she asks, “Can I borrow her for a bit?”
Emilia agrees.
Isabell leads Cassandra to where her brother is standing in the kitchen. After they greet each other, Rafael says, “Emiliano sure didn’t waste time. Was he afraid I might steal you away from him?”
Cassandra blushes. “You wouldn’t have succeeded. He already has my heart.”
“I’m very persuasive.”
“I’m sure you are. When will you settle down and quit the partying?”
Rafael shrugs. “Not anytime soon. I don’t think I’ll ever tie the knot. Spending my life with one woman just isn’t me.”
Chapter 51 of 57. Chapter 51
12.55 PM
“Can you tell your brother there’s life beyond partying and girls?” Cassandra asks Isabell.
“I tried and failed. So did Mom. The only one who can change Rafael’s mind is Rafael.”
“You wait and see,” Cassandra says. “Soon the one girl you’d do anything for will show up in your life, making you quit your wild ways.”
“It won’t happen,” Rafael argues.
“It will.” Emilio says from behind her. His arm possessively wraps around her waist.
“Is that how you feel about Cassie?” Rafael asks his cousin.
Emilio meets her eyes. “Yes,” he replies without hesitation. “And more.”
Cassandra swallows, her throat suddenly dry.
“You’ve got it bad,” Rafael says. “I never thought I’d see the day you’d fall in love, but here you are, head over heels.”
“It’s obvious from the way they lose themselves in each other’s eyes,” Cassandra vaguely hears Isabell add. “Like now. We might as well
not be here.”
Cassandra blinks and looks away from her husband. She can’t help it; whenever he’s near, she forgets about everything and everyone
else.
She sips her juice. Could what they’re saying be true? Is there a chance that Emilio is falling or has already fallen for her? Should she dare to hope?
“You okay?” Emilio asks.
“Yes.”
“Do you need anything?
“Having you here is enough,” Cassandra replies, and he bends his head to kiss her.
More guests arrive, and soon, the party is in full swing. Champagne and cold treats are served on platters, and her attentive husband stays by her side, feeding her.
“At this rate, I’m going to balloon in no time.” Cassandra jokes. “You won’t be able to lift me up anymore.”
you
“You’re as light as a feather, sweetheart. Even if you do get big, it won’t make much of a difference. Besides, the doctor did advise y to eat more to keep up your strength.”
“Thank you, Emilio,” she says.
“For what?”
“For being here and caring. It means the world to me.
“I’m just doing my job as your husband. No need for thanks.” He gestures towards her glass. “Another
“No, I’m good.”
After a bit, Cassandra slips away. Instead of heading to the downstairs bathroom, she retreats to their bedroom and locks the door behind her. This is too much. Emilio is the dream husband; caring, kind, attentive, affectionate, loving, and understanding. But knowing he’s acting this way because he thinks it’s his duty is heartbreaking.
Tears roll down her cheeks, but Cassandra doesn’t bother wiping them away. She’s in love, and every little thing he does–the way he supports her both physically and emotionally–only deepens her feelings. But at the same time, loving him is painful. Why can’t she mean more to him? Why can’t she have a piece of his heart? Why does she only get half of him when he has all of her?
A gentle knock on the bathroom door pulls her back to reality.
“Who’s there?” Cassandra asks, trying to sound calm despite her turmoil.
“Cassandra, it’s me. Beth.”
“I’ll be out in a
12:55 PM
“I’ll be out in a sec,” Cassandra replies. She splashes water on her face and quickly touches up her makeup, hoping Beth won’t notice her swollen eyes.
When Cassandra opens the door, Beth says, “Emilio told me you were up here… Hey, are you okay? Have you been crying?” Beth takes her hands and they sit down on the couch.
“I’m okay.” Cassandra gives a shaky laugh. “When did you get here?‘
“Just now. What’s going on? Don’t try to tell me it’s nothing I can see you’ve been crying. Do you want to talk about it?”
“And say what? That I’m in love with a man who’s only with me because he feels obligated? Oh, Beth, I feel like such a
Tears well up again.
“Don’t cry, honey. We’re all fools when it comes to love, no matter how much it hurts.”
“I know he didn’t make any promises, but I wish that somewhere deep down, I meant something to him.”
pregnancy so well.” Beth lifts her chin. “We can all see he’s happy with you,
“You do, or else he wouldn’t have taken the news about the p Cassandra.”
“Is he? Or is this all just an act?” She practically leaps off the couch, and Beth follows.
“Cassandra…don’t do this to yourself.”
“I want more. Beth. I need more, but I’m scared that if I push for it, I’ll lose him forever. What’s the point of loving someone if you can’t show it? I love him unconditionally, and yet I could lose him in an instant,”
She lets out a deep sigh.
“What do you mean? Beth asks.
“I know Carlos isn’t Emilio’s biological father. Emilia told me the day we got back from our honeymoon, and if he finds out I knew and didn’t tell him, I’ll lose him forever, Beth. And that terrifies me.”
“What…”
Cassandra whirls around and finds herself staring into Emilio’s shocked eyes.
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