EMILIANO
Emiliano is sitting in his private jet, waiting to take off. Soon, he’ll be flying to the place where his father used to live.
Emiliano is still reeling from the revelation that Carlos, the man he’s loved like a father since he was a child, isn’t his biological dad. His mom always said Carlos loved him like his own, but it’s not the same. The love of a father can’t be replaced. She should’ve told him the truth years ago.
But Emiliano can see why his mom kept him a secret from her fiance. The information he’s dug up about his real dad, Victor Ortiz, isn’t exactly flattering.
Victor Ortiz made his fortune through drug and arms trafficking. Some people respected him, but many despised him. Emiliano can’t help but feel the same way, especially when he thinks about the kids who overdosed on the drugs his father sold.
Victor Ortiz did a lot of terrible things, but he’s still Emiliano’s father. Emiliano needs to visit his father’s home and grave to find some closure. He needs to understand his past for the sake of his girlfriend, Alex, and their unborn babies.
His thoughts drift to Cassie. He can’t believe she knew the truth all along and never said a word, even when he confided in her about his nightmares. Maybe she kept quiet because his mom asked her to, but he trusted her. He opened up to her, and she looked him in the eyes
and lied
He trusted her more than his own mother, but she shattered that trust quickly, showing him that he can only rely on himself. He thought they had a deep emotional bond, but it seems like it was all in his head.
Emiliano is still hurting, but his love for her hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s growing stronger every day. But he can’t forgive her right now. He doesn’t know if they can ever rebuild the trust they once had.
12:57 PM
CASSANDRA
Cassandra and Emilia have just returned from a doctor’s appointment. Cassandra is two and a half months pregnant, and the babies are growing well. She’s excited to find out their genders soon.
But there’s a problem: it’s been a month, and Emilio still hasn’t reached out.
He’s clearly still upset, so Cassandra is packing her and Alex’s bags. They’re heading out this afternoon to the one place she considered home before Emilio: her last foster parents‘ house in Buffalo. She recently found out that they had passed away and left her their house, as they didn’t have any biological children..
It’s been years since she was last there, and she’s hoping the house is still in good shape. But she knows she has to leave Emilio’s mansion. His scent is everywhere, reminding her of how much she misses him, and she can’t bear the heartache
Emilia appears in the bedroom doorway. “Are you sure I can’t change your mind?” she asks.
“I’d rather you didn’t.” Cassandra replies.
anymore.
Emilia steps further into the room. “I understand, but please keep me updated on the pregnancy and bring Alex for visits.”
“I promise I’ll call regularly. I’m gonna miss you, and so will Alex.”
“I know you I
and also have your address if you don’t keep your promise”
Cassandra gives her a sad smile. “Thank you for everything.”
“Don’t thank me. It’s my duty as a mother to look after my kids. My stubborn son will come around, I know that… I know him.””
“Do you know where he might be
“He probably went to Mexico, his father’s birthplace. That’s where his father is buried. But I don’t know exactly where.”
“And he’ll come back once he finds what he’s looking for?”
“He will. In the meantime, rest and take care of yourself. Dr. Lopez isn’t happy about your weight, so promise me you’ll start eating.”
“I promise.” Food doesn’t appeal to her right now, but she knows she needs to eat for the babies. “Is Alex still sleeping?”
“Yes. We can have a quick cup of tea before he wakes up.”
Cassandra slowly gets out of bed. She thought being in Buffalo, far from Emilio, would lessen her pain, but it’s only getting worse. Especially since she hasn’t heard anything from or about him.
She goes to Alex’s room, where he’s playing in his crib. She picks him up and heads to the kitchen to make his bottle.
When she arrived a week ago, her foster parents‘ house was dusty. She spent two days cleaning to make it safe for Alex, but now it’s livable.
The kitchen is small, and the appliances are old, but it works. There are also two bedrooms, a small–bathroom, a living room, and a dining room–enough space for them.
Cassandra still needs to clean the garden, but she doesn’t have the energy today. Both Gwen and Emily are coming to visit. They happened to visit at the same time a few days ago, and they got along well; now they’re planning a girls‘ day.
Cassandra knows they’re coming to check on her. She’s told them the truth about her relationship with Emilio–there’s no point in hiding it now that they’re not together–so they’re trying to keep her spirits up. They’re good friends, and she’s grateful for their support
After a cup of tea, Cassandra bathes Alex and then herself. She puts on old jeans, a vest, and sandals and waits for her friends.
They arrive late in the morning, and Emily immediately asks, “What are we gonna do today?“”
“We’re taking Cass out to show her there’s still a world out there,” Gwen replies.
“Good idea.” Emily agrees, standing up and grabbing Cassandra’s bag.
Chapter 54 of 57: Chapter 54
“Guys, I—”
“You don’t get a say in this,” Gwen interrupts. “I’ll go get Alex’s bag.”
Cassandra sighs. When Gwen returns, she asks. “Are you two this bossy with Brian and Jake?”
“Depends on the topic,” Gwen says with a mischievous smile.
“Never mind.” Cassandra replies, and they all start laughing.
Their shopping trip is fun, even though Gwen and Emily insist on buying maternity clothes for Cassandra. Afterward, they have lunch at a nearby café Cassandra’s treat.
They’re eating dessert when Emily asks, “How are you holding up, Cass?”
“I’m taking it one day at a time.“)
“The boss was in the office yesterday, and he looked terrible. He’s snapping at everyone, even Mr. Smith; he’s not handling things well.”
Cassandra feels terrible. She hopes Emilio hasn’t received any more bad news.
“Have you tried calling him again?” Gwen asks.
“No, and I don’t plan to. He’ll reach out when he’s ready, I don’t want to push him and risk losing him for good. Finding out your whole life is a lie can’t be easy… I can relate in a way.”
She looks down at Alex. She can tell he misses his father.
“For what it’s worth,” Emily says, “I think he loves you. That’s why he’s having such a hard time. Don’t give up, and keep fighting.”
“Emily’s got a point, Cass,” Gwen chimes in. “I’ve noticed how he’s always looking out for you and Alex. You’re in love with him, and if he’s worth the fight, then don’t back down.”
But how can she fight for him when he’s made it clear he doesn’t want anything to do with her? When he can’t even stand to be in the same room as her? If he truly loves her, why hasn’t he given her any indication that she shouldn’t give up on them?
That night, as she lies in bed, Cassandra contemplates reaching out to him. She picks up her phone, but can’t bring herself to dial his number. Can they move past this? Will he forgive her so they can be the family she dreams of? So many questions whirl around in her mind, but there are no answers to be found.
Eventually, after what feels like an eternity, sleep claims her.
