CASSANDRA
+
with
H
Three months later, Cassandra folds up the morning paper. It’s the seventh time she’s spotted him in the gossip section, each time different tall, slender brunette. The media is buzzing about their supposed marriage, and she’s just grateful that no one in Buffalo knows her identity: she couldn’t bear the whispers.
She’s taken the step of mailing him divorce papers, but she’s yet to receive a response. She can’t help but wonder why; she’s essentially setting him free. While their separation is tearing her apart, he seems happier than ever.
So much for mending their relationship.
To keep her mind occupied, Cassandra has found a job in town, but it’s not helping. The more she tries to forget Emilio, the more he occupies her thoughts.
Today is her day off, and she had planned to go out after her doctor’s appointment, but seeing that picture has sapped her energy. She knows she shouldn’t let it get to her, but she can’t help it. She’s still married to this man, and she loves him, even though he doesn’t seem to take their vows as seriously as she does.
Cassandra starts making breakfast. Alex is already munching on cereal and crawling around the house, causing chaos. She wonders what will happen when her belly is too big to chase after him. At least for now, she can still keep up.
After dropping Alex off at daycare, Cassandra heads to her monthly checkup. She’s over five months pregnant now, and her old clothes no longer fit over her growing bump. It’s not obvious yet that she’s pregnant It just looks like she’s put on a few pounds–but she knows that will change soon.
While her estranged husband hasn’t reached out, Emilia calls every day and now her mother–in–law is visiting New York. José will pick up Alex from daycare and take him to see her, just as he has for the past few days, leaving Cassandra alone again…even with all her loved ones nearby.
It’s going to be a long day.
EMILIANO
Emiliano is in his penthouse office, his thoughts on his wife…if he can still call her that. His lawyer just handed him the divorce papers. that Cassie sent, stating that she wants nothing from him and that she’s willing to share custody.
<
A cold shiver runs through him as he looks at the papers. Clearly, she’s seen the gossip columns and thinks he’s moved on, but he
hasn’t.
Getting out of bed in the morning, going to work and pretending everything is fine, attending dinner functions and socializing–it’s all a struggle. He thought he could forget Cassie, but he can’t; he sees her everywhere, smells her scent. She even haunts his dreams. He’s going crazy, and he feels helpless.
He’s tried to go out with other women, but he can’t follow through. Every time, her beautiful face appears before him.
The fact that he loves her more than life itself isn’t helping either. It’s like the distance is only intensifying his love for her, and now she’s sending him divorce papers… While he can’t forget her, she seems to have already moved on.
Emiliano knows she’s in Buffalo and doing okay, but he hasn’t reached out. At least he gets to see his son in an hour, since José has been picking up Alex from daycare, Cassie thinks his mother is the one seeing Alex, but she’s not.
Alex is almost a year old now, and everything goes into his little mouth. The thought brings a smile to his face. Despite everything. their bond is stronger than ever.
Emiliano wonders how Cassie is looking, if she’s showing yet. At five months pregnant, she must be glowing.
Without her knowing, he’s been in touch with her doctor, so he knows that she and the babies are healthy. They’re having a boy and a girl, and he wishes he could’ve been there when she found out. He knows he needs to call her, but he doesn’t know what to say…where
His eyes land on the divorce papers again. He’ll be damned before he signs them. He picks up the stack, shreds it, and tosses it in the trash bin. If Cassie wants a divorce, she’ll have to give him a damn good reason why.
CASSANDRA
When the doorbell rings. Cassandra picks un Alex and his bag. “Good afternoon. José.” she greets as she opens the door.
12:57 PM
He gently takes Alex from her and slings the bag over his shoulder. “Good afternoon, Señora.”
Cassandra kisses her son’s cheeks. “See you soon, sweetie. Have a fun day with Grandna, okay‘“” As she watches the car drive off, she wonders how she’ll spend the next four hours alone,
Back in the kitchen, she checks the fridge for something to cook for dinner, but it’s nearly empty. She’s been so preoccupied wondering why Emilio hasn’t signed the divorce papers that she hasn’t done the grocery shopping yet.
She stated in the papers that she wants nothing from him and that she’s willing to share custody. She’s seen that he’s a good father, so she would never try to keep him away from his kids. It’s just a shame she won’t be there to see how he bonds with them.
Her hand instinctively moves to her belly. Two weeks ago, she found out that Alex will have a little brother and sister to play with. And oh, how she had wished for Emilio to be there.
Her throat tightens, and her eyes well up. God, she misses him. Everything about him his scent, his touch, his kisses, his kindness… Knowing another woman has him is slowly killing her.
Cassandra grabs her purse and heads into town, buying all the necessities and food they’ll need for the coming month. These days, her food stays down, and nausea is a thing of the past.
She’s in the kitchen preparing dinner when the doorbell rings. She glances at her watch, thinking it’s too early for Alex to be home.
Emilio had given her many gifts, but the only ones Cassandra brought with her to Buffalo were the watch and the wedding ring. She just couldn’t bear to leave them behind.
As she opens her front door, Gwen and Emily let out a joyous, “Surprise!” Both of them are holding glasses of champagne, and Cassandra quickly realizes they aren’t alone. Brian and Jake are there too, along with a guy she doesn’t recognize.
‘Surprise, indeed.” Cassandra replies, her smile genuine. She steps aside to let them in. “Evening, guys. It’s been a while.”
“We got roped into this,” Brian admits as Emily and Gwen place the champagne bottles on the kitchen counter.
“Hope you don’t mind,” Jake adds.
“Not at all. I could use the company. Make yourselves at home.”
Gwen approaches Cassandra, the stranger in tow. “Cass, this is Josh. He’s a friend of Brian’s. We thought it’d be nice to have him here so you wouldn’t feel like the fifth wheel. But don’t worry, he knows you’re married and expecting. We’re not trying to set you up or anything, he’s just here to keep you company.”
“Thanks for thinking of me; that’s really sweet.” Cassandra extends her hand to Josh. “Nice to meet you.”
“Now that we’ve got introductions out of the way.” Emily says, glancing at Gwen, “do you mind telling us why you summoned us here?
Gwen intertwines her fingers with Brian’s. “Well, Brian and I have some news…” She extends her left hand, and Cassandra spots a stunning diamond.
“Oh my God!” Cassandra exclaims. “You’re engaged–that’s amazing!” She pulls them both into a hug.
“Congrats, you two!” Emily chimes in. “When’s the big day?”
Simultaneously, Jake says, “Congratulations. Guess I’ll have to step up my game before someone starts pestering me for a ring.” Emily playfully swats his arm. “I’m kidding.”
“You better be,” she warns him.
“We haven’t picked a date yet,” Gwen admits, “but it’ll be soon. Brian and I want to start a family, and we’ve already bought a house in Seattle. We’ll move in right after the wedding.”
“I’m so happy for you both,” Cassandra says, and she means it. She hopes all four of her friends have a bright future ahead. “Took you long enough, Brian,” she teases.
“I know. I’m surprised she stuck around so long.” He caresses Gwen’s cheek affectionately.
“It’s because I love you too much,” she confesses.
Their love for each other is palpable, and Cassandra is thrilled for them. “Well,” she says, “I was in the middle of making dinner when
Chapter 55 of 57 Chander EL
2
12:58 PM
you guys showed up. Do you mind if I leave you alone for a bit?
“No,” Gwen jokes. “I take it Alex isn’t here?” Cassandra nods. “Good. Then let’s go out and celebrate.”
“I’d love to. Gwen, but I’m kind of beat, and I don’t know exactly when José will bring Alex home.”
“Okay, how about we order some pizza or Chinese for dinner? That way, you don’t have to be on your feet too much. I’m sure the doctor would advise against that.”
“Gwen…”
“Sorted.” Gwen turns to her fiancé. “Babe, would you mind ordering some pizza for us? We’ll go and get some glasses.”
Gwen and Emily usher Cassandra into the kitchen. As they pour the champagne, Cassandra says, “Thanks, you two. You’re amazing friends, and I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Gwen says. “We help each
h other when we need it, and we know you’d do the same for us.”
She takes Cassandra’s hand. “Tonight, we want you to forget about Emiliano and just have fun–that’s why we brought Josh too. Brian told me he just ended a five–year relationship: I didn’t want to bring it up in front of everyone, but he can relate to what you’re going through.”
Cassandra shifts uncomfortably. “I’m over him.” she lies.
“Sure you are.” Emily retorts.
“Come on.” Gwen encourages. “Put on some music, Cass, and let loose. This is non–alcoholic champagne, so you can party without feeling guilty.”
Cassandra decides to do just that; after all, she’s among friends. When the pizza arrives, she even indulges in two slices.
As the night wears on, Cassandra finds that Josh is a genuinely nice guy. Unlike the other men she’s met in recent months, he doesn’t give off any strange vibes, and he doesn’t ask any uncomfortable questions. She’s surprised to find that she actually enjoys his company. Later, she’s in the kitchen washing their plates when Josh walks in. “Can I help you?” she asks, offering him a smile as she dries her hands on a towel.
“More like, can I help you?”
“No, I’m almost done, but thanks for offering.”
“Honestly, I kind of feel like a third wheel in there, so I thought I’d join you. Is that okay?”
Cassandra laughs. “Of course not. More champagne?”
Earlier, the guys had gone out to buy some real champagne while the girls joined Cassandra in enjoying the non–alcoholic champagne. “No, I’ve had enough for the night. I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee, though.”
“Coming right up.” Cassandra makes the coffee for him, and five minutes later, they’re sitting at the kitchen table. “Do you live in Seattle too?”
“Yes. Brian and I have been friends for years, but when he moved to New York, we didn’t see each other as much. How about you?” “No, I lived in New York City before we moved here.”
“Gwen let slip that you’re in a bit of a bind… Don’t worry, she didn’t spill the beans.”
“Yeah, things are a bit tangled between my husband and me.” Cassandra lets out a sigh. “Here’s hoping it all pans out.”
“You really love him, don’t you?””
“More than I love mys
e myself,” she murmurs.
“I love my girlfriend, but I caught her in bed with another guy in our own place.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.“” Cassandra reaches across the table to touch his hand.
12:58 PM d
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Cassandra reaches across the table to touch his hand.
“Yeah, me too. Even after what she did. I still love her.”
“We don’t get to pick who we fall for,” she says. “And just because they hurt us doesn’t mean we stop loving them.”
“Love sure is a trip, huh?”
“Yeah, it sure is.
Cassandra glances at her watch and sees it’s half past eight. José should’ve brought Alex back by now–where could they be? She pushes her chair back and stands up.
“Something wrong?” Josh asks. “You look a bit rattled.”
“No…uhm, I hope not. It’s just that my son should’ve been back by now; his dad’s driver was supposed to bring him, but he’s a
no show.”
“Why don’t you give him a call? The driver, I mean.”
“I don’t have his number. He’s always on time; he’s never been late before.”
“Then he must have a good reason for being held up.” Josh tries to reassure her.
“I hope so.”
They head back to the living room to join the others and find each couple snuggled up in each other’s arms. Seeing Cassandra’s face, Gwen untangles herself and asks, “Cass, you okay? You look a bit on edge.”
“Her son was supposed to be back a while ago,” Josh fills her in.
“Give his grandma a call.” Emily suggests. “I bet there’s a simple explanation.”
“No, it’s okay. I don’t want to come off as paranoid. Let me just grab my cell and see if I missed any messages.”
“Hey guys,” Josh says. “I gotta hit the road.” He turns to Cassandra. “Thanks for having me over, Cass. It was nice meeting you.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll walk you out,” she offers.
“No need.” Josh says. “Don’t put yourself out.”
“It’s no biggie. Besides, my cell is over there in my jacket pocket.”
“In that case, lead the way.”
Jake, Emily, Gwen, and Brian say their goodnights, but before Cassandra can open the door, a wave of dizziness hits her. She tries to reach for the hallway stand but can’t see it.
She feels an arm around her waist and hears Josh’s voice saying, “Cass, you okay?” She nods and leans against him. “Need to sit down?“” She can hear the worry in his voice. “No, I’ll be okay in a sec.”
Just then, the doorbell rings, and Cassandra breathes a sigh of relief. José has brought Alex, and all her worry was for nothing.
“Coming,” she says. Standing up straight but still holding onto Josh’s arm, she swings the door open and finds herself looking into her husband’s captivating, hypnotic eyes.
Next Chapter
