CASSANDRA
Why is he here?
Emilio stands in the doorway, holding Alex’s car seat. Their son is sleeping peacefully. Emilio looks handsome, with his neat stubble. combed hair, and dark–brown leather shoes. His black sweater, pea coat, and chinos make him look even more attractive. He fills the entire doorway.
When their eyes meet. Emilio doesn’t look pleased. His gaze shifts between her and Josh, lingering on Josh’s arm around her waist and her hand on his shoulder.
“What’s happening here?” he demands, his voice low and accusing.
Emilio steps inside and slams the door, making her jump. “Answer me!” he growls.
“Emiliano
“Is this the driver? Josh interrupts.
Emilio’s hands curl into fists. His anger is palpable. Cassandra needs to defuse the situation before it escalates. “No,” she says.
“Then who is this guy?” Emilio asks.
“Excuse me?” Josh retorts. “Who are
“Josh Cassandra tries to intervene.
“Take your hands off my wife, or you’ll be leaving in an ambulance.” Emilio threatens.
Cassandra steps away from Josh and stands in front of Emilio. She doesn’t want Josh to get hurt because of her.
“Josh. meet my husband, Emiliano,” she says. “Josh is a friend of Brian, Gwen’s boyfriend. They-”
“I don’t care who he is.” Emilio interrupts. “He needs to leave” He opens the door.
Soon, the rest of Cassandra’s friend’s come to see what the commotion is about. Emilio’s cold stare sends them away
Cassandra puts Alex down. When she comes back, she finds Emilio standing in the living room. His tall and broad figure dominates the space.
Cassandra crosses her arms and faces him. He’s angry, but she doesn’t care. He has no right to be here.
EMILIANO
Cassie looks even more beautiful than Emiliano remembers. She’s glowing, and her hair is longer. It’s twisted into a fishtail that hangs over her shoulder. He longs to touch it, to feel her smooth skin.
“Who was that guy?” he asks.
Seeing his arm around her waist made him furious. The memory of it makes him even angrier. He’s surprised he didn’t punch the guy.
“A friend,” Cassic replies.
“A friend,” Emiliano repeats, scoffing. “You expect me to believe that?”
I don’t expect anything from you, Emiliano. I don’t care if you believe me or not. Why are you here?”
He takes a deep breath to control his anger. “Is he the reason you sent me divorce papers?”
What does it matter?” she asks. “Why are you here?”
“To find out why you want a divorce.”
Cassie looks away. “Emiliano, we’ve both moved on. There’s no point in staying married when we’re leading separate lives.”
“Do you really want a divorce?” She nods but doesn’t meet his gaze. “Look me in the eyes and say it, and I’ll sign the papers right now.”
Cassie closes her eyes. Emiliano knows if she looks at him, he’ll know if she’s serious. He’s always been able to see through her.
12:59 PM c.
“Look at me!” he urges. “Say it.”
“Emiliano, please…”
“If you really want to end this, just say the words,”
Cassie opens her eyes and looks at him. “I want a divorce,” she whispers.
CASSANDRA
They stand in silence, looking at each other. Then Emiliano slowly walks towards her. Her heart races with each step he takes, but she stands her ground.
When he stops in front of her, Cassandra can smell his cologne. It sends her hormones into overdrive. His hand touches her cheek, and she closes her eyes, leaning into his touch.
“Your eyes don’t agree with you, sweetheart.”
Emilio takes her left hand and raises it. “And this ring on your finger says otherwise.” He turns it between his fingers. “Why did you keep this watch with our initials engraved in it? Why are you still wearing your wedding ring if you want a divorce?”
Cassandra pulls her hand away and steps back. His closeness is clouding her thoughts. Everything stops when he touches her.
“I don’t owe you any explanations, Emiliano.” She turns her back to him, overwhelmed with emotion. He needs to leave before she breaks down. “You have no right to be here. It’s late. Please go so I can go to bed.”
Cassandra wipes away a tear, angry that he’s here demanding answers after he shut her out of his life. After he moved on as if nothing ever happened between them.
“I’m not leaving until we resolve this.”
She sighs heavily. “There’s nothing to resolve, Emiliano. I’m giving you what you want. I’m setting you free so you can be with whoever you want. You don’t have to be in this loveless, meaningless marriage anymore.”
“Why are you so sure I want a divorce? Who told you I don’t want this marriage? Why don’t you ask me what I want?””
With her back to him, Cassandra stammers, “Wh–what do y–you want, Emiliano?”
“Turn around when you’re talking to me.” His voice is quiet and gentle, but there’s a clear command in it. She turns to face him, her heart pounding as she realizes how close he is. Without her heels, he’s a giant compared to her.
“Why are you doing this?” Cassandra asks. “Why are you making everything so complicated when it should be simple?“”
“Is it supposed to be? Are you ready to toss aside what we have?”
“We don’t have anything,” she counters.
“Do you love me?” he questions.
“That doesn’t matter,” she mumbles, avoiding his gaze.
“Do you love me? he repeats, lifting her chin to meet his eyes.
