Chapter 28 EMILIANO Emiliano is taken aback by Cassies candid response about why shes never been married. Her love for his son is evident, and it speaks volumes about her character. Shes kind and selfless, and hes grateful that shes Alexs mom. After hanging up, he heads to their bedroom and finds Cassie on the balcony. He wraps his arms around her, and she leans into his embrace. You okay? he asks. Yes, she replies, but he knows her better than that. You seem tense. Something bothering you? What happens when the spark between us fades? Cassie asks. Emiliano tenses, then forces himself to relax. It wont, he says, turning her to face him. He releases her hair, and it cascades down, framing her face. Stop overthinkingits messing with your head. Lets go grab dinner. Can we just stay in? Im feeling a bit worn out. He gently brushes her cheek. You sure youre okay? Absolutely, Cassie says, but hes not convinced. CASSANDRA Cassandra steps away from Emilios embrace. His affection is tearing her apart because it means nothing to him. Im going to take a bath, she says, walking past him. He stops her with his words. Are you still on the pill? Of course, she answers without turning around. Why do you ask? Just checking. Weve been having sex without protection. We dont need another surprise pregnancy… We both know the deal. Emilios words slice through her heart, and tears well up in her eyes. You dont have to worry, Cassandra assures him. I remember. She rushes to the bathroom, locks the door, turns on the shower, and crumples to the floor. Tears stream down her face. Who is she kidding? His mother was wrong; Emilio will never love her. Men like him dont know how to love; they only understand lust, money, and power. Why did she let herself believe he might care for her one day? Why would he want someone like her? Even her own parents didnt want her. Cassandra doesnt know how long she sits on the bathroom floor crying, but when she feels strong enough, she gets up and showers. When she comes out, Emilio is gone. She breathes a sigh of relief. At least he wont ask about her red eyes. At eight oclock, Emilia comes to her room, asking if shes going to eat dinner. Im not hungry. I think I ate too much ice cream earlier, and now my stomach feels off. Im going to bed early. Okay then. Im also heading to bed. Emiliano is in his office if you need anything. Cassandra nods and slips under the covers. She falls asleep quickly. During the night, she wakes to Emilios gentle touch. Moaning, she lets him make love to her. He even falls asleep there, just like the night before, but the next morning, Cassandra wakes up alone. At breakfast, she asks Emilia where he is. He said something about a breakfast meeting with a client. Did you need something? No, Cassandra replies. Why dont we go shopping today? Emilia suggests. Ive been wanting to buy something for my grandson. Cassandra doesnt have much left of her personal savings, and she knows Emilia will insist she buy something too. Mother… I wont take no for an answer, Cassandra. If youre worried about money, dont be. They leave after breakfast, taking Alex with them. Everyone in town seems to know Emilia, and its clear from the way people treat her like royalty that she is highly respectedor at least that money talks. They visit all the high-end boutiques, and despite the outrageous prices, Emilia buys whatever she likes. Five hours later, Cassandras feet are sore and tired, and many of the few things Emilia bought will be delivered to the house because the car is full. Among her purchases are toys and a new wardrobe for Alex, and Cassandra feels lucky that her son has such a generous grandmother. Thank you, mother. For what? For everything you bought for Alex. Dont be silly, hes my grandson; its my right to spoil him. You dont need to feel guilty about anything. Emilia takes her to an outdoor café. Emiliano seems different, she says when their tea arrives. In what way? Cassandra asks. His behavior. And those dark circles under his eyes are fading. All thanks to you. Cassandra feels like laughing. I didnt do anything. Hes changing, Emilia says, and I can see that you have something to do with it. Cassandra doesnt push the issue, but after what he said last night, she doesnt think theres hope for them. For Emiliano, their relationship is just another business deal. No feelings, no commitment. The sooner she accepts this, the easier it will be for her to handle the pain. He only married her for Alexs sake, so she should cherish every moment hes still with her. It could all end at any time. A few minutes later, her phone rings, and Cassandra sees its him. Hello, she says, keeping her voice neutral. Miss me? Emilio asks, his voice low. Should I? Think you should. Feeling any better? Whats he on about? Im lost. Never mind. Got any plans coming up? Im in a foreign country with no friendswhat plans could I have other than taking care of your son? Emilio laughs. José will be here to get you in five minutes. Before Cassandra can reply, the call ends.Whats he planning? That was Emiliano, she tells Emilia. He said José will be here in five minutesdoes he even know were here? I wouldnt put it past Emiliano. They finish their tea, and sure enough, José is there exactly five minutes later. Wheres Mr. Rodriguez, José? she asks. I cant say, Señora. I was just told to come get you. Well, Im not going anywhere. Emilia takes her hand. Cassandra, dont be so stubborn. He might have a surprise for you. But mom…Alex… Go. He has a grandma, right? If anything happens, I have both your and Emilianos numbers. Cassandra hesitates, but finally, she gets up and kisses Alex before leaving with José. She cant figure out whats up with Emilio, surprising her like this. She pulls out her phone to call him, but it goes straight to voicemail.Odd. She just talked to him~maybe his line is busy?~ She tries again, but it doesnt connect. A few minutes into the drive, Cassandra asks, José, can you tell me where Emiliano is? Just a few more minutes, Señora, then youll see. Why all the mystery? she mumbles, but José stays quiet. She hates going into situations without knowing whats going on. Title: Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice (English-dubbed) Embark on a riveting journey with Misty, a fresh police academy graduate, as she fearlessly undertakes a perilous mission to infiltrate the enigmatic 'Divine Marriage' ritual in Florals Village. Disguised as a Florals Maiden, she plunges into the depths of the mysterious Florals Cave with secrets lurking at every turn. Immerse yourself in a tale of deception, vengeance, and intrigue as Misty navigates through the shadows of betrayal and unearths shocking truths that threaten to unravel her very existence. 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