Chapter 33 CASSANDRA Four days later, Cassandra finally rolls out of bed late in the morning. After a quick shower, she pulls on a pair of skinny jeans and a purple top. She then starts rummaging through her purse for her backup birth control pills. Shed used the last of her regular pack just before her period. Ten minutes later, shes still empty-handed. Shed always kept a few extrajust in case . She was certain she had enough to last until they got home. If not, she wouldve ordered more. She gnaws on her lower lip in worry. Where could they be? She dumps the contents of her bag and purse onto the bed. Not a single pill. Panic starts to creep in. She runs her fingers through her hair, her mind racing. They hadnt used protection last night or this morning… Oh God, what should she do? Should she tell Emiliano or wait to see if her period comes next month? He wont be happy about this, especially after hed made it clear they didnt need another surprise pregnancy. No, she decides to keep quiet for now. In two weeks, she can take a test to confirm whether shes pregnant or not. She prays she isnt. If she is, Emiliano might think she ran out of pills on purpose. Just then, her husband walks into the bedroom, cradling Alex in his arm. Why the worried look? he asks, glancing at the mess on the bed. What happened here? Cassandra quickly starts to clean up. Oh, nothing. I was just looking for my lipstick. Shes grateful her back is to him. Hed see right through her lie otherwise. Are we ready to leave? she asks. No, I just came to see if you were awake. Breakfast is ready. Ill be there in a bitjust need to put all this away. She assumes Emiliano has left when she doesnt hear a response. But then his arm wraps around her waist, pulling her against his firm body. The feel of his desire stirs her own. He kisses her neck and shoulder, and she shivers, melting into his warmth. Oh, Cassie…, he murmurs in her ear. Youre like a drug to me. I cant get enough of you, especially when you respond like this. His hand cups her breast, and she shivers again. Its as if her body was made to respond to his touch. She cant resist him. But how will she tell him they need to use protection until shes sure she isnt pregnant? Hell want to know why. Alex starts to squirm in Emilianos other arm, so she steps away to take him. Did he have his morning bottle? she asks as they head to the kitchen. I also gave him a bath. What time did you wake up? When he did. Cassandra notices the dark circles under Emilianos eyes. Did you get any sleep last night? Not really, he admits, taking a sip of his coffee. Have you ever considered seeing a therapist? I dont need anyone to psychoanalyze me, Cassandra, and I dont want to discuss this anymore. Is that clear? Seeing how upset hes getting, she decides to drop the subject. Emiliano finishes his coffee and leaves. A few minutes later, she hears him on the phone. Once shes done with breakfast, they leave the glass house, taking Emilianos yacht since Alex is with them. Cassandra will always remember their time on this quiet island. Despite the world seeing him as heartless, shes come to know her husband as a good man: kind, gentle, and caring. He can love if he lets someone close enough, and she was bound to fall in love with him. *** Instead of heading to Barcelona, they fly to New York. Emiliano said he had some business to attend to. That night, after Alex is asleep, Cassandra calls her mother-in-law. As she waits for Emilia to answer, she walks to the window and looks out at Central Park. Emiliano still hasnt returned to the penthouse. Emilia answers on the fourth ring. How are you, Cassandra? Wheres my grandson? Hes asleep, and Im okay. I just called to see how youre doing. Did you enjoy your surprise? You knew? Cassandra asks, surprised. Of course, I did. Why do you think I suggested we go shopping? It was all part of the plan. You needed some time away, especially after your honeymoon got cut short. Whose idea was it? Emilianos. He wanted to surprise you, and it sounds like he did. Cassandra pauses. I had a great time, and Alex was the cherry on top. Give Alex a kiss from me. I love you all. Cassandra feels tears prick at her eyes. We love you too. Thank you for accepting me into your family and treating me like your own. Thats because you are, dear. Never think less of yourself or believe that you dont belong in our family because you do, no matter what anyone says. Youre my daughter, and I wont accept any other. Have a good night. Cassandra wipes her tears and heads upstairs to take a bath before bed. Emiliano had told her not to wait up for him tonight, so when the clock strikes ten, she finally goes to sleep. EMILIANO Emiliano shuts the file hes been reading on Brad Armstrong. The man had been using Rodriguez International as a front for his fraudulent activities, siphoning off millions from his own charities. The nerve of this guy, Emiliano thinks, repulsed. Hes poured his heart and soul into building this bank, and hell be damned if he lets anyone tarnish its reputation. Now that Rodriguez International has put a freeze on Armstrongs accounts and wrapped up its internal investigation, the case is in the hands of the authorities. Once theyve done their part, Rodriguez International will close all accounts tied to Armstrong, making sure no one in the bank was complicit. Emiliano rises from his chair and moves to the window. He could throttle Armstrong for using his bank as a cover for his shady dealings. Hes grateful that the companys accountant noticed the discrepancies and alerted management. And hes relieved that the authorities will conduct their investigation under the radar. For now, all Emiliano can do is wait. He returns to his desk and sits. 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