Chapter 34 CASSANDRA Cassandra wakes up the next morning to the sound of Alexs cries. She glances over to Emilios side of the bed, finding it empty. Her heart sinks. He didnt come home last night. She pulls on her robe and goes to comfort Alex. Mommys here, sweetie, she whispers, lifting him from his crib. Are you hungry? As she warms up his bottle in the kitchen, she cant help but wonder why Emilio didnt come home.Its not your business, Cass, she tells herself. ~He didnt promise you anything, remember?~ She tries to convince herself of this all day. But when Emilio strolls into the penthouse late in the afternoon, she cant help but confront him. Where were you all night? Emilio looks worn out, his eyes shadowed, and hes in a different suit than the one he wore yesterday. He must have showered somewhere else. Please, God, dont let him have been with another woman. I couldnt handle that. You couldve at least called, Cassandra says, her voice a mix of anger and worry. Emilio gives her a slow smile. I missed you too, he says, heading to the bar to pour himself a drink. The nerve of him. She spent the night worried sick, tossing and turning, imagining all sorts of scenarios about where he might be and what he might be doing. And now he just smiles at her like nothing happened. This isnt a joke, Emiliano. Im serious. They invented thisshe holds up her phonefor a reason. Im sorry I didnt call. He sinks onto the couch. Work kept me late, and by the time I looked at the clock, it was past midnight. I didnt want to wake you. If only he knew she barely slept at all. A text wouldve been enough. Despite everything, Cassandra feels a wave of relief. Knowing he was tied up with work and not with some other woman eases her mind. You look tired, she says. Didnt sleep muchhad a lot of work to sort out. He cant keep doing this to himself. The human body has its limits. Emiliano Is Alex asleep? he interrupts. Yes, but I really think Were going out tonight, he cuts her off again, clearly not wanting to have the conversation shes trying to start. Cassandra sighs. Where to? Charity ball. Ill call the same babysitter as last time. In the meantime, come here. She gives in to him, and soon hes inside her, driving her to heights only he can reach. After several intense, sweaty minutes, they lie spent in each others arms. Cassandra wonders if she should tell him she missed her pill yesterday…No, no! she thinks. She missed it today too. What is she doing? She was supposed to pick up her new pack from the pharmacy yesterday, but she completely forgot. Her worries about Emilio took precedence over everything else, and now theyve made love again without any protection. Shes getting careless around him. Her cell phone rings from downstairs, and she rushes to answer it. Its the pharmacy. No, I didnt forgetI got held up. Can you deliver it to me? To the address on file? Yes. Sure thing, maam. Have a good day. Thanks for calling. Who was that? Emilio asks from behind her. The pharmacy, she whispers. Pharmacy? he echoes, a frown creasing his forehead. What did they want? Why does he get to question her when she cant question him? How is that fair? Cassandra…? His voice makes her jump. Why did they call you? I forgot to pick up my birth control pills, so they called to confirm they can deliver them. A heavy silence fills the room. Cassandra wonders whats going through Emilios mind. He just stares at her, and its making her nervous. I hope youre still taking your pill. His voice is devoid of emotion. I can trust you, right? We havent been using protection. We dont need another baby right now. Cassandras heart sinks. His words feel like a punch to the gut. You dont have to worry, Emiliano. I know not to get pregnant; youve told me enough times. Its hard to forget. I know you dont want another baby. Emilio comes over to her and lightly touches her cheek, then her hair, then her neck. He traces her mouth with his thumb and gently pulls her closer. This sweet, delicious mouth of yours wouldnt lie to me, would it? Cassandras response is swallowed by his kiss, and she knows arguing with him is pointless. Shell only end up losing. Emilio takes her right there on the plush carpet of the living room. Later, as shes putting on her makeup for the charity ball, her cell phone rings again. Its a number she doesnt recognize. Hello…? Hey, Cass, its Emily. Remember me? Mr. Smiths assistant at the bankhow could she forget? Cassandra is surprised to hear from her and wonders if Jake finally asked her out. Yes, I remember. How are you? Im good, and you? Im fine, but Im guessing you didnt call just to chat, Emily. Sounds good. How about lunch tomorrow? I need to chat with you. Cassandras curiosity is piqued. Sure, where should we meet? Bryant Park sound good? Say, around noon? Sounds perfect. See you then. Cassandra hesitates before asking, Is everything okay? Yeah, everythings fine. Have a good night. You too, Cassandra replies, ending the call. Just then, Emilio walks in, asking, Ready to go? Hes looking sharp in his black suit, and his cologne smells so intoxicating that she has to resist the urge to rush over and wrap her arms around him. Youre stunning, Cassie, he compliments. Tonight, Cassandra is wearing a gunmetal-colored, off-the-shoulder dress that hugs her curves and accentuates her slim waist. Her hair is down, and shes wearing the diamond necklace and earrings Emilio gifted her on their yacht trip. Shes paired the dress with gray high heels and a petite evening purse. Thank you, she manages to say, her breath catching in her throat. Title: A Tangle of Love (English-dubbed) In "A Tangle of Love," a captivating romance unfolds within a unique observation show where participants navigate intricate relationships, love triangles, and power dynamics. Set against the backdrop of modern-day complexities, this ongoing series delves into themes of reincarnation, revenge, and personal transformation. Follow the journey of diverse characters as they grapple with misunderstandings and emotional conflicts while vying for love and success. As the drama unfolds, one couple emerges from the chaos, showcasing a remarkable glow-up that defies expectations. What sets "A Tangle of Love" apart is its blend of billionaire lifestyles, contemporary romance dynamics, and the allure of second chances. Dive into this enthralling narrative available to read online at CrushReel for a compelling exploration of love's complexities in a world where power and passion collide.