Chapter 39 CASSANDRA Cassandra doesnt cross paths with Emilio for the rest of the day. When he finally comes home that night, he heads straight to his study. She cant help but wonder whats going on. After their argument, he seemed okay, but then he suddenly shut down and retreated to work. Now, hes avoiding her. Whats going on with him? Whats changed? She decides to confront him the next morning, but when she wakes up, hes already gone. Instead, she finds Alex lying next to her. The day drags on, quiet and uneventful, until late in the afternoon when she gets a call from Gwen. Shes in Manhattan and wants to catch up. Sure, when? How about now? Okay. With her recent conversation with Emilio still fresh in her mind, she suggests, Do you mind coming over? She knows he has good intentions, and the worry she saw in his eyes moved her. Text me your address. Ill meet you in the lobbywe have a restaurant downstairs. After ending the call, Cassandra sends Gwen the details. Fifteen minutes later, she gets a message that Gwens outside. She scoops up Alex and heads down to meet her. As always, Gwen looks gorgeous in a green dress that hugs her like a second skin. Her hair is loose, and shes wearing heels. Hi, Cass, Gwen greets her. Once theyre settled in the restaurant, she coos at Alex, Come here, you cutie. Cassandra hands him over. Hes grown so much since the last time I saw him, and he just keeps getting cuter. Hes going to be a heartbreaker like his dad. Cassandra smiles. You look amazing, Gwen. Married life seems to agree with you, and Emilio must be treating you wellyou look stunning. So, whens your wedding? You should ask Brian. Im waiting too. Cassandra laughs. Its good to see you, Gwen. Ive missed this. I dont have any friends in Seattle. When can I come visit? Anytime. Brian comes to Manhattan on weekends to visit his family. A waiter comes to take their orders, and then Cassandra asks, Hows work? Same old, same old. Nothing new. Gwen kisses Alexs cheeks. Ever thought about having your own? Cassandra asks. No, not yet. Youre so good with Alex; youd make a great mom one day. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cass. Hows everything at the bank? Im not working there anymore. I got a new job. What? Gwen exclaims softly. That makes sense, especially since youre married to the owner. Their food arrives. Exactly, Cassandra agrees once the waiter has left. So hows the good life treating you? Its okay. I just dont like how the media is always in my business. It gets exhausting. Yeah, its like they have nothing better to do than lurk around corners with a camera, ready to snap a picture. Cassandra cant help but laugh, and Gwen joins in. Just imagine: youve just woken up, still looking all sexy from the night before, and when you go to the window for some fresh air, there they are, snapping pictures. I can just see the headlines, Cassandra adds. Reporters can be a nuisance, but like us, theyre just doing their jobs. We just dont like theirs. Youre right. Who can blame them? A jobs a job, and we all need to make it in this crazy world. Just then, Alex starts getting fussy. I guess its time for his feed, Gwen says. Do you mind if I do it? Oh, shoot! Cassandra groans. What? I left his bottle upstairs. Ill be right back. It only takes a minute for Cassandra to dash upstairs to the penthouse, but when she returns, shes surprised to see her husband sitting in her chair. Emilio, what are you doing here? He stands up and kisses her cheek. Sweetheart. Im meeting a friend, and when I saw Alex, I came over. I thought this lady was you. No, I forgot Alexs bottle, so I ran to get it. This is my friend Gwen. Gwen, this is my husband, Emilio. Shes already told me. He turns to Gwen. I apologize if I was a bit abrupt. Im very protective when it comes to my wife and son. His arm wraps around Cassandras waist. Theres no need to apologize. I understand your concern; Id be worried too if I saw my child with a stranger. Emilio nods. Sweetheart, Ill see you at dinner. He kisses Cassandra and then pecks Alexs forehead. Nice to finally meet you, Gwen, he says before leaving. You too, she replies. Once her husband is out of sight, Cassandra asks, What happened? She hopes he didnt say anything to upset Gwen. How would you react if you were a rich man and you saw your son with someone you didnt know? Id be worried he was being kidnapped, Cassandra answers. He was pretty upset, but when I told him my name, he calmed down. Cassandra hands Alexs bottle to Gwen. Alex and you mean the world to him, Gwen says, her voice soft. The way he looked at me, like he was ready to breathe fire, the way his arm wrapped around you like you were his… Youre lucky, Cass. Youve got someone who cares that deeply. Cass wishes that were true. She forces a smile, not wanting Gwen to see the reality. I know, she replies. Hes ready to take on the world for you two. Who wouldve guessed the most notorious bachelor would fall head over heels and tie the knot? Emilio in love? The idea is almost laughable. Gwen adds, Hes a keeper, Cass. A man whod go to any lengths for you is worth holding onto. But how can she hold onto someone who isnt hers? How can she keep a man who could slip away at any moment? The thought scares her. Deciding to shift the focus, Cassandra says, I think its safe to say Brian feels the same about you. I cant picture my life without him, Cass. Hes my other half. Cassandra knows exactly what she means. She cant imagine her life without Emilio; he completes her world. His name is etched into her soul. Emilio comes home late that night. If hes surprised to see Cassandra still awake, he doesnt show it. She rises as he tosses his jacket and tie onto the couch. Why are you still up? he asks. You thought you could keep avoiding me. What are you talking about? Dont play dumb, Emiliano. Im talking about yesterday morning when you shut down and left. One minute we were talking, and the next you were gone. What happened? Talk to me. Theres nothing to talk about. I think there is. And why didnt you mention the bank? Who told you? he snaps, anger flaring in his eyes. Was it someone at the bank? If it was, you better tell them to start looking for a new job because if I find out who it was, theyll regret it. Cassandra can see he means every word, and for a moment, she wishes she hadnt said anything. Emiliano, Im here if you need to talk. I can see this is bothering you. Youre not even sleepinglook at the dark circles under your eyes. She steps closer, cupping his face in her hands. You dont have to carry this burden alone. Im here with you, and I always will be. Emilio pulls her into his arms, holding her tightly. She clings to him just as fiercely. Cassie… When theyre together, words arent necessary. 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