Chapter 2: Cassie
1152 Words
Cassie’s POV
I did not sleep.
Every time I tried to close my eyes, I saw him standing in the kitchen like nothing ever happened.
He was alive and healthy, I still didn’t understand why. When I asked how, he didn’t give me an answer. He only chuckled and called it fate.
But, today is a new day, I assured myself.
I slipped out of bed to the bathroom to clean myself up before I went to check on Dottie.
She was already awake when I entered her room, her grey hair catching the light.
“Dottie,” I smiled, walking towards her.
“Darling,” she opened her arms before enveloping me into a warm embrace.
I melted into her arms without permission.
“Sleep well?” She asked, pulling back to see my face.
“Yes I did,” I answered quickly.
“Don’t lie to me, those big dark circles around your eyes aren’t decoration,” she said after taking a moment to study me.
I took a deep breath, “I didn’t sleep well but I’ll be fine.”
I smiled to reassure her.
“That’s better, my caretaker would not be walking round the house looking like she saw a ghost,” Dottie laughed.
I almost laughed too, almost.
“Let’s go have breakfast,” I said to her and I helped her up.
***
I came to a halt when I saw Kai already at the dining table.
He was real.
“Why did you stop?” Dottie said to me, which caught Kai’s attention.
“…Nothing,” I said quickly and pushed myself to move again.
Kai looked up from his plate.
His eyes met mine.
My chest tightened.
He didn’t say anything, just locked eyes on me.
“Morning,” I muttered and guided Dottie to her seat.
I helped her sit and took the chair beside her. Kai sat across from us, quiet, watching.
Dottie picked up her spoon. “You both look like you fought in your sleep.”
“I slept fine,” Kai said.
I did not say anything.
The weather didn’t have to get hot before I felt heat at the table. The room felt too big for three people and the metal clinking kept ringing in my head.
I wanted to explode. It felt like I was choking.
I looked up. Kai was already looking at me, studying me like he was planning his next attack on me.
I smiled awkwardly and started eating.
“So,” Dottie said, breaking the silence. “Cassie, I hope you are getting used to the house.”
“I am,” I said. “It’s… big.”
“That is because my grandson has no wife and too much space,” she said.
I choked on my tea and chuckled.
Kai frowned. “I don’t need a wife.”
“Come on, everyone needs someone at some point,” Dottie continued.
“I have you and I need no one else.”
“I won’t be here all the time,” Dottie said. “I may die tomorrow.”
“No, don't say that,” I said quickly. Kai shot me a look that made me feel unwelcome.
“What,” she shrugged. “It is true.”
Kai did not take his eyes off me for long. Every time I looked up, he was already looking.
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
I froze.
Dottie noticed. “You can answer it, darling.”
I pulled it out under the table.
It was Adrian.
I stood up. “I’ll be back.”
I walked out into the hallway and answered.
“Cassie,” Adrian said. “When are you getting paid?”
“I’ve only been here two weeks,” I said quietly.
“So when is it coming.”
“End of the month.”
There was a pause. “I’m at the grocery store right now.”
I should’ve known my boyfriend called for money. He never called me for anything different and never gives me anything either, other than an increased blood pressure.
I closed my eyes. “With what money.”
“My card… I forgot it at home.”
I knew he was lying. He always forgot something when he had nothing.
“How much,” I asked.
“One grand.”
For groceries?
I swallowed. “I’ll send it.”
“Good,” he said quickly. “I knew I could count on you.”
The call ended.
I stared at my screen for a second before walking back.
When I reached the dining room, Kai was standing.
“I need water,” Dottie said. “Cassie.”
“I’ll get it,” I said.
I went into the kitchen and filled a glass.
When I turned around, Kai was there, blocking the doorway.
My heart jumped.
I should get used to this already.
“You spend money fast,” he said.
“I wasn’t talking to you.”
“You were talking about money.”
“So you were eavesdropping?” I asked.
“It’s my house,” he said in defense.
“And it’s my money, so.”
“You get paid for working here.”
“For taking care of your grandmother.”
“Which means it comes from me.”
I lifted the glass. “I don’t need your permission to help my boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend?” he repeated slowly.
“Yes.”
He laughed, my cheek burned.
“Poor guy, his real love just hasn’t accepted him yet.”
“I’d rather be with him than a heartless motherfucker.”
“Anything to suit your ego.” He said, slipping his hands into his pocket.
He looked at me for a long moment. “Does he help you too?”
I said nothing. I knew what he was doing and I wouldn’t allow it.
Adrian’s a good man and I wouldn’t let this psycho get into my head and manipulate me.
Who did he think he was?
His jaw tightened.
“You should not be distracted,” he said. “My grandmother needs full attention.”
“She has it and if you would excuse me,”
“Good.”
I tried to step past him.
He did not move.
I tried my best to keep calm.
“Kai.” I shot him a look.
“Do not bring your problems into my house.” He whispered.
I met his eyes. “You already are my problem.”
He stared at me.
Then he stepped aside.
I walked past him with the water.
Dottie smiled when I handed it to her. “Thank you, darling.”
Kai sat back down.
Breakfast ended in silence.
When I cleared the plates, my chest felt heavy.
Living with him was already harder than I thought.
And it had only been one morning.
- Writer
