Chapter 16
1002 Words
The doctor finally released me to go home after a day in the hospital. She emphasized the importance of avoiding stress, as it was the trigger for my fainting spell. Mom and Celestina were there to help me settle back in.
"It's good to have you home," Celestina said.
"Cassian?" I asked.
"Mr. Smith hasn't been home for a few days, ma'am," Celestina replied.
Mom and I exchanged a worried look. "Let Cassian be," Mom said.
I sighed deeply. We slowly walked up the grand staircase of the house.
"Take it slow," Mom reminded me. It felt strange. Knowing Cassian was gone brought a wave of sadness.
"Mom, can you find out where Cassian is? I'm really worried about him," I confessed.
Mom stared at me intently. "Don't tell me you're falling for Cassian?" Her eyes widened with surprise.
"I don't know, Mom. Maybe it's just guilt. It's not easy to ruin Cassian's reputation and the Delaware company because of someone like me, someone so careless."
"Don't say that. It's me who's hurting, Eli. Remember, I'm your mom and I hurt for you, sweetie. Please, stop thinking about things that stress you out. Remember, you're not supposed to be stressed."
When we reached my room, Mom helped me lie down. I leaned back against the headboard.
"Just tell me what you want to eat."
"I want dragon fruit, Mom."
"Okay, I'll go buy some. Celestina will take care of you here, okay?"
I smiled at Mom. "Thank you, Mom."
I watched her leave my room.
I let out a heavy sigh and looked at my phone, hoping to contact the real father of my child.
I decided to call the stranger's number again, but it was still out of service. A wave of sadness washed over me.
I put down my phone and closed my eyes for a moment. I fell asleep.
I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I looked at the clock and saw it was time for lunch.
I was surprised to see that Cassian was calling. I swallowed nervously and picked up the phone.
"Cassian, why did you call?" I asked.
"Are you home?" I could hear the irritation in his voice.
"You're not home. Why?" I asked, feeling a bit hurt.
"None of your business." His voice was calm, but there was a definite edge to it.
At least, I could sense that he was concerned about me. "When are you coming home?"
Cassian didn't answer. Instead, he asked if I'd finished eating and taken the vitamins he bought for me.
My mom entered my room with a smile, carrying a tray filled with the dragon fruit I'd requested and other food. I gestured for her to come closer, and she placed the tray on the bedside table.
"Thank you, Mom."
"Who were you talking to?" she asked.
"Cassian, Mom."
"Great that he called you. So, where is he now?"
"Mom is asking where you are," I relayed to Cassian.
"Somewhere," Cassian simply replied.
"He just said 'somewhere,' Mom," I told her.
Cassian hung up the phone without saying a word. A wave of sadness washed over me, leaving me feeling empty.
"He said goodbye, Mom," I said, my voice heavy with disappointment.
"Go ahead and eat. Don't worry about Cassian. The most important thing is your health and the baby," Mom said, trying to lift my spirits.
Her words brought a small smile to my face. "Thank you, Mom."
She came over and hugged me. "My only wish is to see you happy. God is merciful, and everything you and Cassian have gone through will eventually end."
Mom stayed with me for a while, then left. I faced the food on my tray and devoured the delicious dishes, my hunger overwhelming any other thoughts.
After I finished, I decided to take the tray to the kitchen.
"I'll do it, ma'am," a maid hurried towards me.
"No, I can do it," I said with a smile.
"No, ma'am, I'll do it. Sir Robert and Sir Cassian might get mad if we let you do what you want. Plus, you're pregnant."
I furrowed my brows at her words. "I'm not going to lift heavy things in the kitchen. I can wash my own dishes. Do you want me to even do the washing for my own plate?" I asked, my voice laced with humor.
The maid scratched her head. "Mr. Smith might be angry with me, ma'am."
"My husband isn't even here. What are you talking about?"
We both turned at the sound of a clearing throat. I swallowed hard, recognizing the voice. It was Cassian. My heart leaped with joy. He was finally home. I don't know why, but I had been searching for him since last night. I wanted to see his handsome face, even if he seemed serious most of the time.
"Cassian," I murmured.
The maid bowed her head and apologized to Cassian. "Sir, Ma'am Eli is stubborn, so I let her be. I'm sorry."
"Yes, it's my fault. I insist," I said.
"Follow me," Cassian commanded, turning and starting to walk.
The maid and I looked at each other. "Thank you, Ma'am Eli," she said. I smiled at her and followed Cassian.
My heart is pounded with anxiety. We reached his office/library and went inside. He gestured towards the couch, and I sat down.
"Now tell me why you lied to Dad. You made it seem like your ex-boyfriend cheated on you, but you're the cheater? Why, Eli? To make my father pity you?"
His words felt like a punch to the heart. I stood up from the couch, angered, and met his accusing gaze.
"I don't owe you any explanation if you're too close-minded to see my side, Cassian. Believe whatever you want. But I never lied to your father!" I snapped.
I discreetly touched my stomach, which was starting to ache, but I held back a grimace. I didn't want him to think I was playing the victim.
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