Chapter 15
1086 Words
I tried to contact the stranger's number but was surprised when it suddenly went out of coverage area.
I just stared at my phone in dismay, but my heart suddenly beat faster when Mom called.
I took a deep breath before answering her call. "Mom, did you call?"
"Is what's on the news true, Eli?" I could hear the intense worry in my mother's voice.
I glanced at the time and decided to go home first. I'll probably just take a taxi home since Cassian isn't in the mood today because of the big mess I'm in. I'm wondering what Mr. Robert is thinking about me. I have no face to show him.
"Let's talk, Mom. Wait for me there, okay?" I answered and quickly hung up the call.
I didn't need to wait for Cassian because I know I'm nothing to him anymore because of the huge damage I've done. The question is, who was the scoundrel who leaked that video footage? I thought about it and suddenly the woman who was ranting earlier came to my mind, did she have something to do with it?
Even though I was a little dizzy, I tried to stay calm and be careful not to give in to what was happening. For now, I want to feel Mom's embrace, hoping that through her embrace, I can alleviate some of the problems that seem to be slowly weighing on my chest which is not healthy for me.
"Little one, I'm so sorry. I don't think I can reach your dad anymore. I don't know what your future will be like if your Uncle Cassian ever gets angry."
I just found myself crying as I left my office. When I glanced at some of Cassian's employees, I couldn't miss the strange looks they gave me, and then I heard some whispers.
I walked with my head down until I finally got out of the building.
"Ma'am, why are you alone?" I looked up at the guard and smiled weakly.
"I'm just in a hurry because I have somewhere urgent to be," I answered him.
The guard scratched his neck. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but Mr. Smith strictly forbids you from leaving without him."
I was shocked at what I heard from the guard. What else does Cassian need from me when his reputation is ruined because of me?
"Please, Mrs. Smith, just go back inside the building. We're sure to get in trouble if we don't follow the CEO of Delaware Enterprises' wishes."
"Okay," I simply answered.
But I suddenly felt dizzy so I rubbed my forehead. I stopped walking for a moment, my vision seemed to be spinning along with the sudden cramping in my stomach. Then, the next thing I knew, darkness consumed my consciousness.
"Mrs. Smith!" The last scream I heard, which I think was the guard.
—————
I woke up in a hospital? I furrowed my brows and looked around the private suite where I was.
"Please, avoid stressing the patient. It's a good thing that the child in her womb is holding on tightly."
Then I noticed a doctor talking to Cassian.
"She's awake!" I could see the shock in the doctor's elderly face.
Cassian looked serious, his usual stern demeanor back in place.
"How are you feeling, Mrs. Smith? Any pain?" the doctor asked me.
"My whole body aches, Doc."
"You need more rest. Avoid stress, it's not good for the baby. Do you understand, Mrs. Smith?"
"Yes, Doc. Thank you."
The doctor left shortly after. "Starting tomorrow, you'll be at home. No work."
I nodded. Cassian left, leaving me feeling anxious and unsure. What were his plans?
The door opened again, revealing Stella and Mom.
"Gosh, Eli!" Stella exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Mom, Stella..."
Mom rushed to my side and hugged me tightly. "I thought something terrible had happened to you. You fainted, right?"
"Yes, but I'm okay now."
"Did you and Cassian fight?" Stella asked, her eyes filled with concern.
"Just a little argument. What do you expect? He questioned me about the video. It clearly showed me kissing a masked man in a dark place," I explained.
"Can you handle this, Eli?" Mom asked.
"I brought this on myself. I can handle it, Mom. Especially since I wasn't honest with Cassian."
"I understand Cassian. His reputation and the Delaware company are at risk because of this scandal. But if you can't handle it, let's just leave. You can file for divorce."
"There will be no divorce between you and Cassian, especially since it's a contract marriage, right?" We both turned to the door of my private suite as we heard Mr. Robert Smith's familiar voice.
"But, Mr. Smith… I mean, D—Dad. A—Adultery is my sin in that scandal, and Cassian can still do what he wants," I stammered, feeling ashamed.
"He has no choice but to follow my wishes," Dad said, his voice firm and unwavering. Mom and Stella exchanged worried glances.
I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. Then, I felt Mom squeeze my hand, as if to remind me that we were in this together.
"God will never give us anything we can't handle, Eli."
"Listen to your mother, Eli," Dad said, his voice filled with paternal authority.
I looked down at my stomach, picturing my child growing inside. "Just think of this as being for your child's future. Do you understand what I mean, Eli?"
I met Dad's serious gaze, seeing the deep concern in his eyes for me.
I feel incredibly fortunate. God has given me people who truly love and care for me and my unborn child.
"Yes, Dad. For my child, I'll do anything," I told Mr. Smith. Even though it felt awkward to call him "Dad," it was what I needed to do.
"I won't be here long. I need to call a press conference to clear the air. Don't worry about Ms. Liberty's claims. No one will believe her, she's obsessed with Cassian. We'll make it look like she used AI to slander him."
"But... Dad... that's not right," I protested, feeling uncomfortable with his plan.
"I'll do anything to protect Delaware Enterprises and my son's reputation. I have to go," Mr. Smith said. We watched him leave the private suite.
I don't know what's waiting for me when I leave this room. Mr. Smith might be able to spin a lie, but he can't hide the truth from Cassian.
- Writer
