After our meeting with Mr. Cheng, Cassian and I went back to his office at the Delaware building.
“Thank you. You’ve really proven yourself worthy of being my secretary,” Cassian said.
I was surprised to hear him compliment me.
“Thank you,” I replied, unable to make eye contact.
Cassian’s serious demeanor returned, making me feel a bit awkward. I watched as he walked into his office.
Back in my own office, I had a stack of work to catch up on. I sat down, leaned back in my chair, and sighed deeply.
Then the phone started ringing – one call after another.
I looked up and saw a tall, attractive woman walking towards my office. The glass door allowed me to see everything. She knocked before entering.
“Yes, come in, ma’am,” I said.
“Thank you,” she replied, pushing the door open. I noticed her eyebrow raise as she glanced at me.
“You must be the gold-digger secretary of Mr. Roberto Smith,” she said, with a hint of disgust in her voice. “Now you’re Cassian’s secretary and wife? I can’t believe Mr. Smith would marry someone like you. It’s so cheap!”
I wouldn’t let her disrespect me like that, so I stood up for myself.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” I said. “You dress like an educated person, but you’re acting incredibly rude. If you don’t have an important appointment with Mr. Smith, please feel free to leave.”
“You have no right to talk to me like that!” she snapped. “It’s no secret you only married a Smith because your mother is sick!”
“Are you leaving, or do you want me to call security?” I asked, getting annoyed.
“Really?” she asked sarcastically, scanning me from head to toe. “I can’t believe you’re married to Cassian. To be honest, you’re nothing compared to the women he’s dated before. You’re so cheap!”
I clenched my fist, trying to stay calm.
“I’m just being patient, ma’am. But the door is open, and I’m happy to escort you out myself if you don’t leave,” I said.
“You’re so brave, aren’t you?” she sneered.
“It depends on who I’m dealing with,” I replied.
“Hmm, feisty,” she said.
“I’ve been respectful, but talking down to people like that is just too much,” I said.
I grabbed the phone and called security. The security picked up quickly. “Please come to my office. There’s a crazy woman here, and I think she might have escaped from a mental institution,” I told them.
“How dare you!” she yelled. She lunged at me, but I dodged her.
“You’re so embarrassing, ma’am,” I said sarcastically. “That posture really doesn’t suit being a war-freak, does it?”
This made her even angrier.
Security arrived shortly after and came straight into my office to deal with the woman who was still making a scene.
“Get her out of here,” I told them.
“Yes, ma’am,” they responded.
“You’re such a disgrace!” she yelled.
I shook my head and massaged my temples, trying to stay calm. Then a sharp pain shot through my stomach, making me worry about the baby. I sat back down in my chair and tried to relax.
My phone buzzed. I saw it was Stella.
“Hey Stella, what’s going on? Is something wrong?” I asked, concerned.
“Have you seen the news? It’s about you. This could really hurt Delaware Enterprises. Cassian might divorce you. If that happens, Auntie Ezra won’t get her maintenance payments anymore.”
“What? What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
I winced again as my stomach cramped. I held back a groan, not wanting to worry Stella further.
Could that woman have known about this? Could this be why she was so angry?
“What news?” I asked.
“Turn on the TV and listen to what Rey, your ex, is saying. They’ve got pictures of you kissing another guy at a party. He’s saying he’s not the father of your baby – that it’s the other guy!”
My head was spinning. This was a disaster! I didn’t want the Smiths involved in this mess.
“Elizabeth, come to my office!” Cassian’s deep, booming voice echoed through the intercom.
I told Stella I had to go and ended the call.
“Yes, I’m on my way,” I said quickly.
My heart was pounding. I walked to his office and knocked.
“Come in,” he said.
I opened the door and walked into his gorgeous office.
“You needed something?” I asked.
Cassian threw a newspaper in front of me. It landed at my feet. I swallowed hard, my stomach still aching, and picked up the newspaper.
“What’s the meaning of these accusations from Mr. Rey Jones? This scandal could really damage our company! I’m so sorry, but I have no choice. I’m divorcing you.”
“Cassian…” I started, but couldn’t finish.
I wasn’t sure if I should tell him the truth, but the newspaper seemed to have all the answers.
“Mr. Jones isn’t the father. It’s this other guy you’re kissing! You can’t deny it – the pictures show you enjoying yourself. You were shameless, Elizabeth!” he said, his words like a punch to the gut.
“I can’t help what you believe. Besides, I’m trying to avoid stress because I’m pregnant. You seem to have forgotten that, Mr. Smith.”
“Get out of my office!” he roared. I flinched in fear and quickly left.
As I walked away, tears blurred my vision, I realized I was going to need help to raise this baby. The anger and disdain in Cassian’s eyes were undeniable. I wasn't perfect. I made a foolish choice in my grief, and now I’m facing the consequences of that night. The shame was heavy, but I knew I had to be strong for the child growing inside me.