THE END OF ME

Chapter 4. Three women and a lie

Cassia’s pov

A wave of satisfaction washed over me as I looked around the house. Finally having everything I’d ever wanted—it was enough to make my entire year, not just my day. “Can’t wait to be his wife and get even more,” I thought, a smug little smile tugging at my lips.

But my thoughts were cut short by a muffled sound behind me.

“My mommy…” Alina whimpered.

I rolled my eyes and turned to face her.

“Hey, Alina,” I said sweetly, crouching to her level. “Your mommy left you. She said she couldn’t take you with her… because you’re a burden.”I smiled wider as I pulled her close.

“That’s not true!” the four-year-old snapped, her tiny voice defiant.

For a second, I almost smacked the brat right then and there.

“It is true,” I said, forcing a sugary-sweet smile. “Your mommy told me you annoy her all the time. She said she couldn’t take you with her… so she left. Just like that.”

I leaned in closer, my voice dropping to a whisper.

“From now on… I’m going to be your new mommy.”

“I want my mommy, not you!” she cried, louder this time, full-on sobbing now.

“She did ask if I wanted to come with her, but Daddy didn’t let her take me!”she added

“Okay then, go look for your mommy,” I snapped, standing up in pure annoyance. Her cries only grew louder, but I didn’t care. I walked away, letting her sob like it was background noise.

I pulled out my phone, dialed Roland’s number, and of course, he picked up on the first ring.

“Come get your child,” I said with no hello. “She won’t stop crying, and honestly? I’m tired of trying.”

“I’ll be there and—”

I hung up before he could finish.A smug little grin crept onto my face as I headed to my room, doing a tiny victory dance with every step.

A call lit up my screen as I lay on the bed—Jaycee. I smiled instantly and answered without a second thought.

“Hey, babe,” I said, barely able to hide my excitement.

“Hey! What’s up? You sound extra hype today,” she said, curiosity dripping from her voice.

“I did it! I did it!” I squealed, waiting for her reaction like a kid on Christmas.

“Oh my GOD!!!” she screamed, just as hyped, and we both burst into giggles, the joy bubbling over.

“It’s like a dream come true after all these years,” she added, and I nodded even though she couldn’t see me.

“I told you I would… and I did,” I said proudly.

“Yesss! Where is he?” she asked, and I didn’t even have to think twice—I knew exactly who she meant

“Oh, he’s out. Should be back soon,” I said, rolling my eyes. “That brat just won’t shut up.”

“Wait—she didn’t take her kid with her?” Jaycee asked, surprised.

“Nope. Roland didn’t let her. Stupid of him,” I muttered. “But don’t worry, I’ll make her go to him. There is no way I’m having a child for that him while Elara’s little mistake is still under this roof. Not happening.”

“Girl… oh my God,” Jaycee breathed. “I’m so freaking happy for you.”

We practically drowned in our excitement, voices overlapping, feeding off each other’s energy like we’d just won the lottery.

“You can’t be grinning like that while Elian’s crying her lungs out in the living room,” Roland’s voice cut through the air and I froze for a beat.

“Oh—hi,” I said with a sheepish smile.

He didn’t even look at me out of the room.

“Whatever,” I muttered under my breath. “Jay, you have to get here, like right now.”

“I’m on my way,” she said.

I ended the call, slipped off the bed, and headed out of the room—time to face the noise.

Jay’s pov

I got dressed, humming to myself, ready to head over to Roland’s place and get the full tea. But just as I was slipping on my shoes, my phone rang.

Elara.

Ugh.

“What does she want now?” I muttered to no one in particular, already annoyed, but I picked up anyway.

“Hey, baby!” I answered, layering on my best fake-sweet voice like syrup.

“Hey Jay… how are you doing?” she asked.

“I’m doing great! How about you?” I replied, like I actually cared.

“I’m… not so good to be honest,” she admitted. “I need your help. Can you get Alina for me? I’m waiting at the park nearby.”

My face twisted in annoyance. What am I—her personal assistant?

“What do you mean get Alina? Aren’t you at home?”

“It’s a long story,” she sighed. “I’ll explain everything, just—please help me.”

“So you want me to go to the house right now?” I asked, even though that was literally where I was heading.

“Yes, please. Just act like you’re coming to hang out with Alina, no matter what Cassia says. I swear I’ll tell you everything. Thank you so much.”

“Okay, see ya,” I said flatly, and hung up.

“‘Help me get Alina,’” I mocked under my breath, rolling my eyes so hard I almost saw the back of my skull. Then I grabbed my bag and walked out of the house, heels clicking with purpose.