CASSIE 11: Tough Decisions
[Cassie]
Isabella is the best friend I care about the most, next to my parents.
“Baby!” I exclaimed the moment she answered the call. It’s our special term of endearment–not romantic like couples use, but a nickname that has endured since our first meeting.
“How are you?” she asked warmly.
“Overwhelmed with commitments. There’s just so much going on.” I didn’t bother going into the details about the issue at our company.
“I watched your show last week! I stayed on that live stream for two hours–you were amazing. Seriously, it’s the most stunning model out there. I’m so proud of you! I miss you terribly!”
“Aww.” Her words hit me right in the heart. I wanted to tell her everything I’d been struggling with lately, but I held back. Isabella already had enough on her plate. I didn’t want to add to it.
She went on, “Anyway, Sophia said some star from GoldenStage was seen with Asher Reid. Have you heard about that?”
“That news is already a month old,” I said, my tone a little too calm. “It’s old news.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgiven him again?”
“Absolutely not! I’m completely disinterested in whatever he does these days. It’s been a month since I moved out of the apartment, and I haven’t returned once.”
“Seriously? And Asher hasn’t even called? Hasn’t tried to win you back?” she asked, incredulous.
All Asher ever did was scold me, but I’m too embarrassed to tell Isabella. I don’t want her to think I’m that pathetic.
“Maybe because he never really loved me,” I muttered sadly. “That’s probably why explaining things didn’t matter to him. I mean it when I say it’s truly over. I’m just traveling to Singapore to resolve some outstanding matters.”
Isabella sighed. “Sometimes I wonder what would happen if our situations were reversed, if they were the ones who loved us too intensely. Maybe then they’d finally understand how much it hurts.”
I wonder about that, too.
I love that thought, making Asher fall so hard he’d finally feel what I’ve felt. But that seems impossible; more often than not, he simply doesn’t care enough.
Isabella and I continued discussing everything from fashion trends to emerging brands, upcoming projects, and random gossip the easy stuff.
And as we laughed and caught up, I knew one thing: no matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry Isabella in my heart.
***
When Evan and I arrived, my mother was the only family member in our sprawling mansion. I was informed that Father was preoccupied with “business matters,” though I knew the reality; he was with his mistress.
Mom and I sat in the garden, basking in the warm sunlight as the breeze rustled the trees and birds chirped overhead. The calm was almost deceptive.
Evan had gone off somewhere, probably enjoying another party with his friends.
“Have you truly decided to end your engagement with Asher for good?” Mom inquired, her eyes studying my expression carefully.
“Yes,” I said simply.
She sighed. “As much as I want to scold you, you’re old enough now to make your own choices.”
Guilt flickered in my chest. After all, I had chosen this path when I decided to share an apartment with Asher. My mother had initially disapproved.
“Mom, what are your genuine feelings for me as a partner about Asher?” I asked, breaking the long silence between us.
Her lips, adorned with striking crimson lipstick, compressed into a thin line as she contemplated her response.
“I like his money. Is that answer sufficient?” she replied bluntly. “If his family weren’t wealthy, I wouldn’t feel anything for him; I might not even want him near you.”
Successfully unlocked!
She sipped her tea with practiced elegance, projecting an air of calculated detachment.
I hesitated before voicing the next question that had been burning in me for years. “Why did you remain with Dad despite his permanent mistress? Was it because of his money, too?”
She looked at me closely, quietly trying to understand what I meant, but couldn’t say it out loud.
1/2
CASSIE 11: Tough Decisions
“Your dad’s infidelity began after our marriage, Cassie. I had already given birth to Evan..” She exhaled deeply, revisiting painful memories. “I cried so much from the pain. But in the end, I stayed. I accepted his betrayal because I had a son…. then had you. My love for your father slowly turned into something practical. I had to fight for our share of the wealth because I needed to protect my children. You need a father…”
She fixed me with a penetrating gaze.
“That’s precisely why I tolerated your fascination with Asher Reid from the beginning Funderstood. I knew he’d eventually change, Cassie. They all do. Men like him–like your father–they’re powerful, entitled…
“There’s no such thing as a faithful man in their world. No matter how much they claim to love their wives, there’s always that selfish, predatory side. So, I made sure that, at the very least, I’d walk away with the law and the wealth on my side–so my children would never lack anything.”
I reached across the table to grasp her hand. I understood the hardships she had endured. Had she chosen separation from Dad as she described, I would never have experienced this privileged existence. My current lifestyle would have been entirely different.
“But I’m not you, Mom,” I said softly but firmly. “I have no children with Asher. I simply no longer desire a future with him,” I stated with unwavering resolve.
Asher heard from his friends that Cassie had returned to the Monroe mansion. A sudden wave of longing washed over him as he realized she hadn’t returned to their shared villa.
This realization prompted him to inspect their home more carefully, and the truth became apparent–nearly all traces of her presence had vanished.
“Where are Cassie’s things?” he asked the villa staff members.
“Sir, there’s nothing left,” one attendant responded hesitantly. “It’s been approximately a month since I last noticed any of her possessions here.
One of the helpers added, “We did throw away some expired items.”
“What?” Asher muttered in disbelief.
He left their villa without wasting time and navigated the familiar ten–minute drive to the Monroe mansion.
Upon arriving, he was quickly let inside, as he was familiar with the household staff and security.
“Where is Cassie?” he asked, anxiety creeping into his voice.
“She’s currently in the garden, engaged in conversation with Madam Monroe,” came the prompt response.
Already familiar with the grounds, Asher made his way to the garden. When he saw Cassie there, the message she said about him was painfully clear: she no longer wanted him.
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