CASSIE 30: Close Call
Months passed, and I kept my distance from Isabella. I stayed in the hospital to recover, letting them monitor me. I couldn’t even remember how many months had gone by. Isabella assumed I had returned to Singapore to visit my parents.
My pregnancy was already visible, though, because of what I’d endured, my womb appeared smaller than that of a typical pregnant woman. I did everything possible to protect my baby–all that mattered to me.
I made Isabella and Roxie my healthcare proxies, knowing they’d do whatever it took, to make decisions for me. I felt terrible for my best friend–she would feel completely betrayed by me.
When I finally regained enough strength, I decided to surprise Evan at his Century City office. I never imagined I was the one who’d be surprised.
I set my phone’s camera to record myself. Either for myself to watch later or anyone who might need to see it someday More importantly, I wanted to show Evan how much I care for him as my brother.
“Hey, Evan! It’s me, your beautiful sister, Cassie! I came to your office to see what I could find.” I moved the camera around.” You need to replace this indoor plant with something taller, it’s hideous! And please change that room freshener
The scent in his office made me slightly nauseated, though perhaps that was just another symptom of my pregnancy
I went on, “You need to quit smoking and find my sister–in–law, like, now!” I smiled widely, not wanting to let on that I was struggling.
My eyes wandered over the papers scattered across Evan’s big desk. They had details about shipments, weapons, rare artifacts, and, my heart skipped a beat, ‘white powder.‘ The import declarations, however, listed it all as regular merchandise for tax purposes.
I felt my stomach churn at the discovery. I carefully placed the papers back where I found them, my insides turning. I left my phone and bag on the center table across from the couch and rushed to the restroom, emptying the contents of my stomach, my mind reeling from what I had discovered.
How could Evan possibly be involved in something like this? My brother should be a good person, someone who follows the law.
I took several deep breaths to compose myself before considering my next move.
“Miss Cassie, Sir Evan has just arrived.” His assistant knocked gently on the restroom door.
I splashed cold water on my face, gripping the sink as I stared at my reflection, trying to pull myself together. I was torn on what to do next.
Should I just confront him? Should I tell Mom and Dad? What would this do to our family?
I knocked on his office door before pushing it open. Inside, Evan sat with two men in expensive suits; those two exchanging meaningful glances.
“Hey, Evan! Are you busy?” I called out, trying to sound casual. “I was hoping to steal you away for lunch–that’s why I dropped by unannounced.”
He gave a subtle, almost unreadable look to his companions.
“You’ve been here for a while?” he asked.
“Not really…” I said, steadying my voice. “I was thinking I might invite Isabella instead. She’s going through a lot lately. especially with all the legal trouble involving her cousin, Charlotte.”
At the mention of Charlotte’s name, the two men visibly tensed.
“Cassie, why does your face look different? Are you okay?” Evan noticed.
“Just busy and running on no sleep,” I said, fabricating a story to divert his attention. “My agent set a target weight that I’ve been struggling to achieve. But don’t worry–I have a doctor’s appointment.”
I tried to make my voice sound convincing, but I could feel the lie eating away inside me.
“You should rest. Take care of yourself.” He pulled a bank card from his pocket and handed it to me. “Enjoy your day with Isabella.”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “It seems you’re busy so that I won’t keep you.”
He returned my nod. “Yes… I’m working on an important project. I’m sorry about lunch.”
Before I could say anything more, he stepped closer and kissed me on the forehead. “Say hi to Isabella for me.”
“I will,” I managed.
I grabbed my phone and bag, carefully controlling my emotions so he wouldn’t see through my façade.
Only after arriving at Isabella’s apartment did I realize my phone had continued recording long after I’d left it on the center
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CASSIE 30 Close Cal
table With shaky hands, I hit play until I heard Even talking with the two men about his plan.
He intended to help Charlotte Prescott.
“If the authorities discover this operation, we’re finished” one man hissgr
“Charlotte’s been involved in this business from the start, Evan explained coldly “She’s threatening to expose everything, all the illegal activities we’ve been conducting, if we don’t help her from her current situation. We must ensure her safety Besides, I need that woman for reasons of my own.”
My phone had video recorded everything–the documents, the conversation between Evan and those two men, and his exchange with me.
I was terrified. Shaking, I turned my phone off and considered leaving it in the mailbox
Maybe it was the fear, the emotional and physical toll catching up to me, but my body suddenly felt weak. While resting at Isabella’s apartment, I noticed a thin stream of blood trailing down my legs.
Barely holding it together, I called 911, then quickly dialed Dr. Quinn. Everything started spinning, and the edges of my vision went dark
That was the last thing I remembered.
When consciousness finally returned to me, Asher and Isabella were in my hospital room. Asher’s eyes were swollen and red from crying.
“Wh–what happened to me?” I asked Isabella
“Why didn’t you tell me? And that you’re pregnant?” Isabella’s voice trembled with concern and betrayal.
“How’s my baby?” I asked, fear spiraling through my chest as my palm instinctively moved to protect my lower abdomen. As she spoke, Isabella struggled to hold it together, tears streaming down her face.
“Th–they said you had a hemorrhage. The doctors said it was a major factor in your condition.” Her voice cracked before she went on. “They asked if they should still prioritize the baby, and as your proxy, I–I decided right then to save the baby.” A heart–wrenching sob tore her heart.
“Because I knew you put me in that position for a reason…”
She was entirely right. I trusted her completely. But now, she was crying for me, broken.
She managed through her tears, “The baby’s safe… but what about you, my Cassie? Why are you doing this to me?”
I gently reached for her head, caressing her with gratitude and the weight of my apologies.
“You did a great job, babe…” I whispered, forcing a smile.
Asher stood there, frozen at the foot of the bed, like some statue of regret and shock. I watched him, almost like he was just some stranger.
The realization struck me with perfect clarity: I didn’t feel a thing for him anymore.
Maybe the cancer was still growing inside me, but the pain I once carried for him…. that was already gone.
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