CASSIE 32: Fleeing Forward
My mother’s intentions toward me have left me feeling unsafe and vulnerable.
I’ve wanted to tell Isabella the truth so many times–that Evan had something to do with what happened to Charlotte–but the words get stuck every time.
Is Charlotte even dead? The news reports claim a woman’s body was found in the lake, but my brother’s erratic behavior suggests something else entirely.
Charlotte might still be alive; he could’ve staged the whole thing to deceive everyone.
According to my mother, Evan traveled North recently. We have no connections there, no reason for him to go, which only deepens my suspicion.
Sharing this information with Isabella could place her in grave danger, especially since I don’t know who might be working with Evan.
We’re both pregnant, and I had to do whatever felt safest. That’s why I planned my escape from Century City.. but all I told Isabella was that it had something to do with Asher.
“We need to act like we’re just attending another charity function,” Isabella told me. “But are you absolutely certain about this, Cassie?”
I nodded. “Babe, there’s something important you should know.”
“What is it?”
My lips trembled as I nearly revealed the truth about her cousin. Isabella already carries so much emotional weight, as heavy as my own burden. Fear constricted my throat, silencing the words I needed to say.
Instead, I confessed a different truth–one that still mattered. “Asher isn’t the father of my baby.”
“What?” she nearly shouted, eyes wide. Then she quickly lowered her voice. “Oh, Cassie…”
When she wrapped her arms around me, I finally felt safe.
“My parents want the baby gone,” I confessed. “They care more about protecting my image than understanding what I’m going through. That’s why I had to leave. My baby isn’t safe there, Issa… and I don’t even know if Asher truly wants to claim this child as his. I feel like he’s losing his mind.”
“Oh my God… Cassie. Then who’s the father of the baby?” Isabella asked softly.
I felt the sadness swell in my chest before I could even answer.
“Ronan Carter…”
Isabella’s brow furrowed in confusion. She quickly pulled out her phone and searched for his name. Her brows lifted slightly as she read. “It says here he’s a low–profile billionaire financier?”
Her gaze met mine again, full of confusion.
“How did you… I mean, I always thought you were completely in love with Asher.”
I shut my eyes, feeling that all–too–familiar weight in my chest. Every time Asher’s name came up, my energy slowly leaked
out of me.
“Can we not talk about him right now? Like we always agree to?” I whispered, forcing a weak smile. “But what about you, Issa? Are you sure you want to leave Century City with me? What about your career? Your personal engagement?” “Cassie, we only have each other right now. Did you seriously think I would abandon you? I’ve already enrolled in design classes online. I can complete them from anywhere,” she murmured, brushing hair from my face as she h Then added, “I don’t need anything from this place now.”
velry
- me.
Tears welled in my eyes at the warmth in her voice. She kissed the top of my head.
“I’d follow you to the moon if I had to. You’re not going through this alone.”
“I love you, Issa… Please let Roxie know what’s happening so she doesn’t worry.”
“Of course I will,” Isabella promised. “Though she’s going through her own personal crisis right now. I heard her brother recently passed away.”
I was just really thankful to have my friends bater
each other up. Isabella is facing her struggles Successfully unlocked!
our heartaches and conflicts, we still held
own battles, and Roxie is dealing with Gideon.
I closed my eyes, trying to gather whatever strength remained in me, even as exhaustion pulled at every fiber of my being.
***
Meanwhile…
1/2
CASSIE 32. Fleeing forward
Days later, as Ronan was about to get into his car, he heard Isabella’s voice calling out to him
“Mr. Carter
He turned and saw Isabella standing a few meters away at the entrance of the office building her expression firm, even though the security guard was stopping her from getting any closer
“I need to talk to you about Cassie.” Isabella’s voice was firm, but her expression was weary
For a moment, Ronan considered brushing her off. He’d made a point of distancing himself from anything that had to do with Cassie, he needed that space to heal his broken heart. But something in Isats unwavering stance made him stop and think momentarily.
After hearing about her upcoming marriage to Asher Reid, he’d done his best to stay away. The only thing his team reported back was whether she was alright.
When they told him she’d been hospitalized, he nearly broke his own rule. The idea of her going through something alone almost made him want to rush to her side, hold her hand, whatever it took.
But he held back, knowing Asher was there with her. His presence around Cassie would bring back the pan he saw in her eyes the last time they crossed paths.
He had to fight the urge to reach out.
“What I’m about to tell you is important, Isabella pressed.
After a moment’s hesitation, Ronan nodded. “Get in the car.”
He told his staff to give them some space, whatever this conversation was about, it was clearly something that shouldn’t be overheard.
Once inside, Isabella spoke up again, her voice breaking slightly. “I learned from Roxie about the truth of your relationship with my best friend. And I came here because I know you love her, and right now, she desperately needs you.”
Her voice trembled with emotion, as if struggling to keep her composure.
“Isn’t Asher taking care of her?” Ronan asked, his brow furrowed.
“Asher’s only there because of his guilt over what happened with my best friend. Look, we need your help. I’m trying to get Cassie safely to a new location, and you’re the only person with the resources who might help us, Isabella explained, her voice urgent.
Ronan’s confusion deepened. “What exactly are you trying to tell me, Ms. Prescott?”
“I’m trying to help Cassie escape, and only a handful of trusted people know about this plan,” she replied.
Ronan’s eyes narrowed. “Why? What’s going on? Why would Cassie need to escape?”
“Because she no longer feels safe in Century City, Isabella stated,
Before Ronan could even wrap his head around the words, Isabella dropped the final bomb.
“Listen, Mr. Carter. Cassie… she’s pregnant with your child.”
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