Chapter 35
CASSANDRA
The charity ball is buzzing with people when they arrive, and it seems like Emilio knows almost everyone. As soon as they step inside, he’s constantly being pulled aside for a chat. All the while, he keeps Cassandra close, his arm draped protectively around her waist.
Emilio is deep in conversation with a business associate when Beth and her husband approach.
“Cassandra,” Beth greets, pulling her into a hug, “you look stunning. It’s so good to see you.”
“I’m happy to see you too. I was hoping to grab a drink, but my husband seems to be tied up with work. Would you like to join me?”
Beth grins.
“Uncle, Beth,” Emilio acknowledges. He turns to Cassandra. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to interrupt,” she replies.
Beth links her arm with Cassandra’s. “Men can never put business aside, even for a moment. Come on, let’s go. I’ll introduce you to some of my friends too; they’re eager to meet Emilio’s wife.”
They slip away before Emilio can add anything else.
They find a quiet spot to chat, and Cassandra turns down the champagne Beth offers when a waiter comes by. Beth gives her a curious look.
“I wanted to talk to you privately without making Emilio suspicious,” Cassandra admits.
“About what?”
“I have a question.”
“I’m all ears.” Beth takes a sip of her drink.
“Is it possible to get pregnant right after your period?”
“Yes, it’s possible, especially if your body ovulates again six days after your period. Every woman’s body is different; remember that.”
Cassandra nibbles on her lower lip, a habit she has when she’s anxious.
“Did you have unprotected sex after your period?”
Cassandra nods and spills everything to Beth.
“It’s not your fault, Cassandra. We all forget sometimes. I’d suggest waiting a week or two before taking a pregnancy test. I’m sure if you explain to Emilio, he’ll understand; it’s not like you did it intentionally.”
He won’t see it that way.
“Thanks, Beth. Can we keep this between us? I’ll talk to Emilio when I’m certain there’s something to discuss.”
“Absolutely. In the meantime, it would be wise to use protection until you’re sure you’re not pregnant. And stop taking your pill until then too.”
The tricky part will be convincing Emilio to use protection. He’ll want to know why, and what could she possibly say?
What a mess! She thinks.
“You wanted a drink, and here you are empty-handed,” Emilio says from behind her. He flags down a passing waiter, grabs a glass of champagne from a tray, and hands it to Cassandra.
Her eyes meet Beth’s. “I… I already had a drink,” she lies, pushing the glass back at him. “I need to use the restroom.” Cassandra has no clue where the restrooms are, but she needed an excuse to avoid the champagne.
Cassandra eventually locates the ladies’ room, and when she returns, Emilio guides her to their table. Thankfully, they’re sharing a table with Beth and Luis, so she won’t feel left out of the conversation. Also at their table are an elderly man named Roman and his wife, friends of Emilio’s uncle.
A few of the ball’s organizers have already given speeches, and Cassandra learns that the money raised will go to orphaned children. Like me. She discovers when Emilio is called up to give a speech that he donated a significant amount of money.
Several more donors give speeches, followed by a live musical performance. More champagne and appetizers are brought to the table.
Cassandra was feeling at ease, even having a good time, but now she wonders how she’ll dodge this bullet. Luckily, her husband is too engrossed in the event to notice her not drinking. Until she knows for sure if she’s pregnant or not, she’ll avoid any alcohol or caffeine.
Dinner is served, and it’s delicious, but her hope that Emilio hadn’t noticed her abstinence is short-lived.
“You haven’t had a drink all night. Is something wrong?”
“No.” Cassandra gives a nervous laugh. “I just don’t feel like drinking tonight.” She doesn’t know if he believes her or not, but she hopes he does.
“Women usually don’t drink when they’re pregnant,” Roman’s wife comments. “Are you, dear?”
Cassandra looks at her, then back at Emilio. His eyes are unreadable; she can’t decipher his thoughts.
“I hope I haven’t spoiled your surprise,” the woman continues.
Cassandra knows she should say something, but words escape her.
Emilio is still holding her gaze when Beth jumps in. “It’s nothing like that, Alice. There are women who choose not to drink these days, you know, but Cassandra did have two glasses earlier.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, dear. I thought maybe you were pregnant.”
“It’s okay,” Cassandra says. “We all make mistakes.” She takes a nervous sip of her water.
Emilio remains silent for the rest of dinner, but when they hit the dance floor, he asks, “Is there something you want to tell me?”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know—that’s why I’m asking.”
“I have nothing to say, Emiliano.”
“Is there any truth to what Mrs. Hebrews suggested?” he quietly probes.
“No! This isn’t the olden days when women only abstain from drinking when they’re pregnant. I just finished my period a few days ago.”
“As I’ve told you before, I hate lies or secrets.”
Cassandra picks up on the low, cautionary tone in his voice, but she opts to stay silent.
Thankfully, the rest of the evening goes off without a hitch. It’s past midnight when they finally call it a night.
Back at the penthouse, Alex is sound asleep. Cassandra heads to the master bedroom. She undresses and slips into her nightgown. Emilio is conspicuously absent.
As she stows her jewelry in the closet, Cassandra murmurs, “Looks like I’m sleeping solo tonight.”
“You’re mistaken,” Emilio’s voice floats to her. When she steps out of the closet, he’s sprawled on the bed.
“So, you’re not planning on sneaking out in the middle of the night?”
Instead of replying, Emilio says, “Come here.” He extends his hand, and Cassandra takes it without hesitation.
She finds herself enveloped in his warm embrace, his nose buried in her hair and his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her back. They don’t speak for a while, and that’s perfectly fine. She relishes the feeling of being cradled in his arms.
Her guardian. Her husband. Her love.
EMILIANO
Emilio can’t help but wonder what’s going on in Cassie’s mind. She was unusually quiet at the charity ball.
His thoughts wander back to Mrs. Hebrews’ comment about Cassie being pregnant. A tiny part of him wonders if it could be true, if his wife has been keeping something from him. She did forget to pick up her birth control pills.
Another part of him rationalizes that she just finished her period, so it’s unlikely she’s pregnant—unless she stopped taking her pills. But she swore she hadn’t, and he trusts her.
Emiliano needs to get some sleep. His body is worn out, and it’s causing him to overanalyze everything.
He pulls Cassie closer, and she snuggles into him. He doesn’t make love to her that night, but for the first time in a while, he doesn’t have any nightmares either.
