Page 16 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

Finally, the SUV pulls up to the private entrance of our hotel. Cass’s manager checks the area, signaling us to get out. “Alright, go straight in. I’ll get you all settled upstairs.”

We step out, and I glance at Cass, a flicker of uncertainty tightening in my chest. This world of polished luxury and endless excess feels foreign, almost alien. And while a part of me hates that I feel so cautious, another part feels drawn to him, to the way Cass navigates this life with such ease. There’s so much between us—so much I can’t say.

As we step into the elevator, Cassidy stands between us, looking back and forth with a grin. “This is… wow, just wow. I didn’t think my first time in New York City would be like this.”

I give her a smile, smoothing a stray strand of her hair as she glances at me. “It’s a special trip, Cassidy. And I’m sure your dad will be arranging some time for you to experience what it offers.”

I can tell my words make an impression on Cass because he meets my gaze with a hint of gratitude and approval glimmering in his eyes. There’s so much history between us. But for now, I let the elevator doors slide shut, taking us up to the unknown.

The doors open, and we step directly into the penthouse. I feel an overwhelming blend of awe and discomfort. The room’s floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the iconic New York City skyline. It’s breathtaking, but this world could pull Cassidy in fartoo easily, with its glittering surface hiding the cold, unyielding reality beneath. I’ve seen what it can do to people–what it did to me. I don’t want that for her.

My daughter, on the other hand, is practically floating. Cassidy’s eyes sparkle as she darts from one end of the suite to the other, her fingertips brushing the velvet upholstery and lingering on the cool, polished surface of the grand piano near the windows. There’s also a glossy bar that’s stocked with more bottles than I care to count. She looks back at me, her face lit with excitement, and I force a smile. She deserves a moment of wonder, even if my heart aches watching her so captivated by this decadent life.

Derrick walks in behind us, his footsteps silent on the thick carpet. “Top-floor penthouse. Only the best for our superstar,” he says, his tone harsh as he waves a hand at the opulent room. “Cass said you’ll be staying through the weekend.” His eyes narrow as they settle on me, and I feel the judgment in his gaze. He’s assessing me, trying to determine my intentions and my weaknesses.

“Is this… really all for us?” Cassidy asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cass smiles, glancing down at her with pride. “Of course, Cassidy. Only the best.” He glances at me, almost as if he’s hoping I’ll join in on their excitement, but all I feel is a sense of unease.

Derrick clears his throat, the sound sharp and deliberate, and when I look over, he’s holding a mid-sized envelope, an official-looking paper sticking out the top.

“Before you get too comfortable, there’s just one thing we need to handle.” He nods toward Cass and Cassidy, his sneer barely hidden, his eyes cold. “I thought it would be best to get this out of the way. It’s a paternity test, just so there’s no question.”

Cassidy looks up at Cass, confused. “What’s that?”

Cass kneels, his voice gentle as he looks at her. “It’s just a little test, Cassidy. It’s to show everyone that you’re my daughter. Nothing more.”

Cassidy nods, still slightly confused but trusting him. She glances up at me, and I swallow, giving her a reassuring nod. Derrick watches the exchange, a frown settling on his face as he hands the envelope to Cass.

“It’s simple,” Derrick says, his voice curt. “Just a quick swab from both of you to confirm everything. I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings here, Cass.”

I see Cass stiffen slightly, but he keeps his gaze steady. “There won’t be any, Derrick. Cassidy’s my daughter, and I don’t need a test to tell me that.”

The tension in the room feels thick, pressing down on us as Cass and Derrick exchange a silent standoff. Oblivious to the subtext, Cassidy watches them both with wide eyes, herexcitement dimming slightly. I feel a surge of protectiveness rise up, wanting to shield her from this strange new world where everything—people, intentions, and even a child’s parentage—can be questioned and dissected.

I force a smile, not wanting Cassidy to sense my fears. My head tells me that a paternity test is logical, but my heart feels bruised that there’s even a hint of doubt.

After they finish the test, Cassidy walks toward the balcony, Cass following her. Soon, their lowered voices float back into the room through the open sliding doors. My heart clenches at the sight of them together, so naturally connected, but a nagging worry lodges itself in my mind. I know from experience that fame has a way of blinding people.

Derrick watches, his calculating gaze flitting between Cass and Cassidy, his lips tightening slightly as if the sight of her disrupts his carefully curated plans while coldly ignoring me. Finally, he speaks up, “Cass, you have soundcheck in half an hour. Better head down soon. Also, Pixie is in town, she asked about a party–”

Cass walks back into the room, cutting him off. “No, Derrick, please tell her I’m unavailable.” He looks down at Cassidy by his side with a quick grin. “You ready to see how it all works backstage?”

Cassidy’s face lights up with excitement, and I have to remind myself that I wanted her to have this experience, that she deserves to know her father and be part of his life. But watchingthem walk away together, the gulf between my life and his feels impossibly wide. I stand there alone in the suite, wondering if I’m already losing her to her father and this lifestyle.

I take a deep breath, trying to push away my unease as I trail behind them.

When we arrive at the venue, we follow Cass to where his band is waiting. The stage setup is a whirlwind of activity, with lights being tested, speakers humming, and roadies hauling equipment. Sam, our old friend, greets us with a wide grin, his face lighting up when he sees us with Cass.

“Kendrick!” he says, his tone warm. “Feels like the old days, doesn’t it?”

I smile, a bit unsure. “Yeah, a little. It’s been—a long time.”

Cassidy bounces on her heels, barely able to contain her excitement. She looks around, taking in everything—the equipment, the instruments, the endless rows of empty seats waiting to be filled. Sam grins down at her, then shoots Cass a knowing look, one that makes my stomach twist. He’s seen us from the beginning, back when everything was different, back when it felt like we could conquer the world together–when Cass and I were in love.

Cass glances my way, curiosity flickering in his expression. “What do you think, Kendrick? It’s a little different from before, isn’t it?”

I nod, forcing a smile. “A lot different.”

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