Page 24 of Finding Forgiveness
“She is not going anywhere with that man,” Amanda yells.
“Your daughter is an adult, Doctor Lewis, you cannot keep her here against her will.”
“She is under my care.”
The officer ignores her and turns his attention back to Cassie. “Do you need to go back inside and pack your things?”
“She’s not taking anything from this house,” Amanda spits.
“She’s allowed to grab her personal belongings.”
“Her father and I have funded her lifestyle, she owns nothing … she isnothingwithout us.”
Cass bows her head, which I can only presume is in shame. “You’re wrong,” I say, in Cassie’s defence. “She will shine without you holding her back, you just watch.” And I mean what I say. I know the real Cassandra Lewis, and she’s kick-arse.
Chapter7
Cassie
My hands are still shaking as I sit in the back of the police car with Connor. We’re on our way to his parents’ house, and I have mixed feelings about being here. Do I want to be with the Maloneys?Hell yes.Will I regret coming here? Probably.
I’ve always yearned to be part of their family—as Mrs Connor Maloney more specifically—but I’ve hurt this man way too much over the years for that dream to ever come to fruition. Jaz is like a sister to me, and her parents are the most loving and nurturing people I know. It’s the backlash from my mother that terrifies me the most. She won’t let this go; I know it. She has way too much to lose if the truth ever gets out.
“How are you holding up?” Connor asks, reaching for my hand and wrapping it in his. He’s been so sweet with me over the past couple of days, I don’t deserve his kindness after the things I’ve done.
“I’m okay,” I lie.
His thumb sweeps back and forth across my knuckles as we sit here. That move has tears stinging the back of my eyes. “Everything will work out, Cass, I promise.” As scared as I am about what’s to come, I feel safe in this moment with him by my side.
I give him a tight smile before turning my head to gaze out the window. I’m not sure if things will ever be okay. Is it even possible to unpack the amount of baggage I carry around? I can’t undo the past. Nothing will right the wrongs that have been committed against us both, and my heart breaks for him and all the things he doesn’t know.
The rest of the drive is travelled in silence, but his hand still clutches mine, and that sweet constant movement of his thumb is somewhat comforting. He doesn’t let go until the police car pulls alongside the kerb in front of his parents’ house. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, and I’ve missed this place. It was the closest I had to a real home growing up.
He exits the vehicle, and I slide across the seat to find him waiting there with an extended hand. I give him an unsure smile as I allow him to help me from the car. He thanks the officers before retrieving my suitcase from the boot.
It was awkward having one of the officers stand at my bedroom door watching me pack, especially when it came to grabbing all my undergarments out of the drawer. My mother tried to follow me upstairs, but the other officer ordered her to stay put.
I jammed in as much as I could, but it was only a fraction of my extensive wardrobe. Thankfully, I had enough sense to empty the contents of my jewellery box inside the case. I may need to pawn some of it since I’m moving to Peasantsville. It’s a place I never wanted to end up, but I’m now realising that being poor is a small price to pay to be out from underneath that woman’s clutches.
We only make it halfway up the driveway before my bestie comes barrelling out of the house. “Cassie,” she cries as she sprints towards me. I move away from Connor, heading in her direction, practically falling into her open arms.
Saying goodbye to her at the hospital was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I wasn’t sure if I’d get to see her again. When my mother practically tore me from her embrace and marched me down the corridor, I felt like I was being led away to the gallows.
Even if my reprieve turns out to be short lived, I’m so glad to be here with the Maloneys for now.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Grace asks as she places a chicken schnitzel sandwich down in front of me.
“No thank you. I’m good.”
“Okay, sweetie,” she says, smoothing her hand over my hair before leaning down to place a kiss in its wake.
Everyone has been so wonderful since I arrived. Jacinta’s mum cried and hugged me so tight when I walked through the front door.“I can’t even tell you how happy I am to see you, my precious girl. I’ve been going out of my mind with worry,”she had said. I know she was the one who found me and initially stayed by my bedside until Connor got there, and I will forever be grateful to her for that. She is the kind of mother I’ve always wished I had.
It is just the three of us women in the kitchen. Connor has moved into the front room with his dad, Mason, and Blake. I’m grateful for the reprieve. Initially, I had the six of them sitting around the table watching me. It was daunting to say the least.
Picking up half of my sandwich, I bring it to my mouth. Food is the last thing I feel like, but Grace went to the trouble of making it for me, so the least I can do is eat it. Or try to. I take a tentative bite before placing the rest back down on the plate. She’s a great cook and she’s added lettuce and mayo, which is my favourite. On any other day, I know this sandwich would taste delicious, but for some reason, I feel like I’m chewing on a piece of cardboard.
I manage to force down the rest of that half, but I can’t stomach anything else at the moment. Grace stands and collects my plate when I push it away. “Why don’t you go upstairs and have a lie down, Cass? You’ve had a big day. I’ll make up one of the spare rooms for you since Mason is bunking in with Jacinta.”
