Page 28 of Finding Forgiveness
“You’re probably right. Maybe we should leave too,” she says, looking over at her fiancé for confirmation.
“I understand why you have to go, but I wish it wasn’t so soon,” my mother chimes in. “It’s been nice having you all home again.”
Mason reaches for Jacinta, dragging her down onto his lap and nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck. “I’m cool with whatever you want to do, babe.”
Am I an arsehole for being envious of their relationship?
I look away just as Cassie enters the room. Our eyes instantly lock and my stomach does a stupid flip-flop. My gaze scans over her face, she looks well rested, and dare I say beautiful. She’s wearing make-up this morning, and her long hair is down and styled in loose waves. She’s dressed to the nines—back to her regular attire. At first glance, you wouldn’t know she’d been to hell and back, but I see through her façade.
The casually dressed Cassandra I saw yesterday is the real her. As stunning as this version is, her hair, flawless make-up, and fancy clothes are simply a shield. A diversion from what’s going on underneath. If you stare long enough, you’ll see it. The sadness in her eyes is unmissable, to me anyway.
She’s haunted. By what? I don’t know. Her mother maybe? But it’s something I’ve noticed many times over the years. Her armour is a distraction. Like smoke and mirrors. I know this woman better than she thinks.
I got to know the real Cassandra when we were younger, the person she is deep down. I’ve watched her transition since then. We may not be together anymore, but I continued to observe from the sidelines. She’s like a trainwreck—as much as I want to, I can’t look away.
“Morning,” I say, smiling up at her.
“Morning.”
“Did you sleep alright?” I ask, rising and pulling out the seat beside me.
“Thank you,” she says as she sits, and it doesn’t go unnoticed that she avoided answering my question.
“Are you hungry?”
“A little,” she answers, lifting one shoulder.
She barely ate any of her dinner last night, which troubled me. I know her whole world has been turned upside down, but she needs to keep up her strength. I’ll protect her with everything I have, but my gut tells me we’re going to have a battle on our hands going forward.
Around midmorning, the doorbell rings and my gut churns. “Are you expecting anyone?” I ask my mum.
“No.”
“A delivery maybe?”
This time she shakes her head instead of answering, and I can see the concern on her face. Our flights have been booked for later today, but I’m on edge. I won’t be able to relax until Cass is on that plane.
I blow out a long breath as I rise from my seat. “I’ll get it,” I say when my father goes to make a move.
I’m not surprised when I open the door and find Cassandra’s father standing there. I only recognise him because his profession has him regularly on the news. “Mr Lewis,” I say. “What can I do for you?”
He holds up one of his hands in front of him. “I’m not here to cause any trouble,” he answers. “I’d just like to see my daughter.” I’m torn. He appears to be genuine, but he’s also a politician, they lie with a straight face for a living. “Please. I confronted my wife, and I realise some of the things you claim are in fact true.”
“Everything I told you was true.”
“I’ve packed up some more of Cassandra’s things.” He turns and signals his driver who is parked by the kerb. I watch as he exits the car and moves to the rear of the vehicle. He retrieves two large and one small Louis Vuitton suitcases from the boot. They match the one she brought here with her yesterday. “I thought she might need them. I meant it when I said I wasn’t here to cause trouble. I love my daughter and I just need to see she’s okay with my own eyes. If being here is what she wants, I’ll support her wholeheartedly. Unlike my wife, I’m aware she’s an adult and old enough to make her own decisions.”
The pleading look he gives me has me caving. This is my first time meeting him, and I can already tell he’s a lot nicer than his wife. “Give me a moment,” I say. I’ll leave this decision up to Cass; if she wants to see him, I won’t stand in her way.
I’m startled when I turn around and find Mason standing a few feet behind me with his tattooed arms crossed over his chest. The thug-like look on his face has me rolling my lips to suppress my chuckle. “Will you go and get Cassie for me?”
He gives Mr Lewis the side-eye before nodding his head once and turning towards the staircase. The girls moved up there to hang out after breakfast.
A few minutes later Mason returns with Cassie in tow. The genuine smile that curves her lips when she sees her father standing there tells me everything I need to know. She’s happy that he’s here. I’m pleased with that, but I hope he doesn’t convince her to leave with him.
“Daddy,” she squeals, bouncing down the last few stairs.
“Pumpkin,” he replies, opening his arms for her. You can clearly see the love shared between these two.
