Tony POV
I left Cassy behind and returned to the house while trying to control my heart.
My head too, was in shambles as I tried to keep things in perspective.
Cassy never loved me like I wanted her to love me.
Deep inside, I have always known that, but it was hard to digest the fact when it hit you right in the face.
Adam looked up when I walked into the living area on my way out. Cassy’s twins flanked him, one on each side.
The three of them were slumped on the carpet with their backs on the sofa. They were busy perusing books their uncle bought for
Tory POVI watched Tony’s back stiffen when he heard my voice.I knew he was not expecting that I would be willing to join him tonight, especially after our heated row.But what the heck!My night has been ruined anyway. I might as well join him for his pity party.“I don’t have tequila. You know I don’t like that stuff. But I have whiskey.”“It’s alright.”I walked ahead of him toward his apartment building. At the door, there was a passcode in
Cassy POVMy mouth opened wide with an exclamation of awe when Caleb ushered me inside the most prestigious hotel in Glendale.But it did not stop there.A man in a suit approached us with an engaging smile. He was tall and attractive but could not compare to the man I was with.In my eyes, nobody can compare to him.Caleb let go of my hand to pull me close to his body.“Eyes on me, sweetheart.” He whispered in my ears.I shivered and pinched him lightly on the waist.“Ow! Sweetheart that hurts! Wait for later, and you will get your just punishment.&rdqu
Cassy POVIf I wasn’t hyperventilating earlier, I sure am now.The promise in his eyes and his voice caused my heart to do little flip-flops.All through our meal, I was nervous and antsy.My hands automatically reached for the glass of wine to drink its contents, letting its smoothness glide over my parched lips and throat.When dessert came, I almost dropped my teaspoon when Caleb’s fingers accidentally grazed my skin after taking the small plate from the wait staff to serve me.“It’s delicious!” I quickly attacked my tiramisu and was rewarded with a handsome smile that nearly melted my insides like the dessert in my mouth.
Cassy POVThe kiss was everything I expected and more.My stomach tingles. It felt like a thousand butterflies were fluttering inside.Caleb pulled his lips away. I lifted my hands to grab the back of his head to prolong the kiss.He groaned.“Sweetheart, don't push your luck. If we don’t stop now, I might break my promise to you and myself to take this slow.”The reminder was like a dousing of cold water.I stepped back immediately, putting distance to our scorching hot bodies.“Aw, sweetheart. Do not be like this, or I won’t be able to bring you back ho
Cassy POVI froze the moment Adam said it.The talk of Amanda Hayes was something I dreaded, and though I could feel Caleb trying to discuss it, I would always cut him off.I don’t want to hear about her because she was my worst nightmare.Who would want to hear your husband talk about someone he loved for a long time? I know he doesn't love me like he loved Amanda Hayes.I saw him drink himself to a stupor too often in the past, and as much as I wanted the issue of Amanda Hayes cleared, I could not put myself to listening.I hugged myself to stop my body from shivering.“Hey!” Adam drew me close when he noticed my body’s reaction. “Don’t think the worst. I saw the light in Caleb’s eyes every time you and the kids were around him. No man can ever fak
Cassy POVA quick look at my reflection in the mirror made me want to scream! My eyes were bloodshot, and my hair was a mess. It looked like a nest because I never bothered to blow-dry it last night and just went to bed with wet hair.How would I know Caleb would come first thing in the morning and would chanced upon me looking like this?Horrified beyond words, I quickly showered. I don’t know how long time had passed by the time I finished. I scrubbed my face to wash away the impurities.When I finished, I turned off the shower, wrapped a towel around my head like a turban, and donned my bathrobe, wearing nothing inside. About to go out, I stopped, suddenly realizing that Caleb
Caleb POVThe moment I agreed to Oakley’s question, I regretted it after seeing Cassy’s expression.She was not happy in inviting me to live in her home.I knew she was doing it for the kids.In our recent interactions, I learned how good Cassy is as a mom to Oakley and Joachim. Like any other parent who wanted the best for her children, she would adjust – even if it meant sacrificing her own choices.I don’t want to rush her. But I also do not want to let Oakley down. Our daughter longs for a complete family.This wouldn’t have happened if I had come much earlier and tried to fix things with Cassy.I regretted the three years we spent apart.“Wax?” I called my eldest and watched as he put aside the book he was reading when I beckoned him to approach us. When he got near. I bent on my haunches to meet him at eye level.“You and your sister will be late for school. Eat with your sister first.”He nodded and turned to go, nudging Oakley to the door.“What about you and Mommy?” Oakl
Caleb POVShe flinched. Her body recoiled when she heard the words, I love you.Cassy shook her head and tried to step back, but I wouldn’t let her hand go.In the end, I pulled her body to me and held her in my arms.The tighter, the better.At first, she was struggling against me, but when she realized I had no intention of making her win, she let her body go limp.Then, her shoulders shook.I heard her cry, and my heart broke countless times, hearing how the sound seemed to be torn out of her.Cassy was having a hard time digesting my words.
Sigh. Have you ever felt that you have to go but cannot make that first step? That is how I feel today. Cassy and Caleb’s story has ended, yet I feel sad at the thought of saying goodbye. I started this story December 2023, and since then, it has brought me so many firsts: * First book with more than 200 chapters, * First book with 200k+ words, * First book with a banner promotion, * First book with highest reads at 70.2k to date, and * First highest-grossing book. This book wouldn’t reach those milestones if it weren’t for you. So, on this page let me thank some of the people who left their marks in my book: First is my editor Lyra Pinter. Thank you for the patience, support and tips you provided to make this book where it is at the moment. Also for GoodNovel. This platform gave me the opportunity to reach out to more audience. Thank you for the gems Chi, Lean Cantara. Jennifer Gonzales, Lhyn, Susan, Yolly Villanueva, Maria Theresa Sant
Cassy POVCaleb spun me around in excitement, and I squealed in delight. When the children noticed what we were doing, they abandoned the toys scattered in the playpen to run toward us. “What’s happening?” Oakley asked.From the background, I could hear my mom tell her. “You and Joachim will have a baby brother or a sister soon.” “Oh!” Oakley sounded surprised.By this time, Caleb had already put me down, and I was watching the enraptured emotion on my little girl’s face. A grin worked its way to her face, making her more beautiful in my eyes. She took her brother’s hand excitedly. “We are going to have a baby! Yay! I am going to be a big sister!” Oakley and Joachim jumped at the news. They were clapping, and so were everyone around us. Even Rosalie Kingston Pierre looked at us with a wistful smile. Greg and James, Caleb’s friends, proposed a toast.“Congratulations on the baby!” They both shouted and tapped their glasses with spoons.It created tinkling sounds that gave off
Cassy POVDuring the party, I could feel that something was bothering Caleb. It's not that I was suspecting him of anything. It was more like I was just puzzled at the antsy behavior. From time to time, he would leave me to talk on the phone, and my lips formed a straight line in displeasure. I am sure it was business, but can’t he postpone business for a while to enjoy the children’s party?“You look lonely, babe. Where is your husband?” Reynold approached me when he noticed I was standing alone in the corner, watching the event while my husband was out of sight. Caleb just stepped out of the room, purportedly to answer Gordon’s call, and it is honestly pi*sing me off. I shrugged my shoulders and looked murderous. The day began magnificently. Caleb and I rose before dawn and tiptoed our way to the twins' bedroom to spruce it up with birthday decor. We wanted to surprise the twins, and we did!The smile on their faces was priceless. Caleb and I could not contain our tears whe
Caleb POVWe started milling around, stopping by some tables to talk to some parents. From the happiness wreathed on the children’s faces, I could see that everyone was having a good time. My two best friends arrived, and I immediately snaked an arm around Cassy’s waist when I noticed Greg smiling at her. I still hadn’t forgotten what he told me before - that he had a crush on my wife. Cassy was surprised but did not remove my arms around her waist while we talked to my best friends. This alone made me shoot Greg a gloating look. If I didn’t need them for my proposal later, I wouldn’t have invited them, especially Greg, but they are the only people I could rely on.A crowd gathered around us, and my two best friends entertained them, allowing Cassy and I to extricate ourselves from the circle to welcome Adam and Cassy’s friends as they trickled in one by one. Martin Crest, Cole Higgs, and John Collins came in one after the other, bearing boxes of gifts for the twins. When Joach
Caleb POVWarmth filled my heart as I listened to Oakley divulge their wish for everyone to hear.My chest felt stuffy when I learned that their wish was me.Even though they did not know me or had no idea about me, my kids longed for me like I longed for them the past years.“I am happy, too,” I responded before grabbing them to kiss the top of their heads.Oakley climbed into my lap. Her little hand started caressing my face.“Thank you, Daddy! I love you!” Oakley declared.My shoulders started to shake. I don’t know what I did before to deserve these children, but I was so happy.“I love you, too, Oakley. You, Mommy and Joachim, are Daddy’s treasures.” I admitted and realized that my voice sounded guttural, even to my ears.I looked at Cassy and saw her smiling through her tears.I don’t think I will ever
Cassy POVDays passed by quickly, and before we knew it, it was already the kids' birthday.“Shhh!”Caleb said when I giggled because, for the first time, it was us barging in on them, not the other way around.The kids were still sleeping soundly.Oakley slept with her arms spread wide. She had kicked off her blanket to the foot of her bed.On the other bed, Joachim slept on his side, facing the wall.“I could not believe they were four years old.” I gushed.Caleb walked to the bed holding the cake we ordered at Felicity&rsq
Cassy POVUnfortunately, thechildren’splan to spend the weekend with their grandparents did not materialize because Mom and Dad told me they were leaving the next day.“Why? Thekids’birthday is only days away?”I could not hide the disappointment in my voice.The children look forward to having the family on their big day. They
Cassy POVI watched my parents, and the happiness radiating on their faces was enough to put a smile on my face.“Now, we can eat,” Oakley interjected.Her declaration broke my embracing parents apart.“Sorry, my little darling!” Mom said awkwardly, chucking Oakley on the chin.Oakley giggled and ran to the dinner table with Joachim in tow.The elder Burkes followed them and helped them with their seats while Caleb and I looked on with smiles painted on our faces.Then, I nudged him. “Tell me, how did Dad manage to order the flower arrangement this fast?&rd
Cassy POVThe children giggled, but they didn’t protest. They wallowed in the attention Mom gave them.“Come on, grandma, let’s eat,” Oakley said after a while. She scooted to the edge of the bed, her feet dangling.Dad took her little hands to hold her while she slid down the bed and her feet connected to the floor.“Wax, let’s go!” Oakley turned around and beckoned for her brother to do the same.Joachim followed Oakley. Dad helped him, too.They both ran to the door, trying to open it. They both jumped, hands touching the knob, but since they were not tall enough, they could not turn the knob open.