Chapter 9: Out Of Expectations

Nathaniel Sinclair’s POV

I stood at the window of my office, gazing out at the city skyline bathed in the soft glow of dusk. Inside, Cassandra lay on the couch, her chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath.

She looked… beautiful when she was fast asleep. When her eyes were closed and her long lashes were visible on her bare face. 

I completely underestimated her. The truth is, I hired her because I wanted to bring a stupid playtime in my workforce whose life I can make miserable. I only took interest in her because she’s clumsy, poor, and apologetic about everything. 

I never once thought she’d be smart enough to save me when I could have died a while ago. And on top of that… offering me flowers as an apology? Pathetic. 

But looking at it now… she might be the only person I can tolerate. When I am with her, it’s hard to keep my professional distance and give her a hard time. 

What is so special about this woman that I cannot do anything bad to her? What is it with her that I have started feeling emotions whenever I am with her?

Leaving Cassandra to rest, I stepped outside onto the balcony, needing the cool evening air to clear my thoughts. The phone in my pocket vibrated, indicating an incoming call. 

Glancing at the screen, I saw it was my mother. Her timing was impeccable, as always.

“Mother,” I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Nathaniel,” her voice came through sharp and decisive. “I heard about the allergic attack. Are you alright?”

She does not sound concerned at all… 

“I’m fine,” I replied automatically, though I knew she wouldn’t be satisfied with a simple reassurance.

“Who told you about it?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“Are you serious right now? It’s all over the news, Nathaniel,” she replied briskly. “Your health is not something to be taken lightly.”

I sighed inwardly. The media’s penchant for exaggeration and sensationalism was hardly surprising, but I hadn’t expected it to reach my mother so quickly.

“Mother, I appreciate your concern, but—”

“But nothing,” she cut in firmly. “That girl, Cassandra—she’s trouble. She’s already causing problems for you. You need to let her go, immediately.”

Her words struck a nerve, echoing the doubts that had been nagging at me since the incident. 

Could I afford to keep Cassandra on my team, despite her potential to disrupt the carefully orchestrated balance of my professional life?

Is she worth fighting for? 

“Mother,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “Cassandra is not someone who would bring me nothing but trouble. She saved me today.”

“Saved?!” I could hear her tone filled with disgust. “Do you think you’d need saving if she’s not there in the first place? She brought that up.”

I am at a loss for words. I do not have enough energy to argue with her, and she would surely force whatever belief she has on me.

“She’s a secretary, Nathaniel,” my mother insisted, her tone softening slightly with concern. “There are plenty of capable assistants out there who won’t bring complications into your life.”

I closed my eyes, leaning against the balcony railing. My mother’s advice was practical, rooted in years of experience and a desire to protect me from unnecessary risks. 

“I’ll consider what you’ve said,” I replied finally, knowing it was the closest concession I could give her for now.

“Good,” my mother said briskly. “Don’t let sentiment cloud your judgment, Nathaniel. You have a responsibility.”

Sentiment… I am not even sure if there are enough memories that would hold me back. 

The call ended, leaving me with a swirling mix of conflicting emotions. The city below stretched before me, its lights flickering like distant stars. 

I couldn’t deny the truth in my mother’s words—I did have a responsibility, not just to myself but to everyone who relied on me.

Despite me almost dying, all she could think about was the responsibility that was weighing me down for twenty-eight years. 

Cassandra lay on the couch, her form relaxed in sleep, strands of hair falling delicately across her face. Without thinking, I moved closer, gently tucking the loose strands behind her ear.

To my surprise, Cassandra stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Our gazes locked, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to fade away. Her eyes, usually so expressive and lively, held a glint of warmth that struck a chord within me.

“Your eyes...” she began softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “It looked frightening in the dark.”

My breath caught in my throat at her words. I had never been one to show predisposition, especially not in front of Cassandra. Yet, her honesty and perceptiveness caught me off guard.

I wonder… how she would react if she were to see the real me…

Before I could respond, Cassandra’s hand lifted towards my face, as if to trace the contours of my expression. Instinctively, I caught her wrist gently, holding it still. 

Our eyes continued to hold each other’s gaze, a silent conversation passing between us.

“But you...” I found myself saying, my voice low and filled with admiration and longing, “looked stunning.”

The words hung between us, charged with unspoken emotions and a depth that surprised even me. Cassandra’s lips parted slightly, her breath hitching in response to the intensity of our connection.

Unable to resist longer, I closed the distance between us in a heartbeat, pulling her gently towards me. 

Our lips met in a kiss that was both tender and passionate, a culmination of unspoken desires and the electric tension that had simmered beneath the surface.

Cassandra’s response was immediate, her fingers tangling in my hair as she kissed me back with equal fervor. 

The world outside ceased to exist as we lost ourselves in each other, our bodies pressing closer, seeking solace and reassurance in the warmth of each other’s embrace.

Time seemed to stand still as we explored this new territory, our hearts beating in sync as if they had found their perfect rhythm. My hand cupped her cheek, my thumb gently caressing her skin as I deepened the kiss, savoring the taste and feel of her.

When we finally pulled apart, breathless and with eyes locked, I could see the uncertainty mingled with desire in Cassandra’s gaze. I traced the curve of her jaw with my fingertips, committing every detail of her face to memory.

“Cassandra…” I placed both my arms by the head of the couch while I stared at her wild eyes, lost in so many thoughts. 

“I’m sorry…” I apologized. “But you have no idea how much I wanted to do that.”

We sat together in a comfortable silence, basking in the aftermath of our kiss. The air between us crackled with unearthed grasp and a burgeoning sense of possibilities.

Possibilities of me… unable to live my life away from her.