Fifty EIght

CHAPTER 58

Cassandra returned home with her heart still filled with doubt. Her footsteps sounded light on the wooden floor of the large house, but her mind felt heavy. Upon entering the living room, she found Ben already waiting for her there. The man sat casually on the sofa, but there was something in his eyes that made Cassandra feel uneasy.

“Antonio has gone to Mexico for two days,” Ben said bluntly, his tone flat. “He asked me to inform you.”

Cassandra gave a small nod, trying to keep her face calm. “Alright,” she replied briefly. However, she couldn’t ignore Ben’s gaze, which seemed both cynical and observant. Ben said nothing more, but the way he looked at Cassandra suggested there was more behind his words than just Antonio’s message.

After ensuring that Ben had left, Cassandra quickly made her way to Antonio’s study. She knew this was a rare opportunity to investigate without immediate risk. Closing the door softly, she began to search the room meticulously. Her eyes scanned every corner, looking for documents or clues that could serve as evidence of Antonio’s crimes, particularly those related to the murders of Michael Foster or Cale Callaghan.

However, after some time, what she found left her bewildered. Inside one of the desk drawers, there was a photograph. The photo depicted her during her time at Aunt Marrie’s farm. Cassandra stared at the image with mixed emotions.

“Why does Antonio have this?” she muttered to herself. There was no logical explanation for why someone like Antonio would keep a photo of her from such a private and distant moment in her life. Cassandra felt there was another mystery hidden behind this.

Although shaken, Cassandra quickly restored the study to its original state. She didn’t want to leave any trace that could arouse Antonio’s suspicion. Once everything was back in order, she left the study with her heart still full of confusion.

That evening, Cassandra decided to visit the hospital. There was someone she needed to see. After a short drive, she arrived and went straight to the room where Alexander was being treated. When she entered, she saw Alexander looking better, though parts of his body were still bandaged.

“Cassandra,” Alexander greeted her with a weak but warm voice. A small smile adorned his pale face.

Cassandra approached and sat in the chair next to his bed. “You look better,” she said, trying to smile. “How are you feeling?”

“Still sore, but I’m much better now,” Alexander replied. He looked at Cassandra for a moment before continuing, “I’ve heard about what you’re doing. Cassandra, it’s very dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Cassandra sighed. She knew Alexander’s concern was genuine, but she also knew that nothing could stop her. “I have to do this, Alex. This isn’t just about me. It’s about all the people Antonio has wronged.”

Alexander looked at her with eyes full of emotion. “Then promise me you’ll be careful. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”

Cassandra gently held Alexander’s hand. “I promise,” she said, though she knew deep down that it might be a difficult promise to keep. Danger loomed at every step she took.

The next day, Cassandra returned to the hospital, this time bringing a warm bowl of porridge for Alexander. As soon as she entered the room, Alexander smiled at her.

“I didn’t expect you to come again this morning,” Alexander said, trying to sit up straighter in his bed.

“Of course I came. You need someone to make sure you’re eating properly,” Cassandra replied with a broad smile. She placed the bowl of porridge on the small table beside Alexander’s bed.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “I can feed myself, Cassandra. I’m much better now.”

“No, I’m going to feed you,” Cassandra said firmly. Before Alexander could protest, she had already scooped up the first spoonful and brought it to his mouth. “Come on, open your mouth. Don’t make me angry.”

Alexander chuckled softly before finally giving in. He opened his mouth and accepted the first spoonful. “Alright, alright. I don’t want to argue with you,” he said with a smile.

Cassandra continued feeding Alexander while chatting about lighthearted topics to cheer him up. Once the porridge was finished, she helped Alexander take the medicine on the small table. Cassandra ensured that Alexander took all the prescribed medication, and they laughed together as Alexander joked about the bitter taste of the medicine.

“You know, Cassandra, you’d make a great nurse,” Alexander said jokingly. “You’re so caring.”

Cassandra shook her head with a smile. “I’m not sure I have the patience to be a nurse. But I can make an exception for you.”

They laughed together, and the atmosphere in the room grew lighter. However, the moment was soon interrupted by Martinez’s arrival, carrying a box of fresh fruit.

“Good morning, Alexander. Cassandra,” Martinez greeted cheerfully. He placed the box of fruit on the small table and looked at Alexander with concern. “How are you feeling today?”

“Much better, thank you,” Alexander replied. “But I feel like everyone is worrying about me too much. I’m strong enough to return to the office tomorrow.”

Martinez immediately frowned. “You’re not serious, are you? You still need rest. The doctor would never allow it.”

“I’m serious,” Alexander said firmly. “I can’t stay here forever. There’s too much work to be done, and I can’t let everything fall behind.”

Cassandra and Martinez exchanged glances, both silently disagreeing with Alexander’s decision. However, they knew how stubborn he could be.

“Alright,” Cassandra finally said. “But at least make sure you’re truly ready before going back to work. And don’t forget to listen to your body. If you feel tired, rest.”

Alexander gave a small smile. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

Their conversation continued in a relaxed atmosphere. Cassandra recounted funny incidents from when she and Alexander worked together, making Alexander chuckle. His cheerful voice made Martinez observe them with a small smile on his face. Finally, Martinez interrupted with a teasing tone.

“You two are like an old couple who know each other’s quirks so well,” he said, looking at Alexander. “Alex, honestly, how long have you been in love with Cassandra?”

Alexander coughed lightly, his face slightly flushed, but he tried to maintain a casual tone. “Martinez, I thought your job here was to bring fruit, not investigate people’s feelings.”

Cassandra laughed softly, trying to hide the sudden awkwardness she felt. “Martinez, don’t tease Alex like that,” she said, though deep down, she was curious about the real answer.

Martinez simply shrugged with a wide grin. “I’m just saying what I see. Besides, Cassandra, you’re the one who keeps showing up here to make sure he’s alright. I just think it’s more than ordinary concern.”

Alexander looked at Cassandra for a moment, his smile faint but his eyes conveying something deeper. “I’m just grateful to have a friend like Cassandra,” he finally said. “She’s someone you can always rely on.”

The mood lightened again with laughter, but Martinez’s words left an impression. Cassandra felt there might be something more between them, something not yet fully revealed. However, she decided to keep those thoughts for later, when the situation was no longer overshadowed by danger.