Seventy Two

CHAPTER 72

Cassandra spent the last few hours in the park, trying to calm her turbulent thoughts. The cold wind and falling snow seemed to mirror the storm inside her. After a while, she decided to return to Jessica’s apartment. Her steps felt heavy, not just because of the accumulating snow but also the burden of her thoughts.

When Cassandra arrived at the apartment, Jessica immediately noticed something was wrong. Cassandra looked exhausted, but beyond that, there was a sadness she couldn’t hide in her eyes.

“Cass, are you okay?” Jessica asked worriedly, handing her a cup of warm tea.

Cassandra only nodded weakly. “I just need some time to think.”

Jessica understood that Cassandra didn’t want to talk further, so she decided to give her some space. However, deep down, Jessica felt anxious. Cassandra had always been a strong person, but lately, she seemed so fragile.

Cassandra lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her memories kept drifting to everything that had happened. Alexander, Martinez, the unresolved case, and of course, Antonio. Thoughts about Antonio always left her conflicted. She knew he had a dark side, but on the other hand, there was a sincerity she found hard to ignore. But could she truly trust Antonio? Could she open her heart to someone who had once shattered her life?

Her phone buzzed on the table. Cassandra turned to see the screen light up. A message from Alexander appeared:

“Cass, we need to talk. There’s a new development on the Callaghan and Foster case. It’s important.”

Cassandra sighed deeply. She knew she couldn’t avoid this forever. Reluctantly, she picked up her phone and typed a short reply:

“Alright, I’ll meet you all at the office tomorrow.”

After sending the message, she turned off the lights and closed her eyes. However, sleep wouldn’t come. The faces of Alexander and Antonio kept alternating in her mind, as if the two were vying to dominate her thoughts.

The next morning, Cassandra prepared to return to the police station. This was her first time back after disappearing for a few days. She knew she would face many questions, but she had already prepared herself for it.

When Cassandra arrived at the station, the atmosphere immediately changed. Her colleagues looked at her with various expressions – some relieved, some curious, and some seemingly disappointed.

Martinez was the first to approach her. “Cassandra, you’re finally back. What happened? You didn’t answer any calls or messages.”

“Sorry, I just needed some time for myself,” Cassandra replied flatly.

Alexander approached with a serious expression. “We need you here, Cassandra. This case is getting more complicated, and we can’t lose you in the middle of it.”

Cassandra nodded slowly. “I understand. I’m here now.”

Alexander handed her a thick file. “There’s something you need to see. It might be connected to Callaghan and Foster’s deaths.”

Cassandra opened the file and began reading. A photo caught her attention – a photo of someone who looked familiar, but she couldn’t immediately recall who it was. Alexander pointed to the photo.

“He’s a key witness in this case. We need to find him before anyone else does,” Alexander said seriously.

Cassandra nodded. “I’ll handle it.”

However, deep down, she felt uncertain. She knew this wasn’t just about finding a witness. Something bigger was happening, and she needed to be careful.

While discussing the case details with Alexander and Martinez, Cassandra suddenly felt dizzy. Her vision blurred, and her body grew weak. Before she could say anything, she stumbled backward. Reflexively, Alexander caught her before she hit the floor.

“Cassandra!” Alexander shouted in panic. Everyone in the room turned to look, their faces filled with concern.

Martinez quickly approached. “Help her sit down!” he said. They helped Cassandra into the nearest chair.

“I’m fine,” Cassandra said softly, though her face was pale, and cold sweat dotted her forehead.

But moments later, Cassandra started feeling nauseous. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hold back the discomfort. This made everyone who didn’t know about her pregnancy even more worried.

“Cassandra, you must be sick,” Martinez said. “Alexander, take her to the health room now. Make sure she’s okay.”

Alexander wasted no time. He helped Cassandra stand and guided her out of the room toward the health room. Along the way, Cassandra tried to assure Alexander that she was fine, but her voice was weak and unconvincing.

When they reached the health room, Cassandra sat on the bed and closed her eyes. Alexander sat on a chair beside her, watching her with worry.

“Cass, what’s really going on? You look so weak,” Alexander asked gently.

Cassandra didn’t answer. Instead, tears began streaming down her cheeks. Alexander was startled but said nothing. He just sat there, feeling unsure of what to do. Finally, he moved closer and hugged Cassandra gently.

“You don’t have to explain anything,” Alexander whispered. “But I’m here if you need someone to listen.”

Cassandra’s sobs grew louder. She felt utterly exhausted – physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, Alexander’s embrace gave her a small sense of comfort. For the first time in days, she didn’t feel alone.

After a while, Cassandra finally calmed down. Alexander released her and looked at her kindly.

“Cass, if there’s something bothering you, you can tell me. I’m on your side,” he said slowly.

Cassandra took a deep breath. She knew Alexander was sincere, but there were many things she couldn’t reveal. Too many secrets she had to protect.

“I’m just tired,” she said softly. “A lot has been happening lately.”

Alexander nodded, though he knew Cassandra wasn’t being entirely honest. “You need to rest. I’ll ask Martinez to give you some time off.”

But Cassandra shook her head. “No. I need to keep working. This case is too important to leave.”

Alexander wanted to argue, but he knew Cassandra wouldn’t change her mind. So, he simply nodded slowly.

“Alright. But if you ever feel like you can’t handle it, promise me you’ll let me know, okay?”

Cassandra gave him a faint smile. “Thank you, Alex.”

As they left the health room, Cassandra felt slightly better. However, deep down, she knew the real issues weren’t resolved. The secret about her pregnancy, her complicated relationship with Antonio, and the pressure from this case continued to haunt her.

As Cassandra and Alexander walked out of the health room, Cassandra suddenly remembered something. She stopped and turned to Alexander with a concerned expression.

“Alex, what about your condition? You just got out of the hospital a few days ago, didn’t you?” she asked softly.

Alexander gave a small smile, slightly surprised that Cassandra remembered. “I’m fine, Cass. Just a minor injury. I’ve almost fully recovered.”

However, Cassandra still felt guilty. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get to pick you up from the hospital that day. I should have been there.”

Alexander shook his head, his smile remaining warm. “It’s not a big deal. I understand you have a lot going on. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

His words made Cassandra feel a little better, though the guilt still lingered.

“Do you need something to warm you up? How about some hot chocolate? I can get it for you,” Alexander offered, pointing to a nearby vending machine in the hallway.

Cassandra nodded weakly, giving him a faint smile. “Thank you, Alex. I’ll wait here.”

Alexander gently patted Cassandra’s shoulder before walking off to buy the drink. Cassandra sighed deeply, leaning against the wall. She knew the burden she carried wasn’t hers alone. There were people who cared about her, like Alexander, but she still found it hard to share everything.

When Alexander returned with a cup of hot chocolate, he handed it to her with a gentle smile. “Here you go. Hope it helps a little,” he said.

Cassandra took it carefully, feeling warmth from the cup in her hands. “Thank you, Alex. You’re always so kind to me.”

Alexander simply nodded, leaning back against the wall beside Cassandra. “That’s my job as a friend, Cass. And I’ll always be here for you.”