Twenty Three

CHAPTER 23

The morning air was crisp as Cassandra stepped out of her apartment, her mind still overshadowed by the events of the night before. Each step felt like walking through quicksand as she made her way to the police station where she worked. The bustling city around her was nothing more than background noise, drowned out by the storm raging inside her.

When she arrived at the station, her face had hardened into a stony expression. Instead of heading straight to her desk, she walked toward the small garden in the back. The place was quiet, a rare pocket of serenity amidst the chaos of her life. She sat on one of the wooden benches, her hands tightly clasped in her lap, her eyes blankly staring at the grass beneath her feet.

“Cassandra!” a familiar voice broke her thoughts.

She looked up to see Alexander approaching, a warm smile on his face and a steaming cup of hot chocolate in his hand. His chestnut hair caught the sunlight, and the warmth in his eyes seemed to melt away a sliver of the ice in Cassandra’s heart.

“I thought I’d find you here,” Alexander said, sitting beside her and offering her the cup. “Hot chocolate for a cold morning.”

Cassandra took the cup with a small, forced smile. “Thanks, Alex. You didn’t have to.”

“Of course I did,” he said lightly, leaning back on the bench. “You’ve been looking like you’re carrying the weight of the world lately. What’s going on?”

Cassandra hesitated, her fingers tightening around the warm cup. How could she tell him? How could she admit the shame and self-loathing that had taken root inside her? Her throat tightened, and she looked away. “It’s nothing,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just work… and life.”

Alexander frowned, tilting his head as he studied her face. “You know, Cassandra, you’re a terrible liar. Come on, you can talk to me.”

Her heart ached at Alexander’s genuine concern, but she couldn’t let him in. She couldn’t tell him about Antonio, about the marriage, about the betrayal of her own body. “I’m fine, Alex. Really,” she said, forcing a smile she didn’t feel. “I just need some time to clear my head.”

Alexander didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push further. Instead, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out two tickets. “Well, maybe this will help clear your head.”

Cassandra looked at him, puzzled. “What’s this?”

“Tickets to Maroon 5. They’re performing tomorrow night,” he said, his smile widening. “I know you love them, and I figured you could use a night off.”

Her eyes widened, and for the first time that morning, genuine excitement flickered across her expression. “You got tickets? How did you… they’ve been sold out for weeks!”

Alexander shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant but clearly pleased with her reaction. “I have my ways. So, what do you say?”

For a moment, Cassandra forgot about the weight of her guilt and the chains of her situation. She nodded, her smile becoming more genuine. “I… I’d love to go. Thank you, Alex.”

Alexander beamed, his heart swelling at the sight of her smile. “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

As they sat in comfortable silence, sipping their drinks, Alexander stole glances at Cassandra. He had always admired her strength and determination, but today, there was something different about her. She seemed fragile, almost lost, and it made him want to protect her even more. He had liked her for so long but had never found the courage to tell her. How could he, when Cassandra seemed so far out of his reach?

Alexander sipped his hot chocolate, his gaze shifting to the trees in front of them. The silence lingered for a while before he finally spoke. “You know, I’ve been rereading the report on your parents’ case,” he said slowly. “I always thought it was strange how the case was closed just like that. It’s been years, but it still feels… unfinished.”

Cassandra froze for a moment before taking a deep breath. Her eyes looked away, avoiding Alexander’s. “I’m not sure, Alex. I don’t know if I can continue with that case… especially since it’s already been closed.”

Alexander nodded slowly, as if understanding the dilemma in her voice. He set his cup down on the bench and gently patted the back of Cassandra’s hand, which was still holding the concert tickets. “If you ever need help, Cassandra, you can tell me,” he said softly, his gaze filled with sincerity. “Anything at all.”

Cassandra looked at her hand where Alexander’s touch lingered. Her heart felt warm despite the guilt that still lingered. She lifted her face and gave him a small smile. “Thank you, Alex. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Alexander returned her smile, pleased to see a hint of brightness on her face. They sat quietly again, but this time Cassandra felt a little lighter. Somehow, Alexander’s presence gave her a reason to hold on just a bit longer, even though she knew the road ahead would still be long.

Alexander stood up, stretching slightly as he crumpled his empty hot chocolate cup in his hand. “Come on, let’s get back inside. We’ve got a busy day ahead,” he said, throwing the cup into a nearby trash bin. Cassandra followed his lead, standing and tossing her cup into the bin as well.

“You’re right. Let’s go.” Her voice held a hint of the smile she wore, feeling more at ease in Alexander’s company. They walked side by side, their steps in sync as they headed toward the building.

From a distance, inside a sleek black car parked discreetly near the station, a man observed them intently.

Ben, Antonio’s secretary, held up his phone and quickly snapped a picture of Cassandra and Alexander walking together. His expression was unreadable as he lowered his phone and rolled up the car window. Without lingering, Ben started the car and drove away, his face set in a suspicious frown. Whatever he had seen, it was clear that he intended to report it to Antonio—and it was unlikely to bode well for Cassandra.