Deception and disappointment

*sage's POV*

I was going to see Richard tomorrow, and I still did not have any tangible information for Him. Ever since I had that conversation with Ash, I started feeling empathy towards him. We started chatting more often compared to the past when we could barely even stand each other’s presence. He had changed a whole lot, and I loved that for Him. My relationship with Cassie was casually hitting rock bottom; our fights and arguments were more frequent, and I no longer cared about trying to make things work between us. I knew we would break up soon, but I didn't know how soon. I had to devise something reasonable to tell Richard and also make sure he didn't find out that I was beginning to talk to Ash often.

It was a beautiful Saturday evening; I had just finished having dinner with my family. I sat outside trying to figure out the excuse I would give Richard the next day when I heard my phone ringing. It was Cassie.

“Hello?” She greeted from the other end of the line.

“Hey, Cassi