Part 8

"Grandchild? Children?" Casandra thought to herself. Those two words had been swirling in her head, causing her to lose focus on whatever she touched. When she tried to cook, Casandra only ended up staring at the ingredients in the fridge. She never went through with the execution because Meri forbade her from working, fearing that Casandra would tire herself out and fail to fulfill her duties as a wife. Even when it came to tidying up, Casandra would only dust the same spot, as her mind wandered elsewhere. She imagined Alexander sleeping next to her. A handsome man with thick hair, sharp eyes, tall stature, and a slight muscular build. It would be so comfortable to be in his embrace. However...

"I'm not willing to marry him. Let alone have children!" Casandra shook her head, the words Alexander had uttered echoing in her ears. They emphasized that there would be no possibility for them to be together, let alone have a child. "Ck, Cas, be a bit more self-aware, can't you?" she whispered to herself while looking at her reflection in the mirror. There was nothing special about her compared to Cesilia. "Besides, I don't want to be the wife of a man like Alexander," she muttered, forcing a smile that felt incredibly difficult to carve out.

"Casandra, where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere, and here you are," Meri chided, touching Casandra's shoulder. "Quickly pack your things. Mama wants to take you somewhere."

Casandra turned around. "Somewhere?"

"Don't ask where. The important thing is for you to come along, and Mama is sure that you'll leave Alexander fascinated when you return from there." Meri patted Casandra's shoulder. "I'll wait for you on the terrace!" she added firmly before walking away, leaving no room for Casandra to argue.

"But..."

Meri shook her head, a clear sign that she wouldn't accept any form of refusal. Once it reached that point, what else could Casandra do? How could she refuse Meri's wishes, after everything the woman had done? Everything in Casandra's life had changed, and her family felt the same way. Even her mother was no longer busy working. Her only job now was taking care of her father in the hospital and giving instructions to the other household assistants until they fully understood their responsibilities at home. Once everything could run smoothly without her guidance, Lastri could retire from all her work.

Just like today. Early in the morning, Lastri was busy finishing all her tasks, complete with instructions. Once she was done, Lastri went to the hospital to check on her husband's condition and to exchange responsibilities with her sister, Casandra.

***

"What's the matter, Alexander? I'm in the middle of preparing for a photoshoot, and you're disturbing me. Asking me to come to the office and all. I'm tired of going back and forth like this!" Cesilia grumbled, throwing her bag onto the sofa.

This startled Alexander and his secretary, who had been discussing things after a meeting that took place a few hours ago.

"Sir, I'll go back to my desk first. If everything is settled, you can call me back," Robert, the man, quickly packed up some files from the desk. He didn't want to become Cesilia's target if he stayed there.

Alexander nodded, handing a large folder to Robert. "Don't forget to contact the company we were dealing with yesterday. Let them know we're not selling any assets, let alone borrowing any funds," he said, glancing at Cesilia, who was now sitting and folding her arms in front of her chest. "There's nothing I can fight for. So, everything is canceled," he added, more like a sarcastic remark towards Cesilia than a message to Robert. Robert, who knew about all of Alexander's issues, both in the office and at home, nodded, understanding the direction of Alexander's words. Therefore, Robert slightly bowed and excused himself from Alexander's presence.

"And here you are, blaming me all the time when you're the one who wants to have children. What do you really want, Alexander? I'm busy right now. I might even go to Bali for a photoshoot. I won't be able to come home, and maybe I'll be back the day after tomorrow," Cesilia complained, puffing up her chest as if she deserved respect in this situation.

Is this how a wife behaves? Certainly not, but that was what Alexander had experienced since Cesilia pursued her desired career.

Instead of getting angry, Alexander moved to another seat, getting closer to Cesilia. "I had to do it because I couldn't talk to you at home. That's why..."

"Enough already. Just quickly tell me what you want. I'm busy, Alexander. I might even have a dinner invitation with my new business colleagues. I can't go alone while everyone else comes with their partners!" Cesilia interrupted Alexander, reaching for his neck and giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "I have to go now. We can discuss all the important matters tomorrow, okay!"

"I received a dinner invitation with my business colleagues. I can't possibly go alone when everyone else is bringing their partners!" Alexander replied, stopping Cesilia, who was about to grab her bag.

"You can take Robert with you if you don't want to go alone. Or Casandra, since she's your wife too," Cesilia suggested, patting Alexander's cheek with her still-present smile. "I have to go now. Keep being an understanding husband so that I'll continue to love you."

"Cesil... Cesilia!" Alexander called out, trying to reach Cesilia's hand, but she quickly evaded him. Just as quickly as her steps, she left Alexander, preventing him from stopping her.

"God, grant patience to Alexander until my career reaches its peak!" Cesilia muttered in her heart, expressing a desire she had harbored for years.

Alexander let out a long sigh. He couldn't understand why Cesilia was moving further away from their agreement ever since she signed her new job. Usually, Cesilia would try her best not to take out-of-town jobs during the weekends to enjoy their time together. Even if there was a job outside the city, Cesilia would be home before dawn. But now, she was willing to leave for two days straight for a job.

"Robert, bring all the files to my office... After that, work on all the reports for Monday's meeting!" Alexander requested when he received a call from Robert.

"All of them immediately, sir? But weren't some of the materials for Monday's meeting? I..."

"No need for overtime," Alexander interrupted.

"Why?"

Robert rubbed his neck. Earlier, Alexander had mentioned that there was a lot of work to be done, and everything had to be completed by tonight. But now?

"Accompany me to the dinner event."

"Oh, I see..." Robert rubbed his chin. Cesilia had just arrived in a frustrated state, and now she was leaving in a similar manner. Robert understood that she didn't want to accompany Alexander.

"I'll take care of everything before the end of the workday," Robert continued, accepting Alexander's invitation and command. Since he was single and had no plans for Sunday night, Robert would accompany Alexander