Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Orlando kept a cool demeanor, and his attractive features made Cassandra feel more distant,
“It’s just temporary. She’ll move out once she finds a suitable place,” he explained.
“Orlando, you can try all you want to fool me, but I don’t believe you can’t find a suitable place for her to live with your capabilities. Or do you think that in Broburgh, only our house is the best fit for her?” Cassandra questioned.
Orlando answered in a low voice, “Cassandra, Rebecca was only discharged today. Even if I can arrange a place for her, it won’t be as comfortable as home. Can’t you be more generous and not so narrow–minded?”
“Narrow–minded?” Cassandra sneered, realizing how words could break a person’s heart when devoid of
compassion.
Feeling like crying, she quietly inhaled deeply. She felt like her emotions were about to explode.
In a cold tone, she said, “Since you think this place suits her, I’ll move out then. After all, sooner or later, I’ll be forced to leave. Whether it’s a day sooner or later doesn’t matter.”
With that, Cassandra turned to head upstairs to pack her belongings.
Seeing that, Rebecca hurriedly stepped forward to stop her. “Cassandra, can you not be angry with Orlando? I didn’t mean to disturb you both. It’s just that I have nowhere else to go, and because of some personal matters, Orlando is concerned about my safety, so he let me stay temporarily. Please rest assured, I’ll move out as soon as
I find a place.”
“What are you implying, Ms. Spencer? Do you expect me to welcome you as he does?” Cassandra asked.
“I didn’t mean that.” Rebecca looked distressed.
“Then what did you mean? Are you still dissatisfied even after I decided to leave? Maybe you can tell me what I should do to satisfy you, Ms. Spencer,” Cassandra scoffed.
She didn’t know much about Rebecca or her personality. But even if the other party was going through a divorce, she knew that she would never move into their home while they were still together.
‘As women, why can’t we show each other some respect?‘ Cassandra wondered. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
Cassandra’s relentless questioning silenced Rebecca completely. Rebecca’s forlorn expression vividly portrayed
her distress.
Orlando frowned, his gaze fixed on Cassandra. Then, he said in a low voice, “Cassandra, I never intended for
Rebecca to stay here permanently. Even if we divorce, Dustmeadow Mansion will still belong t
stop pressuring me like this?”
Cassandra stared at Orlando in disbelief.
you. Can’t you
They had been married for a year. She thought that he would at least be somewhat appreciative of her, even if he did not love her. However, it appeared that he felt no gratitude for her, only dissatisfaction.
No matter what she said, he only saw her as being uncooperative. Cassandra felt that saying anything would be pointless.
She reminded herself silently, ‘I’ve finally realized it. He only has feelings for Rebecca. He’s willing to do anything for her. I should give up now. It’s pointless. In the end, I’ll be the only one who gets hurt. Our relationship has
come to an end.‘
As she calmed down, Cassandra gradually understood. Instead of clinging to the marriage out of love, it was better to cut ties with him completely and never look back. That way, he’d remain the one she once knew.
Normally, there were only two of them at dinner, but starting that day, there would be three.
When there were three people involved, one was destined to be redundant.
Cassandra believed she was the redundant one, so she opted to remain silent.
She kept silent the whole time. If she had the option, she would rather not eat. However, she was carrying a
child. The child would go hungry if she didn’t eat.
Rebecca said in a gentle voice to Orlando, “Orlando, try this. It tastes the same as before. It’s delicious.”
Next, Rebecca scooped up some chicken stew for Orlando. Orlando, who suffered from mysophobia, usually refused to allow others to serve him food.
Yet, Cassandra watched as he not only felt no discomfort but also consumed it.
O IC
It dawned on Cassandra that his so–called mysophobia was merely subjective.
Heartbroken, Cassandra could not help but laugh self–deprecatingly.
She didn’t know how she made it through the night. She eventually dozed off, but she was still exhausted.
The next morning, her phone rang.
It was Gabriela.
She hurriedly answered the phone. “Gabriela, do you need anything?”
“Cassie, Peter is awake. He says he wants to see you. Can you come to the hospital now?” Gabriela sounded exceptionally elated.
Cassandra quickly got out of bed. Orlando was still asleep, but she had no intention of waking him up.
“Of course, Gabriela. I’ll be right there. Take care of Grandpa Peter. I’ll be there soon,” Cassandra said.
“Okay,” Gabriela replied.
After hanging up, Cassandra washed up hastily, changed her clothes, and rushed out.
It was only seven o’clock in the morning, and the entire Dustmeadow Mansion was quiet.
Shortly after, she arrived at the hospital. As soon as she reached the door of the ward, she heard Peter’s voice coming from inside, saying, “This is so tiring. If it weren’t to stop Cassie from leaving, I wouldn’t have to pretend to be ill and stay in the hospital.”
Frederick responded quickly, “Dad, it’s my fault for not disciplining Orlando properly.”
“No, you don’t have to blame yourself. Orlando’s bewitched by that woman. If he misses out on a good wife like Cassie, he’s destined to remain single for life,” Peter said.
“Peter, please calm down. We’ll have a good talk with Orlando later. You should rest now. Cassie will be here soon,” Gabriela suggested.
Cassandra stood outside the door, nonplussed.
It wasn’t anger she felt, just a sense of helplessness and guilt. Despite Peter, Frederick, and Gabriela’s best efforts to make her stay, she and Orlando were ultimately not meant to be.
Taking a deep breath, Cassandra gathered her resolve and knocked on the door before entering.
The three of them quickly collected themselves when they heard the knock. Cassandra didn’t expose them, merely observing Peter, who was on the bed. He looked lively and was in good spirits. That put her mind at ease.
“Cassie, you must be worried,” Peter piped up as he waved at her.
Cassandra nodded. “Yes, Grandpa Peter. Please take care of yourself, or we’ll all be concerned.”
“All right. As long as you and Orlando are okay, I’ll be okay,” he responded.
Cassandra only smiled faintly in response and didn’t say anything, her gaze fixed on Peter.
Feeling guilty, Peter quickly changed the subject, asking, “You’re here so early. You must not have had breakfast yet, right? Go out with Gabriela and have something to eat before coming back.”
“Don’t worry, Grandpa Peter. I’m not hungry. I want to stay with you,” Cassandra replied.
“Cassie, why don’t you chat with Peter? Frederick and I will get you some food,” Gabriela gently suggested, standing up.
“Okay. Thanks,” Cassandra replied.
“There’s no need to be so polite with us. We’re all family,” Gabriela responded with a smile, and Cassandra
smiled back.
After Gabriela and Frederick left the ward hand in hand, Cassandra turned to Peter, putting on a serious expression, and asked, “Grandpa Peter, are you lying to me?”
Peter avoided her gaze, saying, “Cassie, I’m old, and my ears are failing. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Oh, what’s wrong with me? Why do I suddenly feel dizzy?”
While saying that, he turned away, acting like a spoilt child, avoiding eye contact with Cassandra, which made the latter laugh.
In truth, she found it peculiar. She was unsure of the reason behind her and Peter’s unique bond. Since the death
of her grandfather, Peter had taken care of her as his own. No matter what, she was his top priority.
As she pondered, Cassandra felt a pang in her heart.
She said softly, “Grandpa Peter, please don’t play these kinds of jokes again. I want you to live a long and healthy
life.”
When Peter heard that, his heart softened, and he gently patted Cassandra’s hand, assuring her, “You’re right. I was wrong. Will you give me another chance?”
They smiled at each other, and the problem was resolved.
However, Peter uttered, “Keep this to yourself. Don’t tell it to Orlando, that rascal.”
Cassandra agreed. She could tell Peter was trying to make Orlando worry about him.
Later, Peter asked, “Did he bully you these days?” ♠