The Neighbor III: The Dark Web

Chapter 21

Cassie groaned and held her stomach as another wave of pain came through. She went to the doctor's and got told exactly what she already knew. It was too dangerous to have this baby. Ben was there, but completely ignored the harsh reality that Cassie giving birth just couldn't happen.

That's why she's here.

Of course, she couldn't do this without someone being able to bring her home. So she called her mom. Pat was immediately understanding of her daughter's situation, but kept asking why Ben couldn't be there instead.

Cassie didn't exactly tell her that Ben disagreed, but rather that he had an engagement he couldn't miss. Pat still thought Ben should be there.

The operation took around ten minutes and she had to stay behind to relax for another thirty minutes. After that, Pat got her daughter home and into bed. She insisted she stay, but Cassie begged her to go home. It's not that she didn't want her there, but she knew she would tell Ben.

Cassie intends on him never finding out, but telling him she had a miscarriage. He will kill her if he finds out. Literally.

As much as she wanted to stay awake until Ben got home to tell him the news, she was exhausted. It didn't take more than a few minutes for her to pass out. What felt like seconds later, she jolted awake to the feeling of something touching her face.

The room was now completely dark and she could see the silhouette of Ben standing over her. He was gently rubbed his thumb over her temple, then knelt down to where they were face to face.

"Hi, sleepy girl," he softly said. "Long day?" All Cassie could do was nod. She was still so sleepy. "Have you eaten, baby?" She shook her head.

She stretched her arms and legs, but then yelped when she felt a sharp pain from her operation today. Ben looked at her curiously. "You alright?" He asked. She shook her head as he helped her sit up.

"Ben, I'm sorry," she said. "We knew this pregnancy was going to be difficult. I'm sorry, but...I had a miscarriage today." Ben sat next to her. He turned on the bedside lamp, then took her face into his hands.

"Are you alright? Are you sore from it, are you - are you..." Cassie shushed him and said, "I'm fine, baby, I'm okay. I'm a little sore, but I'll be okay." Sighing, he put his forehead against hers. "Well," he said, "can't be mad at you for this one. Why didn't you call me?"

Out of all the things she thought of telling him as an excuse...that question never crossed her mind. "I, uh...it just happened so quickly and I was so upset I made myself exhausted and that's when I fell asleep."

He didn't seem totally convinced, but nodded his head in understanding anyways. "Well, Alec called me and he's just got in from Chicago. He wanted to go out to dinner tonight to discuss everything, but if you're not feeling up to it..."

"I think I could manage sitting through a dinner," she told him. "For how long, though, I have no idea." He rubbed her leg as he said, "We'll make it quick. I'll keep an eye on you, baby, don't worry." He placed a long, tender kiss on her forehead, then kissed her lips.

"I made reservations at eight. Is that too late, or do you want to go sooner?" She forgets how sweet her husband can be. Unfortunately, that tends to lead her to forget how awful he can be, too.

But the main reason why she got rid of the baby will always remind her.

"Eight is perfect," she said. "Gives me plenty of time to shower my day away." He gave her a little smile and helped her to get up. She was definitely sore, but it wasn't something she couldn't handle.

Before she could walk to the bathroom, Ben stood in front of her and cupped her face. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I've been so bloody awful to you. I've been awful to Zach, even towards the kids on occasion. I'll make this right, okay?"