Shattered Dreams Due to Unforeseen Consequences

Chapter 21 The Talk! 29th December

Shawn Perspective

I was worried when Prince Phillip called William, Harry and me into Cassie's study to talk. I was unsure why he wanted to meet with us, and I was nervous that I might not know the answers to his questions. I glanced at William and Harry and saw they were also a bit apprehensive. I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm as Prince Phillip began to speak. "First off, Harry, how are Archie and Meghan?" Prince Phillip said.

Harry replied, "They are doing well, thank you for asking."

"I understand that Meghan has her own opinion, but I hope that you can find a way to sort things out with your brother and father. You are a member of the royal family, and you have a duty to the family." Prince Phillip continued. "I will try," Harry said, looking down. William and I exchanged a glance, both of us feeling a sense of relief that Prince Phillip was being understanding and not judgmental.

"William, you heard what I said to your brother; I know you are angry at him, but he is family." Prince Phillip said, turning to William. "I know," William said, still a bit angry, "I want what's best for our family, and I want us to be able to work together." Prince Phillip nodded and said, "I understand, and I want to help you all find a way to make that happen. We are all here for each other, and I know that you all care about each other deeply." They both nodded in agreement, and Prince Phillip smiled reassuringly at them.

He then said, "Now, let's talk about what you, Shawn and what is happening between you and Cassandra." All three of them turned to me, and I suddenly became aware that the entire conversation was focused on me. I could feel my heart rate increasing as I nervously tried to think of what I should say. Prince Phillip spoke first, asking me how I felt about Cassandra and the state of our relationship.

I took a deep breath and began to explain my side of the story. "When Cassie was here when she was sixteen, I had a massive crush on her. I was home from tour, and well, I think you all know what happened on the night of her sixteenth?" All three nodded, scowling at me. "Yes, I remember," Prince Phillip said.

"It was a mistake, and I regret it deeply. I never meant for it to happen, and I wish I could have done things differently. I am deeply sorry for my actions, and I take full responsibility for them." I could feel the tension in the room, and I could see that William and Harry were still not happy with me. I knew I had to try to make things right.

"When I saw Ed's post just before Christmas, I finally understood that I had got Cassie pregnant. I didn't know she was here in Canada or where she was. I was going insane trying to think of a way to find her and the twins." I continued to explain.

Harry asked, "Why did you block her after that night?" I looked down, feeling a deep shame. "I was scared," I said softly. "I didn't know how to face her or what she would say. I was afraid she would hate me and never forgive me, so I blocked her on social media and never spoke to her again. I thought blocking her would be the best way to protect myself and try to move on with my life. I regret doing that now; I was an idiot, I know, but I was too scared to face her. I was so ashamed of what I had done, and I was so scared of what she would say." I said.

"I felt like I had let everyone down. I wanted to protect Cassie from the scandal and the potential media attention. I thought the best way to do that was to cut off all contact with her. I thought I had made the right decision, but now I can see that I was wrong. I should have been there for her and the twins, and I regret not being there for them. I want to make things right now and am willing to do whatever it takes. I think I love her."

"What do you mean you think you love her?' William asked me

"I mean, I'm not sure if I'm in love with her. I care about her deeply and want to make things right, but I'm not sure if it's love," I said. "I know I made a mistake and regret it, but I want to make things right and be there for her and the twins. I want to be able to provide for them and give them the life they deserve. I just don't know if it's love." William took a deep breath and said, "You have to talk to her and tell her how you feel. I'm sure she understands and won't judge you. She's been through a lot and needs to know how you feel."