Healing hearts

Chapter ten

Cassie's pov

I woke up in my new bedroom and sighed. I had to work today, and I had to get ready so I wouldn't be late. I felt queasy and guessed it was due to my pregnancy. I went to the bathroom sink and threw up. Afterwards, I felt hungry.

I needed to eat something, so I went to the kitchen. Xander's home was luxurious, and I was proud of his success. I remembered my brother mentioning that Xander was an hotelier, and I wondered how he had become so rich and successful. But regardless, I was proud of him - he deserved it. I was still curious, though.

I went to the fridge and it was filled to the brim with food. I was impressed - I wondered if Xander did the cooking himself, because in high school he couldn't cook to save his life. We once tried to cook together, and he managed to burn everything. I smiled as I remembered those days, years ago.

I made breakfast for the both of us, and headed to Xander's room to get him. As I walked down the hallway, I heard some grunts coming from another room, so I decided to investigate. When I opened the door, I saw Xander working out shirtless, his olive skin shining with sweat. My pregnancy hormones were running wild, and I had a weird mix of feelings.

He looked up and noticed me standing there. "Hey," he said softly.

"I made breakfast," I said, trying to shake off my thoughts and emotions.

"Thank you," he said.

I nodded and went back to the dining room, where I started eating my breakfast. A few minutes later, Xander joined me and started eating as well.

He seemed to have taken a quick shower, as his hair was still wet, and he was wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. He kept glancing at me, almost furtively, as if he was afraid to make eye contact which almost made me want to laugh. It was almost like he was nervous to be around me, I understood why it it was still a bit weird , even though we were once best friends.

I cleared my throat and decided to try to start a conversation. "What are your plans for today?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"I'm going to the office," he said. "I have a meeting."

"I heard you own different hotels," I said, trying to make small talk.

"Yeah, it was my dad's business," he said. "I inherited it".

I was surprised by this information.

"What happened to your dad?" I asked, curious about his past.

"He passed away," he said quietly. "He found me just before I started college."

I nodded. "When do you usually get home?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"I'm usually home by eight, except on nights when I go out with friends," he said. He looked at me and I looked back at him.

"I hope you're no longer friends with those people," I said.

"Not anymore," he said. "I don't think they were ever really my friends."

I finished my breakfast and stood up, gathering my things. "I'll be going now," I said.

Just as I was about to leave, I heard Cassie call out to me. "Have a lovely day," he said.

"You too," I replied, and walked out the door. I got into my car and drove to the office. As I walked into the building, I could feel the tension in the air. My dad and Brian were still angry with me.

I went into my office and started working,  Then someone knocked on my door, and I looked up to see Noah standing there.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi," I replied. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you," he said. "I hope that guy didn't hurt you".

"He didn't," I said, "and Xander isn't like that."He nodded. "So, how about you? What are you going to do now?"

"I actually work here now," he said.

I was shocked. I mounted an oh." Well that's good I said I am glad you work here now"

"I'm going to be staying with your family for a while, until I get back on my feet ." He said and I nodded..

"Please take care of them for me," I said. "I know they're all mad at me."

"I understand why," he said. "Cassie, you betrayed your family for a man who wasn't worth it."

"I had my reasons," I said, not wanting to get into the details.

He looked at me expectantly. "What were they?" he asked.

"It was for the best, Noah," I said. "It was for my baby and me. I didn't see any other way out."

"You could have found a way out with me," he said. "I would have protected you."

"I know you would have," I said. "But who would have protected my child from all the hatred and bullying? The people with the wicked hearts?"

He looked at me sadly. "I don't want you to be unhappy," he said.

"I'll be fine, Noah," I said. "Trust me, I can take care of myself."

He came over and gave me a hug, kissing my forehead. "I love you so much, Cassie," he said. "If you need me, I'll always be here, okay?"

He kissed me again, and then he left my office. I watched him go, a lump in my  throat and then went back to work.

I tried to talk to my dad later that day, but he was professional with me, and it hurt. But I knew and trusted that he wouldn't be mad at me for long. By six, I left the office and headed home. I made dinner for Xander and myself, and by seven, he returned.

"Hi," he said, greeting me. "How was your day?"

It was good and yours i asked and he replied good too , then went to freshen up. When he came back, he joined me for dinner.

"How was your meeting?" I asked.

He looked surprised that I'd asked, but he quickly covered it up. "It was good," he said. "It went well."

He took a bite of the food I'd made. "This is great," he said. "You're an excellent cook."

"Thank you," I said. "I'm glad you like it."

He surprised me by bringing out some yogurt and fruits, which he said were good for pregnant women. I smiled at him.

"Thank you," I said. "That's very thoughtful of you."

"You're welcome," he said. "I just want to make sure you're getting everything you need."

He smiled at me. "And don't ever hesitate to ask me for anything, okay?"

"Okay," I said. "I'll keep that in mind."