Healing hearts

Chapter twelve

Cassie's pov

The next day, Xander came home and told me that the client had called back. "They apologized for what happened and said they had judged him based on a rumor that wasn't true," he said. "They want to work with him again and have invited us to a party this Friday night."

Once Xander had gone to his room, I called my brother on the phone. "Hey," I said.

"Hi, Cass," he replied. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well," I said. The client called Xander back. Did you have anything to do with that?"

My brother paused for a moment before answering. "Yes, I did," he said. "I told the client that I had been wrong and that the rumor wasn't true. I apologized and offered to make things right."

"Thank you Brian" I said

"You're welcome, Cass," he said. "I did it for you and your baby. You were right, the two of you shouldn't have to carry the stigma of that man's mistakes. You were both just victims in this."

I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. "You're a good brother, Brian," I said. "And you should forgive Xander. He's a part of our family now."

"Now you are asking too much from me cass", he said. " I can never forgive that guy not now or ever not for what he did in high school or now".

I sighed. Brian was being stubborn about this, and I knew there was no point in arguing with him. "Well, thank you again for what you did, Brian," I said. "I really appreciate it."

It was Friday night, and I was getting ready for the party. I knew it was important to show a united front with Xander, so I put on my best red gown, which accentuated my baby bump. I wanted to dispel any rumors and make it clear that we were happily married.

I was already seven months pregnant, and the thought of meeting my baby filled me with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I knew that tomorrow would be my baby shower, and I couldn't wait to celebrate with my friends and family.

As I walked out of my bedroom, I saw Xander waiting for me in the living room. He looked at me with such love in his eyes, . He looked so handsome too

He was dressed in a black suit and a dark green shirt and he looked great.

" Hey" I said.

" Hi "he replied you look beautiful he said and I blushed a bit he was too shy to say this to me but I guess he found courage today.

You look handsome too I said back to him and he smiled and said thanks .

I followed Xander to the garage, and he opened the passenger door for me, helping me with my seat belt , and I said, "Thanks."

He smiled and then went to the driver's side, getting in and starting the car. We drove to the party venue in silence, and when we arrived, I could see the paparazzi swarming around the entrance.

Xander held my hand as we made our way through the crowd and got into the very large hall.

The venue was absolutely beautiful. The decor was elegant and the lighting was warm and inviting.

Xander ordered a smoothie for me, knowing that I couldn't drink alcohol while pregnant. He took me to a table, and soon, a man approached us.

"Xander, it's good to see you," he said, shaking Xander's hand.

"And you must be Cassie," he said, turning to me. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you," I said.

The man introduced himself as Mr Fields and told us to enjoy the celebration.

Other men and women also came to us to interact with both I and Xander.

I could tell that Xander was eager to leave and mingle with the other guests, but I assured him that I was fine on my own. "I'll be okay," I said. "Go and enjoy yourself."

But he shook his head. "I won't leave you here alone," he said.

As we were talking, a woman approached us. She was tall and slender, and she looked at us with a smile. "Xander!" she said.

"Hey, Kayla," Xander said, giving her a hug. "It's nice to see you."

"How long has it been?" she asked.

"A few years, I guess," he said, laughing.

"Oh, God, I've missed you!" she said, reaching out to touch his face. "So, do you want to catch up like old times later tonight"? she said in a flirty manner biting her lips.

Her gesture struck me as overly familiar, and I couldn't help but scoff. Did she not see that I was right there?

"Um, actually, Kayla," Xander said, clearing his throat. "I'm married. This is my wife, Cassie."

I felt her gaze fall on me, and I could tell she was shocked. "You're married?" she said, her voice trembling.

"Yes, I am," Xander said. "And Cassie is pregnant."

She turned to me, her eyes wide. "I...I guess I'm too late," she said. "I'll see you around, I guess " and she left.

The rest of the night was tense. I didn't feel comfortable being there, and then finally , I told Xander that I was tired and wanted to go home.

When we pulled up in front of our house, I decided to ask him a question that had been on my mind all night.

"Xander," I said. "Was Kayla someone special to you?"

"No, of course not," he said, shaking his head. "She was just a fling I had in college. We weren't serious, and I hadn't seen her since then."

I nodded, understanding what he was saying. "Thank you for being honest," I said. "I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't taking anything away from you."

He was about to get out of the car when I stopped him. "Xander," I said. "Are you happy with the fact that you and I are married? Did I stop you from living your life and going out and being with all the girls you could've been with. He looked at me confused.

"I love the fact that we're married, Cassie," he said, looking me in the eye. "I know the situation that pushed us into this wasn't ideal, but I do love being married to you. Did you know that it had been my dream since high school to be with you? I love you, Cassie."

"But the thing is," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper, "we don't share the physical relationship that a normal couple would have. I don't know when or if I'll ever be ready to open my heart and myself to you like that. I don't want to lead you on, Xander."

"I understand, Cassie," he said. "And I'm willing to wait for you to open your heart. I'll be patient, I promise."

"But what if I'm never ready?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Will you wait forever?"

He took my hand and looked me in the eye. "I'll wait as long as it takes," he said. "I love you, and I'm not going anywhere." I scoffed a bit.

"Xander, you can't wait for me forever," I said. "You have your own life to live. You may think I'm being unrealistic, but I'm serious. I'm not ready to be intimate with you, and I don't know if I ever will be.

"You're wrong, Cassie," he said, his voice firm. "I can and will wait for you, no matter how long it takes. I know you're being serious, and I'm not giving up on us. I'm just as dedicated to you, this marriage and out child.

"Let's not worry about this right now," he said. "Let's focus on our child and revisit this issue later, okay?"

I nodded, . "Okay," I said.

We got out of the car and headed into the house. I went to my room, had my bath and slept.