Destined Since Birth (Caleb & Cassie)

Chapter 4: THE DAY HE WENT AWAY

You were drying your hair and suddenly noticed the ring on your finger. You sat down and held your hand where your wedding ring is placed. No one would suspect this is a wedding band. After all, it was designed with a crescent moon with diamonds on it. Your Dad said Caleb had it customized. If only all of this is true and it was done out of love, I would be on cloud nine...you shut you eyes and inhaled deeply. It hurts to know that the person you married was only forced to because of the promise between your mothers.

It was after your 18th birthday when they passed away. Until then, you've always had special feelings for him but he and his father grew distant from you to heal from the passing of Tita Louise. It may not be love at that time but you have always reserved a space in your heart for Caleb. That's also one of the reasons why you agreed to the arrangement without hesitation. You just didn't know how to show it. You're too shy to show you care or probably afraid of rejection. More often than not, you're being read differently by people who barely know you.

You didn't notice the pair of eyes looking at you while you're in deep thought. You were about to lie down when you noticed a suitcase by the door.

"I will stay somewhere else and I trust you won't let anyone else know, right?" before you can respond, he's out of the door. The tears you're trying to control since the ceremony started are now falling on your cheeks.

Gladly, your fathers and best friends are about to leave so no one would notice if you'll just stay in the room in the next two days.

Caleb never returned. Your father-in-law only sent a message that he'll stay behind to take care of some business and that your dad also knows about it.

You didn't respond and went home by yourself and lived with your dad ever since. He never suspected what happened on the night of your wedding.

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One night, your dad came to your room and talked about Caleb.

"He wants to keep your marriage a secret for now. He needs time to adjust to the life of a married man. He still has a lot to do when it comes to business and you know how free-spirited he is but we can't just really ignore the pact we made when your mothers died. I hope you understand," he explained.

You just silently agreed since you've expected this much from your husband. He's a famous chef that has been featured in different shows and magazines both local and international. He has hi own business, Eclipse, located at the top floor of the tallest building in the country. You heard it was closed for renovations and will soon be reopened.

Being also a celebrity, he's been a into blind items and has been a topic of gossips specially about his relationships. Although he never mentioned anything during interviews, he's been photograph with famous models, artists, celebrities and daughters of high-profile business owners. He's also been tagged as one of the most sought-after bachelors of the country and is ranked 3rd as a wealthy, young millionaire.

You can't also ignore your status in the society however, you've been mostly away from the limelight. You tried to make sure that even if you belong to one of the prominent families, you keep your personal life private. Never got involved in any scandal or linked to anyone in and out of the business world even if you are known as the editor-in-chief of one of the famous magazines, Elite. They also know you as the sweet and innocent Mercado heiress. The one and only serious relationship you had ended once you knew about the arrangement and you had lost contact since he migrated to the US.

Both your parents manage, M & S Shipping, one of the most prestigious shipping companies in the Philippines. His father is the Chairman and CEO and your dad is the CFO.

The following morning, you have nothing to do so you browse the TV where news about Caleb came up. He was photographed with an American woman and was seen a couple of times in different functions. He was also featured on a celebrity gossip website which the writers speculate that the woman is his girlfriend. You also noticed in one of the pictures that he's not wearing his ring. You felt betrayed and tried hard not to cry.

You skipped lunch and dinner that day and decided to move to your condo until God knows when. Your dad was hesitant at first but somehow you convinced him to let you go.

THAT WAS SIX MONTHS AGO...