Cassandra slowly walked out. She was struggling to steady herself after the phone call. Maia had just called her through Caleb's phone to tell her terrible news.
“Lake released the interview you did a week ago in anticipation of your book's release. I swear I forgot about that video. I took care of every other thing. I canceled the book launch and signing event. The copies were released into the market silently on the set day. But the story was so good, your fans started clamoring for another event to be scheduled and Lake thought the time was right to release the video."
Cassandra kept putting one foot in front of the other until she found herself in the garden. She blinked hard to stop her tears from falling.
“Chica, the video revealed a lot, too much even. Especially now we've seen Johann for the asshole he truly is. But the fans did not know. He had started receiving attention for being the ‘best boyfriend ever’. His modeling career was suddenly ascending. I did not say anything. I thought it would all roll over. Then one of our neighbors was interviewed and she spilled the beans. She spoke about Rhonda's backstabbing and Johann's cheating. But it was because she thought it would help you get back at Johann. He is taking some heat too but not as much as you."
Cassandra reminded herself to breathe.
“For some fans, your story held a beacon of hope that there was still good love in this world but then the truth came out. They feel so disappointed. Some feel you lied on purpose because you wanted your book to sell. There, chica, I reported it all."
Cassandra held out her hand to the butterfly flying by. It settled on her finger as Maia's last words on the call returned to her.
“Chica, you must remember that none of this is your fault. And the expectations of people don't hold the authority in your life. And you are human, you were cheated on as has happened to many of your fans. Why must they crucify you now? Why make you their beacon of hope? Are you Jesus? Enjoy this time with your family that loves you. I will take care of things here. I know you insulted me but I am still your woman. I've still got your back.”
Cassandra sighed as the butterfly flew away. She went and sat on one of the white benches in the garden. A tear escaped her eye and ran down her cheek. But why did this even happen? Things had been good between her and Johann, except for some days when he revealed his “shortcomings”. That was how she had termed his short temper, and violent actions when he got angry.
“That man disrespected you many times," Adèle said from her insides, “you just chose to turn your eyes away."
Right, you would've seen it all, Adèle. Cassandra sighed. Once, Johann had got mad at her when she switched off his TV to catch his attention while he was watching a game. That was the first time he had raised his voice at her. Another time was when she stopped him from going further than kissing. Thinking of all these now made Cassandra feel like a fraud. So how then did I see a fairytale romance all this time? I even wrote a whole novel about us!
Cassandra cussed aloud and leaned back on the bench.
“Language!" A little voice warned from behind.
Cassandra turned to see Diamond, the Alpha's daughter grinning and holding her cup of ice cream. “Sweetheart." The sad air around Cassandra suddenly melted away as she looked at the beautiful child.
Diamond came and sat with her, still beaming her smile. “Mama Rosie tells Uncle Caleb ‘language’ a lot. And you're his sister."
Cassandra laughed. “I guess I am like my brother then."
Diamond laughed too as she took some of her ice cream. “Your name is hard for me to say." Diamond turned sincere eyes to her.
“Oh. Can you say Cassie instead?”
