Destined Since Birth (Caleb & Cassie)

Chapter 23: BROKEN

CASSIE'S POV

I kept looking at the wall clock and my phone waiting for Caleb's text or call. He promised to pick me up tonight after he's done in Eclipse.

While waiting, I buried myself with work. We've been trying to win one of the investors but she has an odd request: to feature Caleb in the magazine. I don't exactly know how to ask since he always wants to keep his personal life private as much as possible. That's why even after being married for almost a year now, we still haven't announced to the public that he's no longer a bachelor.

 Cindy, my best friend and managing editor, has been trying to convince me to talk to Caleb and I would turn her down every time.

Our conversation this morning is still ringing in my head.

"Cassie, it's either we tell Mrs. Flinch now or you ask Caleb."

"You know my answer to that."

"I don't know what to do anymore. Mr. Sims will also ask us for an update by next week and what should we tell them? They you know you and Caleb are married!"

"I will handle the board. Just keep thinking of another way."

"I don't even know how..."

It's almost midnight and raining hard. I didn't bring any umbrella nor my car since Caleb dropped me off this morning and promised to pick me up but he's a no show. Suddenly, lighting struck and the power went off! I immediately turned my cellphone's light on. My phobia shouldn't attack right now. I need to go home and get out of here right away! As I head towards the door, my hands are shaking but I managed to lock the office and head to the nearest taxi bay. My battery is at 10% as I've been trying to reach Caleb for the past two hours now but with no response, even in texts. I waited for at least 15 more minutes in the rain before finding a cab.

I keep on glancing at my phone which is now down to 5% before I gave up calling and texting Caleb. Something probably came up and he completely forgot about me. That thought made my heart hurt. An hour has passed and I am still in the car stuck in traffic. I already told Manang Linda I am on my way so she can wait for me to open the gate. I didn't tell her about Caleb not picking me up. I suddenly feel dizzy and cold. I had to stay awake because the cab driver may not be allowed inside the village if I don't show the guards my face. Few more minutes and we are almost at the house. I see Manang Linda standing outside with a big umbrella waiting. After paying the driver, I got out of the car and Manang immediately gathered my things and gesture me to go inside the house.

"My God, you're soaking wet. I thought Caleb would pick you up?" she asked as she grabbed a towel from the closet and handed it on me. I had to sit to balance myself. I don't feel good.

"He has an emergency," I didn't meet her eyes as she can clearly see that I am lying about something. The truth is I don't know what to think or feel right now that Caleb bailed on me. He promised to always be there for me and now this.

"Did you call him?"

"I did. There's something important -- "

"More important than you?"

I couldn't answer back. My head is spinning and I feel very hot. Manang must have noticed as she placed her hand in my forehead.

"You have a fever!"

"I'm fine. I just need --" before I could finish my sentence, everything went black.

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CALEB'S POV

I fell asleep and lost track of time. When I woke up, there were calls and texts from Cass. Then it suddenly hit me! I promised to pick her up.

I immediately gathered my things. God, I hope she didn't go home by herself in this rain.

I drove as fast as I could only to find their office closed so I drove home and saw a familiar car outside the house. It's Dr. Smith, our family doctor, and always has been since we're small. I panicked when I saw him with Manang Linda coming out of Cassie's room.

"Good evening, Doc. Everything alright?" I noticed Manang Linda rolled her eyes and headed to the kitchen.

"You should take good care of your wife, Caleb," he said as he put a hand on your shoulder.

"What happened to Cass?" worry spread through me.

"She's over fatigued and lost weight. She now has high fever because she got soaked in the rain. Manang Linda said she had to take a cab back home? You aren't being a loving husband, are you?"

"I--I..."

"I understand you have your own obligations but your wife also needs your attention and she should always come on top of your priorities. Your business could go on even without you being there but your wife?" Words struck me like I wanted to melt from where I am standing. It's been a week since the last time I went home but I've been in touch with Cass everyday. I also didn't miss having Troy deliver her meals in the office. I even send her flowers and makes sure she eats on time and call or text her before my day ends.

"It's not too late. You're both young. Spend more time with her. Take care of her and make her happy, okay?" he smiled and gestured a hand shake, which I took before he bid goodbye.

Manang Linda holds a tray with soup, glass of water and a medicine bottle. She didn't look at me and walked past me to go upstairs when I blocked her.

"I'm sorry, Manang. I didn't know I fell asleep after a few drinks," she shakes her head as I speak. Her eyes were accusing.

"She waited for you. She even had to take a cab home and fell ill. Do you know what she told me? She said you had to take care of something important that maybe you forgot about picking her, only to find out you fell asleep because you had a FEW drinks?" her tone is as cold as the weather right now. I put my head down.

"She's your wife! What's more important than her?" she sounded disgusted this time. I can't possibly reason out with her. I wonder if Cass will feel the same when I face her. Worry and guilt registered to my face, which Manang probably saw so she softened her voice.

"I will not let your parents know about this. I am supposed to, but I am giving you a chance. Go upstairs and freshen up. I will give this to Cassandra," she left and headed to Cassie's room. I went to my room and did as I was told. Once done, I headed to her room. I knocked softly and Manang opened the door.

"She's already asleep but her fever is still high. I guess I have to sleep here to keep her company. She might get chills," she said as she looked at my sleeping wife.

"I will take care of her. I'll stay here," I said firmly. Manang didn't argue and left. She gave me instructions then left. Once the door was closed, I quietly grabbed a chair and placed it beside Cassie's bed. She looks tired and lost weight. But her current state didn't make her less attractive. Her long lashes, rosy cheeks, kissable lips and soft and fair skin are what makes her very pretty. The Cassie I see now is the real one - vulnerable, innocent and sweet.

I set my phone to alarm every 2 hours to check on her temperature and wake her up every 4 hours to take the medicine. I had a few hours of sleep earlier so I don't feel sleepy right now. I started to work on the menus for next week to kill time. I was about to go get water downstairs when I noticed she kept on moving and grabbing the bed sheet. I quickly placed my hand on her forehead and noticed she's burning up but feeling so cold. I had to tuck myself in the bed to keep her warm. She's shivering. I rubbed her arms and cheek and pulled her close to me. A few more seconds and she stopped trembling and slightly opened her eyes. She doesn't seem to recognize me as she softly said "thank you" before drifting back to sleep.

I felt more guilty seeing her like this. No wonder Manang said she had to sleep with her. From now on, I will never let her get sick again. I slowly found myself falling asleep as I held her tightly