Destined Since Birth (Caleb & Cassie)

Chapter 25: DEAL

Caleb's POV (cont.):

"So, do you still want to help after seeing this?" her brows raised and voice sounded teasing. I didn't answer right away. Suddenly, I see Cassie's pale and sleeping face. She's been through a lot and it's because of me. Cindy's eyes are still fixed on me as I remember who the investor is.

It was 3 months ago when I traveled to London when I met Mrs. Flinch and her husband. I was working part time in their favorite restaurant, wanting to get experience, when she asked for a meal that's not on the menu. The head chef that time had me prepare it for that client and apparently they loved it! From then on, I would prepare a different set of meals every time they visit until I left to go back home. I must've mentioned Elite to her in one of our conversations.

Cindy cleared her throat, that made me go back to the present.

"So?"

"What?"

"I'm wasting my time here. I need to go and prepare a back up plan," she grabbed the folder from my hand and stood up ready to head out.

"Wait --" she quickly turned her back at me.

"Yes?"

"Is that really the only condition this investor is asking?"

"Did you read anything else in the contract besides that?"

"No, but I just want to make sure."

"Here's what's going to happen. We will do a series of photoshoots and interviews. Photos will be exclusive of course for the magazine but some will be uploaded on our website. The interview questions will involve both professional and personal. We have to show her the draft on Monday or she'll never sign."

"How important is this client that you can't find anyone else to invest?"

"She's influential. She's our market in London. The ONLY ONE. We are taking advantage of her fondness in our magazine. That's why we're trying so hard to please her and give her what she wants except..."

"Cass is against it."

"Right. She doesn't want to force you to do this nor use your relationship to make you agree. She respects your privacy, Caleb. She knows you will be asked personal questions and she doesn't know if you're ready to answer them or let the people know about you since you've agreed not to reveal your status yet."

I can't clearly get a grasp of what's going on but I know I have to do something to help Cass. I didn't know she was struggling. I haven't been really there for her. All she needed to do was ask but she never did. I felt my heart jump out of my chest. I think I am falling deeper. I took a deep breath before responding.

"Can I opt out in answering personal questions?" Cindy's face lit up.

"Of course! But you know, people would be hungry for any information about your personal life since you've been very discreet with the wedding and all. People do suspect you have a special someone and it's not Cassie,"

"Who do they think it is?"

"I don't know, your restaurant manager? The woman you were photographed with before? I honestly don't know. But that also makes Cassie look like a mistress or a fling since people would not expect Cassie to be associated with you let alone be married to you!" A few pictures have circulated during the reopening of Eclipse but since the media people who attended knows you and are very professional, they didn't dare gossip when they saw us together. The published article focused on Eclipse.

Is that what people think of her? Anger suddenly enveloped me. Cindy might have noticed my tense feature. She lightly tapped my shoulder.

"I know you deeply care for her. When I see you look at her, I can almost believe you love her!"

She suddently stopped and looked at my intently

"Wait, am I right?" she almost squealed.

"Shhh...can you keep your voice down? Manang may walk in anytime."

"My God, Caleb Andrew Silverio! Why would you be so shy to tell us you love her? You call her Cass because of your initials C-A-S, right?" and she winked at me.

"You have to promise first that this will be our little secret for now, okay?"

"Promise! Oh my God!!! Caleb I could kiss you know for agreeing! This will surely mean a lot to Cassie. You're doing us a huge favor."

"Anything for my wife." I smiled genuinely at that thought. I can't wait to see the look in her eyes once she knew about this. I hope I can make her happy.

"So, I will go back to the office now to prepare. We can start shooting tomorrow. Meanwhile, I can forward you the possible questions so you can look into it and get back to me," she's about to go when I spoke.

"I am free this whole afternoon. We can probably shoot the photos or do the interview first then finish the rest tomorrow morning."

"Great! The earlier the better."

"I need a favor from you," I hesitated at first.

"Anything. Tell me."

"I need you to ask for Cass to take a leave tomorrow until Sunday."

"Are you taking her somewhere?"

"I just want to spend time with her. So can you do it?"

"Of course! Today is Wednesday so we should be done by tomorrow afternoon the most and you'll have Cassie all to yourself from Friday until Sunday, how's that?"

"Thanks, Cindy!"

"Anytime, as long as you make time for her. Just be sure to bring her back on Monday for the big reveal," she winks at me before heading to the door. I went back to the dining room and ate my breakfast.

It was 11:00 am when I finished preparing to head out. Cindy forwarded the schedules for the next two days. We'll have a photo shoot today and the interview tomorrow. I had prepared a set of clothes per Cindy's instruction. I was about to head out when I noticed Cass wake up. I quickly sat on the bed to check on her temperature. She looked at me, bedazzled.

"What?" I asked. She looks at me like I don't know what I am doing.

"Nothing." she shyly said and looked away and grabbed her phone.

"You still have a slight fever. I already talked to Cindy and she said she'll ask for a leave."

"Leave for me? No, I can't. There's something I need to take care of," she's about to get off of bed when I held her arms to stop her.

"Listen, Cindy's handling things for you. No need to worry," I gestured for her to sit still.

"But --"

"No buts, okay? If you don't believe me, call her now," I didn't leave her side as she dials Cindy's number.