Chapter 10

After a few hours, Cassian and I finished dinner. So far, so good, the food at the restaurant was delicious.

I kept my head down because I couldn't handle the judging glances of some people inside the restaurant.

"You're my wife, so you should walk with confidence. If you're thinking about your social standing, well, that doesn't matter to someone like me, Mrs. Smith."

"I'm so sorry. I just can't help but feel shy whenever I'm with you. You know people know who I am, right? I don't belong in your circle, so it's expected that some people will have judging looks," I responded to Cassian.

I just heard Cassian's deep sigh. I was getting butterflies because he was helping me walk to the exit of the restaurant and to his car.

When we reached Cassian's car, I wasn't expecting him to open the door for me.

"Go ahead, get in," Cassian said, his face still serious. "I need to do this to show them that they need to respect my wife, just like I did for you today."

"Thank you, Cassian." I shyly got into the front seat and fastened my seatbelt.

For a month now, I'd noticed that Cassian's cologne was really familiar. It was the same scent as the man I'd been with a month ago. Could it be just a coincidence that they used the same perfume?

"Cassian, have you been using that cologne for a long time?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, this is my usual scent. Why are you asking?"

"I just remembered something," I replied.

"As far as I know, the man you loved cheated on you. That's what Dad told me."

Remembering my shameless ex-boyfriend, I suddenly felt a strange pain in the corner of my heart, a tiny ache that was hard to explain.

That's probably why Cassian said that, because he thinks I'm remembering my ex-boyfriend in connection with his cologne.

"You're right," I replied.

"Well, he's the one who lost, not you."

I kept my gaze out the window as we drove, distracting myself with the beautiful scenery to ease the little ache in my heart whenever I thought about my ex-boyfriend's betrayal.

"He's not worth crying over, and you shouldn't feel like you missed out because you broke up, Eli."

My heart leaped with joy when I heard Cassian call me by my nickname. Of course, I couldn't help but glance at him, but he still looked serious.

But my intense anxiety returned when Cassian suddenly pulled his car into a nearby hospital.

"We're here," he said.

I didn't know what to do, so I had no choice but to follow his wishes.

We both got out of his car, but I asked Cassian first if I could call my mom, but in reality, I would call Mr. Smith, his father. I needed his help.

Luckily, Cassian just nodded at me, and I took my phone from my bag and frantically called Mr. Smith.

I took a deep breath before dialing Mr. Smith's number. I silently thanked my lucky stars when he answered my call quickly.

"Yes, you called, Eli?" I noticed a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Sir, I need your help."

"Help? Is something wrong?"

"I'm so sorry, sir. B-but... I think I'm pregnant." Mr. Smith fell silent on the other end of the line, and my heart pounded as if a herd of horses were racing inside.

"Where are you?" he asked.

"I'm with Cassian, sir. He noticed I was pale, and he was probably worried about me so he brought me to the hospital."

"Are you sure you're pregnant?"

"It's been a month since my period, sir."

"Stop calling me sir, Eli. You're married to my son, so you should get used to calling me Dad."

I couldn't help but wince at the intense embarrassment I felt from his words. It's only two years, and Cassian and I can get a divorce.

"O-okay, Dad." I had no choice but to comply with Mr. Robert Smith's wishes, Cassian's father, who was my former boss.

"Let him know because it was just a contract marriage and you'll be getting a divorce after two years anyway. Besides, Cassian already knows that your ex-boyfriend cheated on you, let him take responsibility for the child."

I was surprised by what Mr. Smith said. "Do you think Cassian can do that?!" I exclaimed softly.

"Yes, how many months have you missed your period?"

"One month."

"Okay, I need to hang up now. Let Cassian know your real situation. He can handle that, Eli."

I had no choice but to listen to what Mr. Smith said. My shoulders slumped when he ended the call.

I was nervous to face Cassian and tell him my true situation. It was impossible for him to take responsibility for my pregnancy.

"Hey, are you okay?" I jumped when I heard Cassian's baritone voice behind me. I was startled, and turned to him, clutching my chest.

"Did I scare you?" Cassian asked, concerned.

"Y-You scared me," I replied, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Is something wrong?" Cassian asked, concerned.

"N-No, nothing," I answered. Cassian approached me and stared intently at me.

"Let's go inside so you can get checked up. Look at you, you look so pale, Eli."

"Cassian, what if—" I didn't finish my sentence when a nurse suddenly interrupted.

"Excuse me, sir. The doctor is waiting for the patient."

"Let's go?" Cassian asked.

A small smile formed on my lips, and I simply nodded at Cassian. He helped me walk until we reached the doctor's desk.

I sat down in the chair facing the doctor, and she asked me about what I was feeling in my body. Cassian remained in the chair opposite me. I could feel sweat forming on my forehead, my knees trembled, and my hands and feet felt icy cold. Then darkness swallowed me, probably from the intense anxiety I was feeling.

"Eli!" I heard Cassian's shout as the last thing.