ALEXANDER

Chapter 26

CASSIDY POV

It’s past seven in the evening based on my wristwatch. I hurriedly walk to the elevator, as I can’t wait to surprise him once he comes home. I’ve missed Alexander so much. We haven’t seen each other for three days since I was with my family and he was with his family for two days. He had gone home yesterday.

I press the elevator button to go up to the penthouse.

Alexander stayed in his parent’s house after Augustus’ birthday. His father asked him to spend some time with them. I have heard his brother was there too but left the next day for his school.

I wanted to visit there but mom needed me. She had seen the news about me and Alexander, including the news about his ex-girlfriend linking to him. Mom was so worried about me. She had been keeping her worries inside her for a month, which caused her to have an anxiety attack.

I had to stay there for a few days to make sure she’s fine. Kay was helping us too, and she’s the best nurse I could wish to have. She treated mom as her own mother, too. She went above and beyond with her job. I am so thankful for that.

I have seen the news about Cheska and Alexander in Augustus’ birthday party. The medias and Cheska’s fans were speculating things about them getting back together since I wasn’t there.

Cheska neither deny it nor confirm but her fans were making it like it was real. Alexander said nothing about it, too. He didn’t tell me Cheska was there. It was when I asked him on the phone that he confirmed. But that was it. No more explanation from him.

I was hurt and disappointed. But I have to keep it inside me. Buried deeper. I don’t have the right to get hurt. Ours was just a sham. A fake one. Besides, the contract will end in two weeks. That would probably be the reason Cheska was there. Alexander probably wanted to get her back, too. He’s just waiting for our contract to end.

Crap!

Why am I hurting?

Cassidy, don’t put your guard down!

I honestly don’t know what to do next once the contract is over. I don’t know what to explain to my family, to my friends and to Augustus.

And by thinking of Augustus right now makes me guiltier. He’s the grandfather I didn’t have. He treated me like a family, too. I felt that and him finding about the breakup could devastate him.

I wish he will understand.

Alexander and I already had a break up scenario and that’s what we will do in a couple of weeks from now.

I should not fall for him.

I should know the boundaries.

I should have guarded my heart from the start.

Yet, my rebel heart has fallen hard for him.

I feel having a separation anxiety.

Taking a deep breath to release the heavy feeling that is building inside me. Then walk out of the elevator.

Alexander called me this afternoon and said he has another event to attend tonight. I guess he’s still there since he hasn’t called me yet.

“Ugh!” I groan when I enter an incorrect passcode of Alexander’s penthouse. I have to do it twice. I interchange the zero and two.

Finally! I mentally exclaim when the door unlocks.

As I walk inside, I hear noises.

Oh, he’s here already... But why is it dark here?

Then turn the lights on.

“Hi!” Smiling widely at Alexander.

My smile has gone quickly when I realize he’s not alone.

“Oh, my god!” I just stand frozen, staring at them in shock.

Cheska? Mouth agape and eyes widen in disbelief.

I felt my blood has just left me. Flabbergasted as I am. I was looking at them back and forth.

“Baby?! f**k!” He is so shocked as well. He looked at me and back to Cheska.

“s**t!”

“Wha- what’s going on here?” I faltered, though not sure if I asked that loudly or I just whispered.

“What the f**k?! Cheska??!" Alexander seems surprised.

But he still got off the sofa and put his pants on. He almost stumbled on the floor.

My eyes stings. “Oh, God!” I step back. Fighting back my tears.

“Baby, let me explain. It’s not what you think- “ Says Alexander. I just shake my head.

Cheska walks closer too.

“Cassidy.” She’s smiling. Like she just won a lottery. Wanting to grab her to remove the smug on her face. “You should have told us you’re coming.”

Glaring at her while holding back myself from grabbing her hair.

She held Alexander’s arm. Didn’t even bother to cover her body. Alexander’s jaw clenched as he shook his head, begging at me. His eyes were pleading.

“Get the f**k out of here, Cheska!”

“But, we’re not done yet, Alex.”

What?? How dare you, w***e?!

My fists are so eager to punch her.

“Leave” He is livid, but I cut him off as I shrug my arm to remove from his hold, too.

Don’t cry! Hold it, Cassidy. Gripping my bag so tight.

“Baby, it’s not what---“ Alexander tries to explain but I am too deaf to hear his explanation.

My mind is still shock right now and all I could hear is my heart beating so fast and aching so badly.

I turned back, but he held my arm again.

“Baby, wait! Please listen.” He has a very complicated look. The very first time I see him disconcerting.

“No! You know what? I shouldn’t tell you this. But seems you are not over with each other yet. Why don’t you go back with her, Alexander? Do whatever you two want.”

And I look at Cheska. “Isn’t this what you want? I know you still have feelings for him. He’s yours now, Cheska.” I told them bitterly and opened the door.

I reached the elevator. Fumbled on pressing the button to open.

Hold your tears, Cassidy. Not yet! Not here! Not now!

I’m scolding myself. Trying to walk straight, but my knees are wobbling.

Before I could get inside the elevator, he grabbed my arm, pulling me back.

“Look... Cheska tricked me. I thought it was you.”

And that’s it. My emotions explode. “That’s bullshit! You know we’re different, Alexander! We are!”

“I was drunk, and I thought it was you who came. I took a nap because I got drunk. I didn’t know she’s not you.”

“Oh, really? Do we have the same scent? How did she get in? Does she still know the code? And was being drunk made you blind too?! Just- just go back to her, Alexander. Don’t keep her waiting.” Telling him with full of sarcasm and bitterness. No longer care if he sees me hurting.

“It’s not what you think.”

“Oh, really? Not what I think? Then what do you want me to think? Tell me, Alexander. What do you want me to think if I see a woman naked on top of you? Seeing you kissing her? Should I be happy? Tell me!”

“I told you I was drunk, and I thought it was you---“

“That’s ridiculous, Alexander. Don’t use that alibi. Do you think I would believe you? God! I should have seen this coming. I was just a fool of hoping that we.. we can be more--- damn it!”

I can’t tell him about my feelings.

“Just listen to me. Baby, please---” He tried to explain, but I just glared as I shrugged his hands off.

“Look. You don’t have to explain to me. I get it, Alexander. In fact, this is for the best...” Here I am again, lying to myself.

He looked addled, so I continued.

“I guess it is about time to void the contract, Alexander. After all, our relationship isn’t real. It’s better if we stop here. Besides, we only have two weeks left. What’s the difference if we end it right now?”

“No!” He growled.

“Why not?? Isn’t this what will happen soon? We will still break up! You should be happy.”

“Moya milaya-“

I stop him and remove the ring on my finger and give it back to him. It was a diamond ring he gave before.

“Baby, don’t do this.” He shakes his head.

“I will have someone to take my things from your apartment. Thank you for the wonderful months, Alexander. I guess this is a goodbye then.”

“No, baby! Let me explain-“

His pleading voice is like a needle pricking my heart a million times.

“It’s Miss Lopez, Mr. Montavo.”

The elevator opened again, I immediately walked inside. I didn’t let him come inside until the elevator doors closed.

I didn’t expect our contract has to end this way. I didn’t expect that I was the one to end it. That’s much courage on my part. But then, even if we ended it differently, the feeling would still be the same. I still love him.

“Goodbye, Alexander.” Uttering in pain as my tears stream down on my face.