The First Step

TWO WEEKS LATER

Cassandra walked into Dr. Ethan’s office and froze.

Sitting beside Clara across from Dr. Ethan was Dante. Only then did she remember she had never replied to that text he had sent.

She hadn't known what to write and had ended up just forgetting about it altogether especially since her routine had completely changed.

For the past two weeks, her life had revolved around hospital appointments, medication, injections, and strict instructions from the fertility specialist.

It was easy to forget about everything else.

“Hi, Cassandra.” Dante greeted, quickly standing from his chair to let her seat.

Cassandra swallowed hard, pushing the awkwardness behind her as she sat up.

“Hi, sis. You’re finally here.” Clara said cheerfully, eyes beaming as she leaned closer to her, “Dr. Ethan was just briefing us about how the embryo transfer works.”

Cassandra forced a smile and faced forward, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.

Dante stood behind the ladies as they listened to what the doctor had to say.

Today was the day of the embryo transfer, hence the lecture.

All the while, Clara barely listened to what the doctor said, as she typed away on her phone, even giggling at some point.

Dr. Ethan frowned at the disturbance, causing him to conclude the lecture faster.

About thirty minutes later, Cassandra had changed into a laid quietly on the procedure bed, staring at the ceiling as the doctor prepared for the embryo transfer.

The past two weeks have triggered memories of her previous marriage and failed IVFs. This was the closest she had been to carrying a child.

And now, it scared her.

Just then her phone buzzed where her bag sat.

A nurse handed it over to her since the doctor was still setting up the equipment.

Cassandra opened the message.

It was a credit alert.

$5 MILLION.

Another message followed shortly. This time from her Dad.

“Once pregnancy is confirmed, you will receive the rest.”

Cassandra pressed her phone to her chest, her eyes quickly welling up.

She had only wanted to test her parents, yet they considered it a business arrangement and aren't even willing to take any loss.

“Ms. Hart, are you ready?” Dr. Ethan asked.

Cassandra swallowed and nodded. Ready or not, she had to do it. She had already been paid to do it.

She handed her phone back to the nurse.

Dr. Ethan gave her an encouraging smile.

“We're going to begin now. You may feel some pressure, but it shouldn't be painful. Try to relax.”

Cassandra drew in a slow breath.

She felt the nurse adjust the sheet around her before the doctor carefully began the procedure.

Cassandra's fingers tightened around the edge of the bed.

Somewhere behind the walls, Clara and Dante were waiting.

“Take a deep breath,” the doctor instructed.

Cassandra obeyed.

A few moments later, the doctor carefully completed the transfer.

“And we're done.”

Cassandra blinked. “That’s it?”

The doctor chuckled softly. “That’s it. Everything went smoothly.”

The nurse helped her sit up slowly.

Cassandra stared at the ceiling for another moment, trying to process what had just happened.

The doctor removed his gloves and gave her a reassuring smile.“Now you rest for a little while.”

“Like I said before, you only come on the scheduled date to find out the result of this procedure.”

Cassandra nodded silently.

Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach. Nothing felt different…yet this could be the beginning of a completely different life.

Cassandra was still in her thoughts and didn't know when the doctor stepped out, until a little while later when the door opened again and someone walked in.

“How are you doing?” Dante’s voice pulled Cassandra from her thoughts. “Do you feel any pain or discomfort?”

Cassandra moved her hand from her stomach.

“I guess I’m fine.” She replied, not sparing him a glance.

She tried to stand up from the bed, and Dante who was watching quickly moved in to help her, but Cassandra swiftly moved away, avoiding his touch.

“Don't worry, Mr. Caldwell, I can stand up just fine. You should leave.” She said, her back to him.

Dante stood quietly for a while, watching her.

Cassandra had avoided his gaze ever since he walked in that office.

“Ms. Hart, have I done something to offend you in the past?” He asked.

Dante's sudden question caught Cassandra off guard, but she quickly tried to hide her surprise with a dry laugh.

“What do you mean? Did I do something to make you feel that way?”

“Well, it's been three years since I became your brother-in-law and we’ve never exchanged a word. You always seem to avoid me and don't even reply to my text when I’m just trying to show my concern.”

Cassandra swallowed, her jaw tightening as she pinched palm nervously.

Three years was a long time. Long enough to get over everything.

She glanced briefly at him, forcing a smile, “I’m sorry about the text. I just forgot.”

Cassandra ignored him, causally removing the hospital gown she wore over her loose mid-length dress.

She hoped he’d leave, but Dante walked around the bed to stand face-to-face with her.

“It's understandable to forget the text, but you also told your sister I shouldn't come to the previous appointments and only she had accompanied you throughout the two weeks.” He complained bitterly.

“Whatever the problem is, you can tell me so we can sort it out now. You might be carrying my child. We can't continue like this.”

Cassandra stared blankly at him for what felt like forever, still hung up on his first statement.

“Clara told you she always come with me? That I didn't want you here?” She asked, almost in disbelief.

The same Clara who had told her she and her husband were too busy to come?

For the past two weeks, it had been just she and the family chauffeur.

“Yes.” He replied without a doubt, “But moving forward, I want to be involved. So let's resolve whatever the problem is.”

Cassandra bit her lower lip. She has always known Clara was good at lying since they were kids. But she assumed she might have stopped that behaviour now that she was married.

Clearly not.

“Fine,” Cassandra nodded. “As long as your wife has no problem with you being so close to me, then we’re cool.” She added, picking up her bag and walking out.

Dante followed behind her.

But when she arrived at the parking lot, her chauffeur was gone.

“Clara said something urgent came up and left with him.” Dante explained before Cassandra could even ask, “I will drive you home to take whatever you will need and then I will take you to our house.”

He rushed to his car to open the door.

Cassandra’s fingers tightened around her bag as she pulled out her phone and started to press it, “That won't be necessary.”

“I will only move into your home once the pregnancy is confirmed. For now, let's just keep our distance.”

Before Dante could say another word, she turned and strode off.