The Winning Bid

"After a comprehensive review of all submitted proposals and the final presentations, Caldwell Construction has reached a unanimous decision regarding the interior manufacturing contract for the Horizon District Redevelopment Project.”

The announcer’s voice echoed through the grand ballroom, instantly silencing the quiet conversations among the representatives seated below the stage.

Cassandra’s fingers tightened around the champagne glass in her hand, the other hand slowly massaging her temple nervously.

She needed this win. Cassandra hadn't slept for three nights. Failure simply wasn't an option.

“It is my pleasure to announce that the Horizon District Redevelopment interior manufacturing contract has been awarded to Hart Interiors.”

The audience exploded in applause and cheers.

Cassandra’s tired brown eyes widened, a rare smile crossing her lips as she got on her feet.

A wave of dizziness hit her briefly, but as the representative of the Hart group, she couldn't mess things up. She quickly squeezed her eyes and regained her composure.

She bowed slightly, one hand to her chest as she strode onto the stage.

Two representatives of the project came forward, exchanging handshakes and pleasantries with polite smiles all over their faces.

Documents were exchanged and the contract was signed amid the flashing lights of cameras.

Cassandra fought to keep her eyes wide as the lights flashed in her face.

The announcer handed her the microphone to say a few words.

Cassandra's eyes wandered around the audience searching until it landed on her parents where they were seated.

The smiles on their faces were unmistakable.

Only then did Cassandra finally let out a sigh of relief and smiled. Genuinely this time.

“I appreciate the trust of the state government and of Caldwell Construction on this project and I will do my best to make sure the interior designs of the Horizon District Redevelopment project are of high standards.”

Another round of applause filled the air as Cassandra returned the microphone and started to walk back to her seat.

Whispers flooded the room.

“Well, she’s a brilliant lady.”

“And she’s only 25, impressive.”

“With her around, Hart Interiors will definitely go places.”

Cassandra's heart warmed at the whispers, but there was one important approval she needed.

“Mom, Dad, I hope you are proud of me now. I hope you can finally see me too.” She thought to herself.

But as Cassandra walked down the stairs leading away from the stage, her vision suddenly doubled.

The whole room suddenly turned into a sea of smudged painting.

She missed a step.

Then…

Bang!

Cassandra fell flat on her face. Everything went blank.

***

The sterile sting of disinfectant invaded her senses, dragging her out of the darkness.

Cassandra's lashes fluttered open, revealing a spacious hospital room bathed in soft morning light.

The furniture looked more like a luxury hotel than a ward, and a bouquet of fresh flowers sat by the window.

Memories of the previous night flashed in her head, her brows twisting in embarrassment.

“Oh, fuck.” Cassandra groaned, rubbing her temples.

Every part of her body was aching like she had been exercising all night.

“Cassie, you’re awake.” Evelyn’s worried voice came from the side.

Cassandra turned her head, her eyes widening at the sight of her mom sitting by her bedside.

On the sofa across from her sat her Father, Bernard peeling an apple.

“Mom, Dad…” She quickly sat up, her eyes wide in disbelief as she stuttered, “W–what are you doing here?”

Bernard walked closer, handing her a plate of neatly sliced fruits, “What do you mean why are we here? You collapsed like that. We were worried.”

Cassandra's jaws tightening slightly as she dropped her gaze.

This wasn't the first time she was falling sick. But she had gotten used to empty hospital rooms so this was quite a shock for her.

“Eat up, Cassie. The doctor said you collapsed out of exhaustion.” Evelyn placed a fork in her hand as she added, “You’ve won the contract now, take some time to rest.”

Cassandra raised her eyes again, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Fifteen years. She finally did it. Finally got to make her parents look at her more than just a dependable older sister.

“Mom,” she gasped, dropping the plate and leaping into Evelyn’s arms.

Evelyn wrapped her hands around her, hugging her warmly.

Cassandra squeezed her eyes, fighting the tears threatening to spill. She couldn't remember the last time she hugged her mom like this…or if she ever did at all.

Her heart thumped excitedly. She wished this moment could last forever, but soon, another arm came at her back, gently stroking her.

“Enough of the hugs ladies.” Bernard whispered. “Eat up so we can have you discharged.”

Evelyn pulled away first, planting the plate back in Cassandra's hand.

Cassandra stared at the plate for a while until a tear dropped into it.

“What's wrong, Cassie?” Evelyn asked, catching the tears. “Don't you like it?”

Cassandra quickly shook her head as she shoved a slice into her mouth. “Of course I do.”

The last time they last worried about what she ate was three years ago. How could she not like it?

Soon enough, a nurse walked in to do a routine check on her before discharge.

“You should avoid over-exerting yourself from now on. You need a lot of strength for this kind of procedure.” The nurse said as she walked away.

Cassandra was still grinning from ear to ear, her eyes fixed on her parents that she didn't fully understand the nurse’s statement until she was already at the door.

“Procedure? What procedure?” Cassandra asked, a brow raised.

“Bernard, why don't you go and handle the discharge papers. Cassandra and I will join you.” Evelyn suggested, pretending not to have heard Cassandra’s question.

Cassandra shook it off, assuming she had misheard. She stood up and went to change in the bathroom while Evelyn helped her pack up.

The car ride home was quiet but it was everything Cassandra could ever wish for.

Bernard sat next to the driver at the front seat while Cassandra wrapped herself around Evelyn's arm at the back seat.

A part of her was still in disbelief that her parents could just change like that, but she wanted to believe it.

But when they drove into their mansion and Cassandra saw the familiar black G-wagon parked in the compound, her smile dropped.

“Clara is here too?”

Evelyn laughed awkwardly, smoothing over Cassandra's messy dark brown hair.

“Oh, yeah. She just came to check up on you.”

Cassandra tried, but she couldn't bring back her smile again as she walked behind her father into the house.

Clara was always their parents' favourite child. Even after she married, Cassandra still couldn't compete with her in their parents favor.

So seeing her here just when she was finally getting some attention made Cassandra’s heart skip.

“Daddy, have you told Cassandra? She agreed, right?” Clara's sharp voice came from the living room as soon as Bernard walked in.

Cassandra halted in her step, her defensive alarm locking in place.

Something about Clara's question didn't sit right with her.

“Tell me what?” She asked, watching her parents who had been coming with her already taking their seats beside Clara.

“Oh, sis. A clip of your fall is trending all over social media.” Clara laughed heartily, hitting her fist on the bed, “You were so clumsy. It's so hilarious.”

Bernard let out a chuckle, brushing a hand over Clara’s head, “Oh, dear. You're so silly.”

Cassandra’s fingers clenched tightly into a fist by her side, her eyes slowly reddening.

“Clara,” her throat tightened as she spoke, “Is there something you want from me again?”

“Oh, come on.” Evelyn walked towards her holding her hand as she dragged her to the sofa across from Clara. “We’re family. Don't make it sound like a stranger.”

Cassandra swallowed. She knew those words perfectly. She always said it whenever they needed something from her.

But what could they possibly want now? Three years ago, she had given all she had left.

“Cassie, you know your sister has been happily married for over three years now.” Evelyn started.

Cassandra almost laughed. Of course, how could she forget? They had both gotten married on the same day.

“There have been trying for kids ever since, yet nothing.”

Cassandra’s gaze shifted to Clara who was now relaxing her head on their father's chest while tugging playfully at her curly blonde hair.

She didn't look like someone that was trying to have a baby.

“Two days ago, their doctor finally confirmed Clara has a weak uterus and can't safely carry a child.”

Cassandra let out a humorless chuckle, “What now? You want me to give her mine?”

Evelyn frowned, “Of course not.”

Cassandra let out a sigh of relief. As sarcastical as she had intended that statement, she wouldn't be too shocked if they had actually responded positively.

“But they’ve been looking into gestational surrogacy…”

Cassandra’s head snapped to her mother. Her eyes wide as she could already guess what she was going to say next.

“It is hard to find someone trustworthy and clean to carry the baby.” Evelyn went on, trying to sound considerate, “So we were thinking you could help them carry the baby, after all, they will be your niece or nephew too.”

Cassandra's breath stopped, a lone tear trickling down her cheek.

“You—you want me to be their surrogate?” She asked, almost choking on her words.