Episode #14: “The Man She Already Knew”

The driver dropped Hailey off at Caleb's home. A maid escorted her to the same room she had stayed in before. Just as she settled in, her phone buzzed with a message from Cassian: "Take rest, I want you to look fresh tonight."

Hailey chuckled, replying, "Yes boss," with a salute emoji. She took a deep breath and decided to rest for a while. When she woke up, she noticed several bags placed near the bed. Curious, she opened them and found a stunning red dress along with matching accessories.

Inside the dress bag was a note that read, "Red is a common color, but it matches my Rose's color, so wear this one tonight." Hailey smiled, feeling her heart flutter at Cassian's thoughtful gesture.

She began to prepare herself for the evening. She started with a relaxing shower, allowing the warm water to wash away any lingering fatigue. After drying off, she applied a light layer of moisturizer to her skin, enjoying the refreshing scent it left behind.

Next, she focused on her makeup. Although she usually didn't wear makeup, she decided to do so for a change. She opted for a classic look, with a subtle smokey eye and a bold red lip to complement the dress. She applied a bit of highlighter to accentuate her cheekbones and a touch of blush for a natural glow.

With her makeup complete, Hailey moved on to her hair. She decided to leave it down in soft waves, adding a touch of hairspray to ensure it stayed in place. She carefully slipped into the red dress, admiring how it fit her perfectly. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, making her feel elegant and confident.

She accessorized with the matching jewelry that had been provided, putting on a delicate necklace and earrings that added just the right amount of sparkle. One thing she didn't remove, though, was the locket Cassian had given her earlier.

Finally, she slipped on the matching heels, completing her look. Hailey glanced at herself in the mirror and kept the hair on her left side where her scar from the accident was visible because of the off-shoulder dress. She was ready.

Suddenly, Hailey heard a knock and, picking up her clutch and mobile, went towards the door. She opened it and found Caleb standing there with a wide grin on his face.

"Oo my, my. Angry Bird, you are looking stunning," Caleb exclaimed, pulling her into a side hug.

"Still Angry Bird?" Hailey asked with a chuckle.

"This name is for a lifetime," Caleb replied. "Okay, forget about everything else. I'm here to take you to Cassian. Shall we?" Caleb extended his elbow in front of her.

"Sure," she replied with a soft smile, encircling her arm around his elbow. While talking with Caleb, they reached a scenic area. Hailey looked around and found a beautiful hut with an attached lake.

"From here, you have to go alone," Caleb said. Hailey nodded her head and walked towards the entrance. Beautiful lights adorned the area. She came to the main door and found it open. Stepping inside, she looked around in awe.

The entire hut was decorated beautifully. She moved towards a window from where she could see the lake, which was illuminated by floating lights and candles.

"He had a terrible accident, and because of that, his face was brutally burnt. His vocal cord got damaged to such an extent that he couldn't speak," Hailey heard Cassian's voice from behind.

She turned around and found him descending the stairs, clad in a black suit with a white shirt and red tie, matching her outfit.

"Doctors said he'd be fine after treatment, but due to some reasons, he had to shift to another hospital in a different country. His wounds were deep, and it took months to heal before doctors could perform plastic surgery to give him his face back. The operation on his vocal cords was also successful," Cassian continued. Now he was standing beside her, gazing out of the window.

Hailey listened silently. "During his time in the hospital, he met a girl. He didn't want to form any attachments, but she kept pestering him until they became good friends," Cassian paused and looked at her, who was listening keenly.

"Ten months passed, and one day he had his operation. He was going to get his face and voice back. He told her he wanted her to be the first to see his face and hear his voice. His bandages were to be removed after 15 days. When the day arrived, he got the biggest shock of his life. He found out he had cancer," Cassian paused for a moment.

Hailey's eyes widened upon hearing this. "He didn't know if his decision was right or wrong, but he left without meeting her. It took him five years to beat the cancer. Many times he thought about her, but couldn't gather the courage to call or meet her. After fully recovering, he thought of meeting her, but then considered that she might be married and living happily with her husband or children. So, he didn't contact her," Cassian said.

"Where is she now?" Hailey asked, but there was something in her voice, looking at Cassian intently. Her expression started to change with each passing second.

Cassian looked at her for a moment before continuing. "Her thoughts never left his mind, but he controlled himself. However, one day he saw her again. She was in professional attire and having a business meeting in some hotel. Before leaving, she went to the restroom where two men tried to misbehave with her," Cassian paused.

Hailey stiffened upon hearing this. "But, she tackled them bravely and told them that she was not a coward who would let those bastards play with her," Cassian paused, eyeing her.

"Don't you want to know, who the girl is?" Cassian asked. Hailey gulped the lump in her throat and shook her head. She turned to go, but Cassian held her arm and made her face him.

"The girl is you, Rose," Cassian said after a moment. She closed her eyes to control her tears. She didn't realize he was telling her that which she had lived. She looked at him. Suddenly, Cassian raised his hand and opened his fist.

Hailey found a small pendant, about an inch in size, with a symbol imprinted on it. How could she forget that pendant? She was the only one who had given it to someone—a pendant with the symbol of a Phoenix. With a shivering hand, she picked up the pendant from his hand and eyed him with teary eyes.

"You are Phoenix?" she asked in a choked voice while calling him with a name she gave him. Cassian said nothing, just nodded. Hailey placed a hand over her mouth and looked at him from head to toe. When she couldn't control herself, she stepped forward and collapsed against his chest, hugging him tightly.

To be continued...