Fifty Six

CHAPTER 56

Cassandra finally arrived at the village she had longed to visit. She paused for a moment when she saw a small house not far from the farmland. It was Aunt Marie's house, where she hoped to find some peace amidst the turmoil that had been troubling her mind. Taking a deep breath, Cassandra stepped closer, feeling a mix of emotions that she couldn't quite put into words.

As she stood in front of the door, Cassandra turned her face away. Through the open window, she could see Aunt Marie busy in the pigsty, working as usual. Aunt Marie didn't know she had arrived.

Suddenly, Aunt Marie turned and saw Cassandra standing at the door. Her tired face immediately brightened, and without saying a word, she ran out of the pigsty toward Cassandra.

"My child, you've finally come!" Aunt Marie's voice almost cracked, filled with so much emotion. She immediately embraced Cassandra tightly, as though afraid of losing her again. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Cassandra was taken aback. She hadn't expected such a warm reception. "Aunt, why are you crying?" Cassandra asked gently. She was confused to see Aunt Marie crying non-stop, as if something very sad had happened.

Aunt Marie took a deep breath before wiping the tears from her face. "I... I have heard everything from Uncle Lionel. I was so worried, Cassandra. So worried!" Aunt Marie replied, her voice still trembling. "I don't know how you managed to go through all that. It's too much for you."

Cassandra felt her heart stir hearing Aunt Marie's words. But she could only smile softly. "Aunt, I'm fine. Don't worry."

Uncle Lionel, who had been quiet inside the house, finally appeared at the doorstep. His serious and firm expression showed that he had heard everything, including what had happened to Cassandra in the city. With slow steps, Uncle Lionel approached them.

"I'm sorry, Cassandra," Uncle Lionel said with a heavy voice. "I have told Aunt Marie everything. I know you didn't want her to know, but I couldn't hold back. She’s a mother who cares for you."

Cassandra nodded slowly, understanding why Uncle Lionel had done it. "Thank you, Uncle," she replied.

Aunt Marie pulled Cassandra inside the house. Inside, the room felt warm, filled with the aroma of food that whetted the appetite. Aunt Marie, now with a smile on her face, immediately set various kinds of food on the wooden table. There was warm bread, chicken soup, fresh vegetables, and other dishes that looked incredibly appetizing.

"Cassandra, eat. Aunt is so happy that you came here. There's nothing more pleasing to me than seeing you healthy and happy," Aunt Marie said while arranging plates and bowls on the table.

Cassandra sat at the dining table, and although she felt a little uncomfortable with the excessive attention, she knew that this was Aunt Marie's way of showing love. "Thank you, Aunt," she replied as she began to eat the food that had been served.

After they finished eating, Aunt Marie sat next to Cassandra and gently held her granddaughter's hand. Her concerned eyes stared at Cassandra's face, which now looked slightly tired.

"Cassandra, I know what you're planning. I know you want to take revenge on Antonio," Aunt Marie said, her voice soft yet firm. "But I beg you, don't do it. It's very dangerous. I don’t want to see you trapped in hatred that will bring no happiness."

Cassandra fell silent for a moment. Although she knew how deeply Aunt Marie was worried, her heart was already filled with a firm resolve to avenge what Antonio had done to her. "I have to do it, Aunt. It’s the only way I can find peace. I can’t just forget what happened. I need to do this."

Uncle Lionel, who had been sitting near the door, approached and sat next to Cassandra. "I agree with Aunt Marie," he said with a voice full of concern. "I know it’s hard, but seeking revenge will make your life more dangerous, Cassandra. You've suffered enough."

Jessica, Cassandra's best friend who was never far from her thoughts, suddenly appeared at the doorway. Her worried face showed that she had heard something that made her unable to stay quiet. "I'm sorry, Uncle Lionel," she said. "But I have to tell you something very important."

All eyes were now on Jessica, who seemed to bring very important news. With a trembling voice, Jessica continued, "I heard about the truck accident that involved Cassandra. I'm worried... I feel so anxious, so I told Uncle Lionel."

Uncle Lionel was shocked and seemed very concerned. "Cassandra, why didn’t you tell me about this? Why did you have to take such a risk?" Uncle Lionel asked, his tone reflecting deep anxiety.

Cassandra tried to reassure them all, though a sense of unease began to creep over her. "I'm fine, Uncle. The accident wasn't as bad as you think. I was just a little hurt, but I can still walk and keep fighting."

Uncle Lionel gripped Cassandra's hand more tightly, full of concern. "But, Cassandra... it's not just about your body. I'm afraid you will lose yourself in that hatred. You can’t keep living with that kind of vengeance. It's too dangerous."

Cassandra sighed, trying to calm herself before responding. "I know what I’m doing. I can’t back down now. I need to be with Antonio. That way, I can get closer to my enemy and make him pay for everything he’s done."

Uncle Lionel looked at her seriously. "Cassandra, listen to us. We only want what's best for you. Life is too precious to be spent on feelings like that."

However, even though everything they said reached her heart, Cassandra felt that her decision was final. "I appreciate your concern, but this is the path I have to take. Nothing will stop me."

Aunt Marie looked at her with sadness. "I can only pray that you won't get hurt any further, my dear."

Cassandra smiled faintly, though her heart felt heavy. With determination, she knew that nothing would change the course she had set.