Cassandra

I wake up to find my handsome husband lying beside me, and a smile naturally spreads across my face. I lean in and give him a gentle kiss on the cheek. The words of love he expressed during our intimate moments last night still resonate with me, and it fills my heart with joy to know that his feelings for me haven't wavered.

As I sit up, I spot my clothes and quickly dress before heading to the bathroom. After a refreshing ten-minute shower, I towel-dry my body and make my way to our walk-in closet to choose today's outfit. Opting for comfort, I settle on black leggings and a white shirt. I let my hair down and allow it to air dry naturally.

With a glance at the time, I realize I still have ample time to prepare breakfast for Wesley. Trying not to disturb his rest, I tiptoe towards the door, mindful of his possible fatigue from the previous day. I quietly make my way downstairs and enter the kitchen.

Knowing his fondness for pancakes, I decide to surprise him with his favorite breakfast. Although he wasn't particularly keen on pancakes in the past, he fell in love with my version when he first tasted them. I swiftly whip up the pancakes, mindful that he may already be awake and preparing for work. Within a few minutes, the pancakes are ready, and I place them on the table, accompanied by his preferred toppings: chocolate syrup, honey, and whipped cream.

I wait eagerly at the table, and soon enough, I catch sight of Wesley walking down the street, looking impeccably handsome in his Armani attire. "Hey, baby. Good morning," I greet him warmly, approaching him and planting a sweet kiss on his lips. I can't help but smile like a love-struck fool when I look at him; he has that effect on me. Who wouldn't feel this way? He's incredibly attractive, and he's my husband.

"I already made you pancakes. Let's have breakfast," I say, taking his hand. But to my surprise, he withdraws his hand. Confused, I look at him quizzically. It's rare for him to refuse to share breakfast with me.

"I need to hurry. I have a meeting in 30 minutes," he responds, adjusting his watch. Disappointed, I continue to look at him, captivated by his presence. "Can't you at least have a bite? They're your favorite pancakes," I say in a soft tone, hoping he'll agree to enjoy breakfast together, even if it's just for a moment.

"I never asked you to make them. You can't blame me," he states bluntly. I'm taken aback by his words. He has never turned down my pancakes before, and his sudden harshness leaves me wondering if I unintentionally did something wrong last night. I can't recall anything. Perhaps he truly needs to rush for his meeting.

"But-"

"Oh, before I forget, I'm leaving for London this evening for a few days. I don't know when I'll be back. So, I really need to go now," he interrupts, getting into his car and driving away before I can respond. I stand there, watching his car slowly disappear into the distance. I sigh and hold back my tears. He's going to be away in London for a few days, which means we won't have breakfast together during that time. What worries me is that he didn't bring any suitcases or personal belongings; he only had his bag for files. I know he is well-off, but it still seems wasteful to buy new clothes for every business trip when he already has plenty.

I step inside the house and make my way to the dining room, where I find the array of pancakes on the table. Taking a seat, I begin to eat, indulging in the sweet flavors. Bite after bite, I consume the pancakes, trying to distract myself from the lingering thoughts about Wesley's sudden departure. Perhaps he's simply overwhelmed with work. I can't fault him for that; after all, he is a busy businessman. I remind myself that I need to understand his work and be prepared for the consequences, as I willingly chose to be a part of his life.

Letting out a sigh, my phone suddenly rings, and I glance at the caller ID, a smile forming on my lips. It's my best friend, Danica Russell.

"Hey, girl," I answer cheerfully.

"Hey, um, can you please open the door right now?" Danica's request raises my eyebrows in curiosity.

"Where are you?" I inquire, wondering why she's calling me just to have me open the door.

"I'm right in front of your house, to be exact, standing at your doorstep." I immediately rise from my seat and head toward the door. Opening it, I find Danica standing there with a grin. I end the call and face her.

"Why didn't you just ring the bell?" I ask, puzzled by her behavior.

"Because I didn't want to run into your husband, obviously. It would ruin my entire day," she replies casually, joining me as we return to the dining room.

Ah, Danica and her disdain for Wesley. I've never quite understood why. Whenever they cross paths, they inevitably end up arguing over something trivial. Their personalities just don't seem to mesh well. Most best friends would be thrilled for their friend's marriage, but not Danica. She has never approved of Wesley, ever since I introduced them. It's a strange dynamic. She's always preaching about the importance of mental and physical strength. I know she cares about me deeply, and I love her just as much. She's like a sister to me, always there through thick and thin, and I know she only wants the best for me.

"I still can't understand why you don't like him," I say, taking a sip of my orange juice.

"Cassandra, I just... You know, I can't shake the feeling that he's not the right one for you," Danica responds.

"Danica, Wesley and I have been happily married for two years now. We're both content with our lives. Why can't you be happy for me? You're my best friend," I express, a hint of frustration in my voice. She sighs and meets my gaze.

"I'm sorry, Cassandra. It's not that I don't want you to be happy. I just have this gut feeling that he's not the one for you," she explains, her voice filled with concern. Confusion settles in, and I furrow my eyebrows.

"What do you mean he's not the one for me?" I inquire, seeking clarification.

"Cassandra, all this time, Wesley has been cheating on you behind your back," Danica reveals. Shock courses through me at her words.

"Danica! Why would you say such a thing? Wesley loves me, and he told me so just last night," I retort, my anger rising within me.

"I'm not lying. I saw it with my own eyes. Please believe me. He's not a good man. I saw him with another woman in his car when I was at the mall. It happened on multiple occasions," Danica insists, her tone pleading. Disbelief washes over me. How could she accuse my husband like this?

"I can't believe you, Danica. You're my one and only best friend. How can you make such accusations against my husband? Why can't you accept that I'm his wife? I didn't ask for anything except for your happiness and support. Is that too much to ask?" I explode in anger, and Danica looks at me, hurt evident in her eyes.

"Cassandra, I'm being serious. I swear to you that I'm not lying. I saw him, and it's not the first time I've witnessed him with another woman. I even saw him entering a hotel with someone else. Please, believe me," she pleads, grasping my hands. My emotions are a whirlwind, torn between loyalty to my husband and trust in my best friend.

"I don't want to hear anything more from you right now. I need you to leave my house immediately," I assert, my anger intensifying.

"Ale-"

"OUT!" I yell, cutting her off.

"Fine. But I will find a way to prove to you that everything I've said is true," she declares resolutely, before storming out, slamming the door behind her. I close my eyes and slump into the chair, resting my head on the table.

How could my best friend act this way? I can't believe it. How can she accuse Wesley of cheating on me? There's no way he could be seeing another woman. He professed his love for me just last night, and that's proof enough for me. He would never betray me. I think Danica must have mistaken my husband for someone else. I trust Wesley completely.

Cassandra

I'm pregnant. The pregnancy test confirmed it. I'm still in disbelief as I look at the positive result. I took the test this morning, and all three attempts yielded the same result. Wesley and I are going to be parents. Oh my God! I can hardly contain my excitement to share this news with him when he returns. I can only imagine his priceless reaction. We've been eagerly awaiting this moment, and it feels like a blessing from above.

My life feels even more complete now. We're finally going to be parents! A joyful smile adorns my face as I leave the bathroom and make my way to bed. I reach for my phone, eager to call Wesley and discuss his expected arrival time. I want to start making preparations before he comes back. I press the call button and eagerly await his answer. It goes to voicemail. I furrow my brow in disappointment but persist in calling.

Voicemail again.

Again.

And again...

After four attempts, he finally picks up. "What?" his voice sounded rushed. Nonetheless, a surge of happiness fills me upon hearing his voice.

"Hey, baby, I miss you so much. It's been one week since you went to London," I say with a loving tone.

"What do you want?" he asks abruptly, his voice indicating his hurry.

"I just miss you, Wesley, and I wanted to ask when you'll be coming back," I inquire, my heart slightly aching at his lack of concern for my well-being.

"Hmm, okay. I don't know, maybe next week or next month. Don't wait for me. I have to go," he replies before abruptly ending the call. Perhaps he's in a rush for his meeting. I can't hold his dedication to his work against him. He works hard for our family, and it's important for me to understand and support him.

I pat my growing belly lovingly. "It's alright, baby; I'll figure out the best way to share the news with your father," I murmur, a smile gracing my face. Suddenly, the doorbell rings, interrupting my thoughts. I quickly stand up and make my way downstairs to see who it is. Opening the door, I find Danica standing there, a warm smile adorning her face.

"Hey, Cassandra," she greets me. "Hi," I respond, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. It has been a week since our last conversation.

"Are you not going to invite me in?" she asks playfully, and I step aside, welcoming her into the house. We walk together to the living room and settle onto the couch.

"Well... I know you're still upset with me. So I'm here to apologize. I shouldn't have said those things about your husband. I'm truly sorry," Danica speaks with genuine remorse, and I rise from my seat to join her on the couch.

"You know, I'm sorry too for kicking you out like that," I admit, and she pulls me into a tight hug. I reciprocate, realizing how much I've missed her during our time apart.

"It's been tough not being able to talk to you for a whole week. You're my one and only best friend," she confesses after we part from the embrace. A smile forms on my lips.

"I have something important to share with you," I announce, knowing she would want to be part of this moment.

"What is it?" she eagerly asks, her excitement palpable. "Okay... but promise not to freak out," I tease playfully.

"Okay, okay, just spill it," she urges, her anticipation building. "Cassandra, hurry up!"

"Alright, I'm pregnant," I reveal, and her eyes widen in surprise before a massive smile spreads across her face.

"Arghhhh! Oh my God! I'm going to be an aunt! OMG! OMG!" she exclaims, unable to contain her excitement. I chuckle, thoroughly entertained by her reaction. Seeing her like this, I can't help but wonder how Wesley will respond to the news.

"I told you not to freak out, girl."

"How can I not? You're pregnant!" she exclaims, her joy radiating through her.

"When did you find out?" she asks, her curiosity evident.

"Just this morning," I reply, and she pulls me into another hug, beaming. "I'm so happy for you, Cassandra. Truly."

Just then, her phone rings, interrupting our conversation. She excuses herself and heads to the kitchen to answer the call. It must be important, which is why she wants to keep it private. After a few minutes, she returns, wearing a smile.

"Sorry for taking a while. It was an important call," she explains, resuming her seat beside me.

"No worries. So, who was it? Your boyfriend?" I tease, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Ew, I don't think like that, okay? Don't even suggest it," I retort playfully as Danica suggests having lunch at a hotel. "We can just go to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch. Let's not spend too much money, Danica."

"Oh, Cassandra, you're no fun. We have to celebrate the fact that you're pregnant. Let's go," she insists, and I raise an eyebrow at her. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" she adds. "Come on, let's go!"

"Alright, let me change my clothes," I concede. Danica nods, and I head upstairs to change.

I opt for baby blue jeans, a white shirt, and a nude pink cardigan. For my hair, I simply let it flow down naturally, combing it to ensure it looks neat. A touch of mascara and lipstick complete my minimal makeup look. I spritz on some perfume, grab my handbag, and slip on my cream-colored pumps. I'm ready to go.

As I descend the stairs, I find Danica already waiting at the door. "Let's go," she says, opening the door, and we walk towards her car. On the way, we engage in conversation, relishing the joy of spending time together as best friends. After a short while, we reach the hotel where we plan to have lunch.

"Cassandra, why don't we stay here for one or maybe two days?" Danica suggests as we enter the hotel.

"That's quite spontaneous, Danica. We don't have any spare clothes," I reply, voicing my concerns, to which she chuckles.

"Pleaseeee... I want to hang out with you. We can buy new clothes or even wear the same clothes for 24 hours. Come on, it's not like we haven't done it before," she pleads.

"You know I can't say no to you when you do that. Fine..." I give in, surrendering to her persuasive powers.

"Yes! Thank you," she exclaims, wrapping her arms around my neck, causing me to choke.

"Danica, let me go," I manage to say, and she immediately releases her hold, allowing me to catch my breath. "Oops, sorry, hehe," she giggles, linking arms with me as we head towards the reception area.