Chapter 38
Orlando frowned and asked indifferently, Grandpa, did you agree because you’re ticked off or because you respect our choice
“What’s the difference? Peter replied in an icy tone.
“Cassand and I could’ve divorced silently, but we held off because we hoped you’d respect our choice, and not just react out of anger. Orlando clarified.
“Ha! Look at my wise grandson giving me a lecture now. Well done, well done… cough… Peter began coughing. Right beside him. Cassandra quickly got up and gave his back a few comforting pats. She poured him a glass of water and reassured him, “Take it easy. Grandpa Peter. Your health is the top priority.
“Cassic, I’m the one who messed things up. I should’ve never let you marry him in the first place, Peter said.
“Grandpa Peter, please don’t say that. I can’t thank you enough for everything. Maybe this is the best outcome for both of us. Life’s all about choices at every turn, isn’t it?” Cassandra said.
She knew that without Peter, she wouldn’t have had a year of marriage with Orlando, and that was more than sufficient for her.
Hearing Cassandra’s words, Peter continued, “You can go your separate ways, but I’ve got one favor to ask.”
“Go ahead.” Orlando and Cassandra replied at the same time.
You m
guys have been married a year but haven’t even stayed in the Quinn manor. We’re still family. So, for the next two days, you’re not allowed to set foot outside. Stay in the Quinn manor. Peter declared.
Cassandra was caught off guard, and Orlando went quiet.
They exchanged a look.
“Obviously. I can’t make you if you’re not up for it, Peter added, making it clear he was talking to Orlando.
“Orlando, your grandpa’s not exactly in the pink. Let’s not upset him, Gabriela chimed in.
“Your grandpa’s throwing it out there, you might as well roll with it, Frederick agreed.
In the end, Orlando and Cassandra had no objections.
Ever the decisive one, Peter immediately declared, “We’ll start from tonight.”
He swiftly arranged for someone to spruce up their rooms and prepare fresh clothes.
Though the decision felt a bit abrupt, it didn’t throw Cassandra and Orlando off much. After all, they had already shared a roof at Dustmeadow Mansion.
After dinner, the duo spent some time chatting with Peter. Seemingly satisfied with Orlando’s cooperation, Peter didn’t shoot any more displeased looks his way.
Around ten o’clock at night, he dismissed the two. “Head upstairs and get some rest. Double–check your rooms for anything missing. If something is missing, let the housekeeper know so they can sort it out.”
Cassandra nodded and followed Orlando upstairs with all eyes on them.
As soon as they left, Peter turned to Gabriela. “Figure out a way to make their relationship better over these two days.
10:58 Sat, 27 Apr
Chapter 38
Whether they divorce or not might ride on how things go during this time”
Gabriela nodded, mentally outlining a plan.
She returned to the room and asked Frederick, “Do you think Peter is hinting that I should whip up some special meals for Cassie to boost her chances of getting pregnant in these two days?”
Orlando and Cassandra stepped into the room.
It used to be Orlando’s space, and even though Cassandra had been there before, it was her first night staying over.
The housekeeper had set out toiletries and essentials for them. The two shared a glance, and Orlando said, “You can take a shower first.”
Cassandra hummed and headed for the bathroom.
Orlando noticed she was smiling less and seemed to display fewer emotions these days. He furrowed his brow, puzzled about what might have happened to her.
While Cassandra was in the shower, Rebecca called.
“Landy, it’s so late. Aren’t you and Cassandra coming back?” Rebecca asked.
“We won’t be back for the next two days. Take care of yourself, and if you need anything, hit up Emma,” he said nonchalantly.
“You won’t be back?” Rebecca sought confirmation.
“Yeah. Orlando replied.
“Are you going on a trip?” Rebecca asked.
Rebecca tried to sound calm, but there was still a gentle quiver in her tone.
“No. Grandpa’s agreed on our divorce and he wants us to stay with him in the Quinn manor for two days,” Orlando explained.
“So, you and Cassandra are free to divorce after two days? Rebecca asked.
“Yes, that’s the plan,” Orlando responded.
Rebecca couldn’t contain her excitement, and her words bubbled over with joy. “Landy, does that mean we can finally be together?”
Orlando remained silent.
Rebecca’s happiness was overflowing as she exclaimed, ‘Landy, I’m really happy. I’ve been waiting for this day forever. The past year suddenly feels so worth it. I’d go as far as to say that if being with you means my demise, I’m totally okay with that.”
“Rebecca, cut it out with the ominous talk. Anyway, it’s getting late, and you should get some rest. Let’s catch up later,” Orlando suggested.
“Alright, I’ll go along with whatever you say. Goodnight, Landy, Rebecca responded.
Orlando didn’t add much and hung up the call.
Chapter 38
After setting his phone down, he walked to the balcony. As he stared into the night sky, he grappled with an indescribable
restlessness.
He had set the divorce process in motion, but now, as the reality of it sank in, a weird blend of emotions stirred within him. After the divorce, Cassandra would be our of his life completely. While the Quinn family would continue to treat her the same way, they’d no longer be a couple. She’d move on, potentially with someone else, perlups even start a family.
All of a sudden, he felt a freeze creeping in, and his eyes took on a colder edge. Just the idea of her with someone new rubbed him the wrong way, and he couldn’t quite figure out why.
Orlando’s expression darkened as he got lost in his thoughts.
Cassandra stepped out of the shower and noticed Orlando standing on the balcony. His silhouette seemed somewhat lonely, making her wonder if he was avoiding being alone with her.
She looked away and calmly said. “Orlando, I’m done. It’s your turn to shower.”
Only then did Orlando turn around. He walked toward her with a blank expression and stared deeply into her “Cassandra, what are your plans after our divorce?”
eyes.
Cassandra paused, locking eyes with him. Grasping the meaning behind his question, she replied, “I haven’t thought about it I’ll figure things out naturally after the divorce.”
“Haven’t thought about it?” Orlando asked.
“Yeah. Cassandra said.
“Are you going to be with Michael after our divorce?” Orlando threw the question out there.
Cassandra frowned and shot back, “Who knows, really? The future’s a mystery, isn’t it?”
“Or are you dodging the question on purpose?” Orlando persisted.
Letting out a sigh, Cassandra said. “Orlando, who knows what’s going to go down tomorrow?”
Cassandra walked over to the bed. Just as she lifted the covers to settle in, Orlando gripped her hand and dropped a serious question. “Do you really want to divorce?”
Cassandra froze and stared at him in disbelief, struggling to grasp the meaning behind his words.
Finding it a bit amusing, Cassandra quipped, “So, if I decide I’m not up for this divorce, you’re just going to call off the whole. thing?”
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Orlando paused slightly. His expression also froze. Before he couE BUTTE
She said, “Go take a shower. I’m a little sleepy.”
Her tone was ceki, and she lay down after saying that.
Orlando stared condescendingly at her for a few seconds before turning to the bathroom.
Cassandra’s question earlier came to mind.
He wondered how he would choose if she said she did not want a divorce.
There was no way he would agree. After all, he had promised Rebecca that he would marry her, so he must divorce Cassandra.
They spent the night in peace, but each had different ideas.
The first rays of the morning sun came through the window. Cassandra in bed had woken up long ago, but she did not move because an arm was tightly trapped around her waist.
They would not share another bed anymore two days later, so she wanted to keep it that way a little longer.
After some time, someone knocked on the door and broke the silence.
A housekeeper reminded. “Mr. and Mrs. Quinn, Mr. Peter Quinn asked if you’re up yet. He’s waiting for you to go downstairs to have breakfast together.”
Before Cassandra could say anything, Orlando beside her had already replied, “Okay, we’ll be right downstairs.”
After saying that, he leaned toward Cassandra. Thinking she was still asleep, he shouted in a low and hoarse voice, “Cassandra, get up. Hmm?”
Cassandra subconsciously turned her head, and the tips of their noses touched each other. Their eyes met, and time also paused.
Orlando stared at Cassandra. Her curled eyelashes trembled slightly, and her tender face was different from the women with heavy makeup. Cassandra’s beauty was so pure that the more people looked at her, the more entranced they would become.
Cassandra also looked at Orlando beside her. He had messy morning hair, and his pajamas were askew, revealing most of his chest. It made him look a different kind of sexy.
For some reason, the more she looked, the weirder the atmosphere became.
She suddenly remembered what he had said before. Men reacted strongly in the morning.
Then, she immediately turned her head to get up, but she was pressed down before she could move. Orlando asked flatly in a low and hoarse voice, “What are you hiding?”
She muttered, “I’m not hiding. Grandpa Peter asked us to get up for breakfast. Get out of the way.
“Grandpa will be happier if we stay here for a long time. Do you know why?” Orlando answered.
His voice was hoarse, revealing a faint smile.
Cassandra raised her hand to push him away, but her warm fingertips touched his exposed chest. Before she could move it
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