"Fuck that Cassidy."I flinched at his tone, and my dad, Chase and Dean all took a step towards Andrew, creating a clear line of protection.
Andrew eyed them warily but then looked back at me, "I don't know what Victoria said to you, Cassidy.But don't overreactagain, we arenotover, and you need to come with me so we can talk."
I shook my head and stepped closer, letting him see my pain.See the truth of my words."I can't keep doing this, Andrew.It should have ended a long time ago; it should have never begun."
"You don't mean that, Cassidy."He took another step closer, and I held my hand out for him to stop.
"I do, Andrew.I hate what I have become with you.This isn't love, I don't know what it is...but I know love shouldn't hurt like this."
"Cassidy, stop this.Come with me so we can talk in private."
I shook my head, "No, Andrew.I was done before today.But seeing you at the arena with your wife, while you were sending me messages that it was finally over.You have a son..."My voice cracked, and I could feel my tears rolling down my cheeks."Your fucking wife threatened me and my family, Andrew.She told me I wasn't the first and wouldn't be the last in your long line of trashy hookups."
Andrew took another step towards me, and I could feel my family move in closer around me.
He sighed, rubbing his hand down his face."Cassidy, I have been married to a woman I don't love for almost twenty years.Of course, I have had other lovers.But never anything like what I found with you.I have never lied to you about how I feel, and there has not been anyone else since you."
"Are you hearing yourself?Our whole relationship was the fucking lie.I amthesomeone else.Oh my god, Andrew...you have a son.A boy.You told me you didn't have any children with her and that you couldn't wait to have a family with me..."A horrible realization ran through my mind, "Oh....Andrew...you kept pressuring me to stop my birth control...telling me...no.You have a child with her."
I felt bile rise fast, and I ran to the garbage can and heaved.
Someone stood beside me holding my hair.I thought it was Chase or maybe Dad until I heard Andrew."Who the fuck are you?Get your hands off of her."
And then I realized it was Brody who was holding my hair when he answered, "I am your worst nightmare if you don't leave right now."
My mom came up beside me, "Are you ok, Cassidy?"
"You need to leave, Andrew," Clara said as she came up beside me as well.
Andrew looked at me again, "I will leave, but this isn't over, Cassidy.Weare not over."
Chase moved between us and got in Andrew's face, "Stay away from my sister, or I will make sure she gets a restraining order against you."
Andrew gave me a look over Chase's shoulder that I knew all too well.
This wasn't over.
Chapter 14
I woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a truck.
Not a real one, but the emotional kind, the one that leaves you with gritty eyes, a pounding head, and a hollow ache in your chest that no amount of sleep can fix.
Could you get a hangover from crying too much?Because that’s exactly what it felt like.
Last night kept replaying in flashes.
Andrew at my parents.
My dad’s voice, sharp and unshakable.
The way my whole family closed ranks around me without hesitation.
And Brody…
God, Brody, holding my hair like it was nothing.Like I wasn’t in full public humiliation mode.
I groaned and sat up, taking in the familiar walls of my childhood bedroom.
