Chapter 6

Cassandra woke up early the next morning. Just like every mother, she wanted to wake her two little ones, kiss them, have breakfast together, and watch them leave for school. That was what kept her going during the five years she lay in bed. Unfortunately, she still needed to rely on Gregory's help to stand up. As Gregory had the habit of showering in the morning, she patiently waited until he came out of the shower. "Gregory, can you help me pick an outfit that Noelle and Ashton would like? Once I've changed, let's go wake them up." Cassandra smiled hopefully. After missing five whole years of her children's lives, she needed time to ease into it. Plus, she needed to let the twins know how much she loved them and that she would never leave them again. Gregory paused for a moment before walking toward her. At that moment, Cassandra caught a whiff of his body shampoo. It was sweet and fruity, obviously a scent that a woman would like. Cassandra's gaze sharpened. She remembered that Gregory only used a sandalwood-scented brand in the past. When it was sold out once, she replaced it with another fragrance. Although Gregory didn't complain, she saw the unopened bottle in the bathroom's trash bin the next day. Yet, it seemed like Gregory was willing to change his habit for Olivia. Gregory's soft voice pulled her out of her thoughts. He stroked her cheek and said apologetically, "Cass, I have to be honest with you. The kids, specifically Noelle, who's always been timid, told me she was afraid to see you in this state last night." Cassandra's smile froze. "But I'm their mother…" Gregory comforted, "Of course you are. What I'm trying to say is that you need rest right now. It won't be too late to spend time with them once you can walk on your own." Yet, Cassandra found it difficult to accept. "But—" Gregory sighed softly, looking troubled as he interrupted, "Cass, you've been gone for five years. To the kids, you're more like a stranger than their mother. Give them some time." What a wonderful actor he was! Cassandra wanted to slap him so badly. If Gregory had truly seen her as his wife and the twins' mother, he could have told them how much she loved them during those years. Besides, she had only fallen into a coma to bring the twins into this world. Ashton and Noelle were her children. Thus, Cassandra refused to believe that they would still be afraid of her if they knew the truth. Yet, Gregory had done nothing. He had even let Olivia take advantage of Cassandra's condition and slip into the role of the children's mother. Cassandra clenched her hand beneath the blanket, her nails digging into her thigh as she fought to keep her emotions in check. "I understand. I'll do as you say." Cassandra forced out an obedient smile. Gregory seemed pleased with her compliance. "Good girl." The way he spoke—like he was praising a pet—made her stomach lurch. Gregory kissed her forehead and promised, "I'll talk some sense into Ashton and Noelle. They'll come around sooner or later." She looked at him blankly and smiled. "You're so good to me, honey." Gregory merely studied her in silence, his gaze dark and unreadable. After a moment, he spoke evenly, "I'll go and wake them up." At the doorway, he suddenly paused and turned back. "Oh, right. I asked a housekeeper to come by later and look after you. Her name is Serena Loomis. She's been with us for two years and is very reliable. If you need anything, just let her know." Cassandra nodded obediently. "Okay." Yet, the tenderness on her face vanished once the door was shut. Her expression hardened, and her eyes were sharp and cold. She couldn't shake the feeling that Gregory wanted her anywhere but near the kids. As for Serena, she was probably here to watch her, not take care of her. In the dining room downstairs, Ashton and Noelle sat side by side at the breakfast table. Every so often, Ashton glanced toward the staircase. He couldn't help calling out, "Daddy." "Huh?" Gregory looked up from his phone. Ashton pursed his lips, feeling a bit shy to call Cassandra his mother. "Why isn't she coming down to eat with us?" Ashton had even picked out his best plaid jacket that morning, tied his necktie just right, and sprayed on the cologne he liked. Even if Cassandra was blind, Ashton figured he could let her hug him and touch his tie. However, he didn't expect her not to show up. The disappointment was evident on his face. Naturally, Gregory noticed the change in Ashton's mood. "Ash, your mother just got discharged. She needs plenty of rest right now. Promise you won't disturb her, okay?" "Oh…" Ashton mumbled, clearly defeated. After a moment, he pouted. "Well, I wasn't looking forward to eating breakfast with her, anyway." Noelle, on the other hand, was as cheerful as ever. "Daddy, I'm done eating. When is Mommy coming over to bring us to school?" Gregory replied, "She's not coming today. I'm sending you all to school." Noelle frowned. "Huh? That's a shame." Gregory stood up after wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Time to go. Go grab your bags. I'll start the car first." After Gregory was gone, Ashton stood up and lectured Noelle, "Noelle, you can't call Olivia 'Mommy' anymore, okay? Our real mommy is back. If she hears you calling someone else 'Mommy,' it'll hurt her feelings." Noelle pursed her lips. "But I like Olivia. I don't like that woman. I don't want her to be our mommy!" Ashton frowned and crossed his arms. "Noelle Hart." Noelle flinched, knowing Ashton only used her full name when he was really angry. She stuck out her tongue and mumbled, "Fine. I won't call her 'Mommy' when that woman is around." Ashton nodded in satisfaction. The moment he turned away to pick up his bags, Noelle secretly pulled out her smartwatch and called Olivia. The latter picked up almost instantly. "Elle." Noelle whispered, "Mommy, why aren't you coming to pick me up for school today?" There was a brief silence before Olivia sighed softly. "I'm sorry, Elle. Now that your mom is back, I can't come pick you up anymore. Otherwise, it'll upset her." Noelle's chest tightened with irritation. She already hated that new mom—the one who suddenly showed up and got her scolded by Ashton and now even stopped Olivia from coming to see her. What an awful woman!