It was as if nothing was missing from Alexander’s life; he didn’t even realize how many days had passed without Cesilia’s presence. Now, he had Casandra by his side, always there to accompany and take care of all his needs. Casandra even packed everything he needed before going to work, and she always made time to bring him lunch. Alexander was truly enjoying his role as a husband, finally feeling appreciated for his gifts and gestures. Casandra’s happy face whenever she received his presents made him feel valued.
Unlike with Cesilia, who seemed indifferent to his extravagant gifts, even though he had given her very expensive ones. Cesilia, being financially independent, didn’t seem too impressed by the material things Alexander offered. Before this, Cesilia never considered herself lucky to have a husband like Alexander.
“Lex, do you want me to deliver your lunch or should I bring it to the office?” Casandra asked once Alexander finished his breakfast.
“Please bring it to the office, and make me the same lunch as last Monday,” Alexander replied.
Casandra nodded, knowing exactly what menu Alexander was referring to – the grilled carp fish, which surprisingly left a lasting impression on him.
“Oh, by the way, Lex, can I ask something?”
“Of course, what is it?” Alexander looked at Casandra.
“Lex, is there any news from madam? It’s been almost fifteen days since she left home.”
Alexander could only give a faint smile and shake his head in response to his wife’s question. He wanted to explain more, to tell her that he had been trying to contact Cesilia, but he couldn’t reach her. But he knew that Cesilia’s disappearance was a sensitive topic and didn’t want to burden Casandra with it.
“You know, this is beyond acceptable. Madam disappearing without any news is not a usual matter. Especially considering the last time you contacted her was about eight days ago, and even her manager has no idea of her whereabouts.”
“You’re right.” Alexander leaned back on his chair. “Cesilia has been missing for a long time, with no news at all. Honestly, I’ve been trying to find her, but there’s no trace whatsoever of her. I don’t know where she is. No one knows, even her manager. I contacted him, but there’s still no satisfying answer.”
“That doesn’t make sense. How could he not know Cesilia’s whereabouts if he was the last person with her?”
“Exactly, but that’s what he said. I can’t do anything about it.”
“Can’t you find out her whereabouts through other means, Lex? I’m worried something might have happened to her, which is why there’s been no news from her until now. Before, even when she didn’t come home, we still knew where she was, and we could still contact her and exchange messages, right?” Casandra reminded him of the early days of their marriage.
There were small arguments, but Cesilia would still inform Alexander of her whereabouts even if it was just to fight with him. But this time, he couldn’t even reach her. On one hand, Alexander was concerned about Cesilia’s well-being, but on the other hand, he was afraid to find out more, as he didn’t want to deepen his heartache.
Alexander tried his best to appear fine in front of Casandra. “I will send someone again to find Cesilia’s whereabouts because the person who usually follows her lost track of her since Cesilia visited her manager’s house.”
“Visited her manager’s house?” Casandra repeated.
“Yes, the last time they had a photoshoot, Cesilia went home with her manager. I don’t know what’s going on, and my informant couldn’t get into the house. However, I received a photo showing Cesilia having dinner with her manager. But with me, she never had any time. So, what’s the point of thinking about all this! I am really tired, Casandra. I want to stop, but…”
“It’s okay,” Casandra reassured him, rubbing Alexander’s shoulder. “I understand my position. You don’t need to worry that I’ll be hurt if you still love Cesilia. I won’t force you to give me your love completely because I know my place and status in our marriage.”
“Don’t talk like that. No, I have to say it to you because that’s the truth. Don’t spoil me or protect my feelings, so I know my place and don’t get carried away like this,” Casandra was honest from the depths of her heart.
She didn’t want to pretend in front of Alexander because her love for him was growing stronger. “Please, let’s never discuss this again between us because now I want to focus on our marriage. I don’t want to think too much about Cesilia, who never thought about me, and now I can’t even talk to her. I have no idea where she is now.”
Alexander took a deep breath. “Yes, let’s stop discussing it. I’m sure Cesilia will contact me again. If she still loves me, she’ll find a way to do it no matter the circumstances.”
Casandra nodded, agreeing with what Alexander said. Although she was quite calm because there was no sign of Cesilia being near them, the humane side of her wondered about Cesilia’s condition. Is she doing well, or is she facing a significant problem?
And it seemed Casandra’s speculation was correct, looking at Cesilia’s current condition. She now lay weak in a room all white, with many guards making sure she stayed in her room. Three days ago, she had just been discharged from the hospital after her suicide attempt.
For Cesilia’s safety and security, Maxime kept her locked in a luxurious house, hidden from everyone, including her parents. That’s where Maxime brought Cesilia after she was discharged from the hospital. Everything was done to prevent her from running away again or attempting to end her life like before.
“Let’s eat first,” Maxime offered, sitting beside Cesilia. On his lap was a tray filled with her favorite dishes – rice, vegetables, and grilled chicken.
But Cesilia remained silent, her gaze completely empty. Her eyes were now sunken, with dark circles under them. Instead of resting after coming back from the hospital, Cesilia was restless. She missed home and wanted to see Alexander.
Unfortunately, Maxime didn’t allow it to happen. He kept her like a mental hospital patient who would go wild in public.
“Cesilia, don’t torture yourself,” Maxime urged Cesilia to open her mouth. It was already dinner time, but she still refused to eat. Fortunately, the infusion needle was still in the back of her hand, so she could hold on until now, even without food..
” “You can’t keep relying on the infusion like this. Eventually, your stomach will have problems because you refuse to eat until now,” Maxime warned Cesilia.
“It’s better this way so I can die soon and be free from all those crazy agreements,” Cesilia replied, not taking her eyes off the window. She really wanted to see what the outside world looked like after being confined in that room for so long.
Even during her time in the hospital, no one came to visit Cesilia. She only saw the doctors and Maxime taking turns to see her.
And now, it’s not just the outside world that Cesilia longs for. She also deeply misses her husband, Alexander, who has been her companion through thick and thin. Cesilia truly yearns for Alexander. If he were here right now, she would undoubtedly rush into his embrace and never let go, even just for a moment.
“Don’t talk about death like that. I would go crazy if I had to live without you,” Maxime expressed.
“Living with me alone already makes you crazy, so please don’t cause more trouble, Maxime. I’ll say it again. If you truly love me, this is not the way. If you sincerely love me, you should be happy when I’m happy with the man I love because love shouldn’t be possessive. Love should find happiness when the person they love is happy. Alexander has treated me well, and I have been ungrateful. So let me go back to him so I can enjoy the happiness we once had. Not like this. Trapped like a caged bird. I will also forget the past that has left me shattered like this.”
“You are not shattered; you are just too selfish,” Maxime retorted. “If only you appreciated what Alexander gave you, all of this wouldn’t have happened. Don’t just blame me; you also have a part in this problem.”