The Unwanted Bride: Claimed by the Billionaire - Chapter 60: Chapter 60

Cassie’s Pov.
“I’m so relieved you picked up your call. How are you?” Kelvin’s voice came through. The worry in them warmed my heart.
“I still feel like a mess, but the doctor said I’ll be fine in no time.”
“Sorry if I got you all worried.” I added.
“Yeah, we were worried, but you’ve got nothing to apologize for. It’s just so hard to believe Stella would stoop so low to cause such harm to you. I’m so sorry. You obviously didn’t know anyone at that party, and we failed to protect you. I hope you find a place in your heart to forgive us. Please!”
My health melted at Kevin’s words. If only his elder brother had his type of calmness.
“You are sweet, but it’s no one’s fault. It just happened. So much bullshit in one night. I guess events like that are not for me.”
“Don’t say that. They are just jealous of you and are trying to make you feel as though you don’t deserve the kind of life you have now.”
“What if they are right?” I whispered.
“Oh, please! They are just shitty people. I can’t say much about your step mom and sister, but I’ll choose Shawn’s judgment over anyone’s.”
“My brother is an asshole. But his decisions are pure. That’s why I have no doubt about you. And it’s so disappointing to see Stella act this way. She’s married with kids. I literally have no idea what more she wants.”
“Please don’t pay attention to these people. They just want what you have.”
I swallowed painfully, resting my back against the headboard. “Thank you for your kind words, but it doesn’t matter.”
“Do you believe in love?” Kev asked, causing me to arch my brows.
“Why do you ask?”
“You are still acting like you don’t deserve to be a member of our family. I don’t know if Shawn told you yet, but things like this happen when you are with a popular guy like Shawn. Of course, I’m not justifying their actions, but it’s just a reminder that you’ve got what they don’t have, and on that note, I feel you should fight for what you love.”
“My brother is into you. I give you my word that he’s very serious about you. Please don’t forget that!”
I stared down at my sprained wrist while the other hand held my phone against my ear. It took me a while to get out of my feelings this morning. And I made up my mind that I wanted to focus on getting well and not think about my husband.
“Thank you for calling. I’ll take good care of myself,” I mumbled, not knowing what else to say.
“My babe sends her greetings, and if you need anything, do not forget to reach out to me.”
I nodded even though my brother-in-law couldn’t see me.
“And you don’t need to live in fear anymore. We will deal with Stella.” He assured.
“We?!” I said immediately, the confusion in my voice did not go unnoticed.
……………..
Shawn’s POV.
“Wait up, Shawn. We’ve been waiting on you all day.” Rhoda, or whatever her name was, ran up to me. She came to a stop before me, making me come to a halt just when I was so close to the elevator.
Her daughter approached us and stood beside her mother.
“I….I…I’m so sorry, Sir. I kept telling them that you weren’t in, but they wouldn’t just believe me. I can call the guards if you want me to.” The receptionist stammered.
Rhoda threw the receptionist a very nasty glare after which she turned her attention to me. “She’s been very rude despite how polite we have been to her. Please, son, we are here to talk, and we promise to be on our best behavior.”
“Yes, please!” Her daughter said with pleading eyes.
I was almost telling the receptionist to call the guards to come throw them out when I changed my mind. I signalled for her to leave. She bowed her head and did so!
“You’ve got two minutes,” I said sternly to the duo, folding my arms.
Lauretta looked shocked. “You want us to talk here? But people are passing, and they might hear us.”
“I see you all have nothing to say.” I started to walk away when they both stopped me.
“Don’t be angry, please. This is a family issue. I just didn’t think we would want other people in our business.” Rhoda said, and in as much as I was reluctant to give them any audience, I kind of saw reasons in her words, but at the same time, I didn’t want them in my personal space.
I recalled that there was a free office on the reception floor. I made my way over there, and the duo walked behind me.
“Your two minutes start now,” I mumbled, leaning my back against the desk. That was the only furniture in the cozy office, along with a big couch on the opposite side. I stared at the duo before me with a bored look.
“We apologize for the scene we made yesterday, but I want you to know that our intentions were pure.” My wife’s stepmother started to say.
“You embarrassed my wife, and here you are, saying your intention was pure?” The tone of my voice went high this time around, and no doubt I was starting to regret giving them some audience.
“No, that’s not what we mean.” Lauretta interfered. “Cassie is just a pretender, a liar, and a gold digger. I’m the one who is meant to be your wife!” She pointed at her chest.
I stared in amazement. “What makes you think so?”
“You and your father tricked us. You all came disguised and I had no choice but to give that bitch away!”
The countenance on my face changed upon hearing her call my wife names. Rhoda noticed that and I saw her swallow nervously.
“Don’t tell me you are pissed that we called her that?” Lauretta voiced out, ignoring her mother’s cautioning eyes.
“Did my step sister have something against you? Perhaps she is aware of one of your dirty secrets? I mean no disrespect, but it’s worrisome to know that you would choose someone like her over all the gorgeous women in the world.” Lauretta completed before her mother took over.
“Is she threatening you? Just let me know, and I’m going to silence her forever!” She sounded so confident.
“Silence her forever?” I reiterated with creased brows.
“Of course! Of what use is she anyway?” Lauretta intervened. She cannot even get pregnant, so how is she going to give you an heir?”
My heart sank!