The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife
Chapter 32: That’s what matters

Chapter 32: That’s what matters

Georgia reached for Cassidy’s hand and squeezed it gently. "You’re brave, you know that?" she said softly. "Letting go of everything you built in Switzerland... the life you loved... just to be here."

Cass didn’t respond. Her eyes remained fixed on their mother.

Georgia continued, her voice cracking just a little, "I know that was your dream. That quiet life. Your store, your independence... your freedom." She took a breath. "Coming back here means giving all of that up. I see the sacrifice, Cass. And I just want to say... I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve this burden."

Cassidy finally turned to look at her sister. Her gaze gentle but unwavering.

"I’m not giving everything up," she said quietly. "The brand... I can still run it from here. The store has people managing it, and I can keep designing no matter where I am."

She exhaled softly. "And freedom... that’s not just about where you live. I’ll find it again. Maybe in a different way."

Georgia studied her, surprised by how grounded her sister sounded.

Cass looked away for a moment, her voice turning reflective.

"Living alone in Switzerland for over four years... it changed me, Georgia. It taught me a lot. I had to let go of the comfort and luxury I once had here. I had to face my flaws, accept my limits, and discover my strengths."

She glanced back at her sister. "I learned how to connect with people. How to survive. How to grow into someone better than I used to be."

Georgia reached out and held her hand tightly. "And you did, Cass. You really did."

In the quiet room, the soft murmur of children’s voices floated from the corner. Claire sat cross-legged beside Freya and Jonah, the three of them gathered around Thiego, who was patiently listening to their chatter and watching over them with a warm, steady presence.

They laughed at something Jonah said, quiet, respectful giggles that didn’t disrupt the heavy stillness surrounding the hospital bed.

Cassidy glanced toward them, heart tugging at the sight of her daughter smiling, even in a place like this.

Georgia looked over at Cassidy, her eyes soft.

"We’ll get through this," she whispered. "Together."

Cassidy nodded.

She wasn’t sure what the next step would look like, but for the first time, she knew she wouldn’t be walking it alone.

***

That afternoon, after returning to the hotel and putting Claire down for a nap, Cassidy sat at the small desk near the window, her tablet open and her phone pressed to her ear. The sky outside had begun to blush orange, Manhattan glowing in the warm hush of early evening.

Lucie picked up on the second ring.

"Cass? Everything okay?" her voice was calm, but laced with concern.

Cassidy took a breath.

"Yes... well, not exactly. But I need to talk to you about something important."

There was a pause, then Lucie’s tone shifted immediately, professional and attentive.

"Of course. What do you need?"

Cass leaned back in her chair, gaze drifting out toward the skyline.

"I’m staying in New York for a while. Possibly long-term."

Lucie didn’t respond right away, but Cassidy could already hear her mind working on the other end.

"Alright," Lucie said slowly. "We’ll make it work. What do you want to start with?"

"We’ll need to shift most of the Cy. Noire operations online, at least the creative side," Cassidy replied. "The pop-up store can stay open under your management. I trust you with the team. I’ll keep designing remotely and join major meetings via video."

Lucie nodded, and Cassidy could almost see her jotting things down.

"Got it. I’ll send a report on the store’s current performance tonight. And the Little Noire samples, we’re still expecting fabric shipments this week."

Cassidy allowed herself a small, grateful smile.

"Thank you, Lucie. I couldn’t do this without you."

"You won’t have to," Lucie said gently. "We’ve got you covered, Cass. Focus on what matters most right now."

Cass closed her eyes for a beat. "I am."

And this time, she meant it.

After ending the call with Lucie, Cassidy tapped Clara’s name on her phone. The call was picked up almost instantly.

"Cassidy," Clara said warmly. "How are you both doing?"

"We’re settling in," Cassidy replied. "Claire’s napping. It’s been... a lot."

"I can imagine," Clara said gently. "I’ve been thinking about you two all day. I hope the hotel’s comfortable?"

"It’s fine," Cassidy answered. Then, after a pause, "I’ve made a decision, Clara. I’m staying here. In New York. Not just for now... for good."

There was a brief silence on the other end.

"So you’re really doing it," Clara finally said, her voice soft. "You’re not going back."

"No," Cassidy said firmly. "This... this is where I need to be."

"What about everything in Switzerland?" Clara asked carefully.

Cassidy hesitated for a moment, then spoke gently. "That’s actually why I’m calling. Clara... what do you want to do?"

"What do you mean?" Clara asked.

"I don’t want to assume anything. You’ve been part of our lives for years, and I want you to know that you don’t have to stay with us now that we’ve moved back. You have your own life, your family, your choices. I won’t hold you back."

Clara was quiet for a moment, then let out a soft, emotional laugh.

"Cassidy... I thought you knew by now. You and Claire are my family."

Cassidy’s throat tightened.

"So... you’d really come with us?"

"If you’ll have me," Clara replied. "Of course I would. I’ve been thinking about it ever since you told me in Switzerland. Truth is, there’s not much left for me in Boston. I’ve been divorced for years, my siblings are busy with their own families, and I... I don’t have children. But with you and Claire, I feel needed. I feel home."

Cassidy blinked, trying to stop the tears welling in her eyes. "Clara, I don’t know what we’d do without you."

"Then you won’t have to find out," Clara said simply. "Just say when, and I’ll be there."

Cassidy smiled through the sting in her chest.

"Thank you, Clara."

Once the call ended, she stared at her screen again. Only one person left. And he deserved to know, too. She took a deep breath, then scrolled to his name.

Xavier.

Her thumb hovered over the call button. After the third ring, his warm, familiar voice came through.

"Cass?"

"Hey... you free to talk?" Cassidy asked softly, a bit hesitant.

"For you? Always."

She took a breath.

"I just wanted to tell you... I’m staying. I’ve decided. I’m not going back to Switzerland."

Silence.

Xavier didn’t answer right away.

Cassidy bit her lip, waiting, but instead of protest, there was a quiet exhale, then his calm voice again.

"Hmm. Well, that actually works out."

Cassidy blinked.

"What do you mean?"

"I was going to tell you soon anyway... I’ve been planning to move back to the U.S. too. Open a new restaurant here. That’s part of why I came back last time."

Cassidy stared ahead in disbelief.

"Wait—what? Are you serious?"

"Very," Xavier replied, his tone easy but certain. "At first, I planned to have someone manage it. I’d fly back and forth between New York and Zurich. But after you told me you were staying... I changed my mind."

Cassidy’s heart dropped a little.

"Xavier..."

"I don’t want to be far from Claire, Cass," he said gently. His voice was still calm, but underneath it was a truth that weighed heavily.

Cass looked down, guilt creeping in.

"You know how much she loves you. I never wanted to take that away from her. Maybe I should’ve talked to you about this sooner. I never meant to put you in this position."

"Don’t," Xavier cut in kindly. "Don’t feel bad. If anything, you helped me make the decision I’ve been hesitating on. I’d rather be close to the people who matter than juggle two cities. And honestly, I’ve missed New York."

She was quiet for a second, then asked softly,

"But your restaurant in Zurich... it has two Michelin stars, Xavier. That’s not something you just walk away from."

Xavier let out a quiet laugh.

"Those stars belong to my kitchen team as much as they do to me. I trained them well. If they lose one, that’s okay. If they lose both, that’s fine too. I’ll earn them again here."

Cassidy closed her eyes for a moment, overwhelmed.

"You really don’t mind?"

"No," he said. "Because I’ve already had what I wanted in Switzerland. But you and Claire? You’re here now. That’s what matters."

Cassidy couldn’t speak for a moment, her throat tight.

In the other room, Claire began to stir, rubbing her eyes and reaching for her stuffed bunny.

Cassidy looked toward her daughter, then brought the phone back to her ear.

Her voice was low, but full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Xavier. For everything."

"Always, Cass."

After the call ended, Cassidy sat still, the phone resting loosely in her hand. Outside, the city pulsed with life, but inside that quiet hotel room, she could only hear the echo of his words.

"That’s what matters."

It settled over her like warmth after a storm.

Xavier had always been there, for her, for Claire. Never demanding, never asking for more than what she could give. He never pushed, never crossed lines. And yet, time and time again, he showed up. Solid. Constant. Loyal.

And now he was willing to give up a piece of his own dream, his restaurant, his stars, his comfort, for her daughter.

For Claire.

Cassidy blinked, her chest tightening with emotion. She leaned back against the sofa, eyes stinging with unshed tears.

She wasn’t naïve. She knew how rare it was, how rare he was. Most people said they cared. Xavier proved it, quietly and without conditions.

He had no obligation to stay in their lives. But he chose to. And in a world where so many had walked away, Xavier stayed.

Cass closed her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered into the stillness. Not just for the call. Not just for the sacrifice. But for every little thing he’d done over the years.

For the late nights helping with Claire when she was sick. For the silent presence in her most exhausted days. For making Claire laugh until her belly ached. For never making her feel less than whole, no matter how broken she sometimes felt.

Xavier didn’t ask for recognition. But he had it. He had her gratitude. He had her trust.

And maybe, just maybe, he had something more. But Cassidy wasn’t ready to name it yet. Not tonight. Tonight, she simply sat with it.

***

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