The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife
Chapter 33: Welcome Home

Chapter 33: Welcome Home

The morning sun had just begun to light up the Manhattan skyline when Cassidy stepped out of the taxi and headed towards the hospital’s private wing. She moved quickly, her breath forming a slight mist in the chilly air. In one hand, she clutched a paper bag filled with coffee and pastries, something small, something familiar to hold onto.

This time, she hadn’t brought Claire along. Not yet. There were too many emotions, too many unresolved conversations. Cassidy wanted to face her family first, prepare herself, before introducing them to the little girl who had changed everything.

As she entered the VIP suite where her mother was being treated, Cassidy slowed her steps. The first thing that struck her was the sterile scent of antiseptic, followed by the soft hum of monitors and the steady rhythm of the heart rate machine. And then, she saw her.

Kyra.

Sandro’s wife was seated beside Teresa’s bed, gently adjusting the blanket over her mother-in-law’s legs. The moment Cassidy entered, Kyra turned, and her eyes widened.

"Cassidy?" Her voice was a mix of surprise and warmth. She rose from her chair, approaching with a gentle, disbelieving smile. "Oh my God, I didn’t know you were back! Sandro didn’t say anything."

Cassidy returned the smile, though it was a bit faint.

"He’s unaware. I just arrived... two days ago."

Kyra paused for a moment, then nodded in understanding. Her smile softened.

"That makes sense." She moved closer and wrapped Cassidy in a gentle, warm hug. "Still... it’s so nice to see you."

Cassidy let herself be hugged for a short time. It had been a long time since she felt such a warm welcome from anyone besides Thiego or Georgia.

"You look amazing," Kyra said as she let go. "Maybe a little tired, but strong."

"I’m fine," Cassidy replied, glancing at the hospital bed. "It’s just... a lot to take in."

Kyra followed her gaze, her expression showing understanding.

"I get it. But she’s strong too. And she’s not alone anymore. We’re all here now." She looked into Cassidy’s eyes again and gently added, "I’m really happy you’re back, Cass. No matter why, this family needs you."

Cassidy was at a loss for words. Her throat felt tight. So, she nodded and walked over to her mother, sitting down quietly beside her.

Kyra, behind her, didn’t ask for more. She returned to her seat by the bed, with the two women silently watching over the delicate figure, bound together not only by blood or marriage, but by love, duty, and hope.

Kyra shifted in her chair and looked at the clock on the wall.

"Sandro was here until this morning," she said softly. "He stayed all night. But he had to go to the office for a board meeting. He didn’t want to leave, but it was necessary."

Cassidy nodded in understanding, her eyes fixed on the gentle rise and fall of her mother’s chest under the thin hospital blanket.

"Tiffany’s coming later today," Kyra continued. "She and Raymond are taking the afternoon shift."

"Got it," Cassidy replied quietly. "Thanks for telling me."

Before she settled back into her chair, Cassidy took out her phone and sent a quick message, then decided to call.

Georgia answered on the first ring.

"Hey, everything okay?" her sister asked softly.

"Yeah," Cassidy said. "Just... wanted to check on Claire."

"She’s great," Georgia chuckled. "She’s been running around with Jonah and Freya since breakfast. I don’t think she’s stopped talking since."

A sigh of relief escaped Cassidy’s lips.

"Good... that’s good. Thanks again for looking after her."

"Of course. She’s no trouble at all. I’ll text you if anything happens."

"Okay. I’ll call again later."

"Take your time," Georgia reassured. "We’re all good here."

Cassidy ended the call and put her phone away, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. Knowing Claire was safe and happy, even if just for a few hours, helped her concentrate on the heavy reality in front of her.

They sat in silence for a while after that, only the soft beeping of machines filling the room.

By midday, Cassidy stood up. She had been sitting by her mother’s side for hours, quietly holding her hand, watching the small twitches of her fingers, the subtle movement of her chest, willing her to wake up.

She turned to Kyra, who looked up with a gentle smile.

"I think I’ll head out for now," Cassidy said. "I’ll be back tonight."

"Of course," Kyra said. "Take care."

Cassidy nodded and quietly exited the room. Instead of heading back to the hotel, she picked up her phone and called Georgia.

It rang once, then twice, before her sister picked up.

"Cass?"

Cassidy paused, then took a deep breath. "Is Dad at home?"

There was a brief silence.

"He should be," Georgia answered. "Why do you ask?"

"I need to talk to him," Cassidy said softly. "About Mom."

"Are you sure?"

"No," she confessed. "But I have to."

"Alright. Then go ahead," Georgia replied kindly. "I’ll inform the staff that you’re on your way."

Cassidy expressed her gratitude and hung up the phone.

She didn’t want to put it off any longer.

There were questions she could no longer avoid. She needed answers, she had to comprehend what her mother had endured. The pain she had concealed. The silence that had enveloped her.

Perhaps her father held the missing pieces.

She got into the waiting taxi, provided the driver with the address of the Salvador family estate, and settled back in her seat.

The mansion was just across the city, but to Cassidy, it felt like a completely different world.

And today... she was finally prepared to confront it.

As the taxi came to a halt in front of the tall iron gates of the Calista estate, Cassidy felt a tightening in her stomach. The mansion appeared just as she remembered it, grand, imposing, and enveloped in silence. She stepped out, her heels softly clicking on the stone path as she moved toward the gate.

The security guard in the small booth noticed her, and froze.

He squinted, leaning closer to the screen, then opened the side window.

"Miss Cassidy...?" he called, his voice filled with disbelief, as if he was doubting his own eyes.

Cassidy nodded slightly.

"It’s me."

The man blinked, surprised, then quickly pressed the button. The gate creaked open without another word.

She entered slowly.

Everything felt familiar, too familiar. The neatly trimmed hedges, the pristine white gravel driveway, the columns framing the front door like towering marble sentinels.

As she stepped inside, the quiet whispers began.

Two maids in the hallway stopped mid-step, their eyes wide. One gasped softly, recognizing her immediately.

"Miss Cassidy...?"

"It really is her..."

Another butler in the distance murmured her name in shock. One of the cooks peeked from behind the kitchen door, eyes wide with surprise.

But it was Mr. Wayne, the long-serving head of staff, who appeared at the top of the stairs and descended with steady grace.

He paused a few feet from her, his eyes misting for a moment before he composed himself with a small, respectful bow.

"Miss Cassidy. Welcome home."

Cassidy smiled faintly.

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne."

She stopped for a moment, then softly inquired,

"Is my father at home?"

"Yes, Miss. The Master is in his study."

"Could you inform him that I’m here?" she requested, her tone steady yet tinged with anxiety.

"Certainly." With a slight nod, Mr. Wayne turned and walked down the corridor of the west wing, his polished shoes making no noise on the luxurious flooring.

Meanwhile, Cassidy stood in the grand foyer, her gaze drifting over the familiar chandelier, the grand staircase, and the faint sound of the ticking clock. Every detail resonated deeply within her. A childhood that felt both far away and painfully close.

In his study, Julian Calista stood by the window, his hands clasped behind him. He had been still for quite a while. Papers remained unread on his desk, and a half-full glass of whiskey sat untouched beside them. The silence in the room was heavy, until a soft knock interrupted it.

Mr. Wayne cracked the door open slightly.

"Sir. Miss Cassidy is here."

Julian turned slowly, his expression initially blank. Then, He blinked. For a moment, he was silent. Then his jaw tightened just a bit.

"Cassidy?" he repeated.

His voice was quiet. Filled with disbelief.

She was here.

After all these years, after the silence, the distance, and the pain, his daughter had come back.

Heavy footsteps resonated through the hallway.

Cassidy remained motionless in the middle of the large, quiet living room, her fingers tightly woven together in front of her. Her expression was calm, but her eyes revealed a tempest she kept hidden.

He emerged from the doorway.

Julian Calista.

He appeared just as she remembered, Black hair slicked back, a perfectly fitted black suit, and a stance that demanded attention without uttering a word. However, the signs of aging were now more evident. His piercing gaze met hers.

And time froze.

It had been more than four years since they had last shared the same space. Four years filled with pain, silence, and unspoken words.

Cassidy stayed still.

She looked at him, unwavering. And in that look, so much lay beneath the surface: unresolved resentment, deep-seated sorrow, disappointment she had worn like armor, and a resignation she had been compelled to accept.

Neither of them uttered a word.

***

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.