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In that moment, I realize that there is so much more to Cassius than I initially thought. Beneath his confident, charismatic exterior seems to lie a caring, tender soul. A man who can make my daughters laugh, share their wonder, and protect them with fierce loyalty. And as our eyes meet, the growing connection between us is undeniable.
I could do this. I could be with him…live this life with him.
“Thank you for today,” I whisper, my voice full of emotion.
“Anything for you and these beautiful girls,” he replies softly, his gaze never leaving mine.
The girls cling to Cassius’s hands, their eyes bright with excitement. My heart swells at the sight, but I can’t shake the nagging feeling that something is off.
“Have you been considering what I said the other?—”
I cut him off, peeking over his shoulder and frowning. “Is that Nikhil?”
Cassius turns around and tension fills his shoulders. “It is.”
Nikhil’s expression is stormy and his strides purposeful. I brace myself for the confrontation I sense is about to unfold.
“What are you doing here?!” he snaps at Cassius.
“Girls, why don’t we go feed the giraffes while they talk?” I suggest, nodding toward the nearby exhibit, not wanting them to hear any of this.
“Okay, Mama!” the twins agree, oblivious to the charged atmosphere. As we walk away, I can’t help but glance back, catching the heated exchange between Cassius and Nikhil.
I guide the girls up the ramp to the feeding platform, my mind racing with questions and concerns. What could they be discussing? And why does it feel like everything is about to change?
“Here you go, sweetheart,” I say, handing a piece of lettuce to one of my daughters as she reaches out to the towering giraffe. The wonder in her eyes pulls me back into the moment, but my ears remain attuned to the indistinct murmurs coming from the two men.
“Look, Mama! He’s eating it!” cries my other daughter, her delight contagious. I force a smile and nod, but my thoughts are tangled in the enigmatic conversation Nikhil and Cassius are having.
“Good job, baby girl,” I whisper, trying to tamp down my curiosity and focus on the girls. Yet the pull of the unknown is too strong, and I find myself straining to catch even a snippet of their conversation.
As the giraffe feeding session comes to an end, I notice Cassius and Nikhil walking toward us. Their expressions seem less hostile, but a lingering tension remains.
“Are we ready to go?” Nikhil asks, his voice devoid of emotion.
“Actually, I was wondering if we could stay a little longer,” I venture, glancing at Cassius for support. “The girls would love to see the starry zoo and camp tonight.”
“No.” Nikhil’s answer is quick and absolute.
“We’ll both be here,” Cassius offers. “They’ll be fine.”
Cassius offers a reassuring smile, while Nikhil hesitates for a moment before giving a curt nod. “We leave as soon as the sun rises.”
“Yay!” the girls exclaim.
28
NIKHIL
The twinkling lights above cast a warm glow over the courtyard, setting the scene for an enchanting evening. I watch as Franny and Gina sit beside Cassius, their laughter filling the air like music while they look at all of the lights. I’m holding snacks in my hand, but I can barely bring myself to interrupt the moment.
Do I wish Cassius were their father? My heart squeezes with a mix of protectiveness and longing as I observe the trio from a distance.
“Annalise.” Nikhil’s voice cuts through my thoughts, drawing me out of my reverie. I turn to see him standing beside me, his striking blue eyes darkened by some unspoken emotion. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing,” I lie, offering a small smile. But Nikhil is not so easily fooled. He studies me for a moment, his gaze intense and unwavering. It’s unnerving how quickly he can read me, even in the dim light.
“Something’s bothering you.” His statement is more of a challenge than a question, forcing me to confront the truth I’ve been trying to ignore.
