Chapter 39: Kassia's Wave
The morning air was cold.
Kassia sat on the edge of the bed, cradling her five-year-old sister, Chicago, in her arms. The little girl's tiny frame rested against her chest, warm and limp with sleep. Her soft breathing filled the silence of the small room like a lullaby. Kassia pressed her lips gently to her sister's curls, lingering there for a long moment.
She wished she didn't have to leave. But she had to.
Her suitcase had been zipped shut the night before—every item packed with trembling hands and quiet resolve. Her dress. Her papers. Her thoughts. Everything was ready. And yet, she wasn't sure if she was.
A knock came at the door.
Christy stepped in, wrapped in her scarf, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "You ready?"
Kassia nodded silently.
Christy glanced down at Chicago, still curled in Kassia's lap. "We'll meet you in two weeks, okay? Williams and I. The wedding will be fine."
Kassia gave a faint, wavering smile. She wanted to say thank you, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she carefully lifted Chicago in her arms and headed out.
A driver was already waiting to take her to the airport.
---
At the airport, Kassia and Chicago were escorted to a private jet.
"Kassy, where are we going to?" Chicago asked, clutching her sister's hand.
"I'm getting married in a few days, baby," Kassia replied gently. "That's why we're traveling."
The flight to the UK passed like a fog. Kassia's head throbbed from exhaustion, but her heart wouldn't rest. Every thought circled back home—to Christy, to fear, to the haunting feeling of being a stranger in a place where no one knew her story.
Cain's uncle met them at the airport. He didn't say much, and neither did Kassia. She kept her hands folded in her lap during the long drive to the Cain family estate, her eyes fixed on the drizzle-streaked window.
The house was grand and intimidating. Walls of old stone, ivy trailing like veins, wide steps leading into a world that didn't feel made for her.
The moment she stepped inside, she felt eyes on her.
And then—his voice.
"You're late. The wedding planner's been waiting for over twenty minutes," Cain said coldly.
"Uncle Cain!" Chicago exclaimed, running up to him.
Cain scooped her up with ease.
"My baby girl is looking beautiful today," he said, smiling down at her.
"Thank you," Chicago replied sweetly, hugging him.
"Is that my princess?" Gabriel called out, walking toward them.
"Uncle Gabby!" Chicago chirped.
Gabriel took her from Cain's arms with a grin.
"Kassia, welcome. You look good," he said with warmth.
"Thank you," Kassia replied with a small smile.
Gabriel left with Chicago, mentioning that Charity had been expecting her.
Now, only Kassia and Cain remained in the entryway.
Cain stood near the staircase, his posture loose, his smirk sharp.
"You made it," he said, voice laced with mock surprise. "Thought you'd get lost between customs and your own shadow. You know, since you've probably never seen an airport or been on a plane before."
Kassia looked down, tightening her grip on her suitcase handle.
"I… I managed."
He chuckled dryly. "Impressive. Try not to fall apart during the wedding. We've already got enough drama."
She said nothing—just nodded—and followed the housekeeper upstairs when she arrived.
---
The following days blurred together. Rehearsals. Dinners. Dress fittings. Instructions whispered to her by planners who barely remembered her name.
Cain was always nearby—loud, confident, quick to tease. He made remarks about her accent, her silence, even her shoes. He didn't shout, but his words carried weight. Always just sharp enough to sting.
"You walk like you're afraid the ground will swallow you," he said once, passing her in the hallway.
Kassia flushed but stayed silent.
"You know," he added with a smirk, "the bride picked you out of pity. Said you 'looked soft enough not to steal attention.' Charming, really."
She turned her face away, blinking fast to stop the tears.
No one defended her.
Except Charity.
---
Cain's mother noticed things. The way Kassia flinched when Cain spoke. The way she lingered at the edge of rooms. The way she sat alone, eyes fixed on her phone, scrolling through photos of Chicago over and over again.
One afternoon, while the house buzzed with decorators and caterers, Charity found her outside on a garden bench, staring blankly at a fountain.
"You don't have to be invisible here," Charity said gently, sitting beside her.
Kassia startled, then lowered her eyes. "I'm not trying to be rude. I just… don't really know anyone."
"You don't need to explain." Charity's voice was soft and sure. "I can see you're trying. That's enough."
Kassia's eyes welled up. She quickly wiped them. "I don't belong here."
"Who told you that?" Charity asked.
"No one… not directly," Kassia replied.
"Ah," Charity said knowingly. "My son's tongue can be cruel. He's rude when he's uncomfortable."
"I don't think he likes me."
"I don't think he understands you," Charity said. "But that's his loss."
They sat in silence for a while.
"You have no family coming to the ceremony?" Charity asked eventually.
Kassia shook her head. "Just my sister."
"Then I will walk you down the aisle," Charity said simply.
Kassia blinked. "What?"
"You need someone," Charity said. "And I would be honored."
Kassia's lip trembled. She looked away quickly, afraid the tears would spill. "I… I'd like that."
---
The morning of the wedding arrived.
Kassia dressed quietly, her fingers trembling as she buttoned her gown. It was pale cream, with lace sleeves and a soft neckline—simple, beautiful. But she felt like a shadow inside it. Sitting on the edge of the chair, hands folded in her lap, she tried to steady her breathing.
A gentle knock at the door.
Charity entered. "You look beautiful."
Kassia tried to smile, but her lips barely moved.
Charity took her hand. "Are you ready?"
"I think so," she whispered.
"Good," Charity said, squeezing her hand. "You are more than ready. And you're not alone."
---
The garden was glowing.
Guests stood in a semi-circle, flowers overhead, music soft and slow. As Kassia appeared on Charity's arm, the crowd turned. Whispers fluttered. Curious glances were exchanged.
But Kassia kept her eyes fixed on the white runner beneath her feet. Her grip on Charity's arm was firm.
Cain stood at the front in a tailored suit, looking everywhere except at her.
As they neared the altar, Kassia heard him mutter, "Didn't think you'd show up without tripping over your nerves."
Charity heard it. She paused, her jaw tightening. Kassia shrank slightly but didn't respond.
"Stand tall," Charity whispered. "Not for them—for you."
Kassia nodded, barely.
---
The ceremony was brief and elegant. Vows were exchanged. Tears were shed. Photos were taken.
Cain said little throughout the rest of the day, though his friends continued to glance at Kassia with barely veiled amusement, as if unsure what to make of her. She kept to herself at the reception, standing quietly by the drink table, sipping juice.
No one came to speak with her—except Charity.
"You did well," Charity said later, once the music faded and the guests began to leave.
"I was scared the whole time," Kassia admitted, her voice barely audible.
"Maybe," Charity replied. "But you still walked. And that counts for something."
Kassia looked at her and nodded. "Thank you… for everything."
---
That night, in the quiet of her guest room, Kassia sat by the window, gazing at the moonlight across the estate lawn.
Chicago padded in quietly and climbed into her lap.
"Kassy," she said softly.
"Hey, baby."
Chicago settled between her legs, looking up with sleepy eyes.
"You got married today to Uncle Cain," she said cheerfully.
Kassia gave a small smile. "I did."
"Are you happy?" Chicago asked.
"I'm happy that you're happy," Kassia replied gently.
Chicago handed her a small paper.
Kassia looked down and saw a wobbly crayon drawing—three stick figures holding hands beneath a crooked sun. Above them, in bright colors, were the words: One Big Family.
Kassia stared at it for a long time.
She wasn't sure that was true.
But maybe, one day, it would be.
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Hey guys,
I'm so sorry it's been a while since my last update.
Honestly, I've been feeling a little discouraged lately.
There haven't been many comments or reactions on the recent chapters, and I just wanted to say — your feedback really helps. It encourages me to keep writing, and it also lets me know where I can improve.
If you're reading and enjoying the story (or even if you're not!), I'd love to hear your thoughts. A quick comment can make a big difference. 💬✨
Thank you so much for sticking with me.
Much love,
xoxo, CC