It had been a month since Cassidy divorced Zeke, and for the first time in years, her days passed in silence.
Peaceful. Unbothered.
Two weeks ago, she'd handed in her resignation from the family company. It wasn't impulsive. She had thought about it for a long time. And she was done—done pretending she cared about the empire her father obsessed over, done playing the obedient daughter.
Cassidy stood in front of the tall glass doors to her eldest brother's office. Her heels clicked softly as she stepped inside.
Alexandro Calista looked up from his laptop, brows raising as he saw the white envelope in her hand.
"Sandro," she greeted, placing the envelope gently on his desk.
He stared at it before picking it up. "What's this?"
"My resignation."
He blinked once. Twice. "You're serious?"
Cassidy gave a firm nod. "Yes."
Alexandro leaned back in his leather chair, his jaw tight with thought. "Did you speak to Dad about this?"
"I don't need his permission," she replied, voice calm but sharp. "He'll hear about it eventually. I'm not concerned with how he reacts."
A long silence stretched between them. Cassidy could see the calculation flickering in his eyes. He wasn't just her brother—he was the CEO. The leader. He always thought five steps ahead.
Finally, he gave a small nod. "Alright."
She could tell he wanted to say more, but he didn't.
Cassidy turned and walked out of the room, her steps light, shoulders squared. For the first time, she felt like she was moving for herself—not the company, not the family, not the legacy.
Alexandro Calista stayed seated behind his desk, eyes fixed on the now-closed door, deep in thought.
Cassidy was the youngest of four. Alexandro, the responsible firstborn, ran the family business with ruthless efficiency. Raymond, the second, built his own empire in fintech—earning the title of "Manmade CEO." And Georgia, the third, had married for love.
Unlike the rest of them, Georgia didn't bend to their father's will. She had loved Thiago since they were teenagers, and against all odds, she'd married him—heir to the second-largest oil company in the world.
Maybe that's why Cassidy felt a twinge of warmth the next morning when her phone rang and Georgia's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Cass," her sister's familiar voice greeted her. "I'm in Manhattan."
Cassidy smiled. "For business?"
"Somewhat," Georgia said. "Mostly, I wanted to see you. Dinner tonight?"
"Sure," Cassidy replied. "Where?"
"Delmonico's. Eight?"
"Sounds perfect."
As she hung up, Cassidy leaned against her kitchen counter and let out a long breath.
Georgia always had a way of showing up just when she needed someone. And right now, she could use a bit of warmth in the middle of all this cold change.
***
Delmonico's was warm with amber lighting and soft classical music humming in the background. Cassidy had arrived first and chosen a table in the far corner by the window. She wore a wine-colored satin blazer that accentuated her figure but still looked effortlessly elegant. When Georgia walked in, Cassidy stood up immediately and hugged her tightly.
"Cass," Georgia greeted her with a warm smile and kissed her cheek. "You look stunning."
"You too," Cassidy replied softly, a little emotional. "As always."
After they sat down and ordered their food, Georgia looked at her sister with those familiar gentle eyes—eyes that had always held concern and care since they were kids. The eyes of a sister who, in many ways, had replaced the love their mother never fully gave.
"How have you been?" Georgia asked while playing with her spoon. "You've been so quiet lately."
Cassidy gave a small shrug. "I've been… okay. Peaceful, finally."
Georgia leaned forward slightly. "I heard about the divorce."
Cassidy didn't respond right away. She stared at her wine glass for a moment, then nodded. "It's true. We're done."
"I'm worried about you," Georgia said softly. "I know how hard that must've been… I know the marriage wasn't exactly built on love."
Cassidy sighed. "It was never love to begin with, Georg. You know how things work in our family. Arranged. Calculated. Cold."
Georgia was silent for a moment, her gaze softening. "I wish things could've been different for you."
Cassidy gave a bitter smile. "You were the lucky one. You married someone you love. Someone who actually loves you back."
"You think it's just luck?" Georgia gave a small laugh. "It was a battle, Cass. Dad didn't talk to me for months after I refused to marry the politician he picked. But I stood my ground. Because I knew what I wanted."
Cassidy looked at her sister. "And you got it. You always knew what you wanted."
"Because I had to," Georgia said, her tone growing more serious. "And now it's your turn. You don't owe anyone anything anymore. Not Dad. Not the company. Not the legacy."
Cassidy stayed quiet, her heart stirring. Her sister's words were like balm on an old, unhealed wound. A wound buried since childhood.
"Do you remember," she said quietly, "how you used to sneak me into your room after Dad yelled at me?"
Georgia laughed gently. "Of course. You'd cry and steal my blanket."
"You were the only one who ever made me feel… safe," Cassidy admitted. "When Mom wouldn't speak up, and Dad was too busy yelling or lecturing the boys about money…"
Georgia reached across the table and took her hand. "You're not alone now either. Whatever you decide to do next, I've got your back. Always."
Cassidy nodded slowly, her eyes glistening. For the first time since the divorce, she felt truly seen. Understood. Loved—not because of her status, not because of her family name—but for who she was.
Cassidy felt a sense of calm settle over her heart. Just being around Georgia, hearing her voice and receiving her warmth, made her feel lighter. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed having someone she could truly talk to.
She gave her sister a small smile. "Enough about me. What about you? How's life treating you lately?"
Georgia's eyes sparkled, her face instantly lighting up. "Actually… I have some wonderful news."
Cassidy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"
"I'm pregnant," Georgia whispered, her smile growing wider. "Two months."
Cassidy's mouth dropped open slightly. "Oh my God. Seriously?"
Georgia nodded quickly, her cheeks glowing with joy. "Yes. And you're the first to know. I haven't told anyone. Not even Thiago."
"Wait—your husband doesn't know yet?" Cassidy asked, laughing softly in disbelief.
Georgia shook her head. "Nope. I'm planning to surprise him on our anniversary next week. I want it to be special."
Cassidy's chest filled with warmth as she reached across the table to squeeze her sister's hand. "That's amazing, Georg. I'm so happy for you."
Georgia's smile softened. "Thanks, Cass. You know… after what happened three years ago, I was terrified to even try again. The miscarriage took everything out of me. It's taken me two years just to feel brave enough to try."
Cassidy nodded slowly, her heart aching a little at the memory. "Freya's going to be so excited. She'll have a sibling to boss around."
They both laughed gently at that.
Georgia glanced down at her glass, her fingers gently brushing the rim. "Sometimes… I just wish you had the same chance. To have a child, I mean. During your marriage with Zeke."
Cassidy let out a short breath and gave a small shrug. "Maybe it's for the best."
Georgia looked at her, surprised. "You think so?"
Cassidy leaned back in her seat. "If I had a child with Zeke… everything would've been a nightmare. The divorce would've been so much more complicated. Custody battles, emotional baggage, constant ties to someone I was trying to walk away from—just thinking about it makes me feel exhausted."
Georgia nodded slowly, understanding settling in. "You're probably right."
Cassidy looked out the window for a moment, then back at her sister. "I'm not ready to be a mother, Georg. Not like that. Not in that kind of marriage."
Her voice was quiet but firm. And for once, she didn't feel guilt in saying it.
Georgia gave her hand another squeeze. "Then I'm glad you made the choice that's right for you."
They both smiled—sisters, different in their paths, but bound by understanding.