Unedited...

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"Everything was according to my plan" Cassandra said.

"I was ready to kill Cassandra. So, I asked the doctor to give her strong sedative. I thought I would have passed as Carina and killed her. With that every property will have been mine" Cassandra said gritting her teeth, more than anything she wanted to believe that herself.

"The reason why I said yes to the surrogacy was because I wanted all these properties on my name. If my child becomes your successor It will have been a win-win case. But that plan goes down the hill when Carina gets pregnant. She was happy and Carson decided to ignore me. It hurt my ego. So I went to her and told her we were having an affair. She was shocked and sad at first. Than  she coldly glare at me and asked me to get out" 

"I was angry about everything. So I decided to abandon her . She was of no use to me. Just because I decided to live my life free of a burden. My father decided to throw me out" Cassandra felt angry tears falling from her eyes.

Coltrane, Jeremy, and Austin glare at her coldly.

"It was mine. So I decided to go after your father" She looked at Jeremy.

"I pretend to be in love with him. He fell for me because he thought I had money. And we married each other and years later have a son. Everything was going back to normal and I even started to forget why I married him in the first place, that's when I got to know Cassandra was thrown out of the house. But later on an investigating team came to our house. About Jorden being questioned for an attempted suicide case" Austin looked away, he was the one who send that investigating team.

"That's when he gets to know I don't have any money on my name. He was furious and threw me and our 5 year old son out" Cassandra gritted her teeth.

"That's when I heard about how Cassandra was kept a secret" She smirked.

"I searched everything to find information about her. I bribed those maids to give me information. And the truth came out how she is used as a replacement" Cassandra chuckled.

"I know how Jorden mistake her name as my name and give her misleading information which triggered her suicide" She laughed chillingly.

"After pulling that family register stunt. I thought she died. But she did not" Cassandra looked up her face blank.

"After planning for five years I even pretended to be sad,  begged for her forgiveness. Before that I  heard her and Ernest talking. I wanted her to remember why she killed herself. Studying psychology sure comes in handy" Cassandra shakes her head mockingly.

"Why? Why did you do that when she was your daughter?" Carson asked.

"Daughter??" Cassandra grit her teeth.

"Because of her I lose everything" She snapped.

"I suffered. Even though her sappy story makes me a bit emotional. But it would not have happened. If only she was not born" Cassandra snapped. The tight resound slap was shocking.

"I hated her too. But I never wanted her to die. I have a reason to hate her too" Carina glared at her.

"The police are already waiting." She glared at her.

"The truth is I always punished the wrong person in that I string my daughter along too. I am guilty too and I can't ask for her forgiveness but how could you try to kill her? You are her mother" Carina snapped.

Carina grabbed her hand and dragged her out. Pushing her to the police.

"Why did you tell us everything? Cassandra" She looked at Carson, who asked this question.

Cassandra looked down, because somewhere she felt guilty, even though she did not want to accept that, she thought if she confessed it out loud and heard her thoughts then everything would make sense to her and the bitter guilt she was feeling would go away.

"Please" For the first time her facial expression cracked.

"I have a 10 years old son" Carina turned away.

"Why did she do that?" Austin asked.

"Jorden threw her out with their son. After that she went missing for 4 years and I heard she was going through a rough time. Later on I got to know she is dying. She does not have much time left and she wanted to secure her 10 year son's life" Carina sighed.

"How do you know?" Carson asked her.

"I always keep an eye on her" She sighed.

"When I walked out of the hospital I was ready to go home. But I saw something suspicious and I decided to follow my instinct. Then I got to know she was going to get in as me and kill her own daughter. I was on time and I called the police" Carina rubbed her head.

"As much as I hate her and want to give her in police custody. I decided to get her to a hospital for treatment later on" she said.

"Brain cancer she was in the last stage" Carson gasped.

"For a moment I thought that the woman I lived my whole life with" Carina shook her head.

"I always know that you cheated on me with her" Carina swallowed painfully.

"The reason Why I hated you. The reason why I made Cassandra's life miserable and made Catherine's life painful was all for a lie. I was hurt but I loved you too much to point out that. I was suffering from that very point but it was for nothing." Carina looked down. Tears fall from her eyes. For the first time her cold facial expression broke as she let herself be broken.

"For the last 25 years I have been suffering from this. Having trust issues and living in constant fear when will you ask for a divorce and throw me out of your life. I hated that and because of that I hurt everyone around me. Cassandra and Catherine take most of the burnt. I even tried to kill Catherine's baby and I threw Cassandra out of the house when she needed me the most. I blame her for my mother's death. But in truth she was not at fault. How could I do this as a mother?" She sobbed. Carson looked away and he was just as much of a coward. The reason he never stood up for Cassandra was because he thought she would leave. Everything coming out clear makes things more awkward between.

"As much as I would like to see this soap opera going on. This is a hospital so get out" Austin's cold voice makes it clear he has had enough of this. He can still feel the chill. If Cassandra has not woken up by the commotion she would have died by the hand of her own mother. 

Is it actually worth it?? She should have died and never woke up in this world. At least she will be less hurt. What will we say? Tell her own mother wanted to kill her. That will break her even more.

Jeremy decided to inform Catherine about Cassandra waking up. She wanted to see her but that he told her. She is sleeping peacefully with the help of sedative. Jeremy asked her to sleep and take rest for the baby. She did. He decided to wait beside her.

Coltrane was blank. He does not know what to feel now. Everything feels like a mess. He silently sat down on the chair beside her bed. Austin came and took a seat too. They did not talk to each other as the silence felt heavier.

Wait till the night ends.

*********

"Cassy sweety" Cassandra stared up at her grandfather who was looking down with a warm expression. Her grandma smiled at them.

"I love you," his grandfather's voice makes her feel weird. How could you say you love me?

But her five year old naive self smiled brightly at her grandpa, "I love you to grampa"

Tears filled her eyes as the shadow image of her grandfather looked at straight.

"You need to live sweetheart" her eyes widened. Her grandma smiled warmly.

"I can't," Cassandra whispered slowly as a tear fell from her eyes.

They listen as Austin checked her nerve "She will wake up at any moment "

Cassandra blinked eyes slowly opening her eyes. Austin hold the bottle of water and help her to sit up. She took a sip, her eyes landed on her bandaged hand. She looked everywhere in the room. 

"Why did you save me?" her voice was above the notch. Austin looked at her gritting his teeth as much as he wanted to yell at her tears of relief fall from his eyes

"I don't need a reason to save you. I never did" Austin words brought tears to her eyes.

"Austin, I... I .... I... I..." Cassandra choked. Coltrane was listening to their conversation, tears of angst filled his eyes.

"I can't fight anymore" her broken words pierce their heart. 

"I give up" tears which hide the glister in her eyes. Hurt, broken and in pain surfaced. Austin choked up. 

"Why?" He asked.

"I am tired of this life" Cassandra has a far away look. 

"I feel exhausted. Everything seems blacks and white" She sighed rubbing her eyes. Her bandage again started to strain red.

"Stop it" Austin grabbed her hand softly.

"I killed the baby" She choked up.

"I killed it consciously. I decided to kill Austin. I was selfish and cruel. Look I get to live and he died" Tears fall from her eyes.

"I wish I died that day. Why did I live through that? Now this" Cassandra asked him.

"Cassandra" Austin let go of her hand.

"I am tired of myself,Austin" shocked Coltrane choked up at her words. She smiled at Austin. He felt tears falling from his eyes. Her smile was one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking. 

The smile that's used to hide everything, now she has nothing to hide. 

"Cassandra..." Austin gasped. 

She shake her head, " That's not my name" 

"Austin I don't have a name" she looked away.

"Who said?" Coltrane for the first time interrupted their conversation. 

"You do have a name" His voice hoarse. Cassandra looked at him almost blankly for the first time she noticed he was there. If she had she would not open up about her feelings.

"You are Cassandra Coltrane Mayor" Cassandra froze the smile dropped. Her eyes widened. She looked down. 'Is he mocking her? Was it funny to play with her emotions? kept your face blank don't let any emotions show. She told herself.

"That's a fake name," Cassandra replied, her voice shaking a bit but she held onto it. 

"Yeah fake enough to be in my registry. You are in my family tree as my wife" Cassandra looked at Coltrane shocked, her hand shaking. If this is his way of joking she did not find it funny. His wife?? Was she supposed to laugh? Or did she actually die and this is somewhere else?

"I am not Catherine" She whispered to herself. For some reason she has a hard time saying that without contradiction. So, how can I be your wife? She wanted to say.

"I kno..w" his voice broke at her mistrust. After hearing his words, She seems more hurt.

"Then? You never wanted me" Cassandra's soft words reached  his ears. He closed his eyes painfully. This is getting harder than he thought. 

"I.. I.." Coltrane did not know how to respond to that. He could say something really selfish but she seems different from the strong person he knows. For some reason her small sluggish shoulder gave him chills. He cannot back down now.

"I am being selfish right now but  Will you stay with me?" He asked her. 

Cassandra stared at him hurt at his words. Her face paled as she felt uncomfortable. He looked at her waiting for an answer. 

"I can't, I am sorry" She pain engulfs her. She is already broken. She doesn't have enough pieces to be broken again by him. She doesn't want to go through this anymore. 

"So you are giving up on us even before trying" Coltrane asked as his eyes shone an emotion she cannot comprehend. She smiled painfully; this might be the first time he felt what she felt her whole life. 

"Was there even a us?" She asked him. He flinched. 

"I am not even myself Coltrane, loving you cost me my life, my personality, myself. I have nothing else to give up" Coltrane looked down. 

"Have you fallen out of love?" He asked painfully as something burned inside him. She smiled and tears filled her eyes, if only that's how easy it was. All she needed to do was forget about him. Forget about this suffocation. 

"I wished" tears fell down. 

"I wish I had never met you. I..I wished I never loved. I wish I could forget about you. I wished that every time I wake up and every night I go to sleep" Coltrane stepped forward but she wiped her tears. After all he was never there to wipe it. She was suffering all alone. 

"Please" Coltrane pleased. She looked down if only she could let go of everything and be happy. If only she was happy hearing that he wanted her to stay. The thing she wanted to hear most of her life now feels like a cruel dream. 

"Sometimes it's better to let go than getting destroyed in the process" those words fall out of her mouth. 

Coltrane stepped forward and grabbed her hand softly trying not to touch her wounds. Everything shattered around them. What was he thinking? Telling her to stay with him so that he has a chance while she is fighting for her life? When he knows he doesn't deserve one? How cruel can he be? How could he take her for granted? 

"I am not saying this because I wanted revenge or to make you feel the same thing. Or I want you to suffer just like the way I did. No, I want you to be free and choose to love someone who loves you. You don't need to choose me because I am here or you feel guilty. No. Do it for yourself and me?  You have options, you don't need to be stuck in this" Cassandra smiled at him and her eyes held the truth. The same way she is stuck in this suffering.  Something broke in him again, he felt numb. A tear rolled down his cheek and his eyes turned red. Coltrane's heart broke. Why can't she believe him? Does she not have any confidence in herself? How broken is she? Was it not his fault? His grip on her tightened. 

Coltrane felt if he let go she would vanish in thin air. His arm slown wrapped around her shoulder as he pulled her closer burying his head in her hair. She let him for the time being. 

Austin was shocked looking at them as well as Jeremy. 

"I thought I freed you" Cassandra whispered for him to hear. 

"That's why I am freeing you Coltrane" his hand loose he left her. That's when Austin pushed him away.

"And she is going to stay with me," Austin injected.

"I have enough of this. I am not letting her go though this emotional trauma anymore. Do you hear me?" He asked Coltrane glaring at her.

"Why do you think she will choose you?" Coltrane asked.

"Oh! You really want to see this" Austin smirked coldly.

"Cassandra?" She jumped up hearing that name.

"I am giving you an opinion. Choose" her eyes widen.

"Between him or me" she looked down. It was not even a choice for her.

"You Austin" Cassandra whispered. Coltrane's blood ran cold.

"The only reason why I let all this stupidity happen because I wanted her to find happiness. But If this means I am going to lose her. Then I will force her" Austin glare at him. Jeremy wanted to stop this. Coltrane was not being sane the last time he talked to him. He doesn't know what he will do. A cold feeling rushed through him.

"You will get those divorce papers" Austin said.

"Now get out"  That's it the only thing keeping him from losing his mind and Austin cut it.

"No" Coltrane flat out refused him, his voice dropping coldly.

"I can't be Catherine anymore, Coltrane " those same words he heard again and again. He grit his teeth.

"I am not asking you to be her," Coltrane snapped. She looked at him shocked. 

"I am not going to give you a divorce, neither am I giving you an option to stay with him" He glared at Austin.

"You are coming with me. Do you hear me?" He asked coldly. Her  eyes widened in shock. 

"No" Cassandra refused.

"I am not asking you. The moment you get discharged, You are coming with me" His words were cold. All the warmth and softness he was showing vanished in  thin air. No one is going to take her away from him. No one.

"No" Cassandra refused.

"If you go with Austin. I will shut down his Clinic" Coltrane bent down close to her face.

"If you want to try then go ahead" his cold words brought angry tears in her eyes. He walked out. Catherine was standing right beside Jeremy. She felt shocked looking at him like this, she couldn't recognize him.

After that Cassandra was silent. She is always fighting him even through rough times but for the first time she felt something akin to fear. Austin was shocked too. 

She looked at Jeremy, "I want a divorce. Jeremy will you help me?" Cassandra asked Jeremy who was standing outside listening to them. 

Jeremy felt a sudden urge to go behind Coltrane and punch him but this is so messed. He didn't want to say this but he confessed to him that he loves her. Then he will not hurt her as long as she goes with him but Cassandra. He looked at her. She  was exhausted. He did not want her to go through a battle again not when she is like this. It will break her even more.

"I suggest you against this," Jeremy said, rubbing his head.

"What are you saying?" Austin asked, almost yelling. 

"Are you trying to support your friend?" Austin grit his teeth glaring at him.

"No, but did you actually think he was in his right mind. Do you actually think he was throwing out empty threats he cannot fulfill?" Jeremy sighed.

"He is not in his right mind. You were there right. She is his wife according to law. Now do you want to go against him and make sure all the patients in your clinic suffer. Don't forget Maryln is in your care" Jeremy snapped.

"Cassandra... I" she looked away sighing.

"I am exhausted. Jeremy I I..I.." Cassandra was speechless.

"Jeremy and Austin, get out. Go outside and talk" Catherine shakes her head. She walked up to her hugging her tightly.

"I was so worried" tears fell from her eyes. She cried.

"I am sorry," Cassandra softly said, making her even more sad.

"I love you too and I forgive you for everything after all you are my little sister" Catherine softly kissed her forehead. Tears filled Cassandra's eyes. 

".....I...I " she choked.

"I know you do" her soft voice soothes her.

"Why don't you sleep and rest? Forget about everything right now and focus on taking rest" Catherine helped her down and cover her with a blanket.

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Thank you for reading lovely readers...

I think every misunderstanding has been cleared up. Though if have something to asked than comment I will answer.

Do share your thoughts and comment about the new devlopment...

Until next time..

The part where Carson asked why she is explaining herself. It was not in the original part but one of my readers asked this question in the comment section. Than I noticed that I skipped the reason. So, I just added that part. Other than that everything is same.