CASSANDRA

I've been friends, correction best friend with Androus since we're a kid. Our family was close, so often I was at their house, or he coming to our house. We treat each other like we're siblings. We go to the same school in preschool, high school, until college. We have a lot of similarities, in foods, our favorite food is chicken wings with cheese flavor. We both hate seafood especially the crabs and we both allergic to spicy foods. Most of all, we both dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Maybe because, my family is already in the bloodline of being a doctor, but I don't inherit daddy's as a cardiothoracic surgeon, because I'm a neurosurgeon. And I'm so happy I and Androus achieved our dreams. Plus, he is a billionaire and CEO of one of the most successful and famous Inc. a car company in the Philippines. I can't really deny the fact that Androus is really smart and wise in all things. He's multi-talented, he can do multiple jobs without getting stressed. That's why I like him. I like him for almost 14 years. I always dream that he will become my husband. That he will be the man I will be with for the rest of my life, the man who will be waiting for me in front of the altar as I walk the red aisle but I didn't expect that my dream will become opposite. He likes me, he loves me, but as a sister. Androus had never changed his feelings for me. I thought, our love story is like a fairy tale, that who has been your best friend since childhood will be the man of your life. And I was wrong. I remember the love story in the drama was scripted. But even though it will go like that, I will still love him even though he doesn't care.

I'm here right now in his father's private room, si Chairman Antonio Lhorton, my dad's best friend. Chairman Antonio has been with my daddy's best friends since they were young. Just like me and Androus was when we were kids, so was daddy and Chairman.

I'm close to him, I'm like his daughter to him, and he's like a father to me.

I remember back then, he wanted me for Androus, but everything seemed to change.

- FLASHBACK -

"Your son insulted me and my daughter in front of my fellows, Antonio. I thought everything was set about the engagement?" Dad asks calmly to Chairman Antonio.

When Androus says we need to talk to Chairman Antonio again about the engagement party of two of us which was to be held next week, daddy and I immediately went to the Chairman's private room in our hospital.

I'm sitting here on the couch and eavesdropped quietly to their conversation.

Actually, I am aware of what will happen. Androus told me about it earlier.

'There is no engagement party that will happen between us. He doesn't like me. He doesn't love me.' But I was hoping that his perception would change because we will be standing in front of the doctors and directors, but I forgot that he was Androus. A fearless man.

"I already heard about that and I ask forgiveness for what my son did to you and to your daughter. It is also my fault since I didn't tell you immediately about this."

'What do Chairman Lhorton mean?

"What do you mean, Antonio?" ask daddy.

We're both stunned.

"Androus already have a fiancee."

My eyes widened as what I heard and as well dad.

Wait-- how is this happen?

This is impossible.

"What! Fiancee? How is that possible?" Daddy didn't even believe it.

My mind stuck in a moment. I know that's impossible. Androus doesn't have a girlfriend so it was impossible to happen.

"No, Chairman. That's impossible." I interfere.

"I didn't even know he had a fiancee. I still don't see the girl either. But he promised to introduce her to me tomorrow, on my birthday."

No. No way.

I was about to speak out but my tongue falls back. The tears in my eyes started to well. That's why he is not able to like me because he already loves someone else?

No. This cant be.

I heard dad's scoff.

"Maybe your son just tricked you, Antonio? Maybe he just said that to avoid this engagement party with Cassandra? Come on, Antonio. This is what we pledge to each other, isn't it? That we would both marry our children when they reached the proper age. I wish you had come to terms with us, Antonio--"

"I know and I remember that Lucio. But Androus had grown up. He has his own brain. He has broad mental faculties. My son is smart, Lucio. I could no longer make him follow my decisions. I love my son, and I respect him."

- END OF FLASHBACK -

My tears dripping down as I thought back to what Chairman Anotonio has said.

'Androus has already a fiancee.'

That fact is even more painful than the fact that Androus couldn't love me more than a friend.

I wiped my tears when I notice that Chairman Anotonio is moving and open his eyes.

"Cassandra, is that you?" He says in whisper.

"Yes, Chairman. It's me." I say, freeing my throat and smile. "How's your feeling Chairman?" I ask.

"With good care from you, I get better every day. " He replied and smile, I smile back.

"Of course Chairman. I will take good care of you. You're my second father. I'll do everything for you, Chairman."

"Thank you so much, Cassandra. And I'm sorry. I know it hurts for you to know about Androus."

Chairman really knows me. 'He really knows that I like Androus, so bad and I'm hurt.'

"You've been with Androus for 14 years, and I witnessed both of you grow together, I witness how you love him, take care of him and support him to all the things he did. I witnessed how pure your love for him is. I'm sorry, Cassandra. Like his father, It's my obligation to respect my son's decision."

"I know Chairman. I understand. Don't be sorry. It's okay." I smile, even if I shouldn't be. It's not okay for me. I'm lying. I'm pretending.

And pretending to be okay wasn't easy.

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