Chapter 34

Peter was not intended to hear them but he was taken aback as he thought Steven and Cassie were together. Peter never thought about Daniel as her boyfriend. He started to think should he tell Steven about it or not? Because in the last few days, Steven and Daniel both have become his friends. Peter doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

After a brief silence, Peter walked over to them and looked at Daniel. “You asked me to come after classes.”

Daniel nodded and looked at Cassie who had no idea what was happening. “I called Peter so you would catch up with your studies.”

Cassie asked looking at both. “Since when did you both become friends?”

Peter tried to overcome what he heard earlier. “Since Steven and I last visited the hospital.”

Cassie raised her brow. “So why I didn’t know anything about it?”

Daniel squinted. “I didn’t think it was something important to tell.”

Peter kept his notebook in a nearby chair. “Can we start now because I have to go back home soon?”

Daniel nodded recalling. “Oh, yeah your sister must be thrilled because your dad is coming on her birthday,” Daniel saluted to both with two fingers “I’ll leave you both alone.”

Daniel kissed Cassie before leaving. Cassie looked at Peter while sitting down, “Do you have a sister?”

Peter also sat on a chair. “I have three sisters.”

Cassie raised her brows. “Peter Woods, are you competitive with your sisters as well?”

Peter hesitated to share further so he opened the book. “Enough talking now it's time for you to resume studies.”

Cassie nodded and then both were engulfed in books and notes that they lost track of time until Peter’s phone started to ring and it was her mom. His eyes were wide open when he looked at the screen and muttered “Damn,” he picked up the call “Mom, I am on my way.” and then he ended the call and stood up.

Cassie felt horrible about being the cause he was running late for his sister's birthday party. “Thank you for coming and sorry I should have looked at the time.”

Peter stood up. “It’s not your fault, I genuinely liked your company while studying it slipped my mind.”

Cassie told Peter before he walked away, "Wish your sister a happy birthday from me, and also apologize for keeping you so long."

Peter acknowledged with a raised hand, but he didn't even look back to respond. Peter didn’t like the changes in his life happening in the last few days he never had shared anything about him with anyone but now Daniel and Steven know about his family dynamics. Also, how could he enjoy Cassie’s company while studying? He should have hated Cassie as she was playing with both of his friends.

Peter has always been a lone wolf in his life. He was only nine when his Dad left his mom along with the kids for his secretary. Since his early life, Peter hated the concept of love, relationships, marriage, and all. He witnessed his mom’s downfall because of his Dad. He stepped up and became his mom’s biggest support. He helped his mom to start a small business and now she is a successful businesswoman.

This is why he constructs a wall around himself so that no one can distract him from his aim or his family. He wants to expand his mother's firm and is keen to get into the corporate world to compete with his Dad.

When Daniel came back Cassie was still studying. He sat with her without making any noise. Cassie asked Daniel while writing her notes. “Can I ask you something?”

Daniel raised his chin. Cassie put down her pen. “Do you regret after beating Ryker?”

Cassie thought Daniel would take time to respond but he immediately shook his head. “Not even for a second, he deserves that.”

Cassie sighed. “But he is your brother.”

Daniel asked. “Do you still love him? Did you feel bad when you saw his bruised face?”

Cassie was taken aback because apart from sex Daniel never talked this aggressively with her or with anyone. “I don’t feel bad about it but I don’t want you to fight my battles. Daniel, I want you to be with me as my strength not as my guardian or caretaker.”

Daniel asked. “You didn’t answer if you still love him or not.”

Cassie managed to hide her dilemma about Ryker. “I don’t love him for sure.”

Daniel pointed at her books. “Now go back to study.”

Cassie looked at Daniel. “I wanted to talk to you about something else.”

Daniel adjusted his glasses. “About what?”

Cassie pressed her lips. “About Steven.”

Daniel didn’t respond and Cassie added. “I told him about my orientation.”

Daniel responded. “And?”

Cassie picked up her pen and resumed writing her notes. “And he needed time to think.”

Daniel asked. “So next time should I expect Steven with us?”

Cassie didn’t look at him. “Is it exciting for you?”

Daniel shook his head. “I don’t know, this is all new for me as it’s for you.”

Cassie asked. “Do you think Peter heard us when he came?”

Daniel asked. “Did he talk about it?”

Cassie took a deep breath. “He is your friend why would he talk to me?”

Daniel asked. “Come on, you are the reason Steven, Peter, and I became friends because before you Steven and I never talked in college.”

Cassie stopped writing. “You are also friends with Steven?”

A chortle escaped Daniel’s lips. “Why are you so shocked about it?”

Cassie refrained from answering him instead she coughed and asked. “You didn’t tell me what you told my mom about us.”

She changed the topic because she didn't want to think about the possibility of Steven rejecting her, which would make her feel responsible for Daniel losing a friend. Cassie still feels guilty that Daniel fought with Ryker because of her.

Cassie felt her heart drop as Daniel took a deep breath. "I didn't tell her anything so just relax and I have no plan to tell her until you tell her about us."