CHAPTER 145: A HAND TO HOLD

After calling Andrew, Zeke quickly tried to reach Cassidy to let her know what had happened.

But Cassidy didn’t pick up.

With a sigh, Zeke slipped his phone back into his pocket and walked back into his father’s room.

"I’ve already asked Andrew to inform our close family about Dad’s passing," he told Margaret and Bastiano.

They both gave him a slow, solemn nod.

Not long after, Zeke’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw Cassidy calling back. Excusing himself, he stepped outside to answer.

"Hey. Sorry, I didn’t hear your call earlier," he said.

"No worries," Zeke replied, eyes cast down toward his shoes.

"Hey, what’s wrong? Are you okay? Did something bad happen?" Cassidy asked, sensing something off in his mood. Usually, when they talked on the phone, Zeke’s voice was full of energy and enthusiasm. But now, it sounded heavy and unlike his usual self.

Hearing Cassidy worry warmed Zeke’s heart a bit. He rubbed his face, took a deep breath, and said, "My dad... he passed away."

"Oh, Zeke... I’m so sorry. Do you want me to come over?" Cassidy asked, her voice full of concern.

Zeke was a bit surprised when Cassidy immediately offered to come and be with him. Her words touched him. The sadness he hadn’t felt earlier, while watching his father take his last breath, started to surface when he heard her voice.

He realized it wasn’t that he wasn’t sad about losing his father; he just wasn’t used to showing his emotions and was used to keeping them in check.

Just hearing Cassidy’s kind words stirred up feelings Zeke didn’t even realize he had.

"You really want to come? Are you sure it’s not too much trouble?" Zeke asked, not wanting to burden her.

"I want to be there for you. You’re strong, but everyone needs support when they’re hurting. And Gregory was my father-in-law too, your dad. It makes sense for me to be there," Cassidy said softly.

Without her realizing it, her words made Zeke care for her even more, and he couldn’t wait to marry her again.

"Thanks, baby. If you want to come, I’ll have Nolan pick you up."

"Okay. I’ll get ready."

"All right. I’ll be waiting," Zeke said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Though they were back together, they hadn’t told anyone else about their relationship. Zeke knew Cassidy was private and didn’t like nosy people. If she showed up at his parents’ house, his family would definitely ask questions. But for him, Cassidy was willing to come and that made Zeke appreciate and love her even more.

After finishing the call with Cassidy, Zeke quickly called Nolan and asked him to pick her up and bring her over. Nolan nodded and immediately set off.

About half an hour later, Cassidy arrived at Zeke’s parents’ house.

The moment Zeke spotted her, his steps quickened as he walked toward her.

Without waiting a second, Cassidy threw her arms around him, holding him tight. Zeke pulled her close, hugging her just as tightly, feeling comforted by her presence.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Thanks to you," Zeke replied, taking a deep breath and smelling Cassidy’s natural scent. Not perfume, but her warm, natural smell that somehow immediately calmed him down.

Cassidy gently rubbed Zeke’s back, like soothing a baby, trying to give him comfort.

"Let’s go." Zeke held Cassidy’s hand tightly and led her into Gregory’s room.

When Margaret and Bastiano saw Cassidy arrive, they were a bit surprised—especially Bastiano. His eyes lingered on their clasped hands for a moment, then a small smile appeared on his face.

Zeke guided Cassidy over to Margaret and Bastiano, who were standing near Gregory’s bed.

"I’m so sorry for your loss," Cassidy said softly to Bastiano and Margaret, then hugged Margaret warmly. She also hugged Bastiano, offering strength and support to them.

"Thank you, Cassidy," Margaret said sincerely. It wasn’t just about her coming over, but also for accepting Zeke back into her life.

Margaret was happy to see that Zeke’s love for Cassidy was not one-sided. Asba mother, she just wanted her only son to be happy. More than that, she wanted him to have a family that loved him—something she and Gregory couldn’t give. She felt sorry for that. But now, Margaret’s hope was coming true. Zeke had Cassidy and Claire, who loved him and made him happy.

Cassidy talked a little with Margaret and Bastiano before Zeke took her out of Gregory’s room.

He led her to the living room, and they sat side by side. Zeke didn’t let go of Cassidy’s hand.

He sat close to her, seeking warmth from Cassidy, and said, "Thanks for coming." He squeezed her hand a little tighter.

Cassidy smiled softly, cupping Zeke’s right cheek with her hand, "Didn’t you say we don’t need to say thank you to each other?"

Zeke chuckled at her words, resting his palm over Cassidy’s hand on his cheek, then said, "Yeah, I forgot. Sorry. I won’t do it again." He tilted his head slightly, looking at Cassidy warmly and full of love.

They sat close together on the couch, shoulders lightly touching, fingers intertwined, when the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Andrew stepped into the room.

"I’ve contacted the funeral home," he said gently. "The staff will be here soon to take your father into their care and bring him to the funeral home."

"Thanks, Andrew," Zeke replied, giving him a small nod of appreciation.

Andrew glanced between them before asking, "Any idea when you want to hold the service? And have you picked a burial site yet?"

"I’ll check with my grandfather and my mom first," Zeke said.

"Got it." Andrew gave an understanding nod before stepping back. He didn’t want to linger, especially when it was clear Zeke and Cassidy were finding comfort just being near each other.

After Andrew left, it didn’t take long for the staff from the funeral home he arranged to arrive. Two staff in dark suits came in quietly and carefully prepared to take Gregory’s body to the funeral home. The room felt heavier, and Zeke held Cassidy’s hand a little tighter.

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