The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife
Chapter 100: Someone She Dreams About

Chapter 100: Someone She Dreams About

That night, Xavier who has gone quiet for the past few days, suddenly calls Cassidy. She’s sitting on the couch in the living room with Clara, chatting over a cup of tea while Claire plays on the floor nearby with her Lego bricks.

Cassidy sees Xavier’s name flash on her screen and picks up immediately. "Hey, Xav. What’s up?"

"I’m downstairs," he says. "In your apartment lobby. Can I come see you guys?"

Cassidy blinks. "You’re already here? Why didn’t you just come up instead of calling?"

There’s a short pause. "I wasn’t sure if I’d be bothering you."

Cassidy frowns. "You never bother me. Don’t talk like you’re some stranger."

"You’re right," he says softly. "I’ll come up now."

"Okay. I’ll be waiting."

Cassidy ends the call and turns to Claire.

"Guess who’s coming?"

Claire pauses mid-build and looks up. "Uncle Zeke?"

Cassidy lets out a laugh. "You already spent time with Uncle Zeke today. Why him again? Nope. It’s Uncle Xavier."

Claire’s eyes brighten. "Really? Uncle Xavier’s here?"

Cassidy nods. "He’ll be here any second now. Let’s pick up your Lego first, okay?"

Claire scrambles to clean up. Clara, who’s been quietly observing, arches an eyebrow.

"Kind of late for a visit," she murmurs to Cassidy.

Cassidy shrugs lightly, her tone casual. "Yeah, but it’s Xavier."

That seems to be enough explanation.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rings. Cassidy walks over and opens the door to find Xavier standing there in a hoodie and jeans, holding a small paper bag in one hand.

"Hey," he says quietly.

"Hey," Cassidy replies, stepping aside. "Come in."

"Uncle Xavi..." Claire dashes over with a grin.

Xavier kneels and hands her the bag. "I brought your favorite midnight cookie snack."

Claire beams. "Chocolate chip? Yay... Thank you, uncle Xavi."

"You’re welcome, Claire Bear."

Claire takes the paper bag and turns to Cassidy.

"Mommy, can I have chocolate chip?"

"Not tonight, sweetheart," Cassidy says with a small smile. "It’s already late. You’ll be going to bed soon. Tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay, Mommy." Claire hands the bag to her, and Cassidy places it in the fridge.

Xavier settles onto the couch, watching Claire with a soft smile. "So, what were you doing before Uncle Xavi came, sweetheart?"

"I was building my Lego," Claire answers, climbing up beside him.

Xavier nods, then asks, "Did you miss me? I’m sorry I’ve been busy lately and haven’t been around to play with you."

Claire shrugs a little. "It’s okay, Uncle Xavi. Uncle Zeke always comes and plays with me."

Xavier forces a smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

The truth is, he hasn’t been coming around much not because he doesn’t want to, but because he’s afraid of overstepping. He doesn’t want to seem selfish, clinging to Cassidy and Claire when Zeke has been trying to rebuild his relationship with them.

Deep down, Xavier wants to be with them every day. But he knows his place.

Xavier then asks, "Did you have fun playing with Uncle Zeke?"

Claire nods excitedly. "Yes. I went to his house today. It’s like a princess castle. And I played with Rocco, his dog."

Xavier smiles warmly at her, but there’s a quiet ache in his chest. A mix of jealousy and the fear of being replaced.

"I’m glad," he says softly. "It makes me happy to know you’re having fun, sweetheart." 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

A moment later, Cassidy joins them on the couch. Clara had already gone to her room when Xavier started talking with Claire.

Cassidy looks at him, curious. "Why are you here this late?"

"I was in the area," Xavier explains. "And I missed Claire. So, I dropped by."

Cass nods, then asks, "How’s your restaurant coming along? Have you opened it yet?"

"Not yet," Xavier replies. "I’m opening it the day after tomorrow. That’s also why I came by. I wanted to invite you all to the opening."

Cass smiles warmly. "Congratulations, Xavier. I’m really happy for you. We’ll be there to support you. What time does it open?"

"Ten in the morning."

Cass chuckles. "Make sure you save us a good table."

Xavier grins. "Of course. I’ve reserved a VIP spot just for you guys."

Claire lets out a yawn, but she still tries to stay seated and listen to their conversation. Seeing that, Xavier can’t help but feel a little guilty.

He turns to Cass and says with care in his voice. "Claire looks sleepy. I should get going. You both need some rest."

Cassidy nods. "Okay." She carefully lifts Claire into her arms, the little girl already fast asleep. Holding her close, Cass walks Xavier to the door.

"Drive safe," she says softly.

Xavier gives her a small nod. "I will."

Then he turns and leaves.

Cassidy walks into Claire’s room to tuck her in for the night. She gently lays her daughter on the bed, smoothing her hair with care. Just as she’s about to pull the blanket over her, she hears Claire mumble something in her sleep.

"Uncle, Zeke..."

Cassidy watches her daughter for a moment, her hand frozen above the blanket.

She’s calling Zeke’s name.

Claire murmurs Zeke’s name again, this time with a soft smile tugging at her lips, still deep in sleep.

Cassidy blinks, a little surprised. Claire had never spoken anyone’s name in her dreams before, not even hers.

A quiet warmth spreads through Cassidy’s chest. She finishes tucking the blanket gently over Claire and sits on the edge of the bed, just watching her breathe.

For a long time, she had worried. Worried that Claire would grow up without a father figure. That no matter how much love she gave, something would always be missing.

But now...

Now Zeke was around. Little by little, he was becoming a part of Claire’s life. Someone Claire even dreamed about.

Cassidy reaches out and brushes a loose strand of hair from Claire’s forehead.

"You really like him, don’t you, sweetheart?" she whispers.

There’s no answer, just the soft rhythm of Claire’s breathing. But Cassidy smiles to herself.

***