Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 32

Chapter Thirty–Two: My Heartbeat.

Cassienne wished the earth would open up and swallow her whole.

If that was possible, she would gladly step into it right now.

Her face burned with embarrassment, and her heart beat so loudly in her chest that she was sure everyone could hear it. She could not even lift her head. She felt exposed, naked, and painfully aware of herself.

How could she ever face them again?

Just moments ago, she had gathered all the courage she had left and asked Daisy that question. A question she had buried deep inside her for years. A question she had never said out loud to anyone.

And now… now the wrong people have heard it.

Great. Just great.

Now everyone would know.

Cassienne Rhodes was twenty–seven years old, divorced, and still a virgin. What a good way to start her divorce life.

The shame hit her all at once. Not because she was ashamed of who she was, no. But because the world had always made her feel like something was wrong with her. Like she had failed at being a woman. Like she had missed something important.

Telling Daisy alone had taken so much strength from her. For years, Cassienne had hidden this part of herself behind silence and excuses. She only smiled when others talked about relationships. She always nodded when sex came up in conversations. And she laughed when she needed to laugh.

But right inside, she always felt different and left out.

It took everything in her to finally tell Daisy the truth today. And now…Daisy wasn’t the only one who knew

anymore.

The room was silent.

Painfully silent. No one spoke. And no one moved.

The air felt heavy. It was thick with shock and awkwardness. Cassienne could almost feel the tension pressing down on her shoulders. She hugged herself unconsciously, wishing she could disappear.

Merrick stood frozen by the door with an unreadable expression. Corren’s usual calm confidence was gone. It was replaced with surprise and something else Cassienne could not define.

Daisy was the only one who looked amused, concerned and shocked at the same time.

Someone had to say something. Someone had to save her from this moment.

“I think we should go,” Corren finally said, breaking the silence.

His intention was to help, and Cassienne could sense his intention.

She lifted her head quickly. “No–please,” she said, her words rushing out. “You can come in. We were just… joking around.”

Her voice shook slightly. She hated that it did.

Chapter Thirty–Two My Heartbat

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“I mean, it’s not like I meant what I said. It was just-

”

“You don’t owe anyone an explanation,” Merrick cut in gently.

His voice was calm and protective. It wrapped around Cassienne like a shield and she stopped talking.

The two men stepped fully into the office and closed the door behind them. They joined the women and took seats across from them.

Cassienne’s face was still red. She could feel the heat on her cheeks, but she was grateful–deeply grateful—that neither of the men brought up what they had heard.

Not even a word.

That small kindness helped her breathe again.

Daisy cleared her throat and stood up. “I should go back to my station,” she said lightly, sensing that the men were there for business.

“No,” Cassienne said quickly. “Please, stay.”

Daisy paused, surprised.

Corren nodded. “You can stay. This won’t take long.”

Daisy smiled and sat back down, crossing her legs comfortably.

Corren leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’re part of the decision–making team now, Miss Rhodes,” he began. “So we want you involved in this.”

Cassienne straightened, immediately shifting into work mode. It was a relief he was talking about work.

“Coralreach organizes a yearly getaway for all staff,” Corren continued. “It’s something we’ve done for years. The PR department usually handles everything.”

Merrick nodded in agreement.

But Corren continued. “But this year, Merrick and I want to do things differently.”

“We want the three of us to decide how we’ll spend the two weeks this year,” Corren added.

Daisy clapped her hands excitedly. “That sounds amazing!”

Cassienne smiled faintly. “That’s really thoughtful,” she said. “You take your staff’s welfare seriously. I’m impressed.”

Then she hesitated.

“But… won’t that be too much?”

The room went quiet again, but this time it was thoughtful and not awkward.

“What do you mean?” Merrick asked.

Cassienne adjusted her posture, gathering her thoughts. “There’s a global tech retreat every year,” she said slowly. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s next month.”

Corren frowned slightly.

Chapter Thirty fwo My HorTheor

“And I’m sure this company plans to attend,” she continued. “So how do you manage both events?”

Daisy tilted her head. “She has a point.”

Merrick and Corren exchanged a look. Cassienne could tell they hadn’t considered that fully.

“You’re right,” Corren admitted. “We didn’t think that far. So… should we cancel one?”

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“No,” Cassienne said immediately. “That’s not what I meant.”

Now all three of them looked confused again.

Cassienne let out a small breath and smiled apologetically. “Let me explain better.”

Merrick watched her closely. He had seen this side of her before–the calm brilliance, the way her mind worked so fast and yet so clearly.

He remembered her from college. Back then, he was in his final year, while Cassienne and Daisy were still in their second year. Even then, Cassienne stood out. She solved problems others struggled with. She understood systems like they were second nature.

After graduation, he had invited her to work with him. She had helped him solve countless coding issues, often without even realizing how valuable her input was. Until she married Dreston.

And then, everything stopped. The thought still angered him.

Cassienne continued talking, unaware of Merrick’s thoughts.

“The two events can happen at the same time,” she said. “That way, the company won’t spend twice for almost the same purpose.”

Corren leaned back, interest lighting up his eyes. “Go on.”

“The development team can attend the global tech retreat,” Cassienne explained. “The rest of the staff can enjoy the normal company getaway at the same time.”

“So not everyone attends the global retreat,” Daisy added.

“Exactly,” Cassienne nodded.

Merrick smiled. “That’s brilliant.”

“I agree,” Daisy said happily.

Corren looked at Cassienne, something warm and proud settling in his chest. This woman wasn’t just smart. She was thoughtful, strategic and valuable.

And suddenly, another thought crossed his mind. This woman wasn’t just the missing piece at work. She is the missing piece in his life.

Corren had had a selfish intention about her before. But now? His intention has changed.

And before anyone could say more, Cassienne’s phone rang on the coffee table.

The sound was so loud in the quiet room that everyone’s eyes turned toward it.

A name popped up from the screen and everyone froze. Even Cassienne’s eyes widened.

Her heart skipped.

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