Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 28

Chapter 28 

Aurelia swallowed the words that had nearly slipped out. She forced on the practiced smile she wore at work. “This is a public place. I don’t see why I can’t be here.” 

Cassian frowned, clearly displeased with her answer. 

Then Tessa suddenly remembered something. “So someone in your family really is sick, huh?” she asked. 

Aurelia almost laughed. ‘What? Does she think I made that up just to follow them around? Who would lie about something like that?‘ she thought. 

She knew Cassian probably thought the same thing. But she no longer cared what he thought. 

She just wanted to get away as quickly as possible, so she walked right past them without hesitation. 

Gideon was still waiting where she’d left him. When he saw her coming back, his face lit up with a smile. “I was starting to wonder why you were gone so long. So you went to get coffee.” 

“I couldn’t just let you wait here with nothing,” Aurelia said, handing him a cup, 

“It should be soon,” Gideon said after checking his watch. 

It had already been five hours since Ella went into surgery, and there was still no word. 

Gideon reassured Aurelia that no news was usually good news–it meant the operation was going smoothly. 

Aurelia felt a little lighter hearing that. 

Gideon reached out and patted her head gently. “Everything’s going to be alright.” 

“Okay,” Aurelia murmured in agreement. 

Across the hall, Tessa was just as anxious. She kept glancing toward the operating room. 

“Cassian, I’m so nervous,” she whispered, seeking comfort. 

But Cassian didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed on something. 

“Cassian?” Tessa called again. 

He blinked and turned back to her. “What’s wrong?” 

“What were you looking at?” she asked curiously, following his gaze–but she didn’t see anything. 

“Nothing,” he said, pulling his eyes back and slipping his usual cold expression into place. 

Then he remembered to comfort her. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” 

With him there, Tessa’s nerves finally settled. 

*** 

Ella’s surgery went smoothly. Aurelia could finally sleep well for the first time in days. 

On Sunday, she woke up early to make chicken soup to help Ella recover faster. But just as she reached the hospital room door, she heard a familiar voice inside. 

18:11 Fri, Dec 19 M. 

Chapter 28 

For a second, she froze, wondering if she’d gone to the wrong room. She double–checked the number again and again before confirming it was the right one. 

Inside, Cassian was sitting by the bed, talking to Ella. For a moment, Aurelia even wondered if he had walked into the wrong 

room. 

“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to visit,” Cassian said, his tone sincere. 

Anyone who didn’t know better would’ve believed him. But to Aurelia, it sounded hollow. 

Then again, he really had been busy–busy with Tessa. 

Ella, however, looked delighted to see him. 

Hearing his apology, she smiled kindly. “Of course, work is important. Young people should focus on their careers. Besides, you gave Aurelia time off to take care of me, didn’t you? Having her here is just as good.” 

“She’s worked hard,” Cassian said. There was a trace of guilt in his voice, but it was faint. 

Aurelia chose that moment to walk in. “Mom, are you feeling any better today?” 

“Much better. I was just wondering–why didn’t you two come together?” Ella asked in confusion. 

Aurelia’s heart skipped a beat. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say. 

To keep Ella from worrying, she had never mentioned her breakup with Cassian. Ella believed that everything between them was still fine. 

Even though the surgery was over, Ella was still weak. If she knew the truth now, she’d only worry more. 

After a moment of panic, Aurelia met Cassian’s eyes, silently asking him to play along. 

After seven years together, he could still read her well enough. 

Cassian immediately stepped in. “I just got back from a business trip,” he explained smoothly. “I came straight here before I even had a chance to tell her.” 

“Oh, I see,” Ella said, relieved. “You should go home and rest. Business trips are exhausting. Every time Aurelia comes back from one, she looks so tired and a little skinnier.” 

“Yeah. She always works hard,” Cassian replied. 

His tone was awkward and sharp, but Aurelia thought his acting wasn’t bad. She thought that with his face, he could’ve made a decent actor. 

Ella urged him to go rest, so Cassian didn’t stay long. Aurelia figured he was probably eager to visit his real future mother–in- law. 

Still, Ella told her to walk him out. 

“It’s fine,” Aurelia said. “He knows the way.” 

Ella gave her a look. “Go.” 

“Fine,” Aurelia sighed and stood up. 

Cassian, apparently shameless enough, actually let her walk him out without a word of protest. 

She led him to the elevators. Once she was sure Ella couldn’t hear them, the smile on her face vanished, replaced by a cold, 

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Chapter 28 

detached expression. 

Cassian noticed the change instantly. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “You don’t seem very happy to see me, do you?? 

Aurelia nearly rolled her eyes. She thought the answer was obvious. 

Still, she had to admit–his visit had made things easier for her. At least Ella wouldn’t keep asking about him for a while. 

“You must be joking, Mr. Locke,” she said flatly. She neither admitted nor denied anything. 

Cassian didn’t argue. “I’ve already spoken with the hospital. They’ll take good care of your mother” 

Aurelia gave a cold, sarcastic smile. “My mom can’t hear you now. You don’t have to keep acting.” 

“What do you mean?” Cassian’s brows drew together, his voice icing over. 

Aurelia was done pretending. “Mr. Locke, why act like you don’t know?” 

“Say what you mean,” Cassian said, his tone sharp. 

She took a slow breath. “Fine. Let’s say it. I should have said it a long time ago.” 

It had been twenty–five days since she learned about the woman Cassian truly loved. Every single day since then had been agony. She was exhausted. She wanted out. And now was the perfect time to end it. 

Looking straight into his eyes, Aurelia said quietly but firmly, “Cassian, let’s end this.” 

She meant it–for the rest of their lives, their paths would never cross again. 

Once, she had thrown everything she had into this love, offering her whole heart to him. 

But now, that heart felt long gone. 

Loving Cassian had cost her too much. She herself. 

no 

longer had the strength to love anyone. All she wanted now was to finally love 

Cassian studied her coldly, his eyes unreadable. 

For seven years, Aurelia had believed love could 

conquer anything–that it was worth fighting for no matter the cost. 

But now she knew better. Love was the most useless thing in the world. 

She had fought for it like a soldier going to war, and in the end, 

she had lost everything. 

She was tired–utterly, completely tired–and all she wanted was freedom. 

Meeting his gaze once more, Aurelia repeated with quiet finality, “Cassian, let’s end this.”