Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 35

Ella’s sudden talk about marriage completely caught Aurelia off guard, leaving her flustered and uneasy. 

She didn’t dare look at Cassian, afraid of what he might say–or worse, that he’d expose her lie right then and there. Luckily, Cassian was a born actor. After a short pause, he said calmly, “We haven’t thought that far ahead yet.” 

Aurelia’s heart sank. She knew it wasn’t that he hadn’t thought that far–it was that he had never once thought about marrying her at all. 

For a moment, she almost lost her composure. But then Cassian looked up and added, “That depends on what kind of wedding Aurelia wants.” 

When Ella turned to her with curiosity, Aurelia quickly dodged Cassian’s gaze and murmured, “Something classic, maybe. It feels more special.” 

Ella’s eyes lit up, her tone full of excitement. “I think classic is good–all those traditional details really show how much you’re cherished.” 

While Cassian continued chatting easily with Ella, Aurelia’s mind drifted elsewhere. 

Thankfully, he didn’t stay long. When he finally said he had to leave, Aurelia quietly breathed a sigh of relief. 

Before she could even say goodbye, Ella urged her to walk him out. She had no choice but to play along, pretending to be a couple reluctant to part. 

But the moment they stepped out of the hospital room, Aurelia’s expression hardened. She didn’t want to act another second. “Mr. Locke, I won’t walk you out. Take care.” 

Her tone made Cassian laugh under his breath. “Who taught you to turn on someone so fast after they just helped you?” he mocked. 

“I’ve been working for you since my first job. Who else would I have learned it from?” she shot back. 

“I taught you more than that,” Cassian sneered. 

Aurelia wasn’t as naive as she used to be–she caught the implication right away. But before she could respond, his phone rang. 

He answered right in front of her. His expression turned cold, but his voice softened in a way that made her stomach twist. “What’s wrong?” 

On the other end, Tessa’s voice was gentle and sweet. “Where did you go? You’ve been gone forever. Did you leave early?” 

The corridor was quiet enough for Aurelia to hear every word. 

Cassian’s tone was patient. “I didn’t leave. I ran into someone I know y and talked for a bit. I’m on my way now.” 

“Well, hurry up. I’m so bored,” Tessa complained lightly. 

“Okay,” Cassian replied before hanging up. When he turned to say goodbye to Aurelia, she was already gone. 

He didn’t think much of it and walked off. 

Around the corner, Aurelia stood motionless, her back against the wall. Her whole body felt frozen. 

So Cassian hadn’t come to see Ella at all–he’d come to visit his real future mother–in–law with Tessa, and only stopped by 

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Ella’s room out of convenience. 

That was Cassian–always able to drench her with cold water without even trying. 

When Aurelia returned to the room, Ella was scrolling through her phone. As soon as she saw Aurelia, she waved her over with a smile. 

She said, “Aurelia, look at this wedding–it’s beautiful, isn’t it? Classic, but creative. I bet you young people would love it. I’ll attend your wedding in my best outfit.” 

Aurelia couldn’t bring herself to break Ella’s illusion. She just sat quietly and listened. 

Ella went on enthusiastically, describing every little detail. When she noticed Aurelia’s lack of response, she frowned. “Aurelia, why is your face so pale?” 

Aurelia leaned down, pressing her cheek against her mother’s warm hand. “Mom, your hand is so warm,” she said softly. 

She closed her eyes so Ella wouldn’t see the emotion there. 

Ella brushed her face tenderly. “It’s because your face is too cold.” 

Aurelia stayed with Ella for a while longer before finally getting up to leave. 

The celebration party was tomorrow, and she had to wake up early to get to the hotel and prepare, so it wasn’t convenient for her to stay at the hospital and look after Ella. 

Besides, Ella didn’t want her to stay overnight–she was afraid Aurelia would wear herself c 

Ella was recovering well, and there wasn’t much to take care of anyway. Aurelia had already hired a caregiver, so she could leave without worry. 

As she took the elevator down, she unexpectedly ran into someone she knew–Tyson. 

He looked equally surprised. “Ms. Corin? What are you doing here?” he asked, holding a container of soup. Clearly, he was visiting someone. 

“My mom’s staying here,” Aurelia said. “Are you visiting family too” 

“My mom fell a few days ago,” Tyson explained. 

“Is it serious?” she asked, concerned. 

“Just a fracture. Nothing too bad,” he replied. 

“I’m glad to hear that.” 

Aurelia knew Tyson from a project they’d once worked on together the AI project she’d been optimistic about, but which Tessa had later rejected. 

The thought made her feel awkward, since she’d been the one who first reached out to Tyson. 

Tyson, still puzzled about the whole thing, took the chance to ask, “Ms. Corin, didn’t Honoria Capital seem really interested in my project before? Why’d they suddenly pull out?” 

He was a straightforward guy–too focused on tech to read between business lines. 

“I’m really sorry,” Aurelia said. “Honoria Capital has a new investment director now. She makes the final calls. I don’t have a 

say anymore.” 

18:13 Fri, Dec 19 Mw 

Chapter 35 

Tyson frowned. “I knew something was off. You were the one who reached out, but someone else ended up telling me it was canceled.” 

“I’m sorry,” Aurelia repeated. 

But Tyson shook his head. “What are you sorry for? You worked so hard on this and didn’t get anything out of it. I should be the one apologizing.” 

“Luckily, it’s still early–I hope you find new investors soon. I’d hate to think I delayed you,” Aurelia said. 

“I’ve met with others, but they just don’t get it. They only care about profit,” Tyson sighed. “You’re still the only one who really understands what I’m doing.” 

Then he asked, “Ms. Corin, I’ve always wondered–someone with your vision and skill, why are you still working as a secretary? You’ve got what it takes to be an independent investor. Why stay stuck at Honoria Capital?” 

The question left Aurelia silent. Everything she had done–all those choices and compromises–had been for love. But that was something she couldn’t bring herself to say. 

Noticing her discomfort, Tyson didn’t push further. 

Instead, he smiled and said, “Have you ever thought about starting your own firm? Finding investors, running your own projects? If you ever do, I’ll wait for you.” 

He hesitated, scratching his head. “But I can’t wait too long. My team depends on me to keep things running.” 

Miranda had mentioned something similar before, and back then, the idea had already tempted Aurelia. Now, hearing it again, she felt the pull even stronger. 

But until she settled her contract issue, she couldn’t give him an answer. 

“I’ll think about it,” she said quietly. 

Tyson’s face brightened. “Then I’ll be waiting for your good news.” 

After they said goodbye, Aurelia was still thinking about his words as she waited for her car. She didn’t notice Cassian and Tessa standing behind her. 

A passerby nearby said, “What a beautiful couple! So handsome and elegant–they’ll have gorgeous kids for sure.” Aurelia instinctively turned her head and caught a glimpse of Cassian and Tessa, and she quickly looked away. 

Just then, her car pulled up. She got in without hesitation and shut the door, cutting herself off from the noise outside.