Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 36

Chapter 36 

On the day of the party, Aurelia stayed at the hotel from morning till night. She was too busy to even stop by the office. 

Miranda came over in the afternoon to help out. When she saw Aurelia still dressed in her regular work clothes, she frowned. “You haven’t changed yet? Hurry up and put on your gown.” 

But Aurelia just said she’d forgotten to order one. 

Miranda might’ve believed that from anyone else–but not from Aurelia. 

Aurelia was the perfect secretary. She was always organized, precise, and never made mistakes. Forgetting something like a gown was impossible. 

Miranda wanted to ask more, maybe even comfort her, but Aurelia stayed calm and businesslike, giving her instructions without showing a hint of emotion. 

So Miranda swallowed her words and quietly did as she was told. 

By 5:30 p.m., Cassian still hadn’t shown up, but guests were already arriving. 

Aurelia had no choice but to greet them in his place. She rushed around nonstop, smiling until her cheeks hurt. 

At 5:50, she found Miranda again and asked, “Where’s Mr. Locke?” 

Miranda looked just as worried. “I don’t know. I can’t reach him.” 

Aurelia paused for a second, then said, “Call Ms. Rowe and ask her.” 

Miranda did as she was told. A few minutes later, she hung up and looked at Aurelia with a conflicted expression. 

“What did Ms. Rowe say?” Aurelia asked. 

Miranda hesitated but eventually told her the truth. “Mr. Locke’s with her. She said he was helping her get her gown altered, and it took longer than expected. They’re on their way now–might be a few minutes late. She asked you to handle things till they arrive.” 

Her voice softened with pity as she spoke. 

Aurelia’s expression didn’t change. “Got it,” she said simply. “Go 

back to work.” 

asking about his whereabouts. 

The guests had all come to see Cassian. Without him there, they kep 

Aurelia handled them one after another, drinking as she and keeping that practiced smile on her face. 

We 

She’d been running around all day, barely eating, and now the alcohol was burning her empty stomach. 

Cassian and Tessa finally arrived at 6:10–ten minutes late. 

It happened to be the peak of the evening, when everyone’s eyes were on them. As soon as they walked in, the whole room turned to look. 

“Who’s that stunning woman with Mr. Locke? I’ve never seen her before,” someone whispered. 

“No wonder Ms. Corin didn’t wear a gown,” another said. “Mr. Locke brought someone else tonight.” 

They were people who knew Cassian well enough to remember he always brought Aurelia to his events. 

Chapter 36 

Then someone added knowingly, “Don’t you know? That’s Tessa Rowe–Daniel Rowe’s daughter. Their families are perfectly matched.” 

Gasps followed. “So he’s serious about her?” one asked. 

“Looks like wedding bells are coming,” another murmured. 

Aurelia heard every word. She set down her wine glass and looked toward Cassian and Tessa. 

Cassian was wearing the suit she’d picked out for him. It fit perfectly, every line tailored to him–because she’d measured it herself. There wouldn’t be a single mistake. 

Tessa, on the other hand, wasn’t wearing the gown Aurelia had ordered for herself. But Aurelia recognized the dress immediately–it was the one she had first chosen at Vanvelle Studio the day before. 

She realized then just how much Cassian spoiled Tessa. 

When the first gown was ruined, he hadn’t even hesitated–he’d gone straight back to Vanvelle Studio with her, ordered a new one, and stayed to have it altered, even if it meant showing up late to his own party. 

Cassian had always been obsessed with punctuality, but he kept breaking his own rules for Tessa. 

Every time it happened, Aurelia was reminded that she didn’t really know him at all. He felt like a stranger now, though she had once thought she knew him by heart. 

Just then, Miranda came over quietly with a cup of water. “Aurelia, are you alright?” 

“I’m fine,” Aurelia said, taking it and sipping slowly. The warmth helped ease the ache in her stomach. “How are things outside?” 

“Everything’s under control,” Miranda said with a sigh. “You should worry about yourself. You’re so pale.” 

“I’ll rest for a minute. Go help them out there,” Aurelia said, waving her off. 

“Okay. Call me if you need anything,” Miranda replied before leaving. 

As soon as Miranda was gone, Aurelia leaned against the wall, ready to catch her breath–but her phone rang. It was Cassian. 

She answered, her voice tired, “Mr. Locke.” 

“Where are you?” His tone was sharp and cold, even through the phone. 

“In the restroom,” Aurelia said. 

“Come out. Now.” He hung up before she could ask why–as if wasting another word on her wasn’t worth his time. 

Aurelia sighed quietly, straightened up, and walked out. 

Cassian was laughing and chatting with a group of guests. He looked completely at ease–handsome, confident, and every inch the man with both love and success in his grasp. 

When he saw Aurelia, a faint frown crossed his face, likely because she wasn’t wearing a gown. 

But with people around, he said nothing. He just gave her a look and tilted his chin slightly–a silent signal for her to grab a drink herself. 

So that was why he’d called her–just to have her run interference and block drinks for him, like always. He expected her to show up whenever he beckoned. 

18:13 Fri, Dec 19 Mw 

Chapter 36 

Aurelia hesitated and said, “Mr. Locke, my stomach’s acting up.” 

Cassian’s frown deepened. He seemed caught off guard by her refusal, but his tone only hardened. “This is Mr. Nolan Flynn, head of Eastview Capital.” 

Nolan Flynn was a heavyweight in northern finance. It meant there was no backing out. 

Aurelia had no choice but to lift her glass and clink it lightly against his. 

She recited the familiar lines that had become second nature, “Mr. Flynn, I’m sorry, but Mr. Locke’s allergic to alcohol. I’ll drink on his behalf.” 

Nolan smiled politely. “If your stomach’s bothering you, there’s no need. The friendship between Mr. Locke and me doesn’t rely on alcohol.” 

“Thank you, Mr. Flynn,” Aurelia said with a faint, graceful smile. 

After that, the other businessmen followed suit, skipping the toasts. 

Aurelia quietly exhaled in relief–until Tessa walked up. 

She came straight to Cassian’s side, slipped her arm through his, and joined the conversation with a bright smile, making their closeness clear to everyone around them. 

Aurelia noticed that Tessa was holding a glass of juice instead of wine. Cassian must have allowed it. 

After all, he had once ignored his own allergy just to shield Tessa from drinks. 

Aurelia finally understood what it meant to be cared for–to be someone worth protecting. 

In the seven years she had been by Cassian’s side, he had never once shown her that kind of gentleness, not even when she told him her stomach hurt. He’d only reminded her not to neglect a guest. 

Tessa had been in his life for barely a month, and she already had everything Aurelia never did. 

Aurelia finally understood why people always said that a man never forgot the woman he once loved but couldn’t have. Cassian was no exception. 

She looked away calmly. As she turned to leave, she saw Gideon walking toward her. 

B