Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 344

Liam couldn’t refute Aurelia’s accusations. After Cassian donated his bone marrow to Ella, Aurelia had taken the initiative to approach him, wanting to repay his kindness. Liam and Jasper were both present that time, so they knew Aurelia had offered herself to Cassian. They also knew Cassian had turned her down. 

But growing up surrounded by women scheming for status, they instinctively categorized Aurelia as just another woman trying to latch onto the powerful. Behind her back, they never missed a chance to make fun of her. 

Later on, Cassian got drugged out of nowhere. As soon as Aurelia got the news, she rushed over, intending to get him to the hospital. But to her shock, someone had already called the press. 

Stuck there with no way out, Aurelia had to stay at the hotel and hit up Jasper and Liam, hoping they could figure out a way to get Cassian out without anyone noticing. They showed up, at least. 

But by the time they arrived, it was already the next morning. By then, Aurelia and Cassian had ended up together that night, and Cassian was still out cold from the drugs. 

Aurelia asked Jasper and Liam to take Cassian to the hospital for a check–up, telling them he’d been drugged. She forced herself to ignore the pain and hurried back to school. So, they just assumed Aurelia was the one who drugged him, and from then on, they judged her in every way possible. 

Liam wanted to apologize, but his throat felt choked up, like he couldn’t get the words out no matter how hard he tried. It was too late. Aurelia didn’t want his apology anymore. He finally saw things for what they were, and all he felt at that moment was regret. 

Watching her walk away, cold and distant, Liam’s cheeks were burning with embarrassment. It felt like Aurelia had just smacked him right in the face. 

After all that drama, Aurelia wasn’t in the mood for celebrating anymore. She went back to the hall and let Zane know she was heading out. 

When Zane heard she was leaving, he didn’t feel like sticking around either, so he took Aurelia along to say a quick goodbye to Gideon. At the same time, Chloe was busy comforting the bridesmaid whom Aurelia had slapped earlier. Seeing Aurelia approach, Chloe hurried over. 

As soon as they arrived, they heard Aurelia say she had to leave early. Chloe instantly looked reluctant, trying to keep Aurelia from leaving. “Why are you heading out so soon? The wedding hasn’t even officially started. I wanted you to see Gideon and me at our happiest.” 

“With this many people around, no one’s gonna notice if I’m gone,” Aurelia replied. 

After everything that just happened, any fondness Aurelia had for Chloe vanished instantly. Being chosen as Chloe’s bridesmaid meant they were pretty tight. 

For all Aurelia knew, those snarky comments were probably just the start. They probably gossiped about her plenty when she wasn’t around. 

Chloe’s smile faltered. “It’s different. I don’t have many friends in Ashmont, and I’ve always considered you both a friend and like family.” 

“Oh, really? Then why didn’t you ask your junior from school to be your bridesmaid?” Aurelia shot back. 

Zane never missed a thing. He could always sniff out what was really going on. 

Chloe’s smile was starting to falter. “I just figured she was too busy and wouldn’t have the time.” 

“Yeah, she’s got stuff to take care of, that’s why she’s leaving early. What’s the big deal?” Zane didn’t get it at all. Meanwhile, 

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Chloe was totally stumped. 

Gideon finally jumped in to bail her out. “Well, work comes first.” 

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Chloe finally eased up. “Alright, let’s hang out again sometime. I’ll be living in Ashmont with Gideon from now on, so we’ll be seeing each other plenty anyway.” 

After saying goodbye, Aurelia and Zane headed out together without looking back. Chloe watched the two of them leave, looking a bit lost as she turned to Gideon. “Did I do something wrong? Is that why Aurelia decided to leave early?” 

Gideon’s brow twitched. After a brief pause, he gently reminded her, “Maybe you should spend less time with those friends of yours.” 

Chloe’s smile froze for a moment, but she quickly put it back on. “Okay, I’ll listen to you.” 

***** 

Aurelia got home early, feeling pretty down, but the moment she saw Mia, her mood changed instantly. “What brings you here?” Aurelia asked, her eyes lighting up. 

“Surprised?” Mia grinned, opening her arms wide for a hug. 

“You bet I am!” Aurelia replied, stepping right into the embrace. 

Ella walked out carrying a plate of fruit and asked Aurelia, “Back from the wedding already?” 

“I just left early,” Aurelia said, leaning in with her mouth open, waiting to be fed. 

Ella fed her a strawberry, Aurelia’s favorite. Mia leaned in too, mouth open, and Ella gave her one as well. 

Mja stuffed her cheeks full, her words coming out all muffled. “Why’d you leave early? Did someone piss you off?” 

Her first instinct was to deny it, but then she realized it was pointless. She never kept secrets from Mia anyway. So, she spilled everything that had gone down at the wedding, all the drama and the buzzkill moments. 

Mia started cursing right away. “Ugh, another damn snake? Is Gideon just a magnet for drama or what? First Tessa, now those little bitches. How does he even put up with it?” 

Even Aurelia had no clue about that. But at that moment, what Aurelia wanted to know was why Mia had suddenly popped up in Ashmont. Just last night, Mia had texted her, saying she was stuck filming a late–night shoot. 

“I pulled all those late–night shoots just to squeeze out some time to come see you. Honestly, I’ve been wanting to visit for a while, but the production team just wouldn’t let me go!” Mia explained. 

“Wait, did you come all this way because you were worried I’d feel bad at the wedding today?” Aurelia teased. 

Mia just stared at her, speechless. ‘Wow, she really figured me out!‘ Mia thought. 

‘But I think she’s overthinking it.‘ Rolling her eyes, Aurelia sighed inwardly. “What’s there for me to feel bad about?” 

It was not as if she and Gideon had ever started anything. Even if they had, she would’ve moved on without a second thought. He was just someone passing through her story. 

That night, Mia and Aurelia crashed in the same bed. For a whole hour, they roasted everyone they could think of. Mia also got the scoop on Wade. She thought it was a real shame, since she’d always been rooting for him. 

But Aurelia didn’t see it that way. “What’s there to regret? I don’t really have feelings for him right now. Accepting him casually would be letting him down. I can pursue him later if I like him more, right?” 

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Missing out was the last thing Aurelia was worried about. Time helped her filter out the ones who weren’t right for her. Those who stood the test of time might be the ones who truly belong in her life. 

Mia clicked her tongue and teased, “Aurelia, you’re so straight–laced it’s almost scary. With all that moral high ground, you’ll never get anywhere in love. You should date around like a guy and leave them scrambling for once!” 

“I just see right through men now,” Aurelia shot back. No one ever said a woman needs a man or a relationship to be happy or successful. 

“Honestly, men just aren’t that interesting,” Mia said, scooting closer to Aurelia. “Women are just so much better. Soft, sweet, and cuddly.” 

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. “Hold up, have you ever cuddled with a guy before?” After all, how else would she know enough to compare? 

Mia instantly played stupid. “Ugh, I’m exhausted. I’m out, babe. Goodnight.” 

Aurelia just stared at her, speechless. But honestly, Mia really was wiped out. She’d been working late nights for a whole week, and she had dark circles below her eyes. Once she finally got a day off, and instead of resting, she came all the way to Ashmont to hang out with Aurelia. 

“Get some sleep,” Aurelia said, tucking her in. 

Before long, Mia’s breathing evened out, soft and steady, and the whole world seemed to quiet down. 

Aurelia was just about to fall asleep when a phone started vibrating nearby. Figuring it was hers, she answered without even checking. 

A guy’s voice came through, sounding impatient, “Mia, where are you?” 

Aurelia snapped wide awake. “Who are you?” Aurelia shot back. 

The guy on the other end paused when he realized it wasn’t Mia’s voice. After a moment, he finally said, “I’m her husband.” 

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