Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 112

Chapter 112 

Back in the day, everyone used to go door–to–door during the New Year, wishing each other well in person. 

But ever since the internet came along, sending New Year’s wishes via text or WhatsApp has become the norm. 

This year, Aurelia got way more New Year’s messages than usual. 

After all, she was now the CEO of Regal Investment and a permanent partner at InquireMind. 

She was no longer just the invisible Ms. Corin who used to follow Cassian around. 

‘Having money is the best. Money’s way more reliable than any guy!‘ Aurelia thought to herself. 

Aurelia replied to a few of the New Year’s messages. While she was at it, posted her usual holiday greeting on Instagram. 

‘Peace and Joy,‘ she wrote. 

That was her go–to blessing every single New Year. 

Once, Cassian had asked her why, while everyone else went with “Happy New Year,” she was the only one who always posted “Peace and Joy.” 

Aurelia told him that after her mom got sick, it hit her that peace mattered more than happiness. 

‘Peace and Joy‘ wasn’t just about being happy. It was really about wishing her family safety and good health. 

Not long after she posted on Instagram, a new WhatsApp message popped up. 

‘Peace and Joy!‘ 

Aurelia opened it and saw an unfamiliar profile picture. 

The username was unfamiliar, too. “Cool Down.” 

There wasn’t a single post on their Instagram, just a blank slate like a brand–new account. 

Probably just a business contact she’d added during some work event. 

She wasn’t the type to go around deleting people from her contacts. 

Unless they seriously got on her nerves. 

Since she didn’t know the sender, Aurelia decided not to reply, tucked her phone away, and went off to join her family for 

the New Year’s Eve feast. 

After dinner, Tyson and Mila stuck around for a while, just hanging out and having fun. 

Mila started venting to Aurelia about what’s been bugging her lately. 

She said there was this guy at school who just wouldn’t leave her alone. 

He’d wait in line to buy her snacks and even save her a seat in the study hall. 

Anyway, he’s actually pretty sweet. 

Aurelia listened and said, “Don’t get moved just because someone does the bare minimum for you.” 

MON 

22 

NOVEL 

< 

14:28 Mon, Dec 22 

Chapter 112 

Mila gave Tyson a subtle glance, almost like she didn’t mean to. 

She was clearly trying to get a reaction out of Tyson. 

They didn’t leave the Corin house until nine, and Aurelia walked them downstairs. 

65 vouchers 

“There are some souvenirs for sale over there. Let me go take a look,” Mila said, deliberately ducking out to give Tyson and Aurelia a moment alone. 

Tyson asked her, “Got any plans for the rest of the holiday? Want to hang out somewhere or just get out for a bit?” 

He added, “I know some pretty chill resorts that are perfect if you want to relax and take it easy.” 

“I think I’ll stay home. My mom’s not feeling well, and since I finally have some time off, I want to be with her as much as I can.” Aurelia said. 

Tyson’s shoulders slumped a bit, but he nodded in understanding. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s important to be there for your 

mom.” 

But that meant he wouldn’t get to see her as often. 

Tyson couldn’t just show up at the Corin house every single day. 

Unless he was something more than just a business partner or a friend. 

And honestly, Tyson didn’t want to be just that anymore. 

So he stopped in his tracks, took a deep breath, and called out to Aurelia as she kept walking. “Aurelia, there’s something I want to say to you.” 

Aurelia turned around to look at Tyson. 

She knew that look too well. 

Back in school, she’d gotten her fair share of love letters and confessions. 

Aurelia had always known Tyson had feelings for her, but she never planned to say yes. 

Or maybe she just couldn’t bring herself to accept it, not with a clear conscience. 

So she figured it was time to lay it all out on the table. 

Tyson was honestly one of the best. He was gentle, thoughtful, the kind of guy one’d want by one’s side as a partner or a friend. 

She truly cherished the bond they shared. 

Tyson took a deep breath and finally said what he’d been keeping to himself all this time. “I like you.” 

“I know,” Aurelia replied. 

Her answer made Tyson fidget nervously. “So… How do you feel about me?” 

“I’ve always thought of you as my best friend, and honestly, I was scared I might’ve given you the wrong impression and ended up hurting you,” Aurelia said. 

Tyson said anxiously, “I don’t care if you end up hurting me…” 

“But I care,” Aurelia replied, looking him straight in the eye. “I’ve been hurt before, so I know how much it can hurt. I don’t 

14:28 Mon, Dec 22 OM. 

Chapter 112 

want anyone else, especially someone as important to me as you, to go through that. 

065 

2 GE Voucher. 

Tyson said. “I know your last relationship left you really hurt, so I’ve been trying to keep my feelings in check. But Aurelia, I’m not Cassian. I’m not going to hurt you. 

“You don’t have to decide anything now, and I don’t want you to feel any pressure. If being friends feels better for you, let’s just be friends. Just promise me you won’t stop me from caring about you.” 

He was even more sincere than she was. 

“When you’re ready to open your heart again, just consider me first, okay?” Tyson said softly. 

Sincere feelings always hit differently. They really get to one. 

Right then, she saw her old self in Tyson, back when she used to love with her whole heart. 

She just couldn’t hurt someone like that. Someone who was so much like the person she used to be. 

Aurelia felt her heart soften, and after a moment, she nodded quietly. 

Tyson let out a sigh of relief. “Can I have a hug?” 

Aurelia wanted to hug that old version of herself, too. 

But in the end, she just gave Tyson a gentle pat on the shoulder and said, “Happy New Year.” 

After seeing Tyson and Mila off, Aurelia lingered outside for a bit, letting the cold night air clear her head. 

Once her mind felt clear again, she headed back inside. 

Fireworks started going off on the far side of the river, lighting up the entire night sky. 

For once, the New Year was dry without rain at all. 

There were fireworks on both banks, but the ones on the opposite side were way more dazzling and vibrant. 

Aurelia paused for a bit, watching the fireworks. 

Just then, her phone rang. It was Gideon. 

When Aurelia answered the call, Gideon’s voice came through, warm and familiar. “Aurelia, happy New Year.” 

“Happy New Year,” Aurelia replied, her voice gentle. 

“Are you watching the fireworks?” Gideon asked. 

Aurelia blinked, genuinely surprised. “How’d you know I was out here watching fireworks?” 

Gideon chuckled, “Just a lucky guess.” 

“Don’t tell me you’re the one behind those fireworks across the river,” Aurelia said, half–joking. 

“You got it! So, what do you want as your reward?” Gideon teased. 

Aurelia stared for a second. “Seriously? That was you?” 

“Mm–hmm,” Gideon replied. 

14:28 Mon, Dec 22 

Chapter 112 

The Corin house was pretty out of the way, and it was on the complete opposite side of town from where Gideon lived. 

But Gideon still made the trip all the way out there just to set off fireworks right across from her place. 

Just after that confession, Aurelia frowned. 

She wondered, ‘Why does it feel like my love life is suddenly blooming nonstop? 

‘Hopefully, I’m just imagining things. 

At least Gideon didn’t go and confess like Tyson did. 

He just called to ask if she thought the fireworks were pretty. 

And that was it. He didn’t say anything else. 

When the last fireworks fizzled out, they exchanged goodbyes and ended the call. Aurelia made her way back home. 

When she got home, Ella was already asleep. 

Ella always kept regular hours. 

Aurelia didn’t want to disturb Ella, so she quietly went back to her room and fired up her laptop to catch up on some work. 

Meanwhile, Jasper glanced at his phone and said, “Where did Gideon go? He’s been gone for ages.” 

Liam shrugged. “Yeah, he’s been out for a while. Maybe he just went home to sleep” 

“Or maybe he’s out on a date,” Jasper said, thinking about how Gideon had been acting lately. “Seriously, who is this mystery girl? He’s keeping her locked down so tight, not even a hint.” 

When Tessa overheard their conversation, her expression darkened. 

Gideon had hardly been coming to their get–togethers lately, and even today, he seemed totally distracted. 

He even found an excuse to slip away for a long time. 

Gideon was acting seriously out of character. 

‘Could Jasper be right? Has Gideon really got something new going on?‘ Tessa wondered, feeling a little uneasy. 

‘But who on earth could it be?‘ The question kept swirling in her mind. 

“It’s getting late. Let me walk you home,” Cassian said, grabbing his coat and getting to his feet. 

He turned to Tessa, giving her a gentle look as he spoke. 

Tessa was actually hoping to hang out a bit longer. 

“I need to head home and keep my dad company for the New Year’s countdown,” Cassian said. 

Tessa, always the well–behaved one, just nodded and said, “Okay.” 

Jasper shot them a mock–jealous look and teased, “You two better be going home to keep Mr. Locke company for the countdown.”