Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 18

Chapter 18 

& CD 

As soon as Benjamin finished speaking. Abigail came out, holding an antique–style jewelry box and bearing 

with excitement. 

Aurelia’s gaze landed on the box, and a bitter, heavy feeling filled her chest. 

Abigail set the jewelry box on the table in front of her. 

Benjamin said, “This was passed down from Cassian’s mother. It’s a wedding gift for her future daughter–in- law. It’s time it went to you.” 

Abigail chimed in cheerfully, “What are you waiting for? Open it and take a look.” 

Aurelia reached out and brushed her fingers over the smooth silk surface of the box. A lump rose in her throat. 

If this had happened before, she would’ve been overjoyed–it would’ve meant she had finally earned Benjamin’s approval. 

But now, there was no joy in her heart, only regret. 

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the box back toward Benjamin. 

She slipped into the calm, practiced tone she’d mastered in the corporate world. “I’m sorry, Mr. Locke. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.” 

Abigail’s face tensed with worry. “What’s wrong? Did you two have a fight?” 

Then she hurried to console Aurelia. “Couples fight all the time. It’s normal, really.” 

But Aurelia shook her head. “It wasn’t a fight. We broke up.” 

Benjamin’s brow furrowed. He fixed his eyes on Aurelia, studying her expression as if trying to see whether she was serious. 

Her face was calm and open–she wasn’t joking. 

The realization made his frown deepen. His already stern expression grew even colder. 

Aurelia didn’t intend to linger. She handed the box of butter cookies to Abigail and said, “I’ll send you the baker’s WhatsApp number later. When Mr. Locke wants more, you can order online directly. I’ve already talked to him, so you won’t have to wait in line.” 

Abigail’s eyes turned red. “What happened between you and Cassian?” 

Aurelia didn’t want to go into it. She had only come to pick something up–and to say goodbye. 

After all, Benjamin and Abigail had always been good to her. 

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She added softly. The butter cookies are great, but Mr. Locke, you still need to watch your blood sugar. I’ve already booked your check–up for next month. Dr. Butler’s office will reach out to confirm. If I have time later. I’ll come visit.” 

That was just like Aurelia–always thoughtful, always careful about every little thing, both at work and in life. 

She didn’t say anything more sentimental. After collecting her things from Abigail, she left. 

Abigail watched her go, her voice trembling. “How could this happen? Everything was going so well. How did it end up like this?” 

Once Aurelia got into her car, she checked the time. If she drove straight from the Locke family estate to the office, she’d get there just in time for lunch. It was perfect since her medicine was there. 

A few days ago, when she went to the hospital to treat the cut on her forearm, she’d unexpectedly run into Owen–the doctor she’d once stood up. 

Owen had pulled her straight into his office for an exam. The results weren’t good. 

He told her that after the miscarriage, her body was still weak, and her stomach had taken a hit. She needed time to recover. The first step was to eat properly and take her medicine on schedule. 

He made her promise to follow his instructions strictly. 

For the past few days, Aurelia had been doing well, and she intended to keep it that way today. 

But halfway to the office. Cassian called. He told her to bring the items directly to him. 

Aurelia asked where he was, and he said he was out eating. 

Right then, she heard Tessa’s voice in the background–clear as day. “Cassian, is there anything you want to eat? Or do you want to pick something yourself?” 

Cassian replied, “You can decide. I’m not picky.” 

Aurelia almost laughed out loud, but she held it in, not wanting to sound rude. She hung up and texted him on WhatsApp: [Location.] 

Cassian not being picky–that was the funniest thing she’d heard all day. 

She’d never seen anyone fuss over food the way he did. 

He didn’t eat most vegetables, lamb, or fish. He was obsessive about the shape and texture of his food- downright ridiculous at times. 

When he ate ribs, for example, every piece had to be cut to the same size, or he wouldn’t touch them. He also refused to eat anything sticky or gooey. 

In short, he was full of absurd little quirks. 

In seven years, the number of times they’d eaten out alone could be counted on two hands. 

Chapter 18 

Every time, Aurelia researched restaurants in advance, terrified she’d miss a detail and annoy him. 

And now, here he was telling Tessa he wasn’t picky. 

Aurelia couldn’t decide whether to laugh or scoff. The double standard was unbelievable. 

While she was silently fuming, Cassian sent her his location. 

She opened it–and froze. The restaurant’s name was Blue Bridge. 

She switched over to her chat history with Cassian and searched for that name. The results popped up immediately. 

From March last year to Valentine’s Day this year, she had asked Cassian seven times if they could go to Blue Bridge for dinner. 

She’d met the restaurant’s owner, Tara, through a project and had seen her promoting Blue Bridge on Instagram. 

Aurelia had fallen in love with the restaurant’s style and food right away and had wanted to go ever since. 

But it had been open for a year and a half, and she’d never been there. 

Every time she brought it up, Cassian was either too busy or canceled at the last minute. After being brushed off so many times, she gradually lost the desire to go. 

After Valentine’s Day, Aurelia never brought it up again. 

Now, she couldn’t even remember the last time they’d had dinner together–just the faint blur of something that felt like it had happened a lifetime ago. 

A dull sadness crept into her chest. Then she looked at the GPS again–and anger flared. 

Blue Bridge was all the way on the east side of Ashmont, and she was on the far west. It meant she was going to miss lunch. 

She cursed Cassian under her breath. He always managed to make things difficult for her. 

***** 

By the time Aurelia drove across half of Ashmont and reached Blue Bridge, Cassian and Tessa had already finished eating and were waiting outside. 

Aurelia didn’t know how long they’d been standing there, but Cassian’s face was filled with impatience. 

Tessa, on the other hand, was perfectly polite. When she took the items, she even smiled and said, “Thank you for going out of your way, Ms. Corin.” 

Aurelia’s stomach ached, souring her mood. She smiled faintly, her tone dry. “You’re welcome. I live to serve.” 

Tessa blinked, caught off guard. 

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Chapter 18 

Cassian’s expression darkened. “What’s with the attitude?” 

Aurelia almost rolled her eyes. He was already taking Tessa’s side, 

At that moment, she knew for sure–Tessa really did have a hold on him. 

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