Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 34

Chapter 34 

Aurelia held her breath without realizing it. She hadn’t expected it to be that easy. 

She thought maybe Cassian really didn’t care whether she stayed or left–and that was fine. That was how it should be. 

From now on, they would owe each other nothing. They could each go find their own peace. 

Tessa’s nerves finally eased after hearing Cassian’s words. A faint smile began to form on her lips. 

Cassian’s jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened. “Everything will be handled according to the contract. If you pay the penalty fee, you can walk out today. No one will stop you.” 

His words hit Aurelia like a punch. She had overestimated him again. 

She knew it. A businessman like Cassian would always put profit first and wouldn’t let her off so easily. 

In the corner, Tessa’s smile faded. A tiny flicker of doubt crossed her face. She wondered if Cassian was really only keeping Aurelia around for the penalty fee. 

That afternoon, Aurelia barely got anything done. She sat at her desk, staring blankly at the long–term contract she had once signed so naively. 

Honoria Capital’s legal team was ruthless. The entire contract was airtight–no loopholes, no wiggle room. 

There were only two ways out: pay the penalty or wait for Cassian to approve her resignation. There was no third option. 

The realization hit Aurelia hard. Regret filled her chest–regret for being so stupid and trusting back then, for making impulsive choices she was now paying the price for. 

Since she couldn’t fight Cassian head–on, she decided to coast. If she had to stay, she’d let him pay her for doing absolutely nothing. 

When the clock hit the hour, Aurelia shut down her computer right on time and left. 

Just as she stepped into the elevator, her phone rang–it was Cassian. 

The timing was too perfect, as if he’d been waiting for her to leave. He hadn’t called her desk phone; he’d called her cell phone. 

It looked like, from now on, she’d need to turn off both her computer and her phone right on the dot. 

Aurelia answered reluctantly. 

“Meeting in ten minutes,” Cassian said, his voice cold and clipped. 

Aurelia paused for a beat, then replied evenly, “Mr. Locke, I’ve already left for the day.” 

She could easily picture the look on his face–furious, dark, seething. But since she couldn’t see it, she didn’t care. 

Before he could say another word, she hung up. The frustration that had been simmering all afternoon finally found an 

outlet. 

The satisfaction was fleeting, but it felt good anyway. 

If Cassian insisted on keeping her, then he had to deal with the consequences. She had nothing left to lose. 

Chapter 34 

When Aurelia walked out of Honoria Capital’s front doors, she spotted a familiar face–Gideon. 

He had come specifically to pick her up, saying he was taking her to try on a gown. 

She’d almost forgotten about her promise to attend the business party with him. 

What she didn’t expect was for Gideon to take her to Vanvelle Studio. 

“What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing her pause at the entrance, her eyes fixed on the sign. 

Aurelia shook her head lightly. “It’s nothing.” 

“This place is pretty famous in Ashmont,” Gideon said casually. “I just hope they have something you like.” 

He must’ve called ahead, because the manager greeted them the moment they walked in, warm and eager. 

“These are our newest arrivals,” the manager said, gesturing toward a display of elegant gowns. 

Aurelia picked out a light purple one and was about to try it on when the manager suddenly got a phone call. Her face shifted slightly, and she said apologetically, “I’m so sorry, but that gown’s already been reserved.” 

Aurelia didn’t mind. She simply picked another. 

She had the kind of figure that made any dress look good, so it didn’t take her long to settle on one. 

When they were done, Gideon checked the time–it was dinnertime–so he suggested they grab a meal. 

Actually, Aurelia had been about to make the same suggestion. It worked out perfectly. 

Just as they were leaving, another car pulled up outside. Cassian and Tessa were arriving at Vanvelle Studio. The two cars passed each other in the street. 

Tessa noticed first. “That looks like Gideon’s car.” 

She paused, her tone shifting. “Why is Aurelia with him again? Those two seem to be getting pretty close lately. Is that why she’s been leaving work on time–running off to meet him?” 

Her lips curved into a cold smirk. “No wonder she’s so desperate to resign. She’s found someone rich and powerful.” 

Cassian didn’t respond. His silence made it seem like he didn’t care at all. 

This reassured Tessa; she thought she had been overthinking earlier. Cassian wasn’t keeping Aurelia because he cared–it was about the contract. If he bent the rules for her, others would follow. 

The gown Tessa tried on was the exact same one Aurelia had liked at first glance–the very one Cassian had called the manager to reserve. 

Tessa thought Cassian was being thoughtful, but after slipping it on, she wasn’t entirely satisfied. “Cassian, this one’s nice, but I still prefer the white gown at the office.” 

Cassian didn’t look up from his phone, but his voice was calm and patient. “Then keep both. Wear whichever one you want. Or wear both–change halfway if you feel like it.” 

Tessa’s face lit up. “Cassian, you’re so sweet.” 

***** 

Aurelia and Gideon had just sat down at the restaurant when her phone rang. It was Ella. 

18:12 Fri, Dec 19 M. 

Chapter 34 

Aurelia thought something had happened at the hospital, so she picked up right away. 

But Ella simply asked why she hadn’t come with Cassian. 

Aurelia froze, completely thrown off guard. She had no idea why Cassian would be at the hospital. 

Her dinner plans were ruined as she rushed there immediately. 

When she arrived, Cassian was sitting by Ella’s bed, calmly peeling an apple. His movements were patient and precise, and Ella’s face was lit with pure happiness. 

Ella beamed when she saw Aurelia. “You’re done with work? Cassian said you were working overtime.” 

Cassian had that kind of charm–he could make anyone feel warm, cherished, and cared for. But he could also cut straight to the bone with a single careless word. 

Aurelia didn’t know what he was up to, but in front of her mother, she had no choice but to play along. 

Swallowing her disgust, she forced a gentle smile. “I had a bit of work left to finish, so I ran late.” 

She turned to Cassian, adding sweetly, “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to see my mom?” 

Cassian met her gaze, his tone slow and smooth. “You’re busy with work. Someone has to take care of the family.” 

He said it so naturally, so convincingly. Maybe it was the light–gentle and a little too warm–or maybe it was just her eyes playing tricks on her, but for a fleeting moment, Aurelia thought she saw a trace of tenderness in his eyes. 

“A couple has to support each other to make it through life,” Ella said with a content smile, her worries finally easing. 

“Oh, by the way, Cassian–Aurelia told me you proposed! When are you two planning to get married? Have you thought about what kind of wedding you want?” she asked. 

Aurelia’s stomach dropped. She had completely forgotten about that. 

Chapter 35