Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
20 vouchers
Cassia finished arranging her clothes neatly into the wardrobe. She had also taken time to put Arthur’s things in order, making sure his room felt homely. After tidying up both rooms, she finally allowed herself a warm bath.
She slipped into a simple dress afterward, letting her curly black hair fall over her shoulders. A touch of lip gloss brightened her lips. When she glanced at the bed, Arthur was still sleeping soundly, his little chest rising and falling in peace.
Her heart ached. She wanted to take him with her, but she couldn’t bring herself to wake him. He needed the rest.
Stepping quietly out of the room, she went downstairs,and found Damien in the living room, a cup of coffee in hand.
“Damien,” she called.
He turned, and for a moment, his mouth went slack. She looked breathtaking even in the simplest clothes. His chest tightened at the thought that one day, she might finally be his.
“I’m going to see my family,” Cassia said calmly. “Could you please watch over Arthur for me p>
“Of course,” Damien replied immediately, but then his brow furrowed. “Are you sure you want to go alone? I can come with you p>
“I’ll be fine, Damien. I won’t be long p>
She didn’t wait for him to argue, already moving toward the door. He watched her go, sighing deeply before heading back upstairs to stay with Arthur.
Outside, Cassia found Matthew by the car, munching on a snack.
“Matthew,” she called.
He nearly choked before quickly bowing his head. “Ma’am p>
“Can I have the car keys? I want to take a drive p>
“Of course, ma’am. I can take you wherever you’d like p>
“No. I want to go alone.” She extended her hand firmly.
He hesitated, uneasy, but finally placed the keys in her palm. Cassia slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and drove off.
Matthew stood frozen, stunned. How did she know his name? He never introduced himself. Only Luna Amelia used to call him that. Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath, I’m overthinking things… But the doubt refused to leave him.
Cassia drove straight to her parents’ house. Though years had passed, she still remembered every turn of the route. When she pulled up, her chest tightened at the sight of the building.
The house looked older now, paint faded, grass growing untamed at the doorstep. It felt empty, lifeless.
Her hands trembled slightly as she stepped out of the car. Memories of the night her father had thrown her out came crashing back, how only her mother’s pleas had allowed her to stay.
She drew in a slow breath. This is for Mom. Nothing else.
Her knuckles rapped softly against the door. No answer.
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4:21 pm
Chapter 34
20 vouchers
She knocked again. Louder. “Mom p>
Silence.
She kept knocking, calling out, but still no response. The door was locked. A heavy weight settled in her chest.
Just then, a gray-haired woman passed by. Cassia rushed to her.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” Cassia said gently.
“Yes, child?” the old woman replied.
“Do you know where the family in this house went? I’ve been knocking, but no one’s home p>
The woman sighed. “I don’t know either. The last I saw them was when Evelyn fell sick. Then… they were gone. They couldn’t wait for the doctor who was supposed to come from Velaris p>
Cassia’s throat went dry. “They were gone p>
The woman nodded sadly. “Poor Evelyn. She was never the same after losing her daughter and grandchild. She lost her mind to grief. It was only a matter of time before her health followed. I just pray they’re all right… and that their souls rest in peace p>
With that, the woman walked away, leaving Cassia rooted to the spot, her heart splintering.
Her mother… sick. Her mind broken. All because of her.
Tears blurred Cassia’s vision as guilt crushed her chest. She had to find her. She had to heal her before it was too late.
She climbed back into the car, hands trembling on the steering wheel, and drove back to the mansion.
Meanwhile, Arthur had woken up. Damien took him downstairs for dinner.
“When’s Mommy coming back?” Arthur asked, climbing onto the chair.
“Soon,” Damien assured him. He pulled out his phone. “I’ll call her now p>
But before the call could connect, the front door opened.
“Oh, maybe that’s her,” Damien said, striding toward it.
It wasn’t Cassia.
A man in a sharp black suit stepped inside, his dark hair slicked neatly back. Damien’s eyes narrowed instantly, sizing him
“You must be Cassia Wrenmoor’s husband,” the man said with an easy smile. “I’m James. Beta of Alpha Aiden Miller p>
Damien held his stare for a moment before accepting the handshake. “Yes. I’m Damien Blackwood, her husband and mate p>
He knew Cassia would be furious if she heard him say that, but right now, appearances mattered.
James’ smile tightened slightly. “I was hoping to meet Doctor Cassia as well p>
“She’s not here. Whatever message you have, give it to me. I’ll pass it along.” Damien’s tone was clipped, guarded.
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4:21 pm
Chapter 34
20 vouchers
James arched a brow but continued smoothly. “There will be a welcome party tonight at the Pack Hall. Alpha Miller wishes to honor your family. You’ll also be meeting him and his household. It will be… an important occasion. I do hope you’ll attend.” He handed Damien an invitation.
Damien’s gaze flicked from the paper to James. “Do we have a choice p>
James chuckled faintly. “Not really p>
“Then we’ll be there. Like you said, it’ll be epic, meeting Aiden Miller face-to-face.” Damien smirked, his words laced with something James couldn’t quite place.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Damien added casually. “I’ve heard a lot about your Alpha. I’m eager to see him in person p>
James studied him for a beat, then gave a curt nod. “Very well. I’ll take my leave p>
He turned, only to freeze when he heard a small voice.
“Is it Mommy?” Arthur asked, padding over to Damien.
“No, she’s not home, yet. She’ll be back soon,” Damien reassured him.
James’ gaze dropped to the boy. His breath caught.
Those eyes. Brown, piercing, unmistakable. The curve of his mouth. Even the way his nose wrinkled.
The boy looked exactly like a young Aiden Miller.
James swallowed hard, shock coursing through him. If he didn’t know better… he’d say this child was Aiden’s son.
tbc
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AD