Chapter 78
Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Morning came quickly. Cassia woke with the first rays of light spilling through the curtains. She turned and looked at Arthur still asleep beside her, his soft breathing steady.
Her heart softened, and she leaned forward, kissing his forehead gently. A sigh slipped out, today felt better than yesterday, lighter somehow.
She dragged herself into the bathroom, brushed her teeth, washed her face, and splashed water on her skin. until she felt refreshed. Stepping out, her eyes fell on the shopping bag left untouched on the couch. She pressed her lips together.
I can’t just leave it there until the seventh day. This room will look like a mess.
She walked over, pulled out the bag, and started arranging things neatly into the wardrobe. As she opened the first cupboard, her eyes froze on a set of clothes which were hers, from seven years ago.
The sight made her chest ache. She picked one up, ran her fingers over the fabric, and a memory slammed into her, wearing that very dress on a night when Aiden came home from a board meeting. His gaze had burned into her, lips parted, before he pulled her close and kissed her breathless. That night, they had gotten. lost in each other.
Her throat tightened. She shoved the dress back, forcing the memory away, and continued stacking the new clothes James had bought for her. When she finished, she closed the cupboard, only to notice the second part.
Curiosity pricked her. She opened it and stilled. Inside lay a neat pile of men’s clothes, still carrying a faint masculine scent. Her chest constricted immediately. It was Aiden’s.
She swallowed hard, confused and unsettled. Why would his clothes be here? Did he… did he leave them for me to see? Her hand trembled as she reached for a shirt, but a knock at the door startled her. Quickly, she dropped the fabric, shut the wardrobe, and walked to the door.
Elena, the cook, stood there holding a tray.
“Good morning, ma’am. I thought of bringing you breakfast,” Elena said softly, smiling warmly.
Cassia gave a small smile back, but her guard didn’t lower. The tray felt like a threat more than kindness. Poisoned food had once killed her daughter in this same house. That memory clamped onto her like chains.
“It’s not poisoned, I could test it right here…” Elena began, reaching to open it, but Cassia raised her hand sharply.
“No. It’s fine, Elena. But I can’t accept it. I’ll come down and make breakfast myself, for me and my son p>
The cook’s smile faltered, her eyes falling with hurt. Elena was gentle, trustworthy, the kind of woman who couldn’t harm a fly. But Cassia’s trust was a shattered glass, once broken, impossible to piece together again.
Closing the door, she leaned her back against it, exhaling deeply. When she turned, Arthur was stirring awake, rolling on the bed. Her face lit up instantly.
“Baby,” she whispered.
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Chapter 78
“Mommy… good morning.” Arthur rasped, his voice still hoarse with sleep.
“Good morning, honey. Did you sleep well p>
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“Yes, I did. But…” He rubbed his stomach, and it growled loud enough to make them both laugh. “I’m hungry p>
Cassia chuckled, scooping him into her arms. “Then let’s get food. But first, we brush our teeth p>
“Mom, I can walk. I’m not a baby anymore,” he pouted.
She poked his nose playfully. “You’ll always be my baby. Even when you’re grown, married, with kids of your own, you’ll still be mommy’s little boy p>
His laughter filled the room, and her eyes misted over. I don’t want to think of him leaving me someday. Not yet. She shook the thought away quickly.
She brushed his teeth and helped him take his bath, then she dressed him in a simple shirt and shorts. She smoothed down his hair lovingly.
“Am I not going to school today?” he asked.
“Not yet. We need to make sure it’s safe first,” she replied gently.
Arthur nodded. She stared at him with a wide smile, seeing more of Aiden in him than she ever wanted to admit. Those brown eyes, the hair, everything…
“Come. Let’s make breakfast p>
Together, they walked out, side by side. Arthur’s eyes widened as he admired the grand house.
“Wow, this mansion is huge… and so beautiful p>
“Yeah,” Cassia muttered, her voice tight with the weight of memories.
“Where’s Alpha Aiden?” Arthur asked innocently.
Her steps faltered. Images from last night flashed into her mind, Aiden’s tears, his knees on the floor. It flooded her heart. She swallowed and forced a calm reply. “I don’t know, Arthur p>
As they reached the dining area, Cassia’s eyes locked on Sofia and Ethan already seated. Ethan wore his school uniform, bright and ready, while Sofia looked wrecked, bruises still fresh from last night’s fight.
The moment Sofia’s gaze met Cassia’s, a jolt of fear shot through her before she quickly masked it with a venomous glare. Cassia rolled her eyes, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
Then Arthur’s voice cut the tension. “Mommy, look, it’s Ethan, my friend!” His joy lit up the room.
Ethan’s eyes brightened, surprised but happy. He hurried toward Arthur.
Cassia’s features softened as she looked at the boy. “Hey, Ethan,” she greeted warmly.
18:08 Sat, Oct 18
Chapter 78
Ethan grinned. “Hi! You’re Arthur’s mom? You’re really beautiful p>
Cassia chuckled softly. Children never lied. “Thank you, Ethan p>
Arthur beamed proudly. “See, Mom? I told you my friend is nice”
Cassia chucked.
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Ethan turned back to Arthur, excitement spilling from him. “Why weren’t you in school yesterday? I didn’t
see you p>
“Our house got burned down,” Arthur said simply.
Ethan’s smile faded into sympathy. “I’m so sorry p>
Arthur shrugged, brave. “It’s okay. But me and Mom are staying here for a while. Alpha Aiden said it’s fine… I hope you don’t mind p>
Cassia’s heart clenched at her son’s innocence and his politeness.
“Of course!” Ethan’s face lit up again. “You can even play with my toys. We’ll do games, and everything p>
Arthur laughed, hugging him tightly. “Thank you p>
Sofia’s knuckles whitened under the table. Her jaw clenched so tight her teeth hurt. The sight of those two boys together, her son embracing Arthur was unbearable.
“Ethan.” Her voice cracked like a whip, making both boys flinch.
He turned, startled. “Mom, this is my friend, Arthur. The one I told you about p>
“I don’t care,” she snapped. “Sit down. Finish
your food p>
Ethan’s face fell, sadness creeping in as he glanced apologetically at Arthur before retreating to his chair.
Cassia opened her mouth, rage simmering, but stopped herself. Ethan was Sofia’s son. For now, there were lines she couldn’t cross.
She touched Arthur’s shoulder gently. “Come on, baby. Let’s go to the kitchen p>
Together, they walked away, while Sofia sat boiling in her seat.
Her eyes followed Arthur like a predator tracking prey. Hatred coiled in her gut, venomous and raw. That boy… that woman. Why can’t they both just disappear?
Her nails dug into her palms until they drew blood, but she didn’t even flinch. Her fury was too consuming.
TBC
18:08 Sat, Oct 18