Chapter 168
Chapter 168
43%
Finished
Third Person’s POV
Samantha scrambled to explain. “Algernon isn’t just physically hurt; he’s traumatized. He cried all through the night. His water gun is broken, and he’s been throwing a fit for a new one since dawn. My mother took him out to try and calm him down p>
Cassian’s brow twitched at the mention of the boy “crying all night,” but he didn’t immediately take the bait.
He stayed silent for a beat before offering a steady, grounded warning. “Don’t spoil him too much. If you indulge him now, he’ll be impossible to handle when he’s older p>
Samantha lowered her eyes guiltily, but then, as if finding a better angle, she looked up at him. “Cassian, you can’t blame Algernon. I tried to be polite greet Luna Trista, but she just kept glaring at me. Algernon is just so sensitive about manners; that’s how the misunderstanding started p>
nd
She chose the word “manners” carefully, wrapping a blatant provocation in a layer of innocence.
Cassian’s expression soured instantly, the warmth draining from his eyes.
When he spoke, he didn’t raise his voice, yet a palpable aura filled the apartment. “Samantha p>
He paused, a clear warning for her not to cross the line.
“I publicly acknowledged Algernon and took you both under my wing to make up for what I owed you in the past,” he said, his voice deep and lucid. “You know perfectly well that Trista has misunderstood this entire situation p>
His gaze fell on
Samantha’s face like a cold blade, forcing her to look at the boundary he had drawn.
“I warned you: do not approach her. Even if you run into each other, there is no need for greetings p>
Samantha stood before him, her spine rigid, her nails digging into her palms.
Every inch of her broadcasted tension; she held her pheromones in so tightly it was as if she feared a single drop of sweetness would enrage him.
She pushed through, trying to explain. “Cassian, you’re misunderstanding me. We really did just bump into each other in the hallway. I was only trying to be civil p>
She paused, picking the words most likely to move him and softened her voice. “But Attwater’s hostility was just so obvious. He brought up Algernon and threatened to kill him. The way he towered over us.. thura was terrifying p>
A flash of irritation crossed Cassian’s features, as if she had led the conversation into a trap he didn’t step in.
His voice turned icy. “Samantha, Attwater is Trista’s brother. Watch how you speak about him p>
The sudden shift caught Samantha completely off guard
Before, Cassian had been willing to break Attwater’s wrist for her sake; why was he suddenly defending Silverlight members now?
A knot of anxiety tightened in her chest, but she didn’t dare let it show.
18:42 Mon, Jan 5 GR
Chapter 168
43%
Finished
She forced a weak smile, adopting a humble stance. “I’m sorry, Cassian. I’m not good with words. I was just trying to describe how it felt in the moment. I didn’t mean anything by it p>
Cassian didn’t press the issue.
He scanned the living room one last time, confirming Algernon wasn’t there, and his tone returned to a business–like chill. “Since Algernon isn’t here, I’ll be going p>
Instead of trying to make him stay, Samantha practically ushered him out, as if terrified that another second of his presence would leave a trace. “I’m so sorry, Cassian. If I’d known Algernon called you, I would have stopped him p>
She walked him to the door, her parting words perfectly poised. “Cassian, Luna Trista is back. You two have finally started to mend things. Even if Algernon asks for you again, please don’t make a special trip. I won’t reach out unless it’s an absolute emergency p>
Cassian gave a non–committal grunt, didn’t look back, and stepped into the elevator.
The moment the doors hissed shut, Samantha’s smile crumbled.
Later that evening, Cassian picked up Trista from the healing center to go shopping.
Trista had just come from the wards, carrying the faint, soothing scent of primrose oil.
As they stepped into the crowded mall, the air became a chaotic soup of perfumes, food, and human pheromones. The noise made her feel more alert, yet twice as exhausted.
The lighting in the women’s department was blindingly bright, the racks perfectly aligned.
Trista was picking out a coat for Ulva, while Cassian followed her with the cart, offering occasional suggestions.
To any outsider, they looked like the ultimate power couple–perfectly matched, drawing envious glances from every direction.
The attention only served to polish the lie of their “stable mating p>
Trista picked up a scarf and turned to ask Cassian’s opinion, only to find him standing a few paces away, head down as he took a call.
She put the scarf back without a word and waited.
Her face was a blank mask, her emotions locked away tight.
Cassian hung up and walked back to her, his tone steady “Algernon’s water gun is broken. I’m going to toy department to grab a replacement. I’ll find you in a bit p>
Trista didn’t say a word. She just gave a small nod.
Cassian didn’t wait for her input either. He turned the cart around and headed straight for the children’s
section.
18:42 Mon, Jan 5
R
43%
The Heartbroken Luna’s Choice: Banish Love
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.