Chapter 17

I didn’t know how to feel.

I pulled back as I ran upstairs, eventually resting on a wall as I took deep breaths. What exactly was I feeling?

I laughed as I remembered what Noah said, about me not seeing the kiss myself.

Well, I saw it now. I wasn’t even surprised.

Did they even know how many times I had caught them? Or were they just flaunting their relationship in my face?

And why did Cassian ask for one of my paintings only to pull this move a few hours later?

Well, my mood was now ruined.

I took a deep breath as I finally lifted myself off the wall.

There was nothing left in this house or in this marriage for me anyway. I never belonged here in the first place.

I went up to my room and decided to return to bed. There was no use bothering the lovebirds.

I spent hours twisting and turning in bed, unable to find a comfortable position. I was really starting to get frustrated.

Was I possibly bothered about what I saw?

There was no way.

I didn’t like Cassian, and there was no way he liked me.

So why was I finding it difficult to get some sleep?

I tossed for another hour or so before I was finally able to sleep.

The next morning, I tried as much as possible to put what I saw last night behind me.

I know I said several times that I would no longer expect anything from this marriage, but now I really meant it.

“Hello, Noah. Good morning.”

“Hello, darling, what’s up?”

“I was thinking if you had seen any place that we could check out today for a possible gallery.  I want to start working on it more seriously now.”

“Well, I did make some calls, and I’m supposed to receive a list of available buildings today. So, let’s say by 1 pm I should be in your office and we can go check them out.”

“Alright, thank you.”

I felt hopeful. If I could get a space, I could open my own gallery as soon as possible.

Something that would be just mine.

I finished getting dressed and went downstairs to get breakfast. I was going to need the fuel for the day.

Luckily, I was alone. I tried to keep my mind from thinking about how the kiss between Cassian and Celeste ended.

I had just finished eating when Cassian came down.

“Elara.” He called my name.

I looked up and didn’t say anything.

“Good morning. How was your night?”

I didn’t respond as I picked up my bag and my phone and left him there.

Who did he think he was talking to me like nothing happened?

He probably thought I was still in the dark.

At work, Beth and I were busy sorting documents regarding the foundation. We had quite a lot to do.

“I come bearing gifts.” Noah’s voice startled us out of our work haze.

“Oh, shoot. I am so sorry, Noah. I completely forgot about the time.” I said as I quickly stood up.

“Oh, it’s fine. I assumed you were busy, and look, I brought food. I’m sure you both are starving.”

“You have no idea!” Beth exclaimed as she took the food from him.

We arranged our work in a corner on the table and spread out the lunch.

“This looks so good.” I said as I dug in.

“So, I just got the list of available buildings. We can go check them out when you’re done with your work. You guys seem very busy.” His eyes went to the stack of papers on the desk.

“Anything I can help with?”

“We are trying to sort our database and so many other things. Turns out, we have been kind of outdated in updating our website regularly, and we want to rebrand. Then, we want to know the current number of kids we have, those adopted, those pending adoption, and those in foster care. It’s just been a lot. You can just help us sort out files.”

Noah nodded as we ate and talked.

This was really satisfying. Having friends to talk to and thinking about something other than.. him.

We spent the next few hours working, sorting while throwing jokes at one another.

“Okay, I think we’ve sorted enough for today. Let’s go check out the buildings now.” I said, stretching in my chair.

While in the car, Noah asked me how my paintings were coming along.

“They’re great, even if it’s just four. It was five, but Cassian took one, claiming he wanted to buy them. I will collect it back, though. I don’t plan on selling any of my works to him.”

“Oh, is there a problem?”

I sighed. “I saw Cassian and Celeste kiss. This time I didn’t pull away before it happened. They kissed.”

“Ouch. I guess maybe I misread then. I’m sorry, darling. How are you feeling?” Noah asked, placing a hand on mine.

“I’m okay. I am just trying to focus on myself right now and keep myself occupied. I just hope we make some progress today.” I said, resting my head on his shoulder. I was already having a headache.

We ended up not seeing a place that I liked. They were either too far from the foundation or the space was just not enough.

It was tiring.

“I’m sure we’ll have better luck tomorrow.” Noah said as we drove back to the foundation.

“Yeah, I hope so too.” I said, downcast.

As Tony drove us home, I wondered how I was going to face them when I inevitably saw them together again. I couldn’t avoid it.

I decided to avoid them until I was ready to see them without feeling anything.

That was what would be best.

“Ma’am, welcome back. How was your day?” Rose greeted me at the door.

“It was tiring, Rose. I am exhausted.” I said as I walked towards the stairs.

“Sorry about that, ma’am. I wanted to ask for permission to go to my hometown. I want to see my family.”

“Oh, that’s totally fine. When will you be leaving?”

“This weekend.”

“That’s alright. I hope you have a good time.”

“Thank you so much, ma’am. Will you be having dinner?”

I contemplated. “I won’t be having dinner downstairs with Cassian and Celeste. I’ll eat in my room.”

“Actually, only Mr. Rooke will be downstairs for dinner.”

I paused and turned on the stairs. “How so?”

“Miss Celeste left the house this morning.”