Chapter 29
“Yes p>
Before he could say anything further, she cut him off.
“Yeah, we were my school friends. My kids know nothing more,” Mira said, letting out a small, awkward laugh that sounded far too rehearsed, as if she had practiced it just enough to convince herself.
Lucien tilted his head, studying her with suspicion, as though his young, beam-warmed mind was carefully dissecting every word she said. ” A school friend, Mommy?” he said slowly, brows knitting together, “you never told us about uncle in any of your stories at night p>
At the same time, Ivy climbed onto the couch beside Cassian without hesitation and began decorating his hair with tiny pink, bow-shaped clips she had proudly collected.
Cassian didn’t stop her. He didn’t speak at all. Instead, he carefully adjusted the clip she’d just placed, as if accepting the role she had silently assigned him.
“Whatever it is,” Mira added quickly, avoiding Cassian’s eyes, her fingers fidgeting nervously, “it’s because he wasn’t too close to me. We were more like classmates p>
Cassian lifted an eyebrow slightly.
“A friend then,” he murmured. “A classmate p>
The words were quiet, accompanied by a low chuckle that escaped him unintentionally. In that moment, he resembled a lion pretending to be tame in front of Ivy, dangerous instincts carefully restrained beneath calm composure.
Mira clapped her hands once, a little too loudly. “No more questions about uncle now. Go to your room. Uncle and I need to talk, okay p>
Both kids nodded obediently and disappeared down the hallway, Ivy waving happily as she went, her laughter echoing faintly before the door shut.
The apartment fell silent.
Mira walked toward Cassian, who was still seated on the couch, his broad frame oddly softened by the colorful clips tangled in his hair. She stopped in front of him and gently removed them one by one, her fingers brushing his hair each time.
A shiver ran down his spine at her nearness.
She was standing too close. Too familiar. Too dangerous.
For a moment, Cassian had to fight the instinct to pull her into his arms, to confess how deeply he had missed her, how hollow everything had felt without her presence anchoring him.
“I would never let my kids know about you, and don’t come back here again, Cassian. I’m moving back to Serrano Estate. I was staying here because Kael insisted after we came back,” she said firmly.
“And… I will probably find someone else that’s not you. I’ll start a new life,” she finished, stepping away from him as if distance would protect her heart.
Cassian’s jaw clenched, his expression hardening in a way she knew all too well.
He suddenly stood, gripping her arms and forcing her back onto the couch. The roughness of his hold made her wince, and immediately, almost instinctively, he loosened his grip.
“you are still my responsibility,” he said lowly, his voice sharp but controlled. “And don’t forget that those are my kids too. I want my rights.” His face was dangerously close now, his warm breath brushing her skin.
She looked down. Looked away.
“Leave me alone, Cassian. I don’t need your brooding hero act… not when my heart is still deciding if you’re worth the mess p>
“I can’t,” he said quietly, his voice breaking just enough to betray him. “Not when every time you look away, it feels like I’m losing something real. Talk to me, please p>
Her eyes snapped at his words.
Then suddenly, the bell rang from the main door, sharp and urgent, breaking the moment entirely.
“Oh shit! he’s back?” she said, panic flickering across her face.
“Back? Who?” Cassian asked immediately.
“Kael,” she answered, already glancing toward the door nervously.
Cassian’s eyes darkened.
“Who’s this guy to you? You’re staying with him, details. Or I’m going to ask him myself p>
She sighed, glancing again toward the door as the bell rang once more.
“Fine, fine. I’ll tell you. We don’t have time to discuss this now. I’ll meet you. I’ll call you, just get out of here from the back door p>
She guided him firmly, almost forcefully, pushing him out.
“Great,” he muttered to himself with a dry laugh. “Pushed out like I got caught doing something with her p>
But his smile returned quickly.
“At least she promised to meet. That’s enough for me to sleep peacefully tonight,” he thought. “Only if whatever she says… isn’t bitter p>
He called Ryan, asking him to send a car to Kael’s place. Soon, the car arrived and picked him up. Calls flooded in, meetings lined up, and before he knew it, Cassian was back in his world,attending meetings, closing deals, drowning himself in work to silence his thoughts.
Later that night, Cassian returned home. He freshened up, changed into a baggy white T-shirt and sweatpants, his hair messy and unstyled. He walked into the kitchen, poured himself some water, and opened the fridge.
And suddenly, Mira filled his mind.
He chuckled softly.
Not long ago, she had been pregnant with his babies, craving ice cream at odd hours. He remembered how adorable she looked then, pouting, stubborn, glowing in ways he hadn’t appreciated enough.
He went back to his bedroom and lay down, staring at the ceiling. The closeness he had felt today replayed vividly. how gently she removed the clips from his hair, how naturally she cared for the kids, how effortlessly she lied for their sake.
And then, without realizing it, Cassian fell asleep.
For the first time in years, his sleep was peaceful.
Morning came in fast, and he was already awake, preparing himself. He instructed his assistant to invite Mira for lunch at Draymond Tower.
He cooked himself, something he never usually did, but he had learned everything for moments like this.
Hours Later.. when Mira finally walked into Draymond Tower, she paused.
“It hasn’t changed a bit,” she murmured.
“Nor did you,” Cassian said from behind her.
“Sit p>
She nodded and sat, wearing a dress that hugged her frame perfectly, elegant yet understated, soft fabric flowing around her knees, her hair styled simply but beautifully.
But something about her felt off.
“You don’t look well,” he said quietly.
“No. I’m okay,” she replied, lifting the juice in front of her and taking a sip.
“You look pale. Have you been eating properly p>
She didn’t answer. A dull headache throbbed behind her eyes.
Cassian reached out instinctively, placing his hand against her forehead.
“Hey, you’re burning,” he said, concern lacing his voice.
“No, I’m really okay. You don’t need to worry,” she insisted weakly.
“Stop saying okay when you’re clearly not,” he said firmly, and without waiting, scooped her into his arms, making her yelp.
“Cassian, what are you p>
“Shh,” he cut her off gently. “Let me at least take care of you for once p>