Chapter 12

“Wait, are you sure your date didn't end up paying or something?" Beth asked.

I shook my head. "No. It says anonymous, right? Maybe a humanitarian saw our ads and decided to help out.” I shrugged. “Well, it’s a hell of a donation. This would really go a long way. So rich people really have that much money to spend?” Beth asked curiously. Perhaps the universe finally decided to be nice to me. “This is good news. At least we don’t have to worry about funds for the next few months. It really helps solve a lot of pressing issues.” I grabbed my bag. “Noah and I are heading out for lunch. Do you care to join us?“

She thought before shaking her head. "Just grab me something to eat. I have to sort out the expenses we have to pay and ensure our bills are up to date, since we have the money now, and I also entered our foundation in an art charity fundraiser. I thought it would be some good exposure for us.” “That’s great.” I smiled. “Noah and I are leaving now. See you later.”

“So, tell me exactly what is going on between you and your husband. What exactly is the issue between the two of you?" Noah said as we sat down at the restaurant. I sighed. “It’s really complicated, Noah.”

"Yes, you said that before. Or is it that you don’t trust me?” He raised a brow. “No, it’s not that at all." I bit my lip. Confiding in a friend wouldn't be a breach of contract or anything, right? "Okay, Cassian and I didn’t get married under normal circumstances. We barely knew each other before getting married. Now, he has brought this woman, Celeste, to stay with us. I mean, I know it might be petty and all, but everyone is wrapped around her, and it just irritates me. I mean, I get she’s beautiful and all, but can I just not go to every corner of that house and hear her name? It’s tiring. She's always with him. If she's not laughing at some joke, they are touching each other. They spend hours in his study even when it is time to eat, and then I end up eating alone. The other night, I saw Celeste touching Cassian’s mask like they were literally about to kiss. I had to step away to avoid seeing that.”

“Someone sounds a little jealous.” Was I jealous?

“Jealous? No, I most certainly am not. I just wish I were way bolder, you know? Kind of like her. Everyone respects her in that house, the maids speak of her in high regard without so much as a second glance at me. I swear they don't even know when I enter the room.”

"So you technically didn’t see them kiss?”

"Didn’t you hear what I just said? I saw her touching his mask and leaning in, obviously, they kissed. I wasn’t going to wait around to see it happen. ” I folded my arms.

“But you actually didn’t see it? Did you? You pulled away. Well, what if he did too? It’s possible he didn’t kiss her. You might just be making an assumption.” "And so? They still move around the house like lovers.”

"Again, you sound jealous. You said that they are close, maybe that’s the only thing between them.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why are you defending him? Someone would think he paid you to.” I rolled my eyes. He laughed. “I’m just being honest. If he really didn’t care, trust me, he wouldn’t have stormed into that event ready to bite everyone’s head off. Trust me, he cares about you.”I sat in thought. Could Cassian possibly have feelings for me? Enough to feel jealous? There was no way.

”Oh please. Let's talk about something else. I was thinking of starting something up for myself." "Oh, what’s that?” "Well, I want to open a studio. For now, my money problems have been sorted, but it’s not a permanent solution. I need to make sure I always have a means of survival. I want to start painting again and sell for profit."

"That’s a very good idea. Have you gotten your art supplies?”

“Actually, I still have them at my old place. I was thinking about moving them to Cassian’s place along with my old pieces, then I have to get a space to rent for a studio.”

“Okay, let’s take it one day at a time. You can get your things first and move them. Would you be needing any help?" “No, it’s fine. I’m sure Tony can help me out.” We stood up ready to leave. “I really want to thank you, Noah. I gained a lot from this conversation.”

“It’s alright, darling." He hugged me as I finally left.

I sighed as I finally sat in the car. I was tired from moving everything in my apartment. Thank God Tony was there, or I would have tumbled down the three floors. My landlord was more than happy to see me gone. I was behind on rent, and he had been lenient to a point.

As I sat in the car, I wondered if I would end up coming back, like if Cassian and I ended up not working out. I would literally be out on the streets. But... Could he really have feelings for me? I didn't think so. Noah had no idea what he was talking about.

As I walked into the house, I noticed maids bringing in groceries. My eyes caught one of the bags by accident. Oreo cookies? Those were my favorites, but I didn't ask for those. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a lot of stuff was what I normally liked to eat.

Rose walked up to me as she helped with my bag.

"Rose? How come the things the maids ended up buying are mostly what I like?"

"Mr. Rooke asked us to get them. He gave us a list, ma'am."

Huh? How did he know what I liked?

I didn't say anything as I headed upstairs.

This was strange.

I showered and quickly changed into an oversized white shirt and packed my hair in a messy bun. Tony had already brought up my stuff, and now it was time to get to work. I wanted to try to paint. It had been such a long time.

I didn't feel time slip, or how bad my legs were aching. All I cared about was what I was doing.

God knows how many hours I spent in front of the canvas before I dropped my brush. I had managed to paint something, but I didn’t really like how it was looking. I sighed as I dropped my palette. My shirt was stained. I needed water. I checked the time. It was already 8 pm.

As I walked down, I heard a faint voice come from the other side of the mansion.

More like laughter.

Celeste's laughter.