Chapter 18

“What do you mean by she left? Why?”

“Mr. Rooke asked her to leave.”

Why would he ask her to leave after the night they had?

It wasn’t making any sense.

I didn’t say anything as I headed to my room.

Celeste was gone. Just like that.

What happened between them? Why send her away?

“No, Elara, it is none of your concern. Don’t get dragged into their drama again.”

I gave myself a reminder as I dissuaded my mind from thinking about anything related to them.

Whatever they were up to was their business.

I spent the rest of my evening packaging my pieces. I was going to take them to the office tomorrow. My room was starting to get cramped.

After a gruesome couple of hours, I was finally done, as I arranged them in a corner.

“Finally.” I groaned as I stretched.

I was hungry, so I decided to go down for dinner.

Celeste wasn’t around anymore. I didn’t need to be afraid of any run-in.

Although some part of me was still expecting her to pop up in some corner of the house.

When I got down, I met Cassian at the dining table.

I paused on the stairs and contemplated turning back when his eyes went up like he sensed me there.

“Elara, please join me for dinner.”

I gave him a look. What exactly was he up to now?

“Elara, please.”

I walked to the chair I normally sat at and sat down.

“How are you?” He asked.

This was officially weird.

“I’m fine, Mr. Rooke.”

He gave me a look. “Call me Cassian.”

I didn’t say anything as I watched the maids serve dinner.

“Are the problems at the foundation sorted now? I heard you were having problems.”

“Yes, they are.”

“That’s good.” He took a bite. “I have been seeing your paintings. You want to open a gallery?”

How did he know?

“Yes, I do.” I hesitated. “I would like the painting you took back.”

“Why? I want to buy it.”

“I never said I was selling to you.” I raised a brow at him. “I didn’t like that you stole it, by the way.”

He looked at me with an amused look. “Stole? Are you accusing me of stealing? I just wanted to buy it.”

“Well, you should have asked. Even if I was selling it, you’re not my target audience.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’ll send $100,000 to your account.” His eyes glinted. “Will that liberate me from being a thief now?”

$100,000? Was he being serious?

“No, you’re still a thief.” I returned to eating.

“If you need help with anything, I want you to let me know.”

“Why?”

“I just want to help my wife.”

“Help your wife? That’s funny.”

“What?”

“Nothing, thanks for the offer, but I don’t need it. If I need any help, Noah and Beth can help.” I stood up and walked out, leaving him there.

“Will you wait? I am trying to reach out here.” He held my arm.

“Let go of me, Cassian.”

Why was it that every time we spoke, I always ended up getting pissed or angry?

Was I just too hotheaded? Or was he just trying to make me angry?

In my room, I called Tony and asked him to take the paintings down to the car. I saw the credit alert on my phone and rolled my eyes as I put it down. So he thought he could just buy me off or what?

I shook my head as I got ready for the day.

The next few days were spent in awkwardness between Cassian and me. Awkward run-ins and even more awkward conversations.

I had no idea why he kept on trying to talk to me all of a sudden.

Rose had already left, so I had no one to talk to at home.

I was quite busy though so I barely felt it. I finally found a gallery space that was perfect, and frankly the rent was a steal. I was very surprised the owner wasn’t charging more for it, but I didn’t question them. Why would I complain? I had already started making plans to redesign the space, and it was coming together nicely. As much as I hated to admit it, the money Cassian sent was a huge help, but I wouldn’t tell him that. I was very happy with how things were going, and I wanted nothing to ruin it.

“You seem happy these days.” Beth said to me as we finished up for the day.

“I am. I mean, everything is going great. The foundation is now receiving more exposure, and the children are all comfortable and happy. We’re not worrying every second about funds anymore. My gallery is coming together nicely, and the rent is a steal. I will soon be ready for the grand opening. I should be happy.”

“Beth smiled. “I’m happy to see you this way. I hope you always stay like this.” She placed her hand over mine.

The next day was a weekend, but I was planning on spending it supervising the work on the gallery. I wasn’t going to spend the day with Cassian. I just wanted to eat breakfast and be on my way.

I hummed in excitement as I came down. I looked around. There was no maid in sight. Strange.

I saw Isla.

“Isla, where are all the maids? I haven’t been able to spot anyone.”

She gave me a look. “All the maids have a mandatory one-day leave every six months.”

“Oh.” I had no idea. Was that why Rose chose this moment to travel?

“Well, I wanted some tea.”

“You can make it yourself in the kitchen.”