Chapter 11
380 Words
The house was quiet, the soft ticking of the antique clock the only sound in the sitting room.
Talia sat curled on the edge of the sofa, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her blouse. Across from her, Cassian scrolled through his phone, jaw tight but eyes flickering her way every now and then.
They were alone for the first time since the wedding, but the easy banter they once had was missing. Instead, an unspoken tension lingered, thick and electric.
Feeling restless, Talia stood and moved to the kitchen. “I’m going to make some dinner. You hungry?”
Cassian looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, I could eat.”
She chopped vegetables, the rhythm calming her nerves. Cassian appeared behind her, reaching out to grab the knife. “Let me help.”
Their hands brushed, sending a warm spark through her. They worked side by side in a comfortable silence. Cassian hummed softly, a rare sound that made her smile.
Dinner was simple, pasta with a homemade tomato sauce, just the way she liked it.
They ate by candlelight, the flickering flame casting soft shadows over their faces. Cassian’s gaze found hers several times, lingering longer than usual, but he said nothing.
Afterward, they settled on the sofa for a movie. Talia pulled a blanket over both of them, the warmth cocooning her.
As the film played, her eyelids grew heavy. She fought to stay awake, unwilling to give in just yet.
Cassian noticed, his gaze softening as she struggled. Her head slowly tilted, then rested against his shoulder.
He didn’t move. Instead, he watched her quietly, the way her eyelashes fluttered, the soft rise and fall of her breath.
When the credits started rolling, Talia was asleep, peaceful and vulnerable.
Cassian carefully shifted, gently picking her up into his arms.
“Let me take you to your room,” he whispered.
She stirred but didn’t wake. He carried her through the quiet house, the weight of her in his arms grounding him.
Tucking her into bed, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and stood watching for a moment.
A soft smile touched his lips.
Maybe this contract marriage was already changing him, in ways he never expected.
- Writer
