Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 362

“The whole thing happened over a year ago. Why’s Mr. Veyne dredging it up now?”

Ruby shot Cassian a look, her eyes sharp with mockery.

She had no idea what Cassian knew—or thought he knew—but honestly, she didn’t care.

“Leave. Mira needs to sleep.”

Cassian opened his mouth, about to protest, but the mention of Mira silenced him in an instant. Something seemed to click in his mind, and his gaze whipped toward the little girl.

Mira’s drowsiness was all but gone, her wide eyes fixed on him, round and unblinking.

Mira…

His throat tightened, and something in his chest threatened to break free.

His eyes swept over her delicate features, and a wild, dangerous thought exploded in his mind.

Why does Mira look so much like me?

Cassian’s composure shattered. Ruby must have sensed the shift, because she instinctively tightened her hold on Mira and took a cautious step back.

“Out,” Ruby said, her voice cold and steely.

Cassian’s eyes trembled as he looked at her. She stared back, just as merciless and resolute as always.

He dropped his gaze, long lashes hiding the storm swirling behind his eyes.

“Are you really sure about the divorce?” he asked quietly, fists clenched at his sides as he stared at Ruby with a mix of frustration and stubbornness.

This wasn’t the first time she’d brought it up; she’d sent him divorce papers more than once, and every time, he’d torn them to shreds.

Ruby—was she truly determined to leave him no matter what?

“Or is it me? Am I just not making myself clear enough?” Ruby’s lips curled into a scornful half-smile.

Cassian’s fingers tightened, then relaxed. “I’ll give you some time to think it over. But if you’re set on this, I won’t refuse again.”

His voice was barely more than a whisper, dissolving into the air.

Ruby pressed her lips together, silent as she looked at him.

In the hush that followed, Cassian turned and left.

The door closed softly behind him, leaving nothing but a faint rush of air in his wake.

Cradled in Ruby’s arms, Mira seemed to sense something was wrong. Her dark, grape-like eyes blinked slowly as she looked up at Ruby.

Ruby said nothing, but a strange, hollow ache crept into her heart.

She carried Mira back to their room, trying to focus on the news headlines scattered across her nightstand. It was hopeless. Eventually, she switched the lamp off, curled up with Mira, and let sleep take her.

Night settled in. As the lights in the house went out, a sleek black car remained parked out on the dark street.

The world outside was pitch-black, save for the tiny ember glowing in the car window.

Cassian’s face was lost in the haze of cigarette smoke—his features unreadable, his expression hidden.

He stared blankly at the window above, feeling an unnerving calm settle over his chest.

Barely able to hide her smile, Gennifer stood. “I’m going to my room, Mom, Dad.”

Frieda nodded, waving for the housekeeper. “Bring some fruit up for Gennifer, would you? We just got some fresh imported mangoes.”

“Mom, I’m allergic to mangoes,” Gennifer replied at once.

Frieda blinked in surprise.

Because Hanley was allergic, she rarely bought mangoes, even though she liked them. She hadn’t realized Gennifer had the same allergy.

“No need to bring me anything. I’ll just go up now.”

Gennifer shut herself in her room, oblivious to the odd looks her parents exchanged behind her.

“Gennifer’s allergic to mangoes?” Frieda asked, sinking down beside Hanley.

Hanley shot her a sideways glance, pausing as his gaze lingered on the spot beside her.

He returned his attention to his tablet. “You’re just now finding out? What kind of mother are you?”

There was a pointed edge to his words.

Frieda felt a wave of frustration and defensiveness.

“You’re allergic, so we never have mangoes in the house. How was I supposed to know Gennifer is, too?” she shot back, her voice tight.

Hanley’s finger stilled on the tablet screen, jaw clenched in annoyance. “Well, you know now. That’s what matters, isn’t it?”