Chapter 78
Rachel’s heart started racing, and her coffee cup trembled slightly in her hands.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but her coworkers‘ words kept echoing in her head.
“Sonia… Cassian rushed to the hospital immediately…”
Rachel was distracted and out of it for the rest of the day.
After work, she drove straight home.
Thank God Cassian was already back.
The moment she walked through the door, she was hit with the amazing smell of home cooking. Rachel paused, surprised.
Soon she saw Cassian’s tall figure emerging from the kitchen.
“You’re home? Perfect timing. The mushroom risotto is almost ready–it’s really good for you. Make sure you have plenty.”
Rachel nodded. “Sounds great. Thanks for cooking.”
“I’m just finishing up the grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. Go relax and watch some TV–I’ll be done in a few minutes.”
With that, Cassian headed back into the kitchen.
Standing in the doorway, watching Cassian’s busy figure, Rachel felt this complicated mix of emotions.
Was he trying to butter her up?
Feeling guilty about what happened today?
Rachel quickly shook off those thoughts. What was she even thinking?
She walked to the kitchen doorway and leaned against the frame. “Need any help?”
Cassian was washing lettuce and some water had splashed onto his shirt. That’s when he realized he’d forgotten to put on an apron.
“Actually, could you help me tie this apron on?”
Rachel froze for a second, then walked into the kitchen, grabbed the apron from the hook, and moved behind Cassian. Her fingers lightly circled his waist, and she could feel her face and ears turning red.
Cassian had this amazing build–broad shoulders, perfect posture. Standing behind him, Rachel could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
Her face got even hotter.
“There you go.” Rachel couldn’t help but take a deep breath as she tied the strings behind his back.
Cassian turned his head and smiled at her. “Thanks. Go chill out–I’m almost done here.”
Rachel nodded and mumbled “okay” before retreating from the kitchen.
Sitting on the couch, she couldn’t help but steal glances toward the kitchen, watching that familiar silhouette moving around.
Cassian really was the total package–gorgeous, came from money, and was incredibly capable in his own right.
Honestly, Rachel still didn’t understand why he’d agreed to marry her.
If Sonia was the woman he really loved, why hadn’t they gotten married?
Were they having some kind of fight? Was Cassian using her as a shield?
Rachel’s thoughts started spiraling out of control.
But seeing Cassian personally cooking for her, she couldn’t help feeling touched.
During all those years with Jasper, she’d been the one doing all the giving.
Even when she was sick with a fever, Jasper wouldn’t even bring her a glass of water, let alone cook anything.
He’d just tell her to go see a doctor and drink more fluids.
All talk, no action.
The contrast really drove the point home.
Rachel was starting to get addicted to being treated like this.
She realized she was getting way too invested and needed to snap out of it.
She quickly turned on the TV, making sure to keep the volume low so she wouldn’t disturb him.
But by sheer bad luck, the entertainment news was on, covering Sonia’s return and the airport incident.
On the screen, Rachel saw Sonia’s delicate, beautiful face. She was wearing this simple but elegant trench coat with a gentle smile.
Despite getting hurt in the incident, she still looked absolutely stunning.
The footage switched to scenes from the hospital, showing some chaos.
Then when the camera cut to Cassian, Rachel’s heart sank.
Cassian was wearing a perfectly tailored suit, looking serious and focused as he quickly walked toward the hospital’s VIP wing.
