Cassian was gone when she woke up. Arielle turned her head slowly, eyes falling on the empty space beside her. No note. No text. Not even a scent of him left on the sheets.
Still, a faint smile touched her lips. She pulled the blanket closer and stared at the ceiling, replaying every moment of the night before. His touch, his kisses, the way his eyes met hers, it had been intense. For a few hours, it felt like they were back to how things used to be. Before Tessa. Before everything fell apart.
"Maybe this time, I'll get pregnant," she whispered, resting her hand over her stomach.
It was a foolish hope, she knew. But it was the hope that kept her going. With a small sigh, Arielle sat up, brushing the strands of hair from her face. Her eyes landed on her bag, and a sudden thought hit her.
Monday. Her new job. She was finally returning to the classroom, even if it was just a substitute teaching role in a public school. It was not the dream she once had, but it was a start. A way to get her life moving again. A way to find something beyond Cassian and the pain he had left behind.
She stood and walked to the bathroom, forcing herself into a simple routine, shower, brush, light makeup. When she looked in the mirror, she looked… tired. But alive.
Better than nothing. She dialed her best friend's number as she got dressed.
"Venessa, are you free today? Come with me to the mall. I need school supplies, and maybe a bit of distraction."
Venessa didn't hesitate. "I'll meet you there. But Seraphina, if this is another pity party or update about that one-year deal, I swear…"
Arielle laughed quietly. "I promise. No drama."
It was a lie. Venessa would read right through her. Because Arielle still couldn't stop the thoughts. The images of Cassian and Tessa invaded her mind like poison, smiling at each other in cafes, holding hands in secret places, kissing with the same lips that once whispered forever into her ears.
She hated how often she wondered; Does he touch her the same way? Say the same things? Make love to her like he did with me?
If she stayed home, those thoughts would eat her alive. She needed noise. Movement. Anything to drown them out. But deep inside, she also needed one thing more than anything else; A win.
Even if it was small. Even if it was just a pregnancy. A reminder that she still had a part of Cassian no one, not even Tessa, could take from her.
She stepped out of the house that day with her head held higher than usual. It wasn't strength. It was survival. And sometimes, that was enough.
*********
Arielle tried to smile, but her heart still ached. She and her best friend, Venessa, sat inside a quiet restaurant at the mall, sipping iced tea as they waited for their food.
"Hmmm... how's my favourite martyr doing?" Venessa teased, raising one brow as she popped a fry into her mouth.
Arielle rolled her eyes. "There you go again with your lectures."
"I'll never stop, Arielle Seraphina," Venessa said, voice sharp but caring. "Not until you finally leave that cheating husband of yours."
Arielle forced a small laugh. "You know what they say, if there's still hope, don't give up. I'll stop when there's nothing left."
Venessa leaned back, crossing her arms. "I don't know what to do with you. You actually begged Cassian for one more year? If I were you, I would've signed those annulment papers the moment he mentioned another woman. Peace, freedom, no stress, being single is a blessing!"
"You only say that because you've never been in love, not even at thirty!"
Venessa gasped, eyes wide in mock offense. "Wow. Personal attack? Okay. But I'd rather grow old single than be with someone like Cassian. That man cannot stay faithful! And with your cousin? Seriously? That shameless flirt."
Arielle let out a quiet grin. "I promised myself I'd change how he feels. I'll make him fall in love with me again, bestie."
Venessa shot her a smirk. "Spell D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E."
"Venessa!" Arielle whined. "Are you even my friend?"
"I am your real friend, Seraphina. That's why I keep telling you the truth. Cassian already told you he doesn't love you anymore. I'm scared you'll only end up more hurt the longer you stay."
Arielle looked down for a moment, then lifted her chin. "Let me do what I need to do. And for the record…" she added with a sly smile, "we slept together again last night. First time in six months."
Venessa's eyes bulged. "And you're proud of that?! Of course he agreed; he's a man! He'll take what he can get!"
"Let me have this moment, bestie."
Venessa groaned but gave in. "Fine. It's your life. But remember what I said, leave him before it's too late. You're beautiful, Seraphina. Even prettier than that homewrecker cousin of yours. You just gained a little weight…"
"Hey! Chubby but still yummy!" Arielle joked, pointing at herself with a grin.
Venessa laughed. "Okay, okay, confident queen!"
But her laughter stopped when she glanced toward the entrance.
Her smile dropped. "Well… well… well… speaking of the devil."
Arielle turned quickly, and her stomach flipped.
Cassian and Tessa had just walked into the restaurant. He had one arm around her shoulders like it was the most normal thing in the world. He looked relaxed and comfortable. He even pulled out a chair for her and helped her sit, like a perfect gentleman.
Arielle's hands clenched in her lap. Her throat tightened. They looked like a real couple.
"Don't look at them," Venessa whispered. "You're still more beautiful than your cousin. Don't give them your energy."
Arielle stared a second longer. Her chest burned. But no, she would not let them ruin her day. She stood up.
"There's nothing wrong with saying hello, right? If they can show off, so can I."
With a confident smile, she walked toward them. Venessa got up too, right beside her like a loyal soldier.
Cassian and Tessa's eyes widened the moment they saw Arielle standing in front of their table, head high, smiling like she owned the room.
"Hi, guys!" she said cheerfully. "Mind if we join you?"
Cassian looked confused, clearly caught off guard. Venessa nudged Arielle's side under the table, trying to warn her silently. But she stayed firm.
"Sister?" Tessa's voice was tight. "Um… sure. Right, Cassian?"
Arielle didn't wait for his answer. She sat down beside him like she still belonged there.
Because in her heart, she still did. And this time, she wasn't going to play weak anymore.