The Heartbroken Luna's Choice Banish Love novel Chapter 4

Trista's POV

Cassian cut his steak with his usual steady hand. His voice was low and calm, "Everyone has their own strengths. The apprentices here are excellent chefs. Order whatever you want. Don't worry about the cost."

My heart gave a little tremor when I heard his answer.

I thought I was numb already, but that dashed hope brought a fresh wave of pain.

I nodded. The "Sure" I whispered was almost inaudible.

That tiny flame of hope that had just sparked instantly shrunk to an ember. Then cold water hit it. It gave a faint 'hiss'.

I lowered my eyes, hiding the stinging emotion.

He could bake a lemon cake with his own hands at Sacred Springs Valley. He could promise "protection" under the fire magic glow. He could make his old love and her child smile while leaning on his arm.

But for me? Learning one dessert was too much effort.

Love or not love. It was just one sentence difference.

The matcha truffles in my mouth tasted bitter now. Humiliation dropped down my throat, settling heavily in my stomach.

We sat across the table. The silence felt like a taut string. Only the city wind passed through the glass, flowing like an invisible river at our feet.

He walked over and adjusted my napkin. His movement was patient, almost perfect.

I suddenly understood something: Expensive gifts and perfect service weren't the same as caring. They were often just byproducts of good manners.

Cassian paused. He looked me over, his gaze comparing me to some memory.

Even when we fought, I used to cry, argue, or cling to him. I was never this quiet.

He raised a hand and casually tugged at his collar.

Then, I noticed his comm-stone blinking on the corner of the table. It pulsed like a heartbeat.

He glanced at it, but didn't move.

When the comm-stone buzzed a third time, I met his eyes.

The candlelight fractured in his gaze. I saw anxiety, but no impatience.

She was looking for him.

When the comm-stone vibrated a fourth time, he finally had to speak. "I have something I need to handle. I'll leave the pack driver for you. Go back soon. Don't wait up."

He stood. I stood up too.

A dull ache surged in my chest. I grabbed my bag and my comm-stone. "Go ahead. I'll get home myself."

He didn't explain. I didn't ask.

In that silence, we split onto two separate paths.

As I turned, I spaced out slightly. My shoulder bumped the waiter's tray. My bag slipped from my fingers and hit the floor.

The contents scattered. My lip gloss rolled under the table. A few sheets of paper fluttered in the lamplight.

They were the copies of the Moon Goddess Rejection Protocol I picked up from the Elder Council. Bound with a black ribbon, it looked like a silent verdict.

Cassian leaned down. I was faster. I snatched the papers into my palm before his fingers could touch them.

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