Chapter 121: Are You A Dog?
Edward's confirmation came through the line, and Caelan hung up with satisfaction. He turned to me, his expression softening. "Soon, everyone will know the truth."
I leaned back against the sofa, a frown creasing my brow. "Where is Blair now?"
Something cold flashed in Caelan's eyes. He extended his hand toward me. "Ready? Let's go judge her together."
I looked up in surprise. "Now?"
Caelan nodded, his expression grave. "It's time she answers for what she's done."
I took his outstretched hand and stood. "I'm ready."
We had barely taken two steps toward the door when my stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl of protest. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I covered my midsection. "Sorry..."
Caelan couldn't help but laugh. "Sounds like someone needs to eat first."
"I only had a bit of D—" I caught myself, my heart skipping a beat as Darrell's name nearly slipped out. "Delivery. Just a croissant and coffee this morning."
God, that was close. How could I explain Darrell bringing me breakfast?
Caelan gently guided me back to the sofa, shaking his head with affection. "Sit down and rest. I'll make something to eat." He rolled up his sleeves, exposing his strong forearms.
I smiled up at him. "Good. Please fulfill your promise from before your 'business trip.' You remember, right?"
"Of course I remember, my adorable little kitten," Caelan said. "I promised to cook for you when I returned."
After washing his hands, Caelan noticed the small bouquet of daisies on the dining table. He picked them up, examining the delicate white flowers.
"Since when did you start liking daisies?" he asked, curiosity in his voice.
My body tensed instantly, my mind racing for an explanation. "Oh, that..."
"I just thought they were cute. Bought them on impulse." I quickly changed the subject. "Need any help?"
Caelan gave me a long, searching look but didn't press the issue. "We should put them in a vase. They'll wilt soon otherwise."
I jumped up, reaching for the flowers. "No need. They're already looking a bit sad. Better to throw them away."
I hurried to the trash can and tossed the flowers, trying to appear casual while my heart hammered in my chest.
After disposing of the daisies, I leaned against the kitchen doorframe, watching Caelan's back as he worked.
"Need any help?" I asked.
He shook his head without turning around. "Almost done. You can set the table if you want."
I took out plates and silverware, arranging them on the dining table with care.
When I finished, I walked up behind Caelan and wrapped my arms around his waist. I pressed my cheek against his broad back, breathing in his scent like it was oxygen I'd been deprived of.
"I missed you so much," I whispered.
Caelan paused, setting down the spatula and covering my hands with his. "I missed you too, Sabi."
He turned to face me, taking my face in his hands. "I finally understand what they mean by 'absence makes the heart grow fonder.' Two-day apart felt like three months."
I rose on my tiptoes to kiss his chin, and he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "From now on, no secrets, no misunderstandings. Just us."
"Really?" I asked. "No more secrets you're keeping from me?"
Caelan hesitated for a split second before replying, "Of course not. You've seen and know every inch of my body. Do you need me to cut out my heart so you can examine that too?"
I smacked his arm playfully. "Get back to cooking, you."
As I watched him return to preparing our meal, I couldn't help but wonder about that momentary hesitation. Was there still something he wasn't telling me? Or was I just being paranoid after everything we'd been through?
The smell of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen as Caelan focused on stirring the pasta sauce. I leaned against the counter, watching him work, when my phone suddenly rang in my pocket. I pulled it out and froze when I saw the caller ID.
Dad.
I bit my lip, hesitating.
"It's my dad," I told Caelan, catching his attention. "I need to take this."
He nodded without missing a beat. "Go ahead. I've got this covered."
I squeezed his forearm gratefully before walking toward the living room. Taking a deep breath, I swiped to answer.
"Dad?"
My voice came out more nervous than I'd intended.
"Sable." Rodrigo's voice carried through the phone, heavy with both worry and anger. "I saw Caelan's statement."
"What exactly is going on?"
"Are you okay? Do you need me to come get you and bring you home?"
The rapid-fire questions revealed just how anxious he was.
I sank onto the sofa, rubbing my temples. "Dad, I'm fine. Really. This whole thing was just a misunderstanding."
"Blair set Caelan up," I explained patiently. "She drugged him and then staged those photos. The whole thing was orchestrated to make it look like something happened between them."
"Actually, Caelan went there specifically to gather evidence proving Blair was behind all the attacks against me."
"She's been targeting me ever since she first met me, Dad. She never stopped."
"Caelan wasn't betraying me - he was risking himself to protect me."
A grunt of acknowledgment came through the line. "I knew that Blair woman was trouble from the start. I told Caelan he should investigate her, didn't I?"
"Yes! Dad, you were so smart about that!" I couldn't help but smile. "Caelan actually started investigating her because of what you said. See? He really does take our family seriously."
Rodrigo made a dismissive sound. "Trying to butter me up won't work. He's still on probation with me."
"Dad, remember when you gave Caelan two weeks to find whoever was behind the attacks?"
"It's only been a few days, and he's already caught the mastermind."
"So I'm hoping you'll keep your word too and stop opposing our marriage."
Silence stretched across the line before my father let out a long sigh. "Sable..."
"Listen, sweetheart." His voice grew softer, more serious. "When I first agreed to this marriage, I believed Caelan truly loved you."