Burned Once, Never Again (Niamh and Castiel)

Just as Castiel was about to lose his temper, there came a knock on the door.

Arnold reported, "Mr. Jamison, Mr. Locke is here."

"Have him wait in the study."

When Niamh heard that Seth Locke had arrived, her expression turned somber.

Seth was Castiel's best friend. He owned a detective agency. As long as one had money, there was nothing he couldn't dig up. Countless wives of wealthy men had sought him out to gather evidence of their husbands' Infidelity.

As for her... She knew very well what Seth had brought for Castiel today. It was that very

information that would push Castiel's feelings for her to a point of no return.

Castiel looked at her and enunciated each word pointedly. "If you ever dare mention divorce again, I'll make sure you'll regret it."

After saying that, Castiel turned and walked out.

Niamh watched his retreating figure and closed her eyes. Just as he stepped out the door, Niamh couldn't resist and called out, "Wait.

"What else do you want to say?"

"Between the two of us, how much trust or faith do you still have in me?"

To Niamh, this was a foolish question. Nevertheless, she asked it anyway.

Even if she had to live through it all again, she was still afraid. She had already experienced a devastating end in her previous life, but at this moment, she still felt the same-afraid and helpless. Niamh was still terrified at the thought of her relationship with Castiel becoming utterly ruined.

The thought of his trust in her being reduced to nothingness left her feeling powerless.

Castiel turned to look at her. When their eyes met, Niamh stared back at him greedily, wanting to imprint the last bit of certainty in his eyes deep into her memory.

"I've always trusted you."

And with that, Castiel left and went to the study to see Seth.

Niamh stood there for a long, long time without moving a single step. How she wished time could freeze at this moment. How perfect it would be if this could be their ending.

Sadly, what was meant to happen would still happen.

Meanwhile, in the VIP room of the hospital, Macy lay in bed, all wrapped up like a mummy. Her eyes were covered in layers of bandages. The state she was in evoked deep sympathy and pity. In the room, there was another person-Sienna.

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Sienna's eyes were filled with malice. "I've underestimated her. I didn't think that even in death, she would try to take me down with her."

She had initially thought that she would be able to send Niamh to prison without a hitch.

Who would've guessed that Niamh's friend had such a powerful backing? The very next day, that friend of hers had managed to get her out. However, Sienna herself ended up being detained for several days.

Even her once-doting mother didn't have time for her due to the Jamison family being embroiled in public scandals. Moreover, Castiel's entire focus was on Macy's legs and eyes..

Sienna tried every trick in her book to get herself freed. She almost ruined her chances of executing her plan.

Macy, who was on the hospital bed, no longer looked as composed and graceful as she usually did in public. Her tone was grim as she asked, "Have you taken care of everything that needs your attention?" "Yes, don't worry. Everything has been dealt with. My brother has probably seen what he needed to see by now," Sienna replied confidently.

With this assurance, Macy breathed a sigh of relief.

These past few days, Sienna had been under investigation, So, Macy had clung desperately to Castiel, afraid that he would discover things he wasn't supposed to know.

Castiel was very intelligent. Therefore, even the slightest flaw would arouse his suspicions. Fortunately, everything proceeded smoothly.

Sienna glanced at Macy. "You didn't slip up on your end, did you?"

"No, I've taken care of everything at the hospital well in advance."

"Good. When my brother divorces that woman, your mission will be complete. After that, you can leave the country and never return."

A glint of smugness flashed in Sienna's eyes, along with a sense of triumph. However, she didn't notice that as her words fell, Macy's hands balled into tight fists.

Sienna continued cluelessly, "Don't worry. I'll keep my word. When you go abroad, you can live a carefree and lavish life free of worries."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Back at Maplewood, when Castiel returned to the piano room, Niamh was still standing where he had left her. The wind had tousled her long hair, making her appear even more fragile. Castiel glared at her. The warmth in his eyes had completely vanished. In its place was cold malice.

"Niamh," he called out icily,

In response, Niamh turned to look at him. Like him, there was no warmth left in her eyes too. Castiel observed her expressionless face for a moment. Then, he strode forward and threw a Chap 17

thick stack of A4 papers harshly at her. "I am utterly disappointed in you."