Neptune

Chapter 21 | The Invitation

After I wake up the next day, I find Aiden and Luke in the dining room, already dressed to go to school and work. The maids are preparing our breakfast, and I take a seat beside Aiden again. Just like before, the boy beams when he sees me.

"Good morning." He smiles.

"Good morning, sweetheart." I give him a warm smile, my voice tender.

He grins, but then his brows furrow. "Are you feeling better now? Aren't you sick?" Worry skates all over his face.

I sigh, shaking my head. "Not anymore. I'm much better now." I'm saying the truth-he already brightens my morning.

"Aiden couldn't sleep last night until I told him that you had your dinner," Luke says in an irritated tone without looking at us, putting butter on his toast.

Guilt washes over me. I feel sorry for making Aiden worried-I didn't deserve it. We start eating our breakfast, and I decide to warm up to the kid.

"So, how's school going?" I ask in a cheerful tone. "Anything fun?"

Aiden nods, munching a slice of beef that he just stuffed into his mouth. "A lot. I love school." He grins again.

I raise my brows, enjoying his bubbly response. "What's your favorite subject?"

"Art," he answers in a heartbeat.

A soft smile touches my lips. Of course. He has demonstrated such a promising talent with his painting.

"I'm really excited about my next music class too," he says, his voice filled with excitement.

My smile widens too. "I'm really happy to hear that."

As he continues eating his bread, I notice that he's suddenly deep in thought.

He looks reluctant before saying, "I heard that the music teacher will give us a challenging assignment soon," he falters before turning to me with a hopeful expression. "If that happens, will you help me with that?"

Another tender smile touches my lips. I cup his cheek. "Of course. I would love to do that."

My answer makes Aiden's face brighten, his smile wide from ear to ear. We continue chatting animatedly during the rest of our breakfast time, involuntarily leaving Luke out of the picture.

However, Luke doesn't seem to have any problem with that.

When it's time for them to go, Aiden slings his backpack across his shoulders and waves at me with enthusiasm. "Bye, Cassie!"

I laugh at his adorable gesture, waving back at him, watching them go. He's such a little light.

*

My eyes scan the shelves in the music room. My old music books, sheets and folders have been neatly arranged, but it's not what's drawing my attention.

I haven't checked the other items on the shelves, and now that I'm finally doing it, I'm quite amazed. Many records from various musicians stand on the shelves. The music genres displayed here are broad, and I must admit that Luke has great taste.

I pick a CD containing the old tracks of one of my favorite artists who inspired me to play guitar. Michelle Branch. While my eyes are scanning the titles of her tracks, my phone rings. I put the CD back on the shelf and take my phone out of my sweatpants pocket.

Oscar's name is on the screen, and I pick up the video call.

"Cassie!" three voices greet me.

I can see Oscar, Peter and Paul sitting in Oscar's office. They all look delighted to see me.