Page 19 of Neptune

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CASSIE

A fter 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.

"Hi, guys." I smile.

"How's life so far?" Oscar asks, a hint of concern mixed with curiosity in his voice. "Wait, is that a Steinway over there?"

His eyes zoom in on the baby grand piano behind me.

I nod, signaling that he's right. "Yeah. I'm in my music room." I move my phone so that they can see my surroundings clearer.

"That's a nice room you got there, Cassie," Peter says.

"And a nice garden," Oscar adds.

I can't disagree with them. Luke was quite generous this time, having all of this prepared for me, although I still find it funny that he coincidentally has gerbera daisies in his garden. My favorite flower.

"Darlin', you look pale." Paul is the only one commenting on my appearance rather than my surroundings.

I laugh at the horrified look on Paul's face. "I know. I was a bit dizzy yesterday." I don't want to tell them the reason why I was sick because I don't want to make them worried.

"Well, I hope that you've gotten better now." Oscar sighs, a small smile on his lips. "We couldn't be there for you, but I'm glad that Luke showered you with nice things there to keep you company," he says. "I mean, you must be enjoying that pretty Steinway."

"And those beautiful colorful daisies," Peter adds.

"And, oh my God, Luke's abs," Paul gasps.

An awkward silence falls after Paul suddenly blurts out his statement. I want to laugh in disbelief. They don't know that Luke and I aren't sharing the same bedroom.

"Anyway, we're calling to tell you that Jamie is inviting you to his car ride," Oscar changes the topic.

"Jamie Cohen?" I echo .

I know him quite well. I've been on his car ride once. It's a show where he invites singers to sing with him in his car while he drives them around the town.

"Yes," Oscar says. "He contacted us about this idea. He can't wait to see you again after your wedding. He would be very glad if you could visit his studio in New York tomorrow."

Well, I wouldn't mind doing that little karaoke again. It's fun, anyway. Jamie is a really funny guy.

"But, there's just one thing we should inform you about, and you don't have to do it if you don't want to," Oscar pauses, sounding hesitant, which makes me curious. "Jamie is inviting Jude too for the same car ride, so it's going to be the three of you."

I'm still trying to process the information in my brain. What? Jamie is inviting my ex-boyfriend too? But why?

"I don't know which one of them initiated it, but Jamie thinks that bringing you two on his show will be good for both you and Jude," Oscar says. "You know, to eliminate the hate among your fans, since they've been fighting on social media."

That's right. My fans and Jude's fans don't get along, like enemies. It's not rare to find Jude's fans spreading hate on me, and mine on him.

"Honestly, I do think that it's a good idea," Oscar says. "And you're married now. Your story with Jude is closed, since you're starting a new life with Luke. You and Jude just have to show the world that you're good with each other—no hard feelings—to clear the misunderstanding among your fans."

I'm deep in thought. This idea is pretty convincing. I want what's best for us. The question is, am I ready to face Jude again?

"But I'll have to ask you first, Cassie, whether you're ready to do this or not." Oscar's voice is filled with concern.

I'm silent for a while.

"Is Jude okay with this idea?" My voice is small.

"Yes, he is," Oscar says. "In fact, Jude and Jamie had a deal first before Jamie approached me. "

I bite my lower lip. If I decline this offer, I'll just give Jude the impression that I haven't moved on.

I have. Haven't I? Why should I say no to an idea that is good for both of us?

"I'll do it," I say.

Oscar sighs. "Well then, if you say so, we'll arrange everything. Jamie may text you soon."

"Okay."

"Cassie," Oscar starts. "I'm sorry that we won't be there with you, because—you know—we're on the other side of the country.

But Mike will be there. As promised, and as Luke has allowed, Mike will guard you when you go to work.

I think he's still on his flight now and will be landing soon. He'll drop you a message."

"Noted," I say.

"And last but not least," Oscar says, "I think that you should tell Luke about this. Surely, you don't want him to figure it out when it gets aired on TV, do you? Even though it's perfectly fine and there's nothing wrong with it, he's, after all, your husband."

I want to scoff from hearing what Oscar says. This reminds me of our argument during dinner two days ago. This is exactly what Luke wants—me reporting to him about everything and asking for his permission before doing anything.

That sucks. I still haven't forgotten how he invited Jude to our wedding without telling me first.

"I'll find a way about it," I say to Oscar, and he sighs.

"Okay then, we're gonna catch up again soon," Oscar says. "Please take care over there and send my regards to Luke."

"Bye, Cassie!" Paul and Peter exclaim, waving at me, all smiles.

"Bye, guys." I smile back and hang up the call.

A sigh leaves my lips, and somehow, my heart beats faster.

I'm going to see Jude again tomorrow.