Chapter 56 Behind My Back
Caden’s POV
60
Finished
“Sorry. I need to take this,” Rosaline said as she pulled her phone from her pocket. She glanced at the screen, her expression unreadable, then answered.
It was Ryan.
Whatever case I had felt moments ago vanished.
I’d been about to ask her if she truly thought so little of me..
But, as if summoned by some cruel twist of fate, Ryan’s call cut me off.
Rosaline’s hands were smeared with ointment, making it awkward for her to hold the phone. She set it on the nearby table and switched on the speaker.
“Rosie, are you busy?” Ryan’s voice came through, bright and familiar.
She smiled, her tone light. “Not at all. What’s up?”
“Do I need a reason to call you?” Ryan asked, feigning offense.
“Of course not. You’re always welcome,” she replied, her hands still moving steadily as she worked on my bandage.
Ryan laughed, his tone effortlessly charming. “Are you free tonight?”
“I am. Why?” she asked, her focus seemingly split between the call and her task.
“You left early at my birthday party last time because you weren’t feeling well. We didn’t get to celebrate properly. I’ve got some free time tonight–how about dinner?” Ryan asked, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.
“Sure, sounds good.”
Her easy agreement made my chest tighten.
She didn’t even hesitate.
So she doesn’t want me because she has Ryan?
Rosaline, who always seemed so distant with me, had no trouble smiling over his every word.
I see she prefers the soft boys.
“So it’s a date! You’re the best, Rosie. Love you! I’ll pick you up at seven,” Ryan said before ending the call.
Rosaline stood, reaching for her phone, but her legs had stiffened from crouching for too long.
She stumbled, catching herself against me.
Her hand landed squarely on my injured one, sending a sharp jolt of pain through my arm.
Chapter 56 Behind My Back
“Oh no! Caden, are you alright?” she asked, her cheeks coloring as she quickly straightened.
Finished
I barely noticed the pain. My focus was on her, on the question clawing its way to the surface. “Do you like Ryan?”
Rosaline’s POV:
His question left me momentarily stunned.
Ryan? I only thought of him as a younger brother. Catlen’s question made it clear he’d misunderstood.
“He’s fine,” I said after a pause, my tone indifferent.
Who I liked or didn’t wasn’t something I owed him an explanation for.
Caden’s face darkened at once. “You forgot, didn’t you? It’s crunch time for Ice and Fire. You’ll have to stay late tonight to refine the proposal.”
I already have plans for the evening,” I said, my frustration building. “And I think the proposal is in good shape. Bruce’s already given it his stamp of approval.”
Caden stood abruptly, looming over me without warning. I’m your boss. What I say goes.”
His expression was stern, and his tone was unwavering. I had no choice but to yield. “Fine, you’re the boss. I’m just the employee. Whatever you say.”
I couldn’t help but wonder what my grandfather saw in Caden. Why was he so adamant about pushing us together? What was it about Caden that made both him and the Alpha of Eclipse Pack so eager to pair us up?
After leaving Caden’s office, I called Ryan to let him know I wouldn’t make it tonight.
Ryan sounded disappointed. “Rosie, didn’t you already agree to come? What’s changed?”
“Sorry, something came up. Let’s do it another time, I said, not bothering to explain that it was Caden’s fault. If not for him, I wouldn’t have been stuck working late.
I returned to my desk and began editing the proposal.
I had barely gotten started when Caden’s call came through again.
“Where’s the meeting minutes? I’ve been waiting for half an hour.”
By the Moon Goddess, it had only been 30 minutes, and he was already on my case again?
What was going on? Was he trying to pick a fight?
Sighing, I answered. “I’m not done yet.”
“Is this the way you work?” Caden’s voice was sharp, filled with impatience.
I took a moment to calm myself and replied, “I’ll finish the minutes and the proposal, then I’ll bring them to you together.”
“Fine, Caden said, his tone flat, still cold as ever.
20:47 Fri, 14 Mar
Counterback of the Despised Luna
