Burned Once, Never Again (Niamh and Castiel)

Chapter

36

After Niamh returned, she received a call from Simon. During the call, Niamh told him she wouldn't be returning to Schymia for the time being but that she wouldn't be idle either. She planned to open a studio based on her expertise. Simon agreed to support her right away.

During the years she was married to Castiel, he had never let her work. In fact, he shaped her into a submissive, full-time housewife. Her life revolved around managing her relationship with her mother-in-law and trivial family matters. Everyone envied her for marrying Castiel and assumed that she lived a pampered life of luxury. But only those who had gone down the path knew the real struggle of being a full-time wife in a wealthy family.

Being the wife of a man from an affluent family actually posed even more challenges than when one married into an ordinary household.

With Simon's support, Niamh's new start would be much smoother.

That evening, when Billie returned home, she found Niamh holding Ginger in one hand and drawing something on a piece of paper with the other.

Billie smiled as she approached. "I was worried you wouldn't be able to survive after divorcing Castiel, but it looks like I don't have to worry at all.

"It's not the end of the world when one leaves their husband," Niamh said as she rolled her eyes at Billie.

It was as if Billie thought she had become useless after marrying Castiel. But in reality, Castiel had indeed deliberately shaped her into someone who was fully dependent on him.

Over the years, what had she done other than try to please the Jamison family? Fortunately, now that she was about to leave him, she could still rely on her own skills and could hold her drawing pen steadily. "You're right," Billie said with a chuckle. "I'm just impressed."This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Niamh responded, "Dinner's ready. It's in the pot."

*Oh? You can cook for yourself now? Not bad!" Billie complimented.

Niamh felt a pang of sadness at that.

"It wasn't like I didn't need to do anything at all when I lived with the Jamisons," she said. When Renee wasn't around, she had some peace. But whenever they went to Jamison Manor, she would hide in the kitchen. Billie set down her bag and changed into home clothes. "If you need help, just let me know. I've got money and potential clients."

Niamh's hand movement froze. She looked at Billie her eyes filled with gratitude.

"Billie, I don't know what I'd do without you." She was thankful to have Billie by her side. Without

Chopy Chapter 30

her, she wasn't sure how she would've gotten through all this.

The goss/

in Greenburg hadn't affected her much, but the fight with Castiel had left a thorn in her side that wouldn't go away.

At the hospital, Renee had woken up. Macy and Sienna were both present, as was Castiel.

Renee propped herself up in bed and glanced at Macy. She said coldly, "Tell this woman to get out.

She tried to remain poised in front of others, but her tone made it clear that she didn't want Macy there.

Macy's expression faltered. She turned her head toward Castiel. Her eyes were hidden beneath bandages, but her expression was clearly one of hurt.

She had only visited when Renee was unconscious. Now that Renee was awake, she made her disdain for Macy known to others.

Castiel's expression darkened in response.

"Lucian," he called out.

"Yes, Mr. Jamison."

"Escort Ms. Duncan back."

"Of course." Lucian stepped forward and took hold of Macy's wheelchair. "Ms. Duncan, I'll be taking you back to your room."

"Thank you," Macy said softly, her voice filled with sadness.

She knew that her vulnerability in that moment would stir a man's protective instincts. Sure enough, as Castiel glanced at Renee, his expression grew even more somber.

With Macy gone, Sienna stepped forward. "Now that Mom's awake, let's talk about the matter carefully. She can't take any more stress."