Burned Once, Never Again (Niamh and Castiel)

The rain fell softly, and the water level of the strear by the side of the villa had risen. Niamh sat in the piano room. The sound of the piano intertwined with the gentle flow of the stream. ain but

Seated behind the plano, Niamh's long, silky hair, was so captivating that Castiel couldn't help be entranced while standing outside the door.

Suddenly, the piano sounds stopped.

Niamh had seen him. She asked gently. "When did you come back?"

"Ten minutes ago." Castiel walked in with steady steps, still wearing the same clothes and shoes he had left in when he went away days ago. This could only mean that he had been by Macy's side all these days. His handsome, deep eyes looked somewhat tired at that moment.

As Castiel walked over and stood beside Niamh, he noticed that her expression remained stoic without a hint of emotion.

She asked quietly, "Have you seen those things in the main hall downstairs?"

"Why didn't you have someone take care of them? Castiel asked.

"Aren't you curious who sent them?" Niamh didn't answer his question but responded with one of

her own.

A cold glint flashed in Castiel's eyes. He had no idea who had dared to pull such a stunt when he was away. It was bad enough online, but to send something so threatening directly to their home. was out of line.

Niamh was timid by nature. Ever since the online gossip started, he had been waiting for her to call him. She was behaving rather out of character in recent days.

Castiel wanted her to understand that no matter what happened, he was her only refuge of pillar of support. In times like these, she had no one else to turn to but him,

Unfortunately, he was left disappointed because Niamh never called.

He looked at the petite figure in front of him intently. His gaze gradually turned into one of displeasure. "Do you know who did it, then?"

"I don't, but I've already reported it to the police," Niamh responded.

"The police?" A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

When something like this happened, her first reaction wasn't to seek his help but to call the police!

Castiel felt a dull ache in his heart..

There was a fleeting sense of panic on his face as he grabbed Niamh's slender arm and pulled her up from the piano bench. His grip was so strong that Niamh winced in pain. Castiel noticed this and loosened his grip slightly. "What did the police say?"

"They need some time to investigate," Niamh replied.

"Why didn't you call me?" Castiel questioned.

In the past, no matter what happened, she would always call him first. But this time...

Niamh raised her head to look at him, and her hand reached up to caress his face reflexively. However, the skin that came into contact was not smooth like before. The stubble on his face pricked her fingers like needles. Niamh smiled at the sensation. "You've been busy these past few days, haven't you? You didn't even have time to shave. What have you been so busy with?" she asked pointedly, knowing very well what he'd been up to.

Castiel's body stiffened instantly.

He had been constantly busy and working with the medical team over the past few days. Macy's cornea was damaged, and her legs too. Every second mattered, and he couldn't afford to waste any time.

He was a medical graduate himself, so he knew how crucial time was for a patient at this stage. A slight delay could lead to Macy losing her sight forever and never being able to walk again.

Niamh took in his hesitation and withdrew her hand. "You see. You have someone else other than me to protect now."

Castiel called her name helplessly. "Niamh..."

Niamh sat back down and didn't say another word. The cold, distant air that she exuded kept Castiel from uttering what he had intended to say Every time they got into a fight, Niamh would react in this way. The only solution was to let her cool down first. This time was no different.

"It seems you still haven't calmed down these past few days." Castiel's tone became frosty. He had been so exhausted these days that he didn't have the energy to coax Niamh when she found fault with him.

Niamh could tell he was losing patience. He must have been tired from dealing with another woman outside. Now that he was home, he didn't have any patience left to deal with her.

"Billie has already submitted the papers. The hearing will be held soon. You should take this time to think it over."

Upon hearing this, Castiel's already irritable mood flared up. Never had he expected that

something as harsh as divorce would happen to his marriage.

"Are you serious about this? Castiel had dismissed her earlier mentions of this matter as mere tantrums.

At that moment, he finally realized that she was determined to see it through.

Niamh replied, "Yes."

Castiel looked down at her as anger surged through his regal stature.