Burned Once, Never Again (Niamh and Castiel)

On the private jet, Niamh lay on the couch in pain, surrounded by a doctor and a nurse.

Two hours earlier, Castiel had stormed into Simon's company, fully prepared. He had even gotten into a physical altercation with Simon. Niamh took the punch that was meant for Simon, and Castiel hadn't been able to pull back in time. Simon had been furious and looked like he was ready to kill Castiel. However, Castiel's men swiftly intervened and prevented any further escalation. Amidst the chaos, Niamh was forcibly taken and rushed straight to the airport. Since boarding the plane, neither Niamh nor Castiel had spoken a word. Castiel sat by the window, downing glass after glass of whiskey. The atmosphere was unbearably icy and unpleasant.

"How are you feeling now?" the doctor asked cautiously.

Niamh had dislocated her shoulder from the blow. He had managed to put the bone back into its socket. Still, the pain was excruciating, and she couldn't move her right arm.

Lucian approached, feeling somewhat awkward about the situation. In a low voice, he said, "Mrs. Jamison, we've been looking for you all this time.

Niamh said nothing and remained silent on the couch.

There was nothing left to say between her and Castiel. After months of waiting, Castiel still hadn't signed the divorce papers. She wanted to do something about it, but Billie didn't allow it and said she would handle everything. Niamh found it ironic that Castiel was looking for her.

Lucian didn't know what else to say since Niamh was silent and didn't intend to respond. From the other side of the plane, Castiel's voice rang out. "Lucian, come here."

"Okay." Lucian shot Niamh a meaningful look before nervously walking over to Castiel. With the tension between the two of them, no one working for them had been having an easy time.

Castiel, who was drunk, staggered toward Niamh in unsteady steps. He reeked of alcohol as he leaned in and asked in a bitter tone, "When did you start seeing him?"

Niamh didn't respond and stared back at him in surprise. It seemed that he had no idea about her relationship with Simon but had jumped to the worst conclusions. Their positions were completely reversed. It reminded her of the time when she had first woken up and questioned him in the same way.

Before she could speak, Castiel bellowed angrily, "How could you be so shameless? That man is old enough to be your father!"

Castiel was furious, and his anger grew with every word. He grabbed Niamh and pulled her close. They were so close that their breaths mingled in the tense air. Niamh turned her head away, refusing to talk to him.

"Look at me! Say something..." Castiel's rage deepened at the

Chapter

irrationality.

All he could see in his mind was the image of that man pulling Niamh behind him protectively and calling her name affectionately.

He was also reminded of the way Niamh used to present herself in public events with him from

she had her arm linked with the man's in the foreign news reports. She had that same gentle and graceful smile.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

the way

Niamh refused to meet his gaze.

Despite her outward calm, she was scared of Castiel in moments like these. The pain in her arm made her face pale, and large beads of sweat dripped from her forehead.

Still, she didn't make a sound. Her stubbornness didn't allow her to show any weakness in front of him. She had been this strong-willed once upon a time. But after being with him, all the strength and determination she once had was reduced to nothing. But now...

"Ugh!" Niamh couldn't help but let out a groan as Castiel threw her onto the couch. It sent a sharp, unbearable pain shooting through her right arm.

"I thought you were incapable of feeling pain," he remarked coldly, watching the sweat drip from her forehead.

Niamh remained silent. She was determined not to say another word to him. Once, she had been filled with despair. Her silence then fully reflected that hopelessness she had once felt.

When the plane landed, Castiel threw Niamh over his shoulder and carried her like she weighed nothing. Niamh knew she couldn't escape, so she didn't resist.

When they arrived at Maplewood, Tilda and Arnold were already waiting outside.

"Mrs. Jamison, you've finally come home," Tilda said, approaching Niamh with concern.

Everything about the place was so familiar. Niamh had lived here for several years, and Tilda had always treated her kindly. However, Niamh's heart had turned cold toward everyone around Castiel. She despised this place from the bottom of her heart.