Chapter 25. Conflicted Feelings II

Cassian

As I woke up, my first thought was about the time. The clock showed 6:58 a...I had slept an hour later than usual. Memories from yesterday flooded back. I was now married, and the decorations in the room were a reminder of that. Panic set in briefly when I realized Seraphina wasn't beside me. I had moved her from the floor to the bed during the night, creating some distance between us. She must have already gone downstairs since the bedroom door was partially open.

Without much thought, I took a shower and got dressed in a white formal shirt and gray formal pants. I needed to go back to work after spending so much time on the wedding. Despite the expected objections from my mother, I was determined to convince her. Once ready, I went downstairs.

In the living room, my mother, father, and brother Noah were having a discussion. "Good morning," I greeted, kissing my mom's cheek. "I've never seen you sleep in this late," my mo