It had been a week, and I tried my best to feel comfortable around him like I did before. But my mind was in chaos, struggling to erase that kiss from my thoughts. We had just returned to the office from a meeting held in advance with some County Executivess. The event for the senior citizens next month was taking a lot of preparation.It was tiring to keep standing, giving files to each member, handing out snacks. I wouldn't have done it, but the Mayor ordered me to. Just as I was about to sit down at the table, the door opened and the Mayor entered, a file organizer in his arm."You need to type these documents. I need them later," he said.My feet and legs were aching, but I stood up, taking the box from him. As my fingers brushed his hand, my heart suddenly raced. I tried not to flinch, feeling that strange current pass through me every time I touched any part of him."Okay," I answered, my smile straining my jaw and cheeks. I had been smiling for half the day.I placed the box on

Cassa’s POVThe manor had an ancient exterior, but inside, it was a classic interior design, making me feel like I had been transported to the late 1500s. Julius was at my side, guiding me to the room on the left. As we passed the front lobby, I admired the large French window on the second floor that allowed light to flood in. My eyes were captivated by the chandelier hanging above the living room, its detailed artwork wrapped in gold. Was it real gold?Was my grandpa is here?Paintings adorned the walls, depicting what I assumed were their ancestors. How long had they lived in this world? It was fascinating, and I realized I had never asked that question before."It's beautiful," I muttered, gazing around in awe. Julius's warm hand clutched my arm, stopping me just as I almost walked into a door."You are bewitched by its beauty and didn't realize the door," he said in a low, deep tone, his eyes narrowing."Surely," I beamed. "I've never been in a house like this. It's amazing that

Cassa’s POV I closed my eyes tightly, biting the inside of my cheek, tasting the ironic tang of my blood. A week had passed, and I hadn't seen him since that day. I remembered how the light in his gray eyes dimmed, turning dark, his expression stern and pinched as he looked at me. Desire had evaporated, replaced by a coldness I could feel in that moment. I moved away from him, avoiding his gaze, trying to compose myself. Heavy footsteps reverberated as he stormed out and slammed the door hard. I winced. He was angry at my rejection of what we had almost done, but why did it sting me? It should have brought relief. Breathing in the cold morning air, hands gripping the window sill, I stared out at the vast garden of Montalvo Manor. I had been here once before when I was very young, memories vague, my gaze settling on the rose section of the garden where I had been yesterday with Erish. Erish, the third daughter of the Montalvo family, and we were the same age. At first, I thought she

Cassa’s POV"It's a dangerous horse. Do you want to get yourself killed?" Julius's voice deepened as he swiftly pulled me away from the imposing stallion.Erisha approached us, her brows furrowed in concern. "What happened?" she asked, her gaze shifting between me and her brother."She was about to touch Brody. He's a dangerous horse, especially to those who haven't tamed him," Julius explained sternly, casting a disapproving look my way.Erisha's mouth fell open as she glanced at Brody. "He's right, Issa. Brody is dangerous. No one should get close to him. He's killed people before, and we've barely managed to keep him under control. It's strictly forbidden to approach him."Julius realized he had gripped my wrist too tightly, and I winced slightly. "Sorry," he muttered, releasing his hold. My hand, clutching the camera tightly, relaxed with relief that it hadn't slipped from my grasp and broken.Feeling Julius's gaze burning into me, I took a deep breath before speaking, cheeks flus