Cassia smiled softly and accepted the gift from Damien.
He had been a constant presence in her life for the past five years, steady, kind, always there for both her and Arthur.
There were days he watched Arthur when she was working late at the hospital. Other times, he would show up with meals or flowers, expecting nothing in return.
She admired him deeply.
“Thank you for the jewelry,” she said, voice quiet but sincere. “I’ll wear it to the event.”
Damien’s hand reached out, gently wrapping around hers. His touch was warm, comforting, familiar, but it made her heart stutter.
“You know I’d do anything for you, Cassia,” he said, voice low.
A cold shiver ran down her spine. Her heart picked up speed. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or something else entirely, but a strange current pa
