Chapter 155

At that moment, in the gardens, Cassian held Anastasia’s hand as they strolled beneath the covered walkway decorated with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Fireworks burst across the night sky, illuminating Anastasia’s delicate profile in the colorful glow.

“What are you thinking about? You seem lost in thought,” Cassian asked softly.

Anastasia shook her head with a smile. “I was just thinking how special this Christmas Eve feels.”

Cassian stopped walking and cupped her face in his hands, his dark eyes particularly tender in the moonlight. “Mrs. Rhodes, remember this – with me here, every Christmas Eve will be special.”

Suddenly Cassian glanced at his watch, then started counting down. “Five… four… three… two… one…”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead softly. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Rhodes.”

His voice was rich and magnetic.

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Rhodes,” Anastasia replied tenderly.

They embraced as brilliant fireworks exploded overhead, more spectacular and beautiful than any previous year.

Then Cassian’s deep voice whispered in her ear, “My Christmas wish is for Mrs. Rhodes to be safe and happy, healthy and well, for everything to go smoothly, and for your career to flourish.”

Still wrapped in each other’s arms, Anastasia instinctively put her arms around his neck, their bodies pressed close together. She was deeply moved by his wish – everything he’d asked for was about her.

So Anastasia whispered back, “I wish for Mr. Rhodes to have success in all things, to stay safe and healthy, and for your career to reach even greater heights.”

In that moment, they seemed to have eyes only for each other.