Chapter 30 Rumours and Gossips #2
Cassian lowered his gaze to where her hand rested on him. The tension in his expression eased slightly, but not completely.
"No," he said quietly.
Juliet frowned. "Then what is it?"
For a moment, he remained silent.
For a man who could negotiate billion-dollar deals without blinking, Cassian suddenly looked strangely uncertain.
"There is a charity auction in two days," he finally said.
Juliet blinked. "Okay?"
"It's being hosted by my parents."
She waited for him to continue.
Cassian's jaw tightened. "I want you to come with me."
The words came out lower than usual, almost cautious.
Juliet stared at him in confusion.
"Of course I'll go."
Cassian remained silent.
Juliet tilted her head. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You'll go?" he asked, as if he couldn't quite believe it.
She let out a small laugh. "Cassian, why wouldn't I?"
For several seconds, he simply stared at her.
Then something bright flashed in his eyes.
Before Juliet could react, Cassian suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist and effortlessly lifted her into his arms.
"Cassian!" she squealed in surprise.
A deep laugh escaped him as he stood and spun her around in the middle of the living room.
Juliet burst into laughter, instinctively clutching his shoulders as the room blurred around her.
"Cassian! Put me down!"
"Say it again," he demanded, his eyes gleaming with unmistakable happiness.
"What?"
"That you'll go with me."
Juliet laughed helplessly. "I'll go with you."
He spun her once more before finally setting her down gently on her feet.
The moment her shoes touched the floor, Cassian reached into the pocket of his trousers.
Juliet watched him curiously.
Without a word, he pulled out a small velvet box.
Her eyes widened.
Cassian opened it, revealing an exquisite diamond ring that sparkled beneath the warm light.
Juliet looked up at him in surprise.
"Cassian..."
He took her left hand into his, his large fingers surprisingly steady despite the tension in his expression.
"I don't want to introduce you as my girlfriend," he said, his voice low and serious. "I want to introduce you as my fiancée."
Juliet's breath caught.
Cassian held her gaze, his dark eyes filled with an emotion so intense it made her heart race.
"I know we haven't been together for very long," he continued. "But I've never been more certain about anything in my life. You're the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with."
He slid the ring gently onto her finger.
"It doesn't have to be an official engagement right away if you're not ready," he said softly, his thumb brushing over the sparkling diamond. "But I want everyone to know that you're mine, and that one day, you'll be my wife."
Juliet lowered her gaze to the ring resting on her finger. The diamond caught the warm glow of the living room lights, scattering tiny flecks of light across her trembling hand.
When she looked back at him, her eyes were already shining with unshed tears.
"You really thought I would refuse to go with you?" she whispered.
Cassian lifted a hand and gently tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her cheek, caressing her soft skin.
"You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say you'll be mine," he admitted quietly, his voice rough with emotion.
"I was afraid you weren't ready for something this big yet.
" He let out a soft breath, his forehead resting briefly against hers.
"And you know I'd never force you into anything.
I was just..." He paused, a faint smile touching his lips. "Worried."
Juliet's heart squeezed painfully at the vulnerability in his voice.
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck and moved closer until there wasn't even an inch separating them.
"My answer is yes," she whispered softly, looking straight into his eyes. "I'll be your fiancée."
For a moment, Cassian simply stared at her.
Then the relief and joy that swept across his face stole her breath away.
He pulled her into his arms so suddenly that she let out a startled laugh, but it quickly dissolved into a soft gasp when he buried his face in the crook of her neck, holding her tightly against his chest.
"You have no idea how happy you've just made me," he murmured against her skin.
Juliet smiled and threaded her fingers through his dark hair.
"I think I do."
Cassian pulled back just enough to look at her. His dark eyes slowly traveled across her face, lingering on her lips.
"Best decision you've ever made, sweetheart," he said huskily.
Juliet laughed softly.
She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips only widened.
Cassian cupped her face with both hands and kissed her.
The kiss was slow and tender at first, filled with all the emotions neither of them could put into words. Juliet immediately melted against him, rising onto her toes as she kissed him back.
Cassian deepened the kiss, one arm sliding around her waist and pulling her flush against him. Juliet's fingers tightened in his hair as she lost herself in him, the world around them fading away completely.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them slightly breathless, Cassian rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you," he said quietly.
Juliet smiled, her fingers brushing over the ring on her hand.
"I love you too."
For the first time that evening, every trace of tension disappeared from Cassian's face, replaced only by contentment as he gathered her back into his arms.
***
The annual charity auction hosted by Han Industries was one of the most prestigious events in the city.
Tonight, the grand ballroom of the Imperial Crown Hotel had been transformed into a breathtaking display of wealth and power.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm golden glow across the vast hall, illuminating the polished floors and lavish decorations.
Round tables draped in white silk filled the room, each centerpiece adorned with rare flowers flown in from overseas.
A raised stage stood at the front of the ballroom where the auction would soon begin, while enormous screens displayed the Han Industries logo behind it.
The city's elite had gathered in full force.
Billionaires, politicians, celebrities, and powerful business figures moved through the crowded hall, champagne glasses in hand as they engaged in quiet conversations and strategic networking.
Soft classical music drifted through the ballroom while photographers stationed near the entrance captured every notable arrival.
When Vincent Jacobs entered the venue with Alexa on his arm, their arrival immediately drew attention.
Whispers spread through the crowd almost instantly.
Alexa had clearly dressed to be noticed.
She wore a figure-hugging crimson gown that left very little to the imagination.
The neckline dipped dangerously low, revealing ample cleavage, while dramatic cutouts along both sides exposed smooth skin from beneath her ribs to the curve of her waist. The shimmering fabric wrapped around her body so tightly that it almost looked as though the dress was being held together by nothing more than a few delicate strips of material.