Chapter 156

They held each other for a long time, neither wanting to let go. It wasn't until Anastasia noticed a figure at a second-floor window that she finally stepped back from Cassian's embrace.

"It's getting a bit chilly. Should we head back to our room?" Anastasia suggested.

"Good idea. Let's go." Cassian nodded.

With so many family members at the estate tonight, Cassian knew Anastasia might feel uncomfortable, especially meeting Uncle Thomas and Uncle Gilbert's families for the first time. Meeting so many new relatives at once was definitely overwhelming for her.

Back in their room, Anastasia smacked her forehead. "Oh my God, I almost forgot! I got you a Christmas present – let me grab it."

Cassian smiled without saying anything. They really were on the same wavelength. He’d gotten her a gift, too.

They exchanged presents.

Anastasia pulled out an elegant velvet box from her bag, handing it to Cassian with anticipation in her eyes. "Open it up – do you like it?"

Cassian took the box, glancing at her before slowly lifting the lid. Inside was a vintage pocket watch with an intricate silver case engraved with elaborate vine patterns. When he opened it, the inside of the watch face held a tiny photograph – a candid shot of Cassian in profile from when they first met.

Cassian paused, his fingertips gently tracing the small photo, his voice husky. "When did you…"

Anastasia smiled mischievously. "I secretly cut it from a photo album last time I was organizing pictures. The watch is custom-made from Switzerland – supposedly it'll keep perfect time for a hundred years."

Cassian chuckled softly, closing the watch and holding it in his palm.

With his other hand, he pulled out a deep blue velvet jewelry box from his suit jacket. "Looks like we had the same idea."

Anastasia opened it and her breath caught. Inside was a platinum necklace with an exquisitely cut blue diamond pendant that caught the light like the depths of the ocean. On the back of the diamond, two tiny letters were engraved: C & A.

"This diamond came from an auction house – it's called 'Ocean's Tears,'" Cassian said quietly, his fingers gently brushing through her hair. "But I prefer its new name – Cassian & Anastasia."

Anastasia's eyes misted over as she clutched the necklace, suddenly standing on her tiptoes to give him a soft kiss. "Will you put it on me?"

Being cherished like this feels incredible.

Cassian's eyes darkened as he took the necklace, his fingers moving around the back of her neck, his warm breath brushing her ear. He carefully fastened the necklace around her neck. The blue diamond sparkled brilliantly under the lights. Cassian's long fingers gently played with the blue stone before letting it settle at the center of Anastasia’s delicate collarbone.

"Perfect," Cassian's voice was rougher than usual. "Like it was made for you."

Anastasia touched the diamond, then suddenly remembered something and looked up. "The auction? When did you take a business trip to Miami last week?"

Cassian laughed softly, pulling her closer. "That's exactly when. The meetings ended early, and I happened to catch a glimpse of it... The moment I saw it, I knew it belonged to you."

Anastasia was deeply touched, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed movement behind the curtains at a second-floor window.

What the hell?

Was someone watching them?

Someone had been staring at them this whole time.

"What's wrong?" Cassian noticed her distraction.

Anastasia looked away and shook her head. "Nothing."

She immediately went over and pulled their room's curtains tightly closed.

Quickly changing the subject, she asked, "So the necklace has a name now – what about my pocket watch?"

Cassian pulled the watch from his pocket, his thumb tracing the intricate vine pattern on the case. "How about 'Time's Witness'?"

"Time's… Witness?"

"Yeah." He pulled Anastasia close, their foreheads touching. "To witness every moment we spend together."