ONCE UPON A DREAM 💖

Chapter Two

To those in search of true love...

“Let’s dance,” he said, his gaze flickering to her parted lips.

Matilda’s breath hitched, barely catching the words before his firm grip on her waist pulled her forward. The scent of his cologne—something rich and intoxicating—swirled around her, and before she could protest, he was leading her to the dance floor.

His hold on her tightened, deliberately making it impossible to escape. He liked this. Having a beautiful woman in his arms, close enough to feel the rise and fall of her breath.

Matilda wasn’t sure what was more unsettling—the way his hand pressed against her lower back, or the unreadable expression on his face. His eyes gleamed with something… something she wasn’t ready to figure out.

Her instinct screamed at her to push him away. But her body? It betrayed her, moving in sync with his as the slow melody played on.

From across the room, Cassandra watched intently, her grip tightening on her champagne glass.

"Lily, can you see that? I think Rory and Matilda would make a good couple."

Lily, seated beside her, rolled her eyes dramatically. "When did you become a matchmaker?" she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Cassandra ignored her, eyes still locked on the dancing pair.

"Come to think of it, Rory is taller than her. She’s never met a guy who’s taller than her before. They’re always either too short or the same height."

"And?"

"And they look cute together," Cassandra murmured, a wistful smile tugging at her lips.

Watching them, she felt a deep longing swell inside her. She had found her soulmate—her Gray. And now, she wanted the same for her sisters.

Lily smirked knowingly. She noticed the way Cassandra’s expression softened whenever she talked about Matilda.

Just then, a familiar presence crept up behind Cassandra, strong arms snaking around her waist. She gasped.

"Honey, what’s on your mind?" Gray’s voice was warm, tinged with concern.

Cassandra shook her head, shaking off her thoughts. "Nothing… just—"

Gray cupped her chin, tilting her face up to his.

"When was the last time I told you how much I love you?"

A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Thirteen hours, fifteen minutes, two seconds ago."

Gray laughed, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you more."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. There was no need to. Everything they wanted to say was already understood. The silence between them wasn’t empty—it was full. Full of love, of unspoken words, of a thousand little moments that made up their forever.

Gray’s gaze flickered toward Matilda and Rory, Cassandra following his line of sight.

"I hope you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking," she said, eyes bright with mischief.

"And what’s that?" Gray asked, feigning ignorance.

Cassandra sighed, exasperated. "Rory and Matilda! We could matchmake them."

Gray chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, honey… is that what you’ve been scheming?"

"Yes!"