Cassian, seated on the bed with his face buried in his hands, looked up as Ophelia entered with a somber expression. ''Come here,'' he uttered in a low voice.
''Where?'' Ophelia asked, puzzled, on her way to the closet.
''Into my arms,'' Cassian replied, adjusting himself on the bed.
Hesitant, Ophelia walked toward him. As she stood before him, he pulled her onto his lap, encircling her with his arms.
Despite her deep love for Cassian, Ophelia believed their marriage was merely arranged and that he didn't share her feelings.
''Don't leave, stay here with me, love.''
Stunned to hear him use the term 'love,' Ophelia hugged him lightly for what seemed like hours. Cassian then lifted her chin, tucking a strand of her hair behind her left ear.
''Can I kiss you...please, love?''
''But what about the 'no kissing rule'?''
''I don't want anything right now but your lips on mine, please,'' he pleaded.
Ophelia smiled and nodded, and in that moment, she felt alive for the very first time.
