The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 42: The Pauper Guilt-Ridden

I did not expect that to happen. When I saw Antonio crying out of nowhere, I thought something came up or he hurt himself somehow when I wasn't looking. But I never thought it was because he loves me.

Oh my gosh. . . Antonio loves me! were my first thoughts when he told me that. My heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest from how happy Antonio made me feel. The only downside from Antonio's confession was how much of a bad person I am for not saying it back.

​​​​​​After I heard him say those three words to me, I was too shocked to say anything. I froze up and kept thinking about how I feel about Antonio. My brain tells me that it's too soon to say it back, my heart wants me to hug him and say it back too. But, my dark self's voice kept telling me 'I told you so' in the back of my mind while reminding me of what happened last year.

On a brighter note, Antonio didn't look disappointed that I never said it back. All he did was hugged me to death and cried in front of me. I didn't mind, it looked like he needed to let it out. However, I can't say that it made me feel better about Antonio not noticing during the rest of our date. My mind was split in several groups from not saying it back, why Antonio is crying, and what's been going on with Antonio before our date.

Ever since Antonio came over and gave me a hug, he's been staring off into space or really tensed around me and Hunter. Especially when Hunter makes comments about Antonio being the perfect boyfriend. I would have thought Antonio would brush it off like he always does, but his body stiffens and if he's hugging me, his arms tighten around me for a minute or two.

That was before he said he loves me. After that, he's been a bit more affectionate around me. Spoiling me whenever he can with warm hugs and passionate kisses. I don't mind it because it feels like he's trying to prove to me how much he loves me. The only thing that bothers me is when he stops and gives me those sad eyes like he's never going to see me again.

Why? Why does he look at me like that? I wanted to ask him every time we're alone, but he distracts me with hot kisses. Then, I don't have the courage to ask him. There's been so many opportunities for me to ask him and I never tried to ask.

"Cassiel?" I heard my mom calling me from my thoughts. I bring my eyes up to see her looking at me with a worried expression.

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something." I apologize quietly.

"Do you want to tell me about it? I could help." Mom offers from across her island counter top. She has a bowl of cookie dough sitting to her right at arm's length while her hands are busy shaping the cookie dough into a small ball.

Today is one of Mom's rare day offs at her company since Christmas is in like three days and she wanted to keep me company for once. Two weeks since my date with Antonio and I haven't told my parents about his confession. I know Mom and Dad would be happy for me, but what will they think when I tell them that I never told it to him?

"Um. . . I don't know. . . It's nothing important, I'm just overthinking it." I fib, tilting my head down so I don't see my mom's hurt face.

"Well, if you're thinking too much, then come help me with the cookies. It could take your mind off of whatever's on your head." Mom practically orders.

Releasing a sigh, I hop off of my chair and walk around the island until I'm standing next to her. I take out a handful of cookie dough into my hand and begin rolling it around into a ball. Oddly enough, my mind went blank as I do this. Grab cookie dough, roll it around in my hands, put it on the tray, and repeat for the next couple of minutes.

Once all the cookie dough were rolled into little balls and placed in the tray, Mom took it inside the preheated oven. She already had another tray in the oven, but I guess it's not ready yet because Mom uses this break to wash her hands of the cookie dough. I followed her example and wash my hands off too.