Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Julian's POV

To say that I was attracted to her was an understatement. I was addicted to her, she was like a drug that I couldn't survive without. How did I get this crazy? I had no idea, but one thing was certain. I loved her with every cell of my body, with every breath that I took,

Like the stars loved the sky at night

Like the moon loved to glow

Like the sun loved to shine bright

Like the wind loved to blow

Like a heart loved to beat

Mine seemed to beat eternally for her.

The moment I saw her at the dance academy that Anna worked at, I knew she was the one I wanted. Her wide innocent ocean blue twinkling eyes held a sadness that I couldn't explain. I wanted to know her well, I wanted to know the reason for her sadness. I wanted to be the one to make her happy. It was a strange feeling that I had never felt before for anyone before. Her long blonde curls looked so inviting and soft. Her perfect flawless creamy skin looked baby soft to touch even without any hint of makeup. Her full red lips were so naturally red and dewy that I couldn't help wanting to taste them. There was a fresh and untouched look about her that pulled me towards her. It wasn't just a physical attraction that I felt for her. The way my heart wanted to know her more, protect her from what was making her suffer, solve all her problems, and make her happy, I was certain that I felt something deeper. I was sure it was love!

She didn’t look more than 19- 20 years old, maybe a little young for me yet I just couldn't take my eyes off her. I could feel that she was aware of my scrutiny of her as she looked everywhere but at me. It was an interesting change from the women I knew to date. They usually would do anything to get my attention. They could stoop to any level to get some benefit or the other from me. But this girl seemed to avoid looking at me, in fact, her long thick curled lashes hid her eyes from me as she continued to concentrate upon the sheet of papers lying in front of her. Her lack of interest in me made me more determined to know her. While I tried my best to make her meet my unwavering gaze, she refused me the privilege. It made me frustratedly keep on staring at her, wanting to catch a glimpse of her eyes, her soul.

For the first time in my life, I was determined that this was the girl for me. I wanted to make her mine. I wanted to know her more, I wanted to belong to her as well. I wasn’t a guy who believed in love at first sight, but one look at her and I was a lost puppy. If this was love at first sight, or attraction, at first sight, I had no idea. Whatever it was, I knew that I was in love with her.

Her name 'Cassandra' sounded like music to my ears as I followed her every day like a lost puppy. I just couldn’t control myself and even after a hectic and busy schedule at work, I dedicatedly found myself stationed right opposite the dance academy where she worked. My siblings made fun of me, especially my twin but I was immune to that.

I knew what I felt for her wasn’t a one-time attraction. It was forever. The first time I tasted her sweetness, I knew I was addicted. She was like a drug and I was insatiable and always hungry for her. I was at my wit's end since I couldn't figure out how to convince her that my love for her was different. I might have just met her yet I was in love! The forever kind of love. I was different from my siblings. I couldn’t be patient and court the girl I love for months and years as they did. No, that wasn’t me at all. If I wanted something, I had to have it immediately and so was the case with Cassie. I knew that I wanted her, I knew that I loved her. So, why waste my precious time waiting for her to accept me into her life? It would take ages considering how apprehensive she was about men and relationships after being cheated by Desmond. So I had only one option left for me. I had to go out of my way to convince her of my feelings for her and I did just that. I started to woo her but it was all sincere, from the bottom of my heart. It was heartfelt and unconditional. So when she finally agreed to be my girl, it was the happiest moment of my life. I know that I’m desperate and I might be hastening her, but that was the way I was. I couldn’t be patient with anything! She seemed to understand me so well despite being broken and scared.

When we made love, it was an out-of-the-world feeling, almost magical and too good to be true. I was amazed at the way she perfectly fit into me as if she had been created just for me. I knew then and there that I needed her forever. It wasn’t a one-time fling. Things always heated up between us and she always responded to me with equal fervor. The unspoken chemistry between us was mind-blowing but I was very upset when she didn't want me in her life, maybe panicking because of the suddenness and the intensity of my feelings for her. I felt like finishing my life but then she came over and made it up to me, making me the happiest man on earth.

Staying with Cassie here at Fresh Harvest Farm was like a dream come true for me. I could imagine how my life would be with Cassie. I loved this life with her and eagerly waited for her to agree to move in with me. Now that I have finally tasted her, I couldn't stay away anymore. How I survived without her for the last 23 years of my life was beyond me. Max already accepted me as his dad and I had already spoken to aunt Caroline about my plans. Cassie didn't know about it yet. I was glad that aunt Caroline took me seriously and decided to help me. I was indebted to her for that. I would definitely inform Cassie later but at the moment I just wanted to spend more time with her and Max, as a family. I knew she would be upset that I didn't wait for her to talk to aunt Caroline but knowing her nature, I knew she couldn't do it. I on the other hand was getting impatient and frustrated craving her every day and every night.

Now, nothing could stop me from making her eternally mine. I know she loved me, she never told me but I could feel it in everything she did for me, see it in her eyes when she looked at me. I didn't need words. I could read her soul!