Chapter 5

I was utterly taken aback when I discovered that Cassandra held a degree in biology and had aspired to become a surgeon. However, due to financial constraints, she had settled for studying medical microbiology and had taken up a job as a waitress to support herself. Her determination and hard work, despite her challenging circumstances, left me in awe.

As I observed Cassandra, I found myself developing a newfound respect for her. She had overcome significant adversity and was unwavering in her pursuit of a fulfilling life. Perhaps our arrangement could be an opportunity for her to realize her dreams after all.

A smile crept across my face as I witnessed Cassandra expertly navigate the room, effortlessly captivating everyone she interacted with, including usually reserved David, who nodded in appreciation. As the evening progressed, more friends joined us, including Cassandra's best friend Jane. It was evident that Jane was skeptical of our story, as her suspicious glances betrayed her doubts. However, despite her reservations, the night passed quickly, and soon it was late, and time for everyone to depart.

Throughout the night, Steve, notorious for his flirtatious ways, had been relentlessly pursuing Cassandra. But she handled it with grace, effortlessly charming him and everyone else around her. If I had to hear him express one more time how he wished he had met her before me, I was on the verge of losing my temper.

As our friends bid their farewells and departed, Jane pulled me aside with a serious expression in her black eyes. She warned me not to hurt Cassandra, leaving me feeling unsettled. I knew better than to mess with Jane, so I took her words to heart. Once everyone had left, Cassandra and I began tidying up. As I helped her gather the trash and fill garbage bags, I realized how immature and thoughtless I had been. I tossed the empty beer bottles into the trash can and then slumped onto my bed, feeling exhausted.

Just as I was drifting off to sleep, I heard a knock at the door. I groggily opened my eyes to find Cassandra standing in the doorway, looking uncertain. "Um, I don't have any nightwear to sleep in," she said softly.

Without any hesitation, I sprang out of bed and went straight to the dresser. I grabbed my largest t-shirt and a pair of boxers. Cassandra seemed hesitant, but eventually disappeared into the bathroom to change. The room was chilly, so I turned on the heater to fill the space with warmth.

After a few minutes, Cassandra emerged from the bathroom, looking uncertain about what to do next. "What are you waiting for? Come sleep in the bed," I encouraged her, pointing to the open space beside me.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, are we really going to sleep in the same bed?" she asked, sounding incredulous.

I couldn't help but grin at her reaction. "Yes, don't worry. I promise I'm not the big bad wolf. I won't tear you apart," I joked.

Despite my reassurance, she still hesitated. "Oh, come on. You do realize that once we're married, we'll have to share a bed?" I reminded her, hoping to ease her nerves.

"Okay, fine. But if you try anything, the deal's off," she warned me, giving me a fierce look.

"Whatever," I replied, stifling a yawn. Cassandra climbed into bed, grabbing all my cushions and building a makeshift wall between us. It was adorable, but it also made me realize how childlike she could be.

As we pulled the blanket over us, I turned my face away, trying to drift off to sleep. But soon, I felt her gaze on me. I turned to find her wide-awake, looking at me intently.

"You're not asleep?" I asked, feeling self-conscious.

"No, I can't seem to fall asleep," she whispered softly.

A pang of guilt washed over me. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, as if I was some kind of pervert. I quickly turned away and closed my eyes, hoping to fall asleep before anything else happened.

Cassandra's POV

I couldn't contain my amusement as Jasper turned away, his attempts to steal more kisses from me thwarted. He had already taken two, but I was determined not to let him have any more. As I lay in bed, trying to sleep, I reflected on the events of the day, particularly my interactions with Jane. She had been suspicious, and the guilt of lying to her weighed on me, but I knew she would be the first to protest and try to dissuade me from what I was doing. Despite the discomfort of the unfamiliar bed, I eventually drifted off...

The next morning, I was abruptly awakened by the blaring sound of Jasper's metal ringtone. I felt a weight on my waist and realized he had his arm around me, his head resting on my chest. Panic surged through me as I noticed that the top two buttons of my shirt had come undone. I yelled at him, and he jolted awake, tumbling off the bed in confusion.

After a heated argument, I stormed off to the washroom, only to realize that I didn't even have a toothbrush. I quickly improvised, using my finger to freshen up and rinse my mouth. When I emerged from the bathroom, I found that Jasper had let in a woman with a kind face, who seemed surprised to find the place clean.

Jasper gestured towards me, a sheepish expression on his face, as Mrs. Madison's scrutinizing gaze swept over me. It was impossible for her not to notice that I was still wearing Jasper's clothes, with the top buttons undone. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, embarrassment flooding through me.

Mrs. Madison's face broke into a wide grin as she looked at me with approval, exclaiming, "Mr. Jasper, it's delightful to see you with such a responsible and sensible young woman as your date!"

Jasper's guilt pricked at him, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of unease as he responded, "Actually, Mrs. Madison, I've taken it a step further. I've asked her to marry me!"