A week later, Santiano and Cassandra visited a ring store, their banter filling the air. Santiano strode ahead, his hands tucked into his pockets, while Cassandra followed closely behind.
"Hey, don't you know how to walk with ladies?" Cassandra called out, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Santiano turned around, his expression unreadable, and Cassandra felt a flutter in her chest. He didn't respond, instead turning back to continue his brisk pace.
"What, I just asked you a question, didn't I?" Cassandra persisted, her tone playful.
Santiano didn't wait for her, his long strides leaving Cassandra to catch up. She grabbed his hand, her eyes sparkling with annoyance.
"What do you want now?" Santiano asked, his voice low and husky.
"What does it look like?" Cassandra retorted, her voice rising. "You stopped the car miles away just to make me walk."
Santiano's eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed at her. "Can you just stop talking for once?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.
Cassandra's eyes flashed with indignation. "No, I won't, and I'm not going to walk either," she said, crossing her arms. "I'm staying right here, so you better go and buy the ring alone."
Santiano's face softened, and he sighed, grabbing her hand and pulling her along with him. "Come on," he said, his voice gentle.
Cassandra tried to pull away, but he held her firm, his fingers intertwined with hers.
Four days later, they were busy planning their engagement party. Santiano suggested pink for Cassandra's dress, and she shot him a look.
"I don't think so," she said, her voice firm.
"Why not?" Santiano asked, his brow furrowed.
"Because I don't like pink," Cassandra replied, despite it being her favorite color.
Santiano raised an eyebrow. "Every girl likes pink," he said, his tone teasing.
Cassandra's eyes sparkled with annoyance. "Well, I don't," she said, her voice rising.
Mrs. Charlotte intervened, laughing. "Okay, okay, calm down, you both," she said, her voice soothing. "Let's focus on the planning."
Cassandra crossed her arms, her face still set in a pout. Santiano smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I think we can find a compromise," he said, his voice low and husky.
Cassandra's eyes met his, and she felt a flutter in her chest. She knew she was in trouble.