"Callie, I''ll be on a business trip for a few days," Ss said, ruffling Calliope''s hair as he spoke. "Gideon''s wedding is around the corner, and Eamon wants you to help at the family estate. Do you have time?"


    "Funny you should mention that," Calliope replied, looking into Ss''s eyes. "Eamon must be juggling a lot right now with the wedding preparations. I''ll definitely head over to help."


    Ss studied her, as if something was on his mind, but he hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "With Gideon getting married, are you—"


    "I''m fine," Calliope interrupted. "I moved on from him a long time ago."


    What she cared about now was the man standing in front of her. She often feared he''d leave her, worried she was just a stand-in for someone else in his heart.


    Calliope wasn''t sure who Yara had referred to, but she knew that woman bore a striking resemnce to her. She had never asked Ss about it, fearing their rtionship might shatter with just one question.


    Her beautiful eyes held his gaze as her hand gently caressed his handsome face. She used to be wary of Ss, intimidated even, but the more time she spent with him, the more she found herself drawn to him.


    Ss had a knack for understanding her feelings, often surprising her with thoughtful gestures. Although he asionally restricted her from indulging in too many sweets, she knew it was out of concern for her health. He was steady, handsome, practically perfect in every way.


    Calliope never imagined she would fall for Ss, but she realized she couldn''t imagine life without him. He was always there when she needed him, providing her with emotional support and care. Before Ss, her life had been a little nd; it was only with him that she discovered what she''d been missing.


    A perfect partner, that was what Ss was. His only w was perhaps the lingering presence of someone else in his heart, though he never spoke of her.


    "If anythinges up, call me," Ss said, kissing her forehead. His eyes were filled with tenderness as he gathered her into his arms. "I wish you coulde with me on this trip."


    "Why?" Calliope whispered, intrigued.


    "I just can''t bear to be away from you," Ss said, returning to look at her. He could never get enough of


    her face. "I wish I could keep by


    my side all the time."


    "You shouldn''t get too close to Gideon, or I''ll get jealous," he added, his tone half-serious, half-yful. "Don''t let him touch you. And don''t smile at him. Don''t even look at him."


    Ss''s gaze was intense, as if it could swallow her whole.


    Calliope found his possessiveness oddly endearing. "Don''t worry. He doesn''t hold


    a candle to you. I won''t even notice him."


    "I''ll be back as soon as possible," Ss assured her.


    Ss left for his trip the following day, and Calliope headed to the family estate. It had been a while since herst visit, and the ce was bustling with activity.


    Upon arriving, she noticed heaps of flowers scattered around the room, with people busy packaging them. The scene left her momentarily speechless. "What''s going on here?" she asked, bewildered by themotion.


    it


    "Oh hey, Callie You''re here!" Verity eximed, rushing to greet her with excitement. "You wouldn''t believe Fleur''s daughter-inw had this brilliant idea to save money by buying bulk flowers and having us package it ourselves..."


    .n