That was why Natalie had turned off the lights inside her house—to see how he would react. Sure enough, the helicopter landed, and Cassian rushed upstairs. Her guess was right. Still, she asked with curiosity, "You could really see my lights from outside?" Her windows were covered with privacy film, and she always kept the curtains closed. Cassian nodded. Natalie was speechless. "So all that privacy film and those curtains were for nothing?" Cassian glanced toward the window and said with approval, "Not at all. You did a fantastic job. Shows you know how to protect yourself." Then he added, "Don't worry. Most people wouldn't notice." Natalie looked at him, still doubtful. "Really?" "Yes," Cassian said. "I had to study carefully from the air. I could barely make out a faint glow, more like candlelight than a lamp." She finally relaxed a little. Then she asked, "Since you're already here, why don't you ever come upstairs?" Cassian didn't answer. He just kept his eyes fixed on hers. Natalie grew uneasy and turned her gaze away, mumbling, "Well, say something." He wore a strange expression as he asked, "Do you want me to come upstairs?" Natalie froze. She didn't know how to answer. Her mouth worked faster than her brain. "No."Silence filled the room. She quickly realized she might have said the wrong thing. Natalie wanted to say something to fix it, but Cassian lowered his eyes, looking disappointed. "I know," he said quietly. "That's why I never came to bother you." Natalie stared at him suspiciously. Is this really the cool, untouchable Mr. Holland talking? He looked a little hurt. Her tone softened. "That's not what I meant." But he kept his eyes down, saying nothing. Natalie tried again. "Actually, it feels nice that someone cares about me. I'm quite happy about this." Cassian suddenly lifted his eyes, sharp and bright. "Then I'll come check on you often." She blinked. "Huh?" "I said, since it makes you happy, I'll come by often," he repeated, a smile flickering in his eyes. Natalie was speechless. This man could switch moods faster than a magician. What happened to the hurt, lonely man from a second ago? Now he was smiling slyly, like a fox. She felt tricked. "That's not what I meant!" But Cassian didn't answer. He leaned back on the couch, relaxed, and lowered his head to stroke Lucky, who was stretched across his lap. The dog wagged happily under his touch and enjoyed the stroke. She was even looking up at his face now and then as if she were starstruck. Natalie groaned inside. That silly dog! The moment she saw Cassian, she completely forgot who her real owner was. Following Lucky's gaze, Natalie found herself staring at Cassian's handsome face too. His sharp eyes, straight nose, and thin lips gave him a striking look. Even leaning lazily on the couch, he still seemed tall and elegant. A phrase popped into her head: tall, refined, and effortlessly charming. Cassian, still petting the dog, suddenly raised his head as if he sensed her stare. Natalie didn't have time to look away. Their eyes met—his eyes were as blue as the clear lake. And just like that, Olivia's voice echoed in her mind. She told Natalie she had nothing to lose by sleeping with him. Her mind went blank. She shook her head quickly, chasing away that dangerous thought. Cassian looked at her and smirked. "How many times has it been now?" Natalie blinked. "How many times for what?" "For sneaking glances at me." Her face went hot. She wanted to crawl under a rock. Oh no! Busted again! Cassian noticed her ears turning red, and his mood suddenly lifted. So, this girl is the type that falls for good looks. And she really liked my face. He quickly glanced down at what he was wearing today—just a plain T-shirt and a pair of loose sweatpants. His brows furrowed. Bad choice. I didn't plan to come upstairs, so I wore something casual. And last time, I hadn't dressed up nicely and had shown up in wrinkled pajamas, didn't I? Cassian frowned even harder. Feeling awkward, he stood up. "I'll get going." Natalie was stunned. What does he mean? Did the way I stare at him just scare him off? Am I that scary? She turned to Lucky. The dog sat there with a dreamy look, drooling while staring straight at Cassian. Okay! Yeah, maybe that's a little scary. At the door, Cassian said goodbye. "I'll come back in a couple of days." Wait. He makes it sound so natural. Natalie couldn't help but repeat, "I told you, I don't want to date." Cassian shrugged it off. "That's your call. I'd like to." Natalie had no words. Before leaving, Cassian looked at her seriously. "You can't live in the past forever. You've got to look forward." He paused, then added, "Especially when what's ahead looks a lot better than what's behind." With that, he closed the door and left. Natalie stood there, completely baffled. Look forward? Look back? What is that supposed to mean?Cassian, however, walked downstairs in a good mood. Ex-boyfriend? My foot! That guy is nothing to worry about.