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"Gennady?" Mom perked up. "Russian, huh? Sounds intense, like a shot of vodka. So, what's the problem? He treating you okay?"

Her bluntness cut right to the core.

"I don't know, Mom. Sometimes I feel like he really cares, but other times…" My voice shook, betraying me.

"Other times what?" Her tone turned serious.

"Sometimes I feel like I don't even know him."

The line went quiet for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was firm, almost fierce. "Listen, baby. Love's not supposed to keep you confused and second-guessing yourself. If this guy's making you doubt who you are, you need to take a step back and think hard."

"But, Mom, I really like him," I said, my voice small, almost pathetic.

"I know, sweetheart. I know how intoxicating that feeling is," she said, softening. "But that's exactly why I'm telling you this. No matter how much you like him, it's not worth losing your peace, your sense of safety. Cassie, trust your gut. If something feels off, if your heart's sounding alarms, hit pause and figure it out. Protect yourself, okay?"

"Okay, Mom," I whispered, like it was a vow.

"And, Cassie," she added, her voice dead serious, "if anything feels wrong—anything, even just a vibe—call me right away. I mean it."

I hung up, standing by the window, my blurry reflection staring back at me in the glass. Mom's words—"love's not supposed to keep you confused"—popped the dreamy bubble I'd been hiding in. The question I'd been dodging, the one buried under all the sweetness, hit me hard and cold: Does Gennady really love me?

The next few days didn't help. Gennady stayed buried in work, Anya kept acting secretive, and I wandered the estate like a ghost, trying to kill time.

But this morning, something was different. I changed and opened my door to head downstairs, only to find the estate eerily quiet. Too quiet. My heart picked up, an uneasy feeling creeping in. I gripped the banister, stepping slowly down the stairs.

Then I froze.

A trail of rose petals stretched from the base of the stairs, winding through the house like a red ribbon. The petals shimmered in the morning light, beckoning me to follow.

My pulse raced. What is this?

I couldn't help myself—I followed. The path snaked through the living room, down the hall, past the garden, each step scattering soft petals under my feet. The air was thick with their sweet scent, and my confusion started melting into curiosity, then excitement.

The trail ended at the greenhouse door.

My hands were sweaty as I pushed it open.

Time stopped.

A violin played, halting but earnest, echoing from deep within the greenhouse. The space was bathed in soft light, countless red roses blooming in waves, their petals glowing like rubies in the morning sun. In the center, surrounded by this sea of flowers, sat a deep blue velvet box, tied with a silver ribbon that sparkled like starlight.

Tears pricked my eyes.

I stumbled toward the box, my fingers shaking so bad I fumbled with the ribbon. When I lifted the lid, my breath caught. A violin lay inside, its amber finish gleaming, the wood's grain alive under the light. Every curve, every detail screamed craftsmanship and care. I reached out, trembling, and brushed the taut strings.

A clear, pure note rang out, vibrating through the greenhouse.

"Happy birthday, Cassie."

His voice, low and warm, came from behind me. I spun around. Gennady stepped out from the roses, his dark suit crisp, his tall frame commanding but softened by the love in his green eyes—a love so deep it nearly drowned me.

My birthday? I'd forgotten it was today.

"Gennady," I choked out, tears spilling over as days of doubt and pain poured out. "All this time… this is what you've been doing?"

"Yeah," he said, stepping closer, his hands cupping my face, thumbs wiping away my tears. "Cassie Monroe, twenty-five years old, with the kindest, purest soul I know, deserves to be celebrated, cherished like this."

"Miss Monroe! Happy birthday!" Anya burst out from behind him, a little pink dress swishing, clutching a child's violin, her face flushed with excitement. "Do you like our surprise? Daddy and I worked so hard!"