CHAPTER SIXTY THREE – OPENING UP

"Can I tell you something, Cassie?" Florian said suddenly, his voice low. "Something I haven't told anyone else?" Cassie's heart quickened. "Of course." Florian took a deep breath. "I've been thinking about leaving. Not just the house, but this whole life. Starting fresh somewhere where no one knows the von Steiner name." Cassie's eyes widened. "Really? But what about your family? Your girlfriend?" At the mention of Vivian, Florian's expression darkened. "Vivian... she's part of the reason I want to leave. Our relationship, it's not... it's not real. It's more of a business arrangement, really. Our families think we're a good match, but there's no real connection there." Cassie felt a mix of emotions at this revelation – sympathy for Florian's situation, but also a guilty spark of hope. "I'm so sorry, Florian. That must be so difficult." He turned to her, his green eyes intense in the fading light. "You know, Cassie, you're the first person I've met in a long time who sees me as